Gear advice for a beginner?

[sam.la]

I am either not very good with the search function or new people don't ask about buying protective gear?

So best way to put it, I am brand new to the biking and will be getting a bike very soon (fingers crossed). I have a thread in the New Bikers section already asking for bike advice. Anyway I have now come to the stage of researching what gear to buy.

So I am planning on riding 50km/h and below as I am only commuting to work and back and I only have a budget of $800 to buy my protective gear. I am looking for practicality, not style as I need to wear my work attire underneath my protection.

Is there some system where you can give me? for example a % system where you split the money. 30% on Helmet, 45% on Jacket and Pants, 15% on boots, 10% on gloves?

I assume the bare essentials are:
1. Helmet
2. Jacket and Pants
3. Boots
4. Gloves

If there are you more are you able to add to the list and let me know what I should be looking for type of gear, ie material, design.

For those who are still reading, I have one last question. I have a pair of safety boots for work, which are steel cap and very solid leather are these sufficient for my low speed use or are these no good?

[steve_t]

I am not very good with the search function

:innocent::sunny:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/140670-Leather.-Make-a-offer!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/138928-Clearout-sale-250-leather

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/136657-Shopping-for-good-quality-textile-gear-on-a-budget

:niceone:

Helmet - as long as it meets some kinds of standard like ECE22.05 and fits well, you should be sweet for now. Good luck with the hunt. Get your gear before you get your bike so if you need to borrow a little from the bike fund, you'll be OK :yes::scooter:

[nzspokes]

Go see Rick at Lifestyle Imports. Hes out by Mercer but its worth the drive. Just been there tonight and will be heading out again tomorrow night. Phone number is 0272787813. My guess is he will be able to make that work. If you want to you can follow me down, I will heading down after work.

He also does leathers for short fat people. :facepalm:

[Damantis]

150-300 for a helmet.
250-400 for a matching set of pants and a jacket
40-100 for gloves
80-200 for boots

Regular safety boots prob don't have ankle protection. Sliding your leg down the road with the 200 odd kilos of bike on it will grate your ankle like cheese. Also, imagine what happens in a shoelace ends up in your chain.

Boots are your friend. You may never come off . . . you may come off when you least expect it. I crashed last week and luckily I was travelling fairly slowly and I took a tumble mostly on the grass. Yet, if I wasn't geared up, I'd be pretty well fucked up right now. You don't need to spend thousands, but visualise yourself sliding / rolling along the asphalt at 100 kph towards a concrete pole. Now, imagine what might improve your odds of survival in that scenario. Not rocket science really, huh? :blink:

[nzspokes]

I tried work boots and it sucked. You cant feel the controls. And riding boots will have ankle support etc for accidents.

[Desert Eagle]

What did I spend when I was first got my gear?
$135 helmet on special
$115 gloves
$200 Jacket (cordura)

$200 for boots
$200 for pants
$200 for back protector

a touch over $1000, although I didnt shop around too much, I bought the helmet, jacket and gloves in one go first, then the rest just followed. If i was going through the process again, I would get boots aswell.
When Im going going anywhere I make sure ive got pants of some sort on, if Im going 100km/h for more than a few k's then leather and back protector.

I recommend trying your gear on before you buy, especially the helmet.

[sam.la]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Qmoto is too expensive for me...

Mercer is a bit far but if I can't find anything I will contact Rick. Are there any local stores? also are there any good stuff from trademe?

Stuff like this:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/jacket-pant-sets/auction-405280988.htm <--- very cheap so I'm guessing it sucks?

[ynot slow]

Buy the boots Rick sells off hand about $165,pretty well waterproof and comfy,mine were good and regret selling them,but had bought another pair of Diadora off trademe thinking they'd be better,but weren't.

[tigertim20]

look the honest truth is that Any gear is better than NO gear. Shop around and buy the best gear that you can afford. You're probably looking at cordura rather than leather for a start, but theres nothing wrong with cordura.

[nzspokes]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Qmoto is too expensive for me...

Mercer is a bit far but if I can't find anything I will contact Rick. Are there any local stores? also are there any good stuff from trademe?

Stuff like this:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/jacket-pant-sets/auction-405280988.htm <--- very cheap so I'm guessing it sucks?

Its worth the trip. Ive looked at the cnell gear. Not sure I would go there.

My leather pants were $220. He does Cordura jackets for 140/160 and pants 140. For 3 hundy your a long way there. You could maybe work in a leather jacket to the budget. He also let me sit on his