Noob Looking At What Protective Gear is Recommended

[bradr]

Total noob here.

I'm trying to figure out what protective gear would be recommended for dual sport riding. Looking to do some fsr and double track at the moment to get to some lakes to fish, picnic and camp.

I have a mix of gear already from road riding and already have:

• Full face on-road helmet
• D30 armored riding gear (Klim Baja Pants and Klim Carlsbad Jacket)
• Fox Titan Chest Armor from when I used to do more mountain biking
• Revit Dirt Gloves
• SMX Plus Road Boots

I've been thinking of using the Fox Titan Chest armor with an older mesh jacket over top (the mesh jacket for the road section of the rides).

I have a bad ankle from rolling it too much playing volleyball, so I was thinking that getting a pair of Tech 7's would be a wise investment to ensure that I don't tweak it or hurt it while I'm out on a ride and the inevitable happen that I eventually drop the bike.

What I've been having a difficult time with is whether you really need a knee brace or neck brace? And if so, any recommendations on what to look for?

Also, to be clear, this is really just me looking forward to when things start to return to normal and we get out of this covid crisis.

What do people think? Am I being overly cautious? I'm kinda stuck in that state at the moment of you don't know what you don't know

 

[Ando__]

Looks like a good list. My thoughts.

Get a helmet that will accept goggles, can save your noob eyes when following a group.

Does your chest protection extended to shoulders and elbows? Elbow protection is great as branches seem to stick out and waap you. Also in low speed tumbles.

I find whenever I bail, the pads in my moto jacket seem to roll around and never cover the area of impact. I’m a big fan of tighter fitting pads (I too wear my mountain biking armour, Troy Lee)

Good fitting padded underwear is a great piece of kit as well. Leatt makes some great ones. Protects hips and tailbone. Good for mountain biking too

Leatt 3DF 5.0 Impact Shorts

These short protect the rider at the hip, upper hip, thigh and coccyx. Compression MoistureCool material with flatlock stitching and mesh ventilation ensures a comfortable fit and premium protection. In the chart below you can see how Leatt products compa

fortnine.ca

 

[04klr]

I'm not sure its possible to wear too much gear. I suppose it's possible but, nobody ever gripes of too much gear after an unscheduled get off.

 

[offworlder]

As others have reiterated, having proper kit head to toe is important. Sadly, I'm often shocked when I see folks riding with "less than adequate" boots (or worse, not boots ). Any old boot will NOT do; the stuff that flying around down there (rocks, sticks, etc..) can easily break bones at speed, and when you put a foot down, well... lets just say that you want the beefiest boot you can afford.
Dont be fooled by "adventure boots" (I can show you the pics of the many that I've had and that have failed - I'm looking at you Sidi "Adventure" boots ). I recommend an enduro boot, like the Gaerne SG12, Sidi Crossfire 3, AlpineStar Tech 10, etc... During the many years I've been tossing 500lbs of Adv bike around and the many dirt naps me and my bike have taken together, my feet have emerged unscathed thanks to proper boots. And dont be fooled by water proof claims, there's no such thing. Wear wool socks, and yer feet will stay warm even in the wet.

 

[offworlder]

On the other end of things, yer helmet quality is paramount to safety, being able to deal with changing weather, and even fatigue (re noise).
I'm been using the Arai XD4 for years, and couldnt be happier with it. Comfy, top-rated re strength, safety, and relatively quiet; the only thing I wish it did better is vent when we get in the technical stuff, but that would affect its warmth and noise characteristics . As each head is unique, you need to find not only a helmet that measures up, but one that fits you properly. You got one head, and this is a dangerous sport, dont skimp.

 

[WRXARD]

I agree with the wise words above - good helmet, close fitting comfortable armour, wearing your stuff, battle shorts. I've never regretted good protection. Consider the Leatt boot line - they are new to boots - I've had mine for 2ish years and really like them. Consider some of the less popular brands too - there is some good stuff out there without the name brand price (check online shops for options). Handy helmet fitting info: https://www.lidpicker.com/free-data. Last comment - consider rider training - it will keep you out of trouble and make you a better rider (all levels). A good example is Chris Birch, he offers some online stuff and before covid he came to Vancouver to give classes.

 

[filterx]

EDIT just noticed the original post was from April 2020

If your buying something for the first time, try to go into a local shop or shops and try on at least the helmet and boots so you know those fit well and probably the 2 most import things.

You can then try gloves, pants etc and I don't normally buy any gear on-line unless is the exact same thing and my dealers don't see the stuff any more or 3 times more expensive and I try to buy local as much as can to support my shops so they support them when I really need it

 

[WRXARD]

Yes, old thread and buy local!