Riding kit. What are we all riding about in?
Discussion
Depends. Default kit on the scooter is kevlar cargos (BGA) and a Knox mesh thing.
Spada MA1 clone with armour and Merlin Lapworth AA Armoured jeans when it's cooler.
On the Guzzi, the same cargos or jeans depending on temp and either a BGA kevlar/armoured shirt or Knox mesh and casual shirt if it's warm. She very rarely comes out when there's salt on the roads now.
I have an RST Pro Series Paragon 6 jacket for wet/sleety january commutes or longer runs when I know it's going to be cold and/or rain. It vents well and the winter lining makes a huge difference. This will be its sixth winter, though, so it may need replacing.
Almost always TCX Nalbak short boots as they're trainer like comfort for walking around in. AltBerg Road Runner boots in the winter as longer boots mean no water sloshing over the top of the boots and they're pretty warm with decent socks on. Not great for walking about but that's secondary.
Waterproof trousers I find annoying and not very long lasting. I prefer over trousers to textiles but they often don't open wide enough at the lower leg and usually only last one winter at the crotch.
That said I did most of my Euro trip last year in the TCX boots, kevlar cargos and an armoured flannel shirt, with cheap waterproof overtrousers and a Mountain Warehouse Iso-Viz walking jacket for the wet parts. It was only cold for a bit at the top of each Col so wet feet didn't matter much and they soon dried out in the 28C heat down at the bottom. Iso-Viz is the fully reflective stuff that literally lights you up in low light conditions when headlights hit you. Used for the less cold commutes after dark.
RST Paragon 6 waterproof heated gloves for colder wetter conditions, Rusty Stitches Jonny gloves to look like a cowboy riding the range when it's warmer...(of course)
Spada MA1 clone with armour and Merlin Lapworth AA Armoured jeans when it's cooler.
On the Guzzi, the same cargos or jeans depending on temp and either a BGA kevlar/armoured shirt or Knox mesh and casual shirt if it's warm. She very rarely comes out when there's salt on the roads now.
I have an RST Pro Series Paragon 6 jacket for wet/sleety january commutes or longer runs when I know it's going to be cold and/or rain. It vents well and the winter lining makes a huge difference. This will be its sixth winter, though, so it may need replacing.
Almost always TCX Nalbak short boots as they're trainer like comfort for walking around in. AltBerg Road Runner boots in the winter as longer boots mean no water sloshing over the top of the boots and they're pretty warm with decent socks on. Not great for walking about but that's secondary.
Waterproof trousers I find annoying and not very long lasting. I prefer over trousers to textiles but they often don't open wide enough at the lower leg and usually only last one winter at the crotch.
That said I did most of my Euro trip last year in the TCX boots, kevlar cargos and an armoured flannel shirt, with cheap waterproof overtrousers and a Mountain Warehouse Iso-Viz walking jacket for the wet parts. It was only cold for a bit at the top of each Col so wet feet didn't matter much and they soon dried out in the 28C heat down at the bottom. Iso-Viz is the fully reflective stuff that literally lights you up in low light conditions when headlights hit you. Used for the less cold commutes after dark.
RST Paragon 6 waterproof heated gloves for colder wetter conditions, Rusty Stitches Jonny gloves to look like a cowboy riding the range when it's warmer...(of course)
I only ever wear my textile suit - an Oxford Hinterland I think it is. Between the laminated waterproofing, lots of vents, and removable thermal lining it serves me well all year. TCX X-Five.4 Gore-Tex boots (excellent), and a variety of gloves depending on the weather. This time of year it’s a pair of RST mesh vented ones, and Dainese waterproof ones in winter. Also have a Keis heated vest which is a lifesaver in winter, the difference it makes is incredible. Helmet is a Shoei Neotec 2 which has been very good, although the sunvisor mechanism has become very stiff! Last bit is 3M yellow foam ear plugs - cheap, comfy and effective. I can ride at any speed for any amount of time, and no ringing in my ears afterwards.
