Ideas for doing things on the cheap

[anonbiker]

Hi.

I just thought I would post some things I did to keep costs down as much as possible as $$$ is tight for me. Opinions welcome of course and other comments as to how people tried to save money.

- I used skateboard knee pads and elbow pads. They weren't ultra cheap ones. They are the ones that slip on and they came from Cheapskates. I wore these underneath my clothing. Was happy I was wearing knee pads when I came off as my knee is still abit sore a week or so after and my pants were ripped around the knee.

- I bought some shin guards for Hockey from the Warehouse for about $20. They have a ankle strap too.

- Bought some ankle wraps from the warehouse for $5 each as I heard that the ankle can be stuffed pretty easily in a fall.

- Steel toe leather boots bought from No. 1 shoe warehouse. $60. Didn't want to go too cheap on these. Boots were reduced from $100.

- Leather gloves from the warehouse for $6. These ripped pretty bad when I fell off recently and my hand got a big cut. Not recommended to go cheap here. Perhaps next time I'll just wear fingerless gloves underneath haha.

- Helmet. Just bought cheapest brand new.

- Didn't know how to protect lower arm, chest, shoulders or back on the cheap. Thought about maybe using Gridiron gear haha. Skateboard wrist guards might also be good but might interfere with normal riding and normal use of gloves.

Also thought about use of bullet proof or stab proof vest but I don't think these things come cheap.

[skidMark]

SQUID

The price of gear is relative to the price you put on your life.

cant afford the gear? dont ride.

this has got to be a troll....

[Spuds1234]

I reckon your better off just buying good gear as you can.

Leather shoes as a minimum, but Helmet, Jacket, and Gloves shouldnt be skimped on.

[geestring]

what are you riding. not the point i know, but sounds like you should wait and get second hand gear not random shit from other sports, good on you for trying to save but some times , as you have found out. not realy worth it, do you have a leather jaket, what size are you. have a mate that has a second one he wants to sell.

[dogsnbikes]

get the riding gear dude yeah it can be a shock at the price at times but so can the shock of not having it as you found out

What size gear are you in pants,jacket and gloves??? there's plenty of second hand gear out there if you dont have a huge budget and cheak with the shops and see if any do a beginners package and you may be susprise that you can be fully kitted out with boots,gloves,jacket,pants and helmet for around $600 Mt Eden motorcycles do one WWW.mtedenmotorcycles.co.nz

otherwise Im sure you could layby some new gear while your bike is off the road

[carver]

most bins wins

[Ixion]

- Steel toe leather boots bought from No. 1 shoe warehouse. $60. Didn't want to go too cheap on these. Boots were reduced from $100.

- Leather gloves from the warehouse for $6. These ripped pretty bad when I fell off recently and my hand got a big cut. Not recommended to go cheap here. Perhaps next time I'll just wear fingerless gloves underneath haha.

-.

Warehouse boots do me just fine. Motorcycle boots are overpriced and either impractical or shoddy.

Gloves, get leather riggers gloves from a safety shop. About $35. fugly as but strong.

More pretentious crap talked about magic gear than anything else in biking.

Good places for cheap kit , Army surplus (excellent place in K Rd if you're in Auckland. Some of it's crap, some of it's overpriced, but there are bargains to be had. A lot of it's new, not just used.

Safety shops, good quality stuff cheap.

More pretentious crap talked about magic gear than anything else in biking.

[anonbiker]

More pretentious crap talked about magic gear than anything else in biking.

I don't understand this quote?

[carver]

I don't understand this quote?

he is of a forgotten generation, i dont understand either yo ma shizzle

[anonbiker]

I am abit surprised that more people don't do things on the cheap. Thought it was the Kiwi way haha. (Having been here for 13 years I think I'm getting towards being a full Kiwi).

But yeah if I had the money I'd just buy it I guess.

P.S. Looking for a job anyone hiring haha? Seriously. I have a BA from Victoria Wellington and office experience.

