New Gear Time: AKA Financial Headache

[Ingah]

Having just bought a back protector today (Oxford MAX), i'm now contemplating further gear replacements, especially my jacket (i don't think it's appropriate to be wearing full gear with an already accident-ripped jacket arm thereby giving less than full protection).

I'm currently using:

HJC CL-ST (cost me #110).

Aldi gloves (#13) with very nice carbon-style knuckles.

Buffalo jacket (#100) with ripped left arm.

Arlen Ness NP-6066-AN armoured 'pants' (#150).

RST Vortex II boots (#80).

Oxford MAX back protector (paid #62).

I don't feel comfortable spending too much more money, uni being on the way (and me being on only part-time hours at the moment!)

I've also decided to replace my helmet very soon due to multiple drops and bangs, and was wondering if i just have to get an Arai this time, because only they seem to offer a (free AFAIK) helmet checking service (if only i had it available my current helmet, i would be able to send it away for checking every so often rather than replacing it 'just in case'). The bike is my sole transport (including commuting use), which is why it gets banged a fair amount, despite me taking care.

Regarding the jacket, i'm in abit of a pickle as i've tried on the matching jacket to my trousers and it just doesn't fit properly! Looks like i'll be having to buy a whole new jacket and trousers combination unless i'm missing something? (i fancy going for leathers now anyway, despite concerns about how appropriate they are for regular commuting).

Furthermore, i'm a little concerned about the gloves, largely due to how cheap they were (the stiching on the wrist strap is admittedly poor quality and i've had to repair it, but aside from that they seem great). Should i be upgrading, or will they do the job 'well enough'?

[Guest]

I don't feel comfortable spending too much more money, uni being on the way (and me being on only part-time hours at the moment!). I've also decided to replace my helmet very soon due to multiple drops and bangs, and was wondering if i just have to get an Arai this time, because only they seem to offer a (free AFAIK) helmet checking service (if only i had it available my current helmet, i would be able to send it away for checking every so often rather than replacing it 'just in case'). The bike is my sole transport (including commuting use), which is why it gets banged a fair amount, despite me taking care.

 

so if you bought a nice new arai, what would you use whilst it was away being checked...

I have an Arai Lid, and a second KBC lid as a spare/backup, my leathers and textiles (IXS) were either shop sales, or ebay, (luckily i'm an easy size, Small!!) and my gloves were an ebay bargain, winter gloves by "imortal" and summer gloves,

shop around check out the sales and end of line stuff and you can do it on a budget, without going bargain basement..

also i have a sheepskin lined helmet carrier for the Arai, and the std one for the KBC, or which ever one ends up in which.. stops knocks..

[jman1978]

Regarding the jacket, i'm in abit of a pickle as i've tried on the matching jacket to my trousers and it just doesn't fit properly! Looks like i'll be having to buy a whole new jacket and trousers combination unless i'm missing something? (i fancy going for leathers now anyway, despite concerns about how appropriate they are for regular commuting).

 

I've had similar problems with getting jacket and trousers to zip together, best advice get a jacket that's the same make as the trousers you have then it shouldn't be a problem... or take trousers along to where ever you get the jacket from.

I commute in my gear and jacket is leather... just remember you'll most likely need waterproofs to stick over the top as they tend not to be much good in anything other than light rain.