mper

£10 denim backpack/side bag that can be tied in a number of ways:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mens-Camping-Rucksack-Backpack-Hiking-Outdoor-Military-Trekking-Travel-Large-Bag-/131913836188

Mine has worked well so far.

2 balaclavas are cheaper than a new helmet. Bonus: adding balaclavas to the wash is easier than to clean the inside of helmets.

Now you can see that Tom Cruise riding without helmet in Top gun made for good photos in girly magazines but probably would not be good for his long term health

I was wearing a £200 pair of boots when I had my big crash. Said boots are now why I am registered disabled.

I have some fantastic pictures of leg and foot injuries which were/are part of my case studies into kit and its failings, it would cause a few people to throw up if they saw them.

Hi

Gory pics are unnecessary, but if you could take the time to explain how to boots made things worse (if I'm understanding correctly), that might help others!

IMG_20170416_090849 by NP Lima, on Flickr

Bandit 650 Relatively-Grand-Tourer

hi

Recently I got a textile suit from eBay, branded KYB Wear. They have their own website that looks abandoned. It's a 2 piece suit with hip, knee, elbow and shoulder padding. Thermal lining that can be removed... the whole thing was just under £100. Pockets are a bit weak but the suit is comfy. Later I added a better back protection that fits tight in the jacket.

My dilemma is what to wear under the suit. I tried wearing only the trousers without lining and some shorts... the inside of my legs was cold very quickly (riding in the Spring, about 10 degrees C). Tried the same but wearing jeans and I was all sweaty. I haven't tried the thermal lining for the legs but deeply regretted taking it off the jacket when I went for an evening ride.

Went to the cinema with no jeans under that suit and it was a bit too warm.

Like they say on Facebook: It's complicated!

Got J&S boots from their factory shop but the stitching was damaged in less than 300 miles. I doubt they are waterproof now but usable with a bit of duck tape... They offered a discount when I bought another pair but this time I picked another brand. RKS, I think.

My Givi flip up helmet was the only thing I *really* liked from my recent shopping. Very comfortable even riding with glasses on. Can't remember the model name but would go back to Givi for helmets if I needed to, even knowing it's not their main product line.