Little tips you learn over years of riding.
May 20 '01
The Bottom Line Prepare yourself against injury in a fall by wearing the proper equipment.
Down here in South Louisiana, we can ride most of the year. And, boy is it hot in the summer. Some of us elect to ride without helmets and safety gear. I have no problem with that...do as you wish. But I've learned a few things about safety gear over 30+ years of riding.
If you have a $10.00 head, go ahead and buy a $10.00 helmet. I've been down several times--mostly avoiding the caged people, and learned the difference between a football type helmet with a snap-on shield, and one with the chin bar. I hit the ground face first and the shield broke off the Bell helmet and ground against the pavement as my nose was pressed against the shield. I then went out and bought a full face helmet....a rock spit up behind an 18 wheeler and caught me in the chin bar. That one saved my life. The higher end helmets such as Shoei and Arai are more comfortable in the summer because of better venting and also quieter because of removable padding...cheaper helmets sometimes do not have these...but I have a Nolan and a KBC which are medium priced helmets with good venting and a good air seal.
There is one little piece of equipment that can add about 30% better riding pleasure, and it only costs $11.95!
An Ultratech Earplug. I started riding with earplugs about a year ago and have tried several. This one has a db rating of NRR16. Not as much as some of the others but makes a great seal and cuts out WIND NOISE almost 50%. I did not realize that most of our fatigue comes from the wind noise---somewhere over 100db. When I put these plugs in, my whole attitude changed...I could still hear, but the wind noise, and bike noise were muted and I began to enjoy the ride much more. These plugs are availble at www.kenco-ws.com.
Another item neglected is footwear. What most people don't realize is that you need to have something that doesn't come off in a crash. And for that to happen, it has to be tight around the ankle. Therefore motorcyle boots...those that zip up the side or velcro shut. Ropers, Wellingtons, and cowboy boots all come off. I bought some Rhino boots for $139 from Joe Rocket for the winter (waterproof) and some Gaerne Edge boots for about the same for summer riding. Ankle and shin protection is paramount...for sure a big rock will hit you in the shin: be prepared.
As to apparel that doesn't come off, that applies to gloves too. You should always wear gloves. They are atl least an insulator to vibration, and you'll feel less tingly at the end of a ride. Rocks and bugs eventually will rap you on the knuckle, so thickness there is paramount. Some kind of strap should be on the wrist, because the glove WILL come off in a slide. Remember, we put our hands down to protect ourselves. Are they hot? Get 3 pair: one for summer with perforations; one for general riding with kevlar and carbon to protect in falls; and one insulated for winter (a glove overmit for rain is nice too)
Since skin is much more expensive than leather, you need a quality leather jacket. Hot, you say? The better ones have removable lining and vents that can be unzipped...the very best like Vanson, are perforated and air flows through. Oh, yes, and it should have armor...in the elbows, shoulders, and back. AGV, Joe Rocket, Vanson, First Gear,are examples of some I have actually worn. All good ones. And yes, it'll cost from $200 to $500 for a quality jacket.
One more item to complete your safety wardrobe is leather, or textile, pants. I have both. AGV makes a sport pant for about $190. It has padding in the hips back, and knees and zips to my jacket. (It really looks great, too, with the jacket) My textile pants are a Joe Rocket brand for about $100---there is armor in it and it is also waterproof and fits over jeans...a good combination.
One more tip: when you go down, don't try to get up until you stop sliding. If you do, you will tumble, and increase your chances of breaking something. And with all the great safety gear on: a good helmet,jacket, pants, gloves---you stand a great chance of getting up and getting back on the bike and riding home minimally scathed. And probably a little wiser too!
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