urgent help need and advice
Discussion
Dear Bikers, I am learning to ride my first bike, I just bought myself a honda varadero 125CC (05) plate, I am completely thick when coming to bikes and clothing and need some urgent advice off you experienced bike riders on clothing:
First I have bought myself a RST helmet it has a gold sticker on the back that states A.C.U approved and has a ECER22-05 number on it? is this a suitable helmet for me, it is very tight around my head like a clamp? it cost me a lot of money. 2nd I invested in some protective boots called Nitro NB-40 boots. so have I made the right choice on the helmet and boots?
also I need to know the very best armour clothing I can buy so that If I get thrown off my bike or have a nasty impact, how I can reduce serious injury, what is the ce armour clothing, I am not interested in branded names, just something that will save my life, to give you a clearer picture, I have five young children and I promised my wife I would get good sensible advice off bikers before buying any armour clothing that might save my life which I value a lot! on your advice I will then purchase this clothing as shops are only interested in my money and I know from your point of view will be better.
Can you please help me and guide me, I would really be grateful
jamie
First I have bought myself a RST helmet it has a gold sticker on the back that states A.C.U approved and has a ECER22-05 number on it? is this a suitable helmet for me, it is very tight around my head like a clamp? it cost me a lot of money. 2nd I invested in some protective boots called Nitro NB-40 boots. so have I made the right choice on the helmet and boots?
also I need to know the very best armour clothing I can buy so that If I get thrown off my bike or have a nasty impact, how I can reduce serious injury, what is the ce armour clothing, I am not interested in branded names, just something that will save my life, to give you a clearer picture, I have five young children and I promised my wife I would get good sensible advice off bikers before buying any armour clothing that might save my life which I value a lot! on your advice I will then purchase this clothing as shops are only interested in my money and I know from your point of view will be better.
Can you please help me and guide me, I would really be grateful
jamie
timecrisis said:
Dear Bikers, I am learning to ride my first bike, I just bought myself a honda varadero 125CC (05) plate, I am completely thick when coming to bikes and clothing and need some urgent advice off you experienced bike riders on clothing:
First I have bought myself a RST helmet it has a gold sticker on the back that states A.C.U approved and has a ECER22-05 number on it? is this a suitable helmet for me, it is very tight around my head like a clamp? it cost me a lot of money. 2nd I invested in some protective boots called Nitro NB-40 boots. so have I made the right choice on the helmet and boots?
also I need to know the very best armour clothing I can buy so that If I get thrown off my bike or have a nasty impact, how I can reduce serious injury, what is the ce armour clothing, I am not interested in branded names, just something that will save my life, to give you a clearer picture, I have five young children and I promised my wife I would get good sensible advice off bikers before buying any armour clothing that might save my life which I value a lot! on your advice I will then purchase this clothing as shops are only interested in my money and I know from your point of view will be better.
Can you please help me and guide me, I would really be grateful
jamie
Jamie,
The most important thing about a helmet if the fit. Don't bother with the brand names to start with. All the extra price tends to buy you is better ventilation and a quieter lid. The fact that you have an ACU gold sticker and the new EC standard means that from a safety perspective the helmet is OK.
In terms of clothing it really depends what you want to use your bike for? Although I hate the magazine, Ride often does group tests of various types of clothing often within various budget ranges. I would suggest you have a look in the current issue to se when various tests were done, then either get back on here and request copies/scans or order back issues. There is loads of debate on soft versus hard armour, i.e. does the hard armour just transmit the schock through to the nearest bone without dissipating any energy or does the soft armour not provide any protection against the initial hard impact? Both of these statements are true to an extent, but you need to find a good compromise.
However, with 5 kids, I guess your nads don't require any further protection!!
Your best bet is to visit a large emporium like Hein Gericke or J+S, tell the sales staff what you're likely to use the bike for and what your budget is etc. Most staff are enthusiasts and will know their product, but if your not happy just walk away, come back another time. You're going to be stuck with whatever you buy, so choose wisely.
Helmets: fit is paramount and should be considered above colour/style/price. Different manufacturers make helmets with different shaped interiors. If you wear a glasses a flip front helmet can sometimes be more comfortable/practical but may be a little heavier. You only get one head and the brain is one of the few parts of the body that can't repair itself.
Clothing: again different manufacturers, make different shapes. CE armour is the way ahead but make sure it is well fitted, you don't want it moving around in a tumble. Textile type clothing isn't quite as abrasion resistant as leather but it is waterproof and most variants have a removable lining to make it more comfortable in the summer (both weeks). Zips that join jackets and trousers are something else to look for, keeps the drafts out and should stop the jacket riding up your back at speed or in a sliding situation. Back protectors can be obtained from as little as £50, worth every penny in my opinion.
Boots/Gloves: One of the few areas where price makes a difference. If you're on a budget - to tell the wheat from the chaff inspect the stitching and give it a gooooood stretch. As few panels of leather as possible on the palm is also nice, fewer seems to split Fit is also important as you'll be operating tiny little switches. You should have at least 2 pairs of gloves, as sometimes they don't dry fully overnight. Motorcycle boots were never designed for walking in, but they shouldn't be uncomfortable and ideally should have room for an extra pair of socks. After 2 weeks they should be completely broken in and become comfier.
