Shopping list - any sugegstions ?
Discussion
Having spoken to a few mates with bikes and the local bike shop, my initial kit purchase looks like:
Arai RX7-Corsair or Astrop helmet
Textile Dainese jacket
Leather Dainese trousers
Boots and gloves to suit
Back armour
I tried on the RX7 and it seemed to fit very well - anybody tell me if I need to spend the extra for the RX7 or is the Astro just as good for a beginner ? Main concern is strength and survival if I crash, not concerned about colour. She shop said any Arai helmet will be OK, just the more you spend the more features you get.
The suggestion is that leather trousers with waterproof textile jacket and a £15 pair of waterproof trouser covers will be a good solution for occasional commuting, sunday fun and a bit of touring. Does this sound about right ?
I'm not getting too hung up on this right now as after a year I'll know far better what suits and what I like but I don't want to spend a load of cash now and find I need to change most of it 2 months later.
Is there anything I've missed that I'll need ?
Thanks
Arai RX7-Corsair or Astrop helmet
Textile Dainese jacket
Leather Dainese trousers
Boots and gloves to suit
Back armour
I tried on the RX7 and it seemed to fit very well - anybody tell me if I need to spend the extra for the RX7 or is the Astro just as good for a beginner ? Main concern is strength and survival if I crash, not concerned about colour. She shop said any Arai helmet will be OK, just the more you spend the more features you get.
The suggestion is that leather trousers with waterproof textile jacket and a £15 pair of waterproof trouser covers will be a good solution for occasional commuting, sunday fun and a bit of touring. Does this sound about right ?
I'm not getting too hung up on this right now as after a year I'll know far better what suits and what I like but I don't want to spend a load of cash now and find I need to change most of it 2 months later.
Is there anything I've missed that I'll need ?
Thanks
The most important thing with a lid is fit. Buy from a shop who have been trained on how to test the fit of go with mate who knows. Make sure you check the date of manufacture of the lid too (orange label on the chin strap). If a top end Arai fits you well, you're about as well protected as you can be. The better Arai lids have more ventilation, but my RX7 is noisier than my Astro-R and if you're commuting noise might be a factor. Top end Shoei lids are also extremely good and from what I've read (never bought one), quieter than Arai.
As far as the rest of the kit goes, read tests from mags such as Ride to get an idea of what the best kit is for your money. Dianese leathers have a rep of style over substance compared to custom made suits, which cost similar money. I'm not sure how good their textiles are, but I don't recall them winning any tests. I've got on well with my Texport gloves and would recommend them, but you do need to test the fit. Daytona do good boots for wider feet (they're the only comfy boots for me), if that's an issue for you.
Happy searching,
Steve.
As far as the rest of the kit goes, read tests from mags such as Ride to get an idea of what the best kit is for your money. Dianese leathers have a rep of style over substance compared to custom made suits, which cost similar money. I'm not sure how good their textiles are, but I don't recall them winning any tests. I've got on well with my Texport gloves and would recommend them, but you do need to test the fit. Daytona do good boots for wider feet (they're the only comfy boots for me), if that's an issue for you.
Happy searching,
Steve.
I was looking at a pair of Dainese leather trousers that I haven't worn for ages the other day, just happened to have them at the right angle for the light from the window to show straight thru' the stitching on the ar5e!
I was quite surprised at how badly they're made when you really look at them, but it's probably the same for any off the peg "style" make. I'm sure they'd do the job in an off, but probably only the once.
If you've got a Hein Gericke shop nearby it's worth a look, my local one (Purley) has got loads of gear in, own stuff - which looked very well made apart from the really low price stuff & Alpinestars/Arlen Ness.
I was quite surprised at how badly they're made when you really look at them, but it's probably the same for any off the peg "style" make. I'm sure they'd do the job in an off, but probably only the once.
If you've got a Hein Gericke shop nearby it's worth a look, my local one (Purley) has got loads of gear in, own stuff - which looked very well made apart from the really low price stuff & Alpinestars/Arlen Ness.
Steve_T said:
Top end Shoei lids are also extremely good and from what I've read (never bought one), quieter than Arai.
I've got an Arai RX7-XX....whatever it is & a Shoei exceed, both were the top of the range when I bought them. The Shoei is quieter than the Arai & I also think that it's of slightly higher quality (splitting hairs tho').I've got a Shoei X-Spirit and an old Shoei Interceptor.
The X-Sprit is very light and comfy, but quite noisy once you open all the vents.
The Interceptor was'nt as noisy, but the vent system wasn't as effective....