Thanks. I definitely need to look at some other kit going by what's mentioned here. I'll start looking for some new trousers (probably jeans) and boots, moving away from racier options.
It would be interesting to see crash stats and how many suffer abrasion injuries against impact injuries to see how effective it is to zip together garments or have more boot protection than just the ankle..
It would be interesting to see crash stats and how many suffer abrasion injuries against impact injuries to see how effective it is to zip together garments or have more boot protection than just the ankle..
Chicken Chaser said:
Thanks. I definitely need to look at some other kit going by what's mentioned here. I'll start looking for some new trousers (probably jeans) and boots, moving away from racier options.
It would be interesting to see crash stats and how many suffer abrasion injuries against impact injuries to see how effective it is to zip together garments or have more boot protection than just the ankle..
I saw stats that the most injured parts in most crashes are hands and feet. Which makes sense if you’re doing 80mph cartwheels. It would be interesting to see crash stats and how many suffer abrasion injuries against impact injuries to see how effective it is to zip together garments or have more boot protection than just the ankle..
You get zip inserts for some jackets (that I’m sure could be added to others) hat attach to the back of jeans/belt to give zip together security on anything.
Getting a bit fed up with walking around in chunky 'racing' boots with jeans so I'm looking at something a bit more comfortable, has anyone tried any boots from Indie Ridge? They're the style of boots I wear in winter anyway and they seem to meet all the safety requirements
https://www.indieridgeusa.com/collections/boots/pr...
https://www.indieridgeusa.com/collections/boots/pr...
All I can really say is that thank goodness literally at the last second, before setting off on a local journey, something in my head said to me “ change your boots “ So, I got off of the bike & changed out of my ankle boots & into my new TCX Adventure boots, for that local trip that has turned into a frigging nightmare for me.
If I hadn’t have changed into the TCXs , my feet, ankles & shins would have all been mashed and I would probably have lost one or both of my feet.
I’m not hear to preach, but for ffs, don’t ride in ankle boots or non biker boots.
And as for trainers, I shudder as back in the day, I rode my old RD500, Z1000R2, Gixxer 1100 Slabby etc etc in trainers.
The first impact was from the lunatics front bumper, which hit the side of my left leg, about six inches below the knee, near the top of the boot. The boots stopped my feet from twisting too far either side & up and down.
The side of my left leg, also struck the kerb edge, very hard, which resulted in a break to the side of the leg, just below the knee, above the top of the boots, but again, this would have been WAY worse an injury
, without the TCXs. Obviously they could only offer a certain amount of protection, as one ankle is broken & the other badly injured.
I’ve also been informed that the major cause of death is piercing torso injuries, so, if I’m able one day to ride again, then a chest protector and or air bag will be on the list.
If I hadn’t have changed into the TCXs , my feet, ankles & shins would have all been mashed and I would probably have lost one or both of my feet.
I’m not hear to preach, but for ffs, don’t ride in ankle boots or non biker boots.
And as for trainers, I shudder as back in the day, I rode my old RD500, Z1000R2, Gixxer 1100 Slabby etc etc in trainers.
The first impact was from the lunatics front bumper, which hit the side of my left leg, about six inches below the knee, near the top of the boot. The boots stopped my feet from twisting too far either side & up and down.
The side of my left leg, also struck the kerb edge, very hard, which resulted in a break to the side of the leg, just below the knee, above the top of the boots, but again, this would have been WAY worse an injury
, without the TCXs. Obviously they could only offer a certain amount of protection, as one ankle is broken & the other badly injured.
I’ve also been informed that the major cause of death is piercing torso injuries, so, if I’m able one day to ride again, then a chest protector and or air bag will be on the list.