If you're going to be using the Varadero all year round then I'd recommend heated grips. If you're commuting in heavy traffic a flourescent bib (at least at this time of year) is important too, morons are everywhere so make yourself as visible as possible.
If you're a gambling man, you could find out your sizes in the shops and explore ebay, definitely some bargains out there on lightly used stuff. (obviously don't buy a second hand helmet
)
Helmets: fit is paramount and should be considered above colour/style/price. Different manufacturers make helmets with different shaped interiors. If you wear a glasses a flip front helmet can sometimes be more comfortable/practical but may be a little heavier. You only get one head and the brain is one of the few parts of the body that can't repair itself.
Clothing: again different manufacturers, make different shapes. CE armour is the way ahead but make sure it is well fitted, you don't want it moving around in a tumble. Textile type clothing isn't quite as abrasion resistant as leather but it is waterproof and most variants have a removable lining to make it more comfortable in the summer (both weeks). Zips that join jackets and trousers are something else to look for, keeps the drafts out and should stop the jacket riding up your back at speed or in a sliding situation. Back protectors can be obtained from as little as £50, worth every penny in my opinion.
Boots/Gloves: One of the few areas where price makes a difference. If you're on a budget - to tell the wheat from the chaff inspect the stitching and give it a gooooood stretch. As few panels of leather as possible on the palm is also nice, fewer seems to split Fit is also important as you'll be operating tiny little switches. You should have at least 2 pairs of gloves, as sometimes they don't dry fully overnight. Motorcycle boots were never designed for walking in, but they shouldn't be uncomfortable and ideally should have room for an extra pair of socks. After 2 weeks they should be completely broken in and become comfier.
If you're going to be using the Varadero all year round then I'd recommend heated grips. If you're commuting in heavy traffic a flourescent bib (at least at this time of year) is important too, morons are everywhere so make yourself as visible as possible.
If you're a gambling man, you could find out your sizes in the shops and explore ebay, definitely some bargains out there on lightly used stuff. (obviously don't buy a second hand helmet
)
Lots of good advice so far. Certainly visit some of the larger clothing shops and get a better idea what as to what would be best for you. Whatever, fit is most important with clothing and helmet so make sure everything you get is comfortable. It’s not uncommon for helmets to “give a little” after a small amount of use so don’t worry too much if your helmet is a little tight to start with. (Note though, they only give a little, not a lot!)
Think about how and when you intend to use the bike. If you plan a fair amount of winter use you will need some good protection against the cold and you will need some good waterproofs. Gloves and boots should also be waterproof. Over the years I have bought many “guaranteed waterproof” items that leak like a sieve! I now only buy waterproof items that use Gore-Tex.
I prefer 2 piece zip together leathers as I can take the jacket off when needed. I then have a 1 piece unlined waterproof over suit for warmer weather or a two piece lined waterproof over suit for colder weather. Doing this I can ensure my leathers offer the best protection (BKS with armour) with the over suits only having to keep me dry/warm, thus no armour etc. required. Bear in mind that good leathers will not allow much space for thick woolly jumpers underneath them so I also have a set of Damarts for winter riding.
I have unlined gloves for summer use and lined/Gore-Tex gloves for winter use and likewise with boots.
Having said all that, even better protection than leathers/armour etc. is training. Get yourself on some advanced road riding courses. Pound for pound, it’s the best accident protection you can get.
The only other thing to think about is ear plugs. Make sure you get good ear plugs and wear them! My hearing is definitely reduced due to years spent riding bikes with no ear plugs in. It’s just not worth it.
Think about how and when you intend to use the bike. If you plan a fair amount of winter use you will need some good protection against the cold and you will need some good waterproofs. Gloves and boots should also be waterproof. Over the years I have bought many “guaranteed waterproof” items that leak like a sieve! I now only buy waterproof items that use Gore-Tex.
I prefer 2 piece zip together leathers as I can take the jacket off when needed. I then have a 1 piece unlined waterproof over suit for warmer weather or a two piece lined waterproof over suit for colder weather. Doing this I can ensure my leathers offer the best protection (BKS with armour) with the over suits only having to keep me dry/warm, thus no armour etc. required. Bear in mind that good leathers will not allow much space for thick woolly jumpers underneath them so I also have a set of Damarts for winter riding.
I have unlined gloves for summer use and lined/Gore-Tex gloves for winter use and likewise with boots.
Having said all that, even better protection than leathers/armour etc. is training. Get yourself on some advanced road riding courses. Pound for pound, it’s the best accident protection you can get.
The only other thing to think about is ear plugs. Make sure you get good ear plugs and wear them! My hearing is definitely reduced due to years spent riding bikes with no ear plugs in. It’s just not worth it.
black-k1 said:
Having said all that, even better protection than leathers/armour etc. is training. Get yourself on some advanced road riding courses. Pound for pound, it’s the best accident protection you can get.
Quite so. Try RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders www.roada.org/index.htm or BikeSafe www.bikesafe.co.uk/ or the IAM's skills for life programme www.iam.org.uk/Aboutus/join.php - all very good. As you're on a budget, any of these three would be incredibly cost-effective. Enjoy your biking!
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Saturday 11th March 12:30
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