Good gear choice for new starting rider?

[Markw336]

hi there i was wondering what you guys think the best gear is for a new starting out rider all opinions are great

thanks:scooter:

[Hitcher]

First gear is probably your best gear for getting started.

[2wheeldrifter]

Gear that fits you nicely, budget will dictate alot. How much you got to spend?

[alexm]

Hi am looking into getting a bike within the next few weeks and have seen there are a few different sizes of helmet what is the best way to find out what fits you with out seeing first am mostly looking on trademe will see if there is a motorbike shop close to home this weekend but any help would be greatfull thanks

[ynot slow]

Hi am looking into getting a bike within the next few weeks and have seen there are a few different sizes of helmet what is the best way to find out what fits you with out seeing first am mostly looking on trademe will see if there is a motorbike shop close to home this weekend but any help would be greatfull thanks

Don't tell the shop your plans,tends to piss them off dealing with people who are buying online/overseas.Then again some bike shops you won't be served as staff have better things to do lol.

Buy a new helmet,HJC,FFM are cheap for new ones,and trying them will ensure proper fit,and not much more expensive new than 3rd hand.

[cheesemethod]

If you're buying online try on the exact same helmet at the bike shop. I've found with trying on helmets in the past that you might fit an XL in one brand, and an L in the next.

[Markw336]

thanks for the help guys i dont really have a budget when it comes to gear but i want to get something for a small price but not crap and has to be comfortable and warm to wear

[slofox]

thanks for the help guys i dont really have a budget when it comes to gear but i want to get something for a small price but not crap and has to be comfortable and warm to wear

To be honest, I think you will save in the long run if you get the best now. I bought in a hurry and within a year had replaced helmet, jacket and trousers. So I paid twice. Woulda been much more betterer if I had gone a little slower and bought properly in the first place.
Don't compromise on gear. It might just have to save your life.

[MaxCannon]

What Slofox said
I've replaced my pants, boots, jacket and helmet in just over two years.

The pants were the worst. Leaked when it rained, too hot in the summer. Won't buy Rjays again.
I replaced with Rev'it pants that were only $100 more, are fully waterproof and breathable.

My boots started to leak in very heavy rain. OK in light rain but I had enough of wet feet so replaced them - $150 over the original value.

Jacket has sprung a leak too. Would still be OK if the dog hadn't eaten the winter liner. Scored a deal on a new one ($150 off retail) so - $50 over the original cost.

Technically my old helmet is fine - but I wanted a new one so I bought one.

I've also gone through a couple of pairs of gloves, the dog ate one, another pair broke at the seams - and I just like buying things so I've got a winter pair a summer pair and an in-between pair.

Adding up just the stuff I've had to replace with better quality gear is a difference of $300

So - moral of the story, buy once cry once.

[slofox]

My boots started to leak in very heavy rain. OK in light rain but I had enough of wet feet so replaced them - $150 over the original value.

J

I still have the original boots...they were a good buy...just as well I got 1 out of 4...

[Markw336]

ok so i should get good gear to start with

[JATZ]

Just been buying gear for the boy last week, spent about an hour in one shop trying on jackets and pants,told him to wear what he would normaly wear under his gear, to get the right fit, take your time and try plenty on,got the same stuff me and his mother wear, so we know have both used it and found it good for us.Went to another shop for the helmet to get the right one.
I wouldn't buy another helmet online. IMHO you have to try them on to get the right fit

[1tonne]

hi there i was wondering what you guys think the best gear is for a new starting out rider all opinions are great

thanks:scooter:

We have a lot of good gear for starters and experienced.

[crazyhorse]

Hi am looking into getting a bike within the next few weeks and have seen there are a few different sizes of helmet what is the best way to find out what fits you with out seeing first am mostly looking on trademe will see if there is a motorbike shop close to home this weekend but any help would be greatfull thanks

I would never buy a helmet without trying it on. Bought one in Aussie - and every other helmet was a different fit. Even here, the brands differ in sizing. Make sure the helmet you buy is brand new - after all, it is your own head you are protecting. A helmet needs to feel real snug on your face. They all stretch with wear too

[Bend-it]

It's bad form to go into a shop, waste their time, try stuff on etc with the intention of then buying online.

[klingon]

I have found that the excellent advice and help I have received in shops has made it worth buying from them - as a result I have never bought bike gear online.

When I bought my helmet (from Motomail in Auckland) the guy helped me a lot, and on his advice I ended up buying one that was cheaper than the original one I had been looking at, but was a much better fit for my head shape.

The other thing that really helped me when I was first starting out was having my own personal shopper. The lovely MackTheKnife :love: came gear-shopping with me, showed me the best places to get gear, had a much better idea than I did about which prices were bargains and which weren't, and helped me choose gear with features that would suit me and my lifestyle.

There is plenty of more expensive gear that has this or that feature (and therefore costs more) but if those features aren't going to benefit you, there's no point paying more for them!

My suggestion would be finding someone who lives in your area and can help you out with your choices. Do you know any other KBers in your neck of the woods?

[Quasievil]

hi there i was wondering what you guys think the best gear is for a new starting out rider all opinions are great

thanks:scooter:

Just dont confuse good for cheap, thats my advise.

[obstacle]

When I started out I bought a set of cordura from Quasi including jacket, pants and gloves. I've still got them 2 years later and they're going strong. I also bought a new HJC helmet which is still my 1 and only helmet. I got some Spidi boots off a guy from here which are still great too.

what everybody else says -

- don't buy cheap shit - You're learning to ride and chances are you'll come off at some point and will want to know your gear will last.
- buy everything to begin with. Don't compromise by just getting a jacket and a helmet. Gloves, pants and boots make up the set. All the gear, all the time.

Oh, and one more plug for Quasi. If you're going to buy off the net you might as well buy from the best. And he offers a 100% fit garantee.

[PirateJafa]

hi there i was wondering what you guys think the best gear is for a new starting out rider all opinions are great

thanks:scooter:

Hi Mark,

Best to spend a little more and get a good brand like Ixon or similar. Their gear stands up to time and wear a lot better than other shoddier brands like Dririder or Quasimoto. But no meed to go overboard either - ie a one-piece is somewhat overkill for a Lplater - a two-piece suit is just as safe and a lot more practical. :niceone:


It's bad form to go into a shop, waste their time, try stuff on etc with the intention of then buying online.

Also another benefit of buying from a local shop is that if youu DO have a problem with the gear, you can take it in under warranty or the CGA, as opposed to online or out-of-town places which, while sometimes okay, can also sometimes tell you sod off - I've known people who've fallen afoul of this in the past.

[Quasievil]

Hi Mark,

Best to spend a little more and get a good brand like Ixon or similar. Their gear stands up to time and wear a lot better than other shoddier brands like Dririder or Quasimoto. But no meed to go overboard either - ie a one-piece is somewhat overkill for a Lplater - a two-piece suit is just as safe and a lot more practical. :niceone:



Thank you Mr Jafa, your points have been logged and will be passed on.

[Markw336]

thanks ill go ask a local bike shop and see what they recomend