Whatever you get, make sure it fits!
I've had a Hein Gericke suit for a while, very well made and very comfy.
I've just replaced the HG gloves I had with some Alpinestars ones, not as impressed with those.....
The X-Sprit is very light and comfy, but quite noisy once you open all the vents.
The Interceptor was'nt as noisy, but the vent system wasn't as effective....
Whatever you get, make sure it fits!
I've had a Hein Gericke suit for a while, very well made and very comfy.
I've just replaced the HG gloves I had with some Alpinestars ones, not as impressed with those.....
I would forget Dainese stuff, good for posers - f*ck all use for anyone who actually wants to ride a bike.
Second, have you passed your test yet? Don't take this the wrong way, but if you havent, I wouldnt bother buying anything until you have passed - not everyone takes to bikes and it would be a right pain if you buy all the kit and hate it! What bike do you use? or are you going to use? Some kit is more comfortable on some bikes than others, I've got a load of BMW kit which is my kind of staple but I simply couldnt wear it in a sports bike as its comepletely the wrong shape so consider that.
As far as manufacturers are concerned. Hein Geriche isnt bad and its well priced but try it all on carefully first as I find it can have an odd fit. In textile terms I dont think you can beat BMW stuff, its expensive but the best I've tried. For leathers I'd never buy off the shelf, go to somewhere that makes to measure, it isnt that much more and the quality will be leagues ahead. All my leather stuff comes from Crowtree and it will easily outlast me and has the added bonus of not looking like a power ranger monkey which has to be a bonus...
Boots... need to consider those, wet feet are the worse thing you can have. In my opinion you can't beat altberg, looks very plain and has no crappy plastic 'armour' on them but really comfy and will last for ever.
Have fun!
Second, have you passed your test yet? Don't take this the wrong way, but if you havent, I wouldnt bother buying anything until you have passed - not everyone takes to bikes and it would be a right pain if you buy all the kit and hate it! What bike do you use? or are you going to use? Some kit is more comfortable on some bikes than others, I've got a load of BMW kit which is my kind of staple but I simply couldnt wear it in a sports bike as its comepletely the wrong shape so consider that.
As far as manufacturers are concerned. Hein Geriche isnt bad and its well priced but try it all on carefully first as I find it can have an odd fit. In textile terms I dont think you can beat BMW stuff, its expensive but the best I've tried. For leathers I'd never buy off the shelf, go to somewhere that makes to measure, it isnt that much more and the quality will be leagues ahead. All my leather stuff comes from Crowtree and it will easily outlast me and has the added bonus of not looking like a power ranger monkey which has to be a bonus...
Boots... need to consider those, wet feet are the worse thing you can have. In my opinion you can't beat altberg, looks very plain and has no crappy plastic 'armour' on them but really comfy and will last for ever.
Have fun!
If it helps any, I started piecing together my kit whilst doing my somewhat extended DAS. During that time gloves and lids were readily available to borrow so I started off where I was "weakest" and had my thoughts firmly on my impending winter commute: a good textile jacket and decent boots were first, a nice set of gloves and finally after I had my pass certificate in my greasy mitts I got myself a reasonable lid and a set of over-trousers.
The lid is now a spare, I ended up buying the one I really fancied months later when I wasn't quite happy with the Caberg I had for a couple of reasons (mostly fit). I've since added two more sets of gloves (some decent winter gloves and a ropey FT set are kept as spares), and a set of two piece leathers.
I would definately recommend trying all your kit on and personally I don't look a the price tags until I'm sure I'm happy with the product: money is kind of irrelevant in this circumstance, I'd rather not let it influence my buying choices and I've actually saved a fair bit by buying what I want at the right moment. Anyway, I spend that much time in it I'll easily get my monies worth out of equipment that will last me for years to come.
The lid is now a spare, I ended up buying the one I really fancied months later when I wasn't quite happy with the Caberg I had for a couple of reasons (mostly fit). I've since added two more sets of gloves (some decent winter gloves and a ropey FT set are kept as spares), and a set of two piece leathers.
I would definately recommend trying all your kit on and personally I don't look a the price tags until I'm sure I'm happy with the product: money is kind of irrelevant in this circumstance, I'd rather not let it influence my buying choices and I've actually saved a fair bit by buying what I want at the right moment. Anyway, I spend that much time in it I'll easily get my monies worth out of equipment that will last me for years to come.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Where do I find made to measure leathers ? Sounds a good idea. Are these quite common or is it a trip to London ?
