Gear for a new biker

[steelphoenix]

Hi all!

So... I'm a noob. Just in the process of psyching myself up for the tests. I'm just wondering... what gear do I need? I'm mostly going to be commuting across/around Auckland, with a few trips down to Tauranga to see the rellies. I'm not planning on racing or anything (yet - this may change :P ).

I've been pillioning with my boyfriend for a while, so I have a jacket (TourMaster Ladies' Indigo (http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Indigo-Ladies-Denim-Jacket-p-230_13.html)). I've been borrowing a spare helmet and gloves, and generally wear jeans and combat boots.

Any recommendations for gear? I'd rather be safe than sorry (boyfriend calls me the Safety Queen, not without reason).

[Milts]

This depends on your budget and your tastes. However if you're going to spend a lot of time on the bike, particularly commuting, you'll appreciate good head to toe gear, preferably at least water resistant. If you buy from a bike store you're more likely to get correct fitting gear, try before you buy etc, but it will cost much more than online.

You'll have to make your own decision on textile vs leather. IMHO for commuting and a bit of touring textile will be more convenient, although many argue that leather is more protective. However it won't be as weatherproof or warm, and it's much heavier.

Some popular sites to buy from online are:

www.1tonne.co.nz

www.quasimoto.co.nz

http://www.motorcyclegear.co.nz/

http://www.motomail.co.nz/

http://www.depot4motorcycles.co.nz/

Some of these websites will let you go past and try on the gear before you buy. I'd recommend buying from one of these sites rather than an unknown from trademe. There are constant debates re gear quality and safety, but I suspect if you buy from a known and established business in New Zealand (as opposed to someone selling a range of dubious goods on trademe) then you're probably OK for safety, reliability, and you have a contact if the gear does fall apart.

Edit: I recommend buying at least your helmet and gloves from a dealer, because fit is more difficult to judge, and they can give you expert advice. and FWIW I spent in total less than $300 on codura gear with appropriate armor, and it's lasted 18 months (although the jacket is starting to show signs of age). It's also water-resistant (you're dry in light rain and for maybe 20 minutes in heavy rain), it's fairly warm with removable liners, and the armor probably saved my knee some serious damage. However, I do have doubts as to it's abrasion resistance at any kind of high speed along the road. I spent more than that on my boots, and I love them to bits, but I have no cheaper boots to compare them to. I'm currently using a cheapish helmet from motorad and gloves from Quasimoto's website which are wonderful over summer, but in winter I'll go back to my heavier, thicker, less-armored-but-warm/waterproof winter gloves.

[rie]

my record-worst gear was from dealerships: complete waste of money; they have put me and my friends in dangerously loose gear completely unfit for what we were doing. Instead go to the range of excellent gear-focused stores that are really well stocked with just gear. I second Motomail (http://www.motomail.co.nz/) because it has a bloody huge women's section (the whole range from top to toe, stocking several different brand lines) and currently has an experienced female rider salesperson at the shop most days. But most guys there are experienced road riders and know everything about how to fit motorcycle gear. Because MC gear has armour in them, fit is extremely important.

This is also why I wouldn't recommend buying online for your first lot of gear. You need to learn what good fit is, and what the sizing is like in the industry and be able to compare different brands in one place. Also, many people end up with more than one set of gear over time so you can always buy online later down the line, when you know more about what you need/want.

[edit: i just looked up your jacket. is that just heavy-duty denim? isn't that just liable to shred if you slide? if a reasonable answer is yes, i suggest you replace that too...]

[DEATH_INC.]

Proper bike gear, the best you can afford. Simple really.
I'd say go see Quasi, but give him a call first and see if he has gear in your size. He rides and knows what you need.
Motomail are good for supply, most of them ride too, but from what I've seen they will tend to try to sell you what they have (if you know what I mean). Take an experienced rider/crasher with you.

[hayd3n]

also
www.lincrabikewear.co.nz

[Grasshopperus]

Go talk to Izabel at Motomail, she'll sort ya.

[p.dath]

ACC have a great web site with the answers to your questions:
http://www.rideforever.co.nz/gear/

Basically aim for getting some protection all over, rather than concentrating on one thing. So that means helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots.

[steelphoenix]

Thanks for all the help and links! :yes: I'll check it all over and decide what can fit in my budget.

@Rie: Yes, it is just heavy-duty denim; the Indigo is good for pootling about town once a month or so on, but more frequently... I'm definitely wanting a better jacket, now that I'm going to be riding much more often.

[SenseiEpu]

Does anyone have an opinon on the Macna brand? Thanks

[one fast tl1ooo]

Welcome to kb

[Urano]

Hi and welcome!

gear is something very personal, so it's difficult to give suggestions.

the best is obviously a leather suit, but it could become uncomfortable for your expected usage.

from there down, everything is about your budget.

the only suggestions i can give you are so:

1- buy whatever you like best, but PLEASE buy certified gear. it's your skin and body what'll be under it.

2- ATGATT. is not a joke, it's a rule. if you have budget issues, begin to build up your gear with fundamentals: full face helmet with 5 sharp's star rating, back protector full length and level 2 certified (even better the newests protectors rated below 4 kn...). then gloves and high boots (this is quite easy: almost all the boots on the market are certified. much harder for gloves, instead...). then jacket with impact protectors level2 and with fabric certified (i prefer cordura, but it's harder to find something certified in cordura...) and trousers with hips protections...

then, never leave something at home, never wear a backpack with something hard inside, never keep your helmet unlatched, and so on... :)

[thehovel]

Thanks for all the help and links! :yes: I'll check it all over and decide what can fit in my budget.

@Rie: Yes, it is just heavy-duty denim; the Indigo is good for pootling about town once a month or so on, but more frequently... I'm definitely wanting a better jacket, now that I'm going to be riding much more often.

Why don't you rock up at NASS or SASS and see what is being used by other newbies. Skip the ride and go directly to the carpark. (NASS Albany opp Pack&save or SASS Manakau opp the Court-house) Regards Richard

[steelphoenix]

Why don't you rock up at NASS or SASS and see what is being used by other newbies. Skip the ride and go directly to the carpark. (NASS Albany opp Pack&save or SASS Manakau opp the Court-house) Regards Richard

@TheHovel - not to be dense or anything, but who/what are NASS/SASS?

[hellokitty]

@TheHovel - not to be dense or anything, but who/what are NASS/SASS?

Go to the Meetings and Events section and look at =
Auckland: North Auckland Street Skills - NASS
it is the north shore training night

[p.dath]

@TheHovel - not to be dense or anything, but who/what are NASS/SASS?

NASS:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/77111-North-Auckland-Street-Skills-NASS

SASS:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/117274-South-Auckland-Street-Skills

[steelphoenix]

Awesome, thanks guys! :2thumbsup

SASS is closer to where I live, so expect me there sometime in the new year... once I have a bike and some practice going places...