[Gremlin]

...but sounds like you should wait and get second hand gear not random shit from other sports, good on you for trying to save but some times , as you have found out. not realy worth it...
Don't dismiss other sports so quickly for all required clothing. Some other activities are extremely complimentary to biking, and are much cheaper than the motorbike brands of gear.

However, for the protection factor, gloves, jackets boots etc, while expensive, they are designed for motorbike protection in mind (ie, higher speed abrasion etc). For warmth, tramping/hiking gear is excellent, designed to be lightweight, pack down small, offer good warmth etc.

I wouldn't be buying cheap helmets... I don't have a cheap head. You don't have to spend a grand plus, but cheap sub $100 helmets are normally just that, cheap...

[anonbiker]

Gutted tagged with $50 head but helmet actually cost $120. It is good to see that you guys care about safety.

[Mom]

Gutted tagged with $50 head but helmet actually cost $120. It is good to see that you guys care about safety.

As the thread starter you can edit the tags on your threads :yes:

Hey I agree with what is being said here about buying the best gear you can afford to keep yourself safe. Hells teeth back in the olden days when I started riding I thought I was the best dressed out there with my trusty Line7 suit, some good leather boots a helmet and some gloves. Times have changed, we can now buy all sorts of wonderful safety gear when we ride our bikes.

I think the question of what sort of riding do you do is a good one.

[sil3nt]

Helmet - $270 - HJC
Jacket - $95 - 1Tonne (sells for $140 got it cheap of KB member)
Pants - $140 - 1Tonne
Gloves - $60 - 1Tonne

Total gear - $565

Still don't know about getting boots but i consider my gear to be cheap yet at the same time good quality and safe.

[p.dath]

This is a piss take thread, correct?

[anonbiker]

This is a piss take thread, correct?

Nah just the bullet proof and stab proof vest bit really.

[p.dath]

Nah just the bullet proof and stab proof vest bit really.

So what kind of bike do you have, or are planning on getting then?

[anonbiker]

So what kind of bike do you have, or are planning on getting then?

I have a partially damaged 2007 Yamaha Scorpio. Get it fixed when I have funds.

[carver]

I am abit surprised that more people don't do things on the cheap. Thought it was the Kiwi way haha. (Having been here for 13 years I think I'm getting towards being a full Kiwi).

But yeah if I had the money I'd just buy it I guess.

P.S. Looking for a job anyone hiring haha? Seriously. I have a BA from Victoria Wellington and office experience.

talk to sarge

[rainman]

I don't understand this quote?


he is of a forgotten generation, i dont understand either yo ma shizzle


If I may...

I believe that Mr Ixion intended to convey the following (approximate) meaning by his statement:

"More pretentious crap (is) talked about (the) magic(al properties of one piece of) gear (over another) than (about) anything else in biking."

See? Easy when you know how.

[Katman]

talk to sarge

Why? Is he looking to pick a fight with someone new?

[carver]

If I may...

I believe that Mr Ixion intended to convey the following (approximate) meaning by his statement:

"More pretentious crap (is) talked about (the) magic(al properties of one piece of) gear (over another) than (about) anything else in biking."

See? Easy when you know how.

uh, i still dont get it


Why? Is he looking to pick a fight with someone new?

possibly, but he has a few jobs going at sulco.
just give him a call and he will leave you alone

[Katman]

just give him a call and he will leave you alone

Nah, I'm not scared of Sarge.

My razor sharp katana endows me with Super Ninja Powers of Invisibility.

(In other words - he has me on ignore). :niceone:

[thehovel]

If I may...

I believe that Mr Ixion intended to convey the following (approximate) meaning by his statement:

"More pretentious crap (is) talked about (the) magic(al properties of one piece of) gear (over another) than (about) anything else in biking."

See? Easy when you know how.


Don't get him or me started on "Zen and the art of motor cycle maintenance":Punk:
Regards Richard

[rainman]

uh, i still dont get it


In which case: on this (and possibly much else) you are beyond help.

