Hi all, need clothing advice!

[Stuno1]

Hi everyone, i have read the sticky threads and think the attached links are good items to buy but wondered what more experianced people think?

I will be riding in the summer mainly and pretty much never when it is wet so went for leathers. Also, i wanted armour so think the below fit the bill. Anyone know the quality of these brands? Any help appreciated...

Helmet:

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcy ... /797/59168

Jacket and Trousers:

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcy ... /316/28442

Gloves:

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcy ... /561/51228

Boots:

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcy ... /319/50526

Stu

[2fast2soon]

Try the helmet on (everyone will tell you that as the fit of the helmet is key). Caberg get good SHARP ratings but I tried one on and it was really scratchy and uncomfortable.

Have a search for a local stockist for all of the gear you want and try it on and then ask them to price match. That way if they refuse you can walk out of the store without buying but also without taking the p*ss, at least you gave them a chance of your business...

My mate's got RST textiles and likes them, they seem like a pretty decent middle of the road brand.

I've used Renapur on my leathers to give them a slight water resistance. I'm a fair weather rider but its just in case I get caught out in a rain shower, that way I won't have to suffer damp leathers.

[nman1]

RST was my first set of gear and it lasted well. Richa are similar priced or BKS. Do try the helmet on though, never buy without doing so as most shops won`t take them back once they`ve left the premises.

[Stuno1]

I will definately try all the gear on before buying it.

By way of armour and protection the gear offers am i missing something? Is there gear I can buy that offers more protection?

Cheers

Stuart

[nman1]

Usually bike gear comes with sewn in protection around the elbows, shoulders, knees and in some cases hips. Jackets normally have a softish shaped back protector which is OK but not as good as a specialist one. Abrasion protection is best provide (so i`m told) by leather.

Like said, get down to a shop and try it all on, and do a deal with the owner if you get all the gear from one place. I did and saved quite a bit.

[Jimmi_929RR]

Looks a good selection of gear! Just a note on those gloves though - i've got some of those and the leather's very thin. I've also got these http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcy ... /561/51200 which although more expensive (£80) are much thicker and will give more protection, although you can get brands like Alpinestars etc for that sort of money.

[Stuno1]

Looks a good selection of gear! Just a note on those gloves though - i've got some of those and the leather's very thin. I've also got these http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcy ... /561/51200 which although more expensive (£80) are much thicker and will give more protection, although you can get brands like Alpinestars etc for that sort of money.

 

ok thats the sort of info i am after. Much appreciated. For the sake of 30 i will get those!

Am thinking get these initially then get leather trousers when i start to ride on tracks or more agressively?

http://www.getgeared.co.uk/Draggin_Jean ... ycle_Jeans

Also is it better to get shin high boots or the ankle boots they now make? Just thinking in terms of riding to brighton to spend the day there, where would you leave boots???? Cant walk around in them where as some of the ankle ones are designed to be both riding safe enforced boots and comfortable trainer like boots.

Stu

[Jimmi_929RR]

Me personally, i'd always have the full shin height boots over the ankle ones, just for the extra leg/ankle protection. A lot of boots (i'm thinking Sidi's specifically) offer great protection and are actually pretty comfortable to walk around in; just pull your jeans over the top and they pass as shoes (sort of).

Of course, some people prefer the ankle type ones. It all depends on what you feel most comfortable in, how much protection you want and how practical you need them to be etc (as with all gear TBH).

[Stuno1]

This is going to sound stupid so i apologise in advance!

When you ride to say...Brighton and park up your bike, do you take a back pack to put jacket and trosers in if you are wearing leathers or do a lot of these sorts of places have lockers for this sort of thing?

[Jimmi_929RR]

I don't know about anyone else but i just walk around in mine (although i only tend to stop at bike meets etc so everyone dressed the same anyway). Plus the armour in my leathers makes me look quite muscley so i can try and impress the chicks (although i suppose it would impress the men more at Brighton )