Lawrence
Well-known member
The old adage isn't if but when you will go down. And I don't like to bleed.
So - ATGATT
I've been down a few times (long ago), including a 40mph highside getting on the freeway. Between bicycles, skateboards, and a couple of MC crashes in my late teens/early twenties, my knees don't look so good. So I've done the (minor) bleeding - didn't like it.
I'd rather sweat than bleed.
Riding with just normal jeans is an invitation for road rash. Simply read these or any other m/c forum of good riders, riding attentively, ending up in a crash (being hit, rear-ended, animal, whatever). So in my mid-twenties I got m/c leather pants. Which was fine for an all-day ride, but not convenient for going to work, etc. So I've now had my Aerostitch RoadCrafter 2-pc suit for almost 15 years (and I got mine used). Still look good - I just had it cleaned, all the pads and reflective parts, and some of the velco replaced. The Aerostitch works down into near-freezing temps by adding some extra layers, and I've ridden in Death Valley in 120degree weather. The trick when it is hot is to open the vents, wear long-sleeve breathable, light clothing. I ride to work daily, all year long (the joy of SoCal). Getting in-and-out oft the 'stitch only takes seconds, so I always wear it. I couldn't care less what other people think of how it looks. I'm strictly a function over form type.
Due to (very slight) ankle scrape when I was yonger is some slow spills, I went to ankle-top sneakers, then boots. I now wear 8" tall tactical boots (was cheap Magnum for years, but recently picked up Bates which are so much better made). I still have been too cheap for sidi or alpinestar boots, but will probably upgrade when my current boots are ready for replacing. These aren't water-proof, but in San Diego - that is largely a non-issue.
Part of the gear to get depends on
- your budget
- your riding style (day rides once in a while in only good weather, commuting, long tours, etc.) and frequency
If you are patient, or low on funds, buying on-sale (or in the case of jacket/pants, used), you should be able to great a good setup for about $1,000 ($200-300 solid color Shoei or Arai helmet, $100 boots, $50 gloves, $500 for jacket and pants). If you can find your size, a used 'stitch in good condition can be found for $300-400. Like motorcycles, many people try out riding, get the nice new bike, farkles, and gear, then sell a year or two later with little use. So unless you are opposed to used, there are many great deals to be had.
So - ATGATT
I've been down a few times (long ago), including a 40mph highside getting on the freeway. Between bicycles, skateboards, and a couple of MC crashes in my late teens/early twenties, my knees don't look so good. So I've done the (minor) bleeding - didn't like it.
I'd rather sweat than bleed.
Riding with just normal jeans is an invitation for road rash. Simply read these or any other m/c forum of good riders, riding attentively, ending up in a crash (being hit, rear-ended, animal, whatever). So in my mid-twenties I got m/c leather pants. Which was fine for an all-day ride, but not convenient for going to work, etc. So I've now had my Aerostitch RoadCrafter 2-pc suit for almost 15 years (and I got mine used). Still look good - I just had it cleaned, all the pads and reflective parts, and some of the velco replaced. The Aerostitch works down into near-freezing temps by adding some extra layers, and I've ridden in Death Valley in 120degree weather. The trick when it is hot is to open the vents, wear long-sleeve breathable, light clothing. I ride to work daily, all year long (the joy of SoCal). Getting in-and-out oft the 'stitch only takes seconds, so I always wear it. I couldn't care less what other people think of how it looks. I'm strictly a function over form type.
Due to (very slight) ankle scrape when I was yonger is some slow spills, I went to ankle-top sneakers, then boots. I now wear 8" tall tactical boots (was cheap Magnum for years, but recently picked up Bates which are so much better made). I still have been too cheap for sidi or alpinestar boots, but will probably upgrade when my current boots are ready for replacing. These aren't water-proof, but in San Diego - that is largely a non-issue.
Part of the gear to get depends on
- your budget
- your riding style (day rides once in a while in only good weather, commuting, long tours, etc.) and frequency
If you are patient, or low on funds, buying on-sale (or in the case of jacket/pants, used), you should be able to great a good setup for about $1,000 ($200-300 solid color Shoei or Arai helmet, $100 boots, $50 gloves, $500 for jacket and pants). If you can find your size, a used 'stitch in good condition can be found for $300-400. Like motorcycles, many people try out riding, get the nice new bike, farkles, and gear, then sell a year or two later with little use. So unless you are opposed to used, there are many great deals to be had.
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