[retired motoman]

Trademe is your best bet if your on a tight budget .
A lot of bike shops have runout old stock on there, my whole
kit is brand new $800 all up
Teknic jacket
one tonne pants
ffm m6 lid
leather/kevlar gloves, new steal cap boots.
removable liners, water proof, lots of padding/protection.
imo thats cheap , my mx gear would run up well over that.
Dont go with dirt cheap crap gear, these people that ride in tee shirts
and shorts give me the shits:shit: they might have the correct gear but
are to lazy sometimes to take 5 mins to kit up :2guns:

[carver]

Nah, I'm not scared of Sarge.

My razor sharp katana endows me with Super Ninja Powers of Invisibility.

(In other words - he has me on ignore). :niceone:

haha, im in that club too
its not too exclusive either


In which case: on this (and possibly much else) you are beyond help.

hmmm...im pretty tired

[Chrislost]

SQUID

The price of gear is relative to the price you put on your life.

cant afford the gear? dont ride.

this has got to be a troll....

He is probably safer than you will ever be capable of...

[wysper]

I don't understand this quote?


uh, i still dont get it





I think Ixion believes that expensive protective gear in relation to motorcycling is over estimated in its importance.

Ie, you can be just as safe using cheaper options.

eg Army surplus boots vs expensive road boots

Is that right Ixion?

[carver]

I think Ixion believes that expensive protective gear in relation to motorcycling is over estimated in its importance.

Ie, you can be just as safe using cheaper options.

eg Army surplus boots vs expensive road boots

Is that right Ixion?

can you explain it in a simpler way?

[klyong82]

- Leather gloves from the warehouse for $6. These ripped pretty bad when I fell off recently and my hand got a big cut. Not recommended to go cheap here. Perhaps next time I'll just wear fingerless gloves underneath haha.



damn man.....go to the Online Trading section and ask Quasi to sell you some proper gloves for $20 plus postage.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=102395

[Ixion]

can you explain it in a simpler way?

Yep. You cunts have way too much money, and y'ain't worth what y' spend on gear. Unless the spend was less than $2.50 (or, 75 cents in Mr Carv er's case) .

[aewilliam]

I am abit surprised that more people don't do things on the cheap. Thought it was the Kiwi way haha. (Having been here for 13 years I think I'm getting towards being a full Kiwi).


I was cheap before even coming to NZ >=)



- Helmet. Just bought cheapest brand new.


Helmet is probably the one thing I personally would'nt wanna go 'cheapest' on...suggest getting an AU/NZ approved one with the best SHARP ratings, and make sure it FITS PROPERLY. An expensive but not great fitting helmet can/will DO more damage (not prevent less damage...DO damage) than a lower priced but well fitted helmet.



I used skateboard knee pads and elbow pads. They weren't ultra cheap ones. They are the ones that slip on and they came from Cheapskates. I wore these underneath my clothing. Was happy I was wearing knee pads when I came off as my knee is still abit sore a week or so after and my pants were ripped around the knee.
- I bought some shin guards for Hockey from the Warehouse for about $20. They have a ankle strap too.


Shift MotoX knee/shin guards, $25



- Didn't know how to protect lower arm, chest, shoulders or back on the cheap. Thought about maybe using Gridiron gear haha.


Shift MotoX armoured jersey w/ back protector $80



- Leather gloves from the warehouse for $6. These ripped pretty bad when I fell off recently and my hand got a big cut. Not recommended to go cheap here. Perhaps next time I'll just wear fingerless gloves underneath haha.


hmmmm, question to put to others - what would the stainless steel mesh gloves used for filleting fish be like if used or under/over leather/cordura gloves?



Also thought about use of bullet proof or stab proof vest but I don't think these things come cheap.

