So, I bought my first bike, what gear do I need?
I read through a lot of this section of the forum and see a lot of gear references. What would you guys (and girls) suggest for a a typical new rider on an older cruiser.
Gratuitous bike pic (yes, its muddy) http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b7...y/cars/003.jpg |
Welcome
helmet gloves boots leather jacket/mesh jacket over pants/chaps you don't have to spend a fortune, buy the best you can afford. |
Get a good fitting helmet for starters. Then a jacket, gloves, and over the ankle boots and you should be fine.
Others will say add pants to that, but unless you have the $$$ jeans will do. Just realize this, you will crash. No kidding, ask anyone it's gonna happen, and be ready for it. Leather is better than textile, but in the end some protection is better thanno protection. |
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Ok, I have seen that referenced a lot, what's a mesh jacket? |
I ride a sportbike so I am sure my opinion on gear is different than what the cruiser guys will tell you...so instead of putting in my opinion I am just saying hi. :D :welcome:
Although...regardless of the bike...please wear a good helmet. :angel: |
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http://www.motosport.com/street/prod...=badger-street |
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You'll need a good fitting helmet, I'd suggest a full face. If you crash in a half-helmet, then what's gonna protect your chin from the pavement? Also a good set of riding gloves, a jacket, and over the ankle boots. In terms of protection, a leather jacket is gonna be the best, followed by textile, with mesh offering little more protection than a hoodie.
I ride both a big(ger) cruiser and a big sportbike and I ride the same gear for both around town. You will crash, I'm not trying to condemn you to anything. It's just the nature of learning how to ride, everyone on this board has crashed at some point. It's gonna happen, so be prepared for when it does. All that aside, when you're ready get that old cruiser out be safe and most of all, have fun. Get out and meet new people. |
Only you will know what is good for you.
I suggest helmet, jacket, gloves and boots |
I have a pretty nice Simpson helmet and a few HJC helmets, heavy leather jacket, and high top Timberlands I usually wear as well as leather gloves. I already got the crashing part taken care of. :) Used to ride years ago, oddly enough, an 81 Maxim, and flipped it.
I didn't know if you guys suggest buying specific riding gloves and boots as opposed to general purpose gloves and boots. |
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As for the boots, your timberlands will work. |
For boots, it really doesn't matter, as long as they go over you ankles. For gloves, those that are designed for riding will be more comfortable to wear than regular work gloves. Riding gloves are designed with air vents to keep you hands from sweating, armor to protect your hands from the crash, and are more likely to actually stay on you hand than work gloves.
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Depends upon the crash and/or landing. I've went down in a low speed low side in Olympia gel palm gloves with good knuckle protection and they tore at the seems (weren't made well, IMO). I slid/rolled/tumbled about 200 feet in MX gloves and they didn't even look like they even a part of the crash. It all comes down to how well they're made, just like anything else. I do not, however, suggest wearing MX gloves on a motorcycle. I do in the summer, but that's my choice. I have problems finding gloves that fit well, provide decent protection and still be able to feel the controls. But then...I have issues finding ANY gear that fits properly. :rolleyes:
You asked earlier about mesh. If you're leaning toward mesh, especially during the summer, I suggest you look at how tight the weave is. Some mesh has a looser weave which could mean easier to rip apart if you do crash. The crash I had where I slid about 200 feet, I was wearing a mesh and it held up well enough for me to continue riding in it, although some people would probably chunk it and get another. Someone's opinion who I trust told me mine was good enough to continue riding it so I do. There's a reason alot of people call them one time slides...because they usually don't last but the one crash. A jacket should also fit snug. You don't want a loose fitting jacket that stands a chance of riding up during a slide. Road rash is a bitch. I think most of us started out wearing some sort of boot that at least came to or a little over the ankle, then later moved on to a more motorcycle specific boot. Pants: I'd love to find a pair of leather pants I can wear that fit properly with all the protection where it's supposed to be but it's impossible at my short stature. I'd prefer to wear leather or even some textile overpants...but that's not going to happen. So I wear jeans. However, I do suggest some overpants over if jeans, if nothing else. Or, if you can afford it eventually, maybe some draggin' jeans, although I've heard mixed reviews with them. Helmet: Full face - where what fits well. Every brand and even their models seem to fit different according to head shape so be sure to try them on. They should also fit snug...almost tight...when they're new. The pads are extremely stiff when new and after a while of wearing the helmet will fit comfortably and still good. If it's too big, it can pop off your head if/when you go down. Look for the DOT and SNELL approved stickers on the back of the helmet. Until you know your sizing in gear, it's recommended that you try on gear before purchase. In some places, it's cheaper to purchase gear online so if you go that route, make sure you check out their return policies. Some stores have excellent return policies, some have restocking fees, etc. Other than that, welcome to the biking community, have fun, ride smart, and watch out for those damn cagers! :D Keep the rubber side down. :dthumb: |
i'm suprised by some of the responses here.