Also, what kind of back protection do I need ? I've seen what look like little Ninjs jackets that go under a jacket that turn you into a plastic turtle but the shop have recommended a spine protector for about £80. The jacket I get will already have armour built in on the elbows, shoulders etc.
I bought an Arai RX7, the fit was perfect. She Shoei didn't seem to fit quite as well. It felt tight but comfortable right from first putting it on, but of a relief really.
The boots I'm favouring are Oxted TCS Sports, gore tex lined. The reason I like these is that the ankle can't bend too far like it can in other boots - am I being overcautious here ? Incidentally these are recommended this month in Bike magazine, page 51. I tried on a pair and they were very comfortable, just assuming the gore tex will keep them dry.
Where do I find made to measure leathers ? Sounds a good idea. Are these quite common or is it a trip to London ?
Also, what kind of back protection do I need ? I've seen what look like little Ninjs jackets that go under a jacket that turn you into a plastic turtle but the shop have recommended a spine protector for about £80. The jacket I get will already have armour built in on the elbows, shoulders etc.
I bought an Arai RX7, the fit was perfect. She Shoei didn't seem to fit quite as well. It felt tight but comfortable right from first putting it on, but of a relief really.
The boots I'm favouring are Oxted TCS Sports, gore tex lined. The reason I like these is that the ankle can't bend too far like it can in other boots - am I being overcautious here ? Incidentally these are recommended this month in Bike magazine, page 51. I tried on a pair and they were very comfortable, just assuming the gore tex will keep them dry.
A back protector that straps on like a rucksack will give you the greatest protection, but is a pain for day to day commuting stuff.
I'd get one that you can fit into your jacket (assuming it's got a pouch to fit one into), you'll never forget it/not bother to wear it then.
I've got a pair of Oxtar TCS goretex boots as well. Very comfortable on & off the bike but I haven't worn them in the rain yet so can't comment on the weatherproofing - should be ok tho', never had anything goretex leak. They do squeak a lot unless you lube the armour.
I'd get one that you can fit into your jacket (assuming it's got a pouch to fit one into), you'll never forget it/not bother to wear it then.
I've got a pair of Oxtar TCS goretex boots as well. Very comfortable on & off the bike but I haven't worn them in the rain yet so can't comment on the weatherproofing - should be ok tho', never had anything goretex leak. They do squeak a lot unless you lube the armour.
Hi again,
Twit's right - it's worth buying your kit once you've completed, or at least started, your DAS.
BMW, like Rukka, tends to offer clothing with superb comfort and build quality. However, some clothing items are more protective than others. CE-approved boots and Armacor clothing are two good examples or protective kit. (Oxtar TCS boots are also CE-approved, incidentally.) The same manufacturer can use widely differing materials in its product range. A little bit of research can be invaluable.
bimsb6 said:
Both Crowtree and Hideout are highly recommended. Either would be miles better fit and quality than the usual Dainese, Alpinstars, Hein-Gericke ... etc.Twit's right - it's worth buying your kit once you've completed, or at least started, your DAS.
BMW, like Rukka, tends to offer clothing with superb comfort and build quality. However, some clothing items are more protective than others. CE-approved boots and Armacor clothing are two good examples or protective kit. (Oxtar TCS boots are also CE-approved, incidentally.) The same manufacturer can use widely differing materials in its product range. A little bit of research can be invaluable.
Oxtar TCS Goretex boots are brilliant as are the similarly priced (but I don't think CE approved) Alpinestars SMX Goretex - both fine for year round use.
If you can afford it (I guess you can looking at top end Arai lids)& intend to ride in all weathers Rukka textiles are the best - no contest. The jackets come with back armour.
A vented leather or perforated textile jacket (with intergral armour) would be useful for riding in hot weather.
Aria Astro R is quieter than the RX7 & light enough so you won't notice the difference, but see what fits you best Aria or Shoei.
Gloves - you will need 3 sets for year round. Racer multitop are great for spring, autumn or rainy summer days & their Pluvio is a superb winter glove. You'll need something vented for hot weather.
If you can afford it (I guess you can looking at top end Arai lids)& intend to ride in all weathers Rukka textiles are the best - no contest. The jackets come with back armour.
A vented leather or perforated textile jacket (with intergral armour) would be useful for riding in hot weather.
Aria Astro R is quieter than the RX7 & light enough so you won't notice the difference, but see what fits you best Aria or Shoei.
Gloves - you will need 3 sets for year round. Racer multitop are great for spring, autumn or rainy summer days & their Pluvio is a superb winter glove. You'll need something vented for hot weather.
Edited by andy tims on Monday 28th May 21:29
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