These cost aLOT.
Remember the big hoohaa after the f***ked up order for the Police? many $$$s wasted on that waste of taxpayers money, and resultant lack of protection for the good people of po-po.
think couple hundy$ or so from the Army Surplus store on K'Rd each.



- Bought some ankle wraps from the warehouse for $5 each as I heard that the ankle can be stuffed pretty easily in a fall.
- Steel toe leather boots bought from No. 1 shoe warehouse. $60. Didn't want to go too cheap on these. Boots were reduced from $100.


I hope you got lace up boots that go to mid shin or so? These would provide sweet ankle support. Probably more than the ankle wraps...
Gusset boots (elastic sides) won't really support much, if at all.


Jackets?
Army Surplus store has heavy as hell (maybe bulletproof, who knows...) leather jackets. Think they were just over $100 from memory?

Pants?
Get some 1000D Cordura from sailmakers, get it stitched up yourself.
Could even do the same for a jacket maybe.

Happy cheap riding :sunny:

At least the Scorpio, once going again, will help keep stuff on the cheap!

[The Eliminator]

Hey all U guys and gals out there ,recovery is easy if you wear the right gear .
If you want to go cheap , no prob . But get the protection . This can be done two ways , Just fork out for the good expensive gear and no crying . or look around the the Op shops , Salvation Army shop . Sometimes if you are lucky you will get the right gear for half nothing and because it worn and old you really look the part .So no ra mind cheap s--t , protect urself . You even get some gud stuff cheap here on KB .
By the way alowha all , this is my 1st coment on KB .
:rockon:
" The Eiminator "

[jono035]

Army Surplus store has heavy as hell (maybe bulletproof, who knows...) leather jackets.

If by bullet you mean air-rifle slug, then maaayyyybe.... :D

I'd imagine that as a first-look the best thing to get would be some form of impact protection for back/elbows/shoulders, then worry about the sliding damage...

[Moki]

Hi.

I just thought I would post some things I did to keep costs down as much as possible as $$$ is tight for me. Opinions welcome of course and other comments as to how people tried to save money.

- I used skateboard knee pads and elbow pads. They weren't ultra cheap ones. They are the ones that slip on and they came from Cheapskates. I wore these underneath my clothing. Was happy I was wearing knee pads when I came off as my knee is still abit sore a week or so after and my pants were ripped around the knee.

- I bought some shin guards for Hockey from the Warehouse for about $20. They have a ankle strap too.

- Bought some ankle wraps from the warehouse for $5 each as I heard that the ankle can be stuffed pretty easily in a fall.

- Steel toe leather boots bought from No. 1 shoe warehouse. $60. Didn't want to go too cheap on these. Boots were reduced from $100.

- Leather gloves from the warehouse for $6. These ripped pretty bad when I fell off recently and my hand got a big cut. Not recommended to go cheap here. Perhaps next time I'll just wear fingerless gloves underneath haha.

- Helmet. Just bought cheapest brand new.

- Didn't know how to protect lower arm, chest, shoulders or back on the cheap. Thought about maybe using Gridiron gear haha. Skateboard wrist guards might also be good but might interfere with normal riding and normal use of gloves.

Also thought about use of bullet proof or stab proof vest but I don't think these things come cheap.

I recommend the best and safest thing you can do is to stay off your bike until you "get it".

[High_Voltage]

You have to have a semi big accident then youll appreciate buying decent gear. I did when i wrote off my suzuki 250.
Ive heard with cheaper helmets are two halves glued together basically as opposed to quality 1s where there one single mould. If you want to be thrifty try trademe or i got my jacket and pants from an army surplus store in onehunga who also sold leathers. I was lucky enough to get a brand new leather jacket for 160 which was mistakenly put on the 2nd hand rack and the leather pants to suit were around 120.
Also another recomendation is to not buy 2nd hand helmets coz who knows how the previous 1 was treated
And look in bargain bins in bike stores coz they sometimes sell old stock which no1 wants to buy for cheap.