jeans are sufficient only if you enjoy the excruciating pain of having hundreds of tiny pieces of them scrubbed out of raw flesh in the ER. if you're lucky, you'll be unconscious. if you're not, the 4mg of morphine you'll get will do little to make you happy with your decision to not protect your legs. Timberlands (or any other similar boot) are sufficient only if you don't mind having your ankle shattered. yes, the leather will protect from most of the rash, but as you tumble down the pavement for 4 seconds, remember you'll be limping for months (if not permanently). mesh jackets are the absolute bare minimum - i don't recommend them, and haven't worn one in several years. even in summertime in Miami, i rode in ventilated leather. i would trust myself in modern moto-specific textiles, as they are made pretty well. we all know someone who'll say "i crashed in jeans and sneakers and i was fine!" no, you were an idiot who got lucky. next time you might not be. it's so not worth the risk. story of a friend of mine on another forum i help admin: Quote:
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that being said... the truth is not everyone is gonna wear a full leather suit. it's too inconvenient... too expensive... and in many places... too hot. so we all sacrifices in safety for convenience, price, and comfort. am I saying Jeans are fine for all types of riding... no. but I wear jeans when I ride in town. I know... if I go down they're gonna shred and tear extremely quickly... but it's a choice I'm comfortable with... and I ride accordingly. I also have Alpine Star knee Armor that I wear under my jeans to protect from impacts... so really all I'll be getting is rash and embarrassment when I have a scar on my ass cheek... if I'm out riding... just to ride... I'll throw on my textile or leather pants with armor under. but for in town... jeans are enough for me. as for boots... again motorcycle boots with ankle protection will be better... and will survive a more serious crash... but any over the ankle boot will be better than a pair of puma running shoes... if you do go with something not motorcycle specific... I'd suggest getting something with a thinsulate liner (to keep your feet warm in the winter) and a steel toe. just more protection. I personally wear my Alpine Star SMX4 boots 90% of the time I ride... with the 10% being when I'm riding to work in which i wear my combat boots... I ALWAYS wear my leather Alpine Star jacket... Full face helmet... and full gauntlet(meaning past the wrist) gloves... again Alpine Star GP Pro's... (Alpine star just fits me well... not pushing them... but they're a great company) again... I'm not saying this is gonna be as good as motorcycle specific stuff... but it's better than a shorts and flip flops... and it seems as though when talking to new riders... it's easier to sell them on buying a little bit of gear.. that will at least offer SOME protection... then telling them to buy full gear. in my experience... they look at the price for full gear and get turned off... yrmv... personally I think if they're a first time motorcycle rider... the motorcycle purchase should automatically include a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots. given as a single price with everything added in. but then again... I don't see why anyone would not wear a helmet... yet people argue against that every day |
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I agree 1000%. |
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AFAIK... it takes longer for a broken ankle to heal than a broken leg too... and has much longer recovery time... the "splinting" process... ie pins and shit... isn't as easy either... here's a decent selection of boots... it's sorted by type... but you can go back and browse by brand, type, and price I believe http://www.newenough.com/boots/all_types/ |
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if you're worried about causing different fractures, picture it this way: lie on the pavement, and lift your leg two feet in the air. now, slam your bare ankle to the ground as hard as you can on its side. yeah, i don't want to either. now, put on a pair of the boots i have pictured below and do it again - you probably won't even feel any discomfort at all. also, the type of protection the offer will help do things that ordinary boots don't: they usually come with a limited range of motion, so there is less twisting and over-extension or over-flexion of the ankle joint. in addition, they can help prevent or minimize crushing injuries b/c they have such stronger lateral support. these are what i wear most often. see the lateral support brace and the plates in the back? they allow enough flexion/extension for walking, but limit it beyond natural movement. also, they allow nearly no lateral torsion which will sto you from "twisting" your ankle. they also help prevent a crushing injury, as does the front shin guard. |
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Ok, hold on, brb :) (guess I'm going gear shopping soon) |
I purchased a pair of A* ( AlpineStars ) SMX-4 boots in the late fall for half price ( $100). I finally got to wear them riding last weekend for a 110 mile ride. Extremely comfortable and no breakin required. I literally forgot I was wearing full motorcycle boots.
http://www.alpinestars.com/SMX_4_Boo.../p/222306.html ( mine are all black ) Jeff |
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Boots and pants are very important. I have had 2 crashes on my bike and the only injury I have is my big toe. I was wearing armored riding boots similar to the ones shown in this thread and still hurt my toe (bent it backward so hard that it still hurts 3 years later). I think I would have broken my foot severely without the boots. I also slid on my butt for a ways and didn't have a mark/bruise on me with my leather/armored pants. If you don't want to wear full leather pants (and chaps leave your most vulnerable ASSets exposed) maybe look into some riding jeans such as Draggin Jeans or Icon Jeans. They are reinforced however they do not have armor to protect from impact.
Here are some links to the jeans....and you can get armor undersuits if you like the jeans look... http://www.dragginjeans.com.au/index.htm http://www.rideicon.com/product_group.jsp?category=1976 |
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I have the SMX-3...I crashed in them last fall. No bubbles no troubles. Walked away...actually rode away. Fuck that crash.
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I work 3 miles from my house, all residential neighborhoods. I work a shirt/tie type job so I am most likely looking for stuff I can wear over my office clothes and then change shoes at work.
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don't think that because you don't have to ride very far you are going to be safe. it usually ends up pretty close to home where a "local" driver pulls out in front of you. |
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i picked up a pair of Alpinestars Twin pants (discontinued, so i got them for $150) which basically look like leather jeans with some armor in the knee on the inside. they're straight-legged, not cut like track pants. they fit over my work pants and when i arrive, my work pants aren't wrinkled at all. good stuff. sometimes i'll just fold my work clothes, put them in my backpack, and change when i'm at work. |
I have a* street cargo pants.. They seem as though they are meant to be overpants. Ill throw them over my uniform... Bit I took the foam armor out... And got a*knee and shin guards.
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if you get the overpants with full length zippers down the sides I dont think your pants will get too wrinkled. At least mine don't.
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I say fuck it go no pants... After all... You don't live anywhere near me... And might help motorcycle awareness
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how much are you looking to spend? :)
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