MesoForm said:
Getting a bit fed up with walking around in chunky 'racing' boots with jeans so I'm looking at something a bit more comfortable, has anyone tried any boots from Indie Ridge? They're the style of boots I wear in winter anyway and they seem to meet all the safety requirements
https://www.indieridgeusa.com/collections/boots/pr...
Sorry to be blunt, but I wouldn t touch these or anything like them to ride in with a barge pole.https://www.indieridgeusa.com/collections/boots/pr...
Zero ankle & twisting protection, let alone shin protection.
No protection to the toes and if one hasn t had a foot peg etc gouge into the inside of one s ankle & fleshy calf, then one has no idea what they are missing.
If one wants to look hip off of the bike, then bung a pair of ankle boots in a rucksack or panniers to change into.
Until you have had ankle & leg injuries, you have zero idea just how awful they can be..
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 5th August 00:06
I'm a Rukka Gore-tex w
ker. Knox short gloves and Daytona Gore-tex boots. I have both Shoei and HJC helmets which I'm considering replacing with a new Neotec 3 or Hornet 06 if my budget ever allows.
But often I just wear jeans, sometimes armoured ones and the Rukka jacket etc. I know I shouldn't, but it's just far more comfortable, especially if you're then walking around. Nothing worse than walking around in full bike kit.
ker. Knox short gloves and Daytona Gore-tex boots. I have both Shoei and HJC helmets which I'm considering replacing with a new Neotec 3 or Hornet 06 if my budget ever allows.But often I just wear jeans, sometimes armoured ones and the Rukka jacket etc. I know I shouldn't, but it's just far more comfortable, especially if you're then walking around. Nothing worse than walking around in full bike kit.
SS427 Camaro said:
Sorry to be blunt, but I wouldn t touch these or anything like them to ride in with a barge pole.
Zero ankle & twisting protection, let alone shin protection.
No protection to the toes and if one hasn t had a foot peg etc gouge into the inside of one s ankle & fleshy calf, then one has no idea what they are missing.
If one wants to look hip off of the bike, then bung a pair of ankle boots in a rucksack or panniers to change into.
Until you have had ankle & leg injuries, you have zero idea just how awful they can be..
Got to agree with you on this, lower leg injuries are the staple of bike accidents, my step dad has massive scars and visible screw heads in his left leg.Zero ankle & twisting protection, let alone shin protection.
No protection to the toes and if one hasn t had a foot peg etc gouge into the inside of one s ankle & fleshy calf, then one has no idea what they are missing.
If one wants to look hip off of the bike, then bung a pair of ankle boots in a rucksack or panniers to change into.
Until you have had ankle & leg injuries, you have zero idea just how awful they can be..
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 5th August 00:06
I wear these puma 1000 boots, they are very old but I still think they have some of the best protection of any bike boots barring moto x boots.
For me personally it all depends on who I’m out with.
One group of mates or just a run about on my own would be the armoured jeans and sometimes the leather jacket,other days the textile if it’s a bit on the warm side.
The other group it’s full leather no matter the temperature. I know an accident can happen at any time at any speed but the younger group are definitely higher risk.
I only have RST ankle boots but I’ve been looking at some new ones and after reading a few posts here I think I’ll make a purchase this weekend.
One group of mates or just a run about on my own would be the armoured jeans and sometimes the leather jacket,other days the textile if it’s a bit on the warm side.
The other group it’s full leather no matter the temperature. I know an accident can happen at any time at any speed but the younger group are definitely higher risk.
I only have RST ankle boots but I’ve been looking at some new ones and after reading a few posts here I think I’ll make a purchase this weekend.
In recent years when I rode, it was 1 piece Alpinestars Leathers, a Forcefield Level 4 Back Protector, Chest Protector, TCX Race Boots and an Arai RX7 Helmet. I d also carry an Alpinestars 1 piece rain over suit.
I see that textiles are far more popular now and does anyone know how they perform in an accident. My neighbour was in a really bad accident 15 years ago and the doctor said, it was his leathers (2 piece zipped together with armour) that saved his life.
I see that textiles are far more popular now and does anyone know how they perform in an accident. My neighbour was in a really bad accident 15 years ago and the doctor said, it was his leathers (2 piece zipped together with armour) that saved his life.
Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Saturday 8th August 23:40
Rob 131 Sport said:
In recent years when I rode, it was 1 piece Alpinestars Leathers, a Forcefield Level 4 Back Protector, Chest Protector, TCX Race Boots and an Arai RX7 Helmet. I d also carry an Alpinestars 1 piece rain over suit.
I see that textiles are far more popular now and does anknow how they perform in an accident. My neighbour was in a really bad accident 15 years ago and the doctor said, it was his leathers (2 piece zipped together with armour) that saved his life.
Textiles will melt in a slide. Obviously the higher the speed, the greater the slide. I have worn a textile jacket on sport bikes with RST denim jeans for local trips ONLY.I see that textiles are far more popular now and does anknow how they perform in an accident. My neighbour was in a really bad accident 15 years ago and the doctor said, it was his leathers (2 piece zipped together with armour) that saved his life.
Same on my ADV bikes, but also on longer ADV bike journeys, along with textile trousers.
BUT, for long journeys on sport bikes, Spring, Summer and Autumn, then its my old trusty Spidi 2 piece zip together leathers, plus a 2 piece Oxford fluro rain suit in a sausage bag. Even in summer heat, then its full leathers, although ive not been able to ride since early May, due to a bad RTA.
If i ride again, then chest plate & il be looking into air bag kit
The large majority of textile kit is AA rated so fine around town but not good sliding at motorway speeds. Few manufacturers do AAA waterproof textiles.
I bought some vented RST ankle height boots for touring around Spain and Portugal this year; they're L2 rated with toe, heel and ankle protection. They're not that much lighter feeling on the bike than my usual Daytona GTX boots, and the Daytona boots are comfy off the bike anyway. I keep the RST's for local riding now.
I bought some vented RST ankle height boots for touring around Spain and Portugal this year; they're L2 rated with toe, heel and ankle protection. They're not that much lighter feeling on the bike than my usual Daytona GTX boots, and the Daytona boots are comfy off the bike anyway. I keep the RST's for local riding now.
I ve two different sized of Sidi boots, the massive motocross ones and the shorter ones, both with the fully waterproof linings. Around town or on the scooter though I tend to wear motorbike-specific softer ones, that look like high-top baseball boots, with enough ankle protection to hopefully cope with an off at no more than 30mph.
Trousers jacket and gloves are all the top of the range Rukka stuff. It lasts forever, is waterproof from the outside, and hopefully as protective as claimed.
Helmets are mainly Schuberth.
Edited to add, the last time I crashed it was on my way home from work on my scooter. I was wearing the trousers from my Hugo boss summer weight wool suit and a Barbour “Steve McQueen” jacket. The shoes I think were Church’s
I went through the trousers and grazed my knee a little bit.
Trousers jacket and gloves are all the top of the range Rukka stuff. It lasts forever, is waterproof from the outside, and hopefully as protective as claimed.
Helmets are mainly Schuberth.
Edited to add, the last time I crashed it was on my way home from work on my scooter. I was wearing the trousers from my Hugo boss summer weight wool suit and a Barbour “Steve McQueen” jacket. The shoes I think were Church’s
I went through the trousers and grazed my knee a little bit.
Edited by SchillingTwo on Sunday 9th August 21:44
SS427 Camaro said:
Textiles will melt in a slide.
If you buy good quality ones with cordura/kevlar then they will be fine in a slide. Cheap nylon/polyester gear obviously won't. Even the best textile isn't as durable as good quality leather, but it sill still work fine. It's also better than cheap leather.It's a boomer myth that textiles won't protect you in a crash, technology has moved on. Same as some people still saying not to use synthetic oil.
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