[StoneY]

Every bike shop has a good 500 dollar starter rider kit with all you need for basic 'stay in one piece at legal speeds' crash gear

Be cheaper than all the rubbish crap from the warehouse in the long run-

And bike boots impractical? Riggers gloves? What a dinosaur- cant have any blood flowing in his hands or feet:wacko:

I havent got 'magic gear' :angry:

Just a middling armored jacket, good pants(300$ the set), 99$ riding boots, 200$ helmet and 70$ gloves, and ride anywhere, any weather, warm n dry :yes:

670$ and I can stand next to the posers and not be spat on ;)

[=cJ=]

Shrug, I guess I'm a poser, I've spent shitloads on nice gear.

On the plus side, it's about as safe as I can get, comfortable, looks nice, and should last the distance. I just couldn't see the point in cheaping out when the cheaper gear I tried was nowhere near as nice/comfortable to wear, and I was in the position where I could afford the nicer gear (well, sorta could anyways... :p )

[ready4whatever]

saw a tribesman hoon past me today on his harley, must of been going 200km/h. nothin but his patch on. good way to lose your skin

[hospitalfood]

i have found the best way to get cheep gear is to steal it off a drunk biker.

to start with make friends with some peeps on KB, sooner or later you will be on the piss together.
now, buy some sprirts and try to get most of it down the best kitted rider ( you could pratice this with me ). if you can get your hands on some presciption drugs chuck them in the mix to, a joint would not hurt either.
once the rider passes out it is best to smack them over the head with a brick to be sure, but dont hit to hard, you don't want to kill.
then, you simply take their kit and bail............

P.S. if you are a little guy, don't do this to a big guy because his kit wont fit you.

[cheesemethod]

I have much love for cycle treads when it comes to good cheap gear.

Nortek Armoured Cordura jacket $125
Ok, so it's not gonna last 10 years, but I've had a good year and a half wear out of it and it's holding together nicely. Zip out winter liner is fantastic. Have had one bin straight onto my elbow/side, nothing broken, no bruise, jacket still in tact, just a few minor scuffs. Not particually waterproof but I'm sure some 3M spray would sort that out.

Cordura pants $105
Can't remember what brand but they're great, zip out winter liner shorts, keeps you warm in winter. Big cushy knee pads work fantastic.

Oxtar Boots $99
On special from $250 rrp. Amazingly waterproof and warm.

Nibo gloves $55
Good leather, big plastic knuckle protector.

So $384, + a $140 helmet I bought way back when in Hamilton. IMO you can kit yourself out quite nicely in real bike gear for $500

[boomer]

Shorts, a wife beater and jandals.. don't come much cheaper than that !

Another money saving idea by McBoomer !

[pritch]

This is a piss take thread, correct?

One hopes so but....

I often agree with Ixion but not this time. Should you be unfortunate enough to highside, those riggers' gloves would likely be long gone by the time you hit the deck. Which latter time is when you actually need them. I keep mine for gardening.

It isn't just biking gear, it's any specialised clothing. The market is smaller so the prices are higher. If you do actually find yourself in a situation where you need the gear to work for you it'd be best to be wearing something designed for the job.

Once upon a time people used to wear a lot of army surplus clothing: greatcoats, boots, anklets, leather jerkins, flying helmets etc. But their bikes only did 80mph if they were lucky. And they couldn't hold even that for very long before bits started dropping off.

At the velocities attained by most modern machinery good gear is an investment.

[jono035]

It isn't just biking gear, it's any specialised clothing.

Yeah, gotta agree with you there. I think the tendency is for people to underestimate the complexity that goes into the design and testing of things. Looks the same is not a good indicator of ability to keep your skin on and your bones whole.

[mnkyboy]

Shorts, a wife beater and jandals.. don't come much cheaper than that !

Another money saving idea by McBoomer !

If we wanted a troll we would have invited............

Oh wait you are the resident troll<_<

[boomer]

If we wanted a troll we would have invited............

Oh wait you are the resident troll<_<

We..??! Who made you site spoke lady?

[mnkyboy]

We..??! Who made you site spoke lady?

I have the authority given to me by having the discs of power.

These are almighty discs

[boomer]

I have the authority given to me by having the discs of power.

These are almighty discs


Stolen fookin disks... ur as bad as mildew.. Disk stealers! both of you !

[Winston001]

Shrug, I guess I'm a poser, I've spent shitloads on nice gear.

On the plus side, it's about as safe as I can get, comfortable, looks nice, and should last the distance. I just couldn't see the point in cheaping out when the cheaper gear I tried was nowhere near as nice/comfortable to wear, and I was in the position where I could afford the nicer gear (well, sorta could anyways... :p )

Good on you. Comfort is worth paying for.

Nothing wrong with doing things on the cheap provided it ain't nasty. Some pieces of gear should be motorcycle specific IMHO. A safe helmet. Strong gloves. Strong boots with ankle support. Permanent damage to your fingers or ankle will be with you for a lifetime.

Ixion suggests paratroopers boots which have ankle support but from what I've seen, you can get a good pair of m/c boots on TM for the same price.

There is masses of gear on TM if you are patient. Apart from that second-hand shops, Sallies etc have gear.

[AlpinePossum]

Yeah, gotta agree with you there. I think the tendency is for people to underestimate the complexity that goes into the design and testing of things. Looks the same is not a good indicator of ability to keep your skin on and your bones whole.

Having been in both govt science and commercial engineering places... I know people massively overestimate the influence of the safety engineers and testers relative to the "cool factor" marketers and cost cutting bean counters.

ie. The OP is quite correct. A big name brand gets you exactly that. A brand. Maybe a little R&D, quite a lot of a "cool look" designers time, and a massive amount of marketing, and almost bugger all extra safety.

Formal Safety standards should be regarded as a minimum, but you can bet your booties an industry lobby spent more time watering the standard down than they spent on engineering their products to meet them!

Personally I think this thread is superb for the following reasons...

* Make people think critically about what they are actually getting for their money.

* Make people realise the only true AGATT is an SUV. Biker in the best gear meets car, hard, equals buggered up biker no matter what the gear.

I'm not saying, don't wear the gear. I'm saying switch your brains on and _don't_ trust the brands.

I'm saying avoid accidents where you can, don't trust to your gear, no matter how good.

[popelli]

A big name brand gets you exactly that. A brand. Maybe a little R&D, quite a lot of a "cool look" designers time, and a massive amount of marketing, and almost bugger all extra safety.



why do we have brands?

a its marketing

b people know what they are getting

you can buy a brand name leather or a cheap copy for a 1/3 the price from a flea market stall

which will work and last better - its a no brainer

have bought cheap gear no name gear it works sort of / ok

have also bought dainesse, it works, fits and functions really well

however best buy was a new triumph jacket, last years range at the BMF show £20 closely followed by the BMW leather jeans at £30, also last years range and that takes a lot of beating

[Marmoot]

Arai Helmet - $1300
Alpinestars suit - $3500
Alpinestars GP gloves - $500
Sidi boots - $750
Dainese back protector - $250
Fogless visor system - $100

Don't settle for anything else. Even if you're on a scooter.
Rely on tested names. Don't go for cheapo.
Do it big or go home.

[jono035]

Arai Helmet - $1300
Alpinestars suit - $3500
Alpinestars GP gloves - $500
Sidi boots - $750
Dainese back protector - $250
Fogless visor system - $100

Don't settle for anything else. Even if you're on a scooter.
Rely on tested names. Don't go for cheapo.
Do it big or go home.

Jeysus. That is almost 5x what I paid for my bike...

[Pedrostt500]

I've got a coupe of large tool bags that I'm getting converted into Paniers, just getting some extra D rings sewen onto them by a canvas shop, to take the straps for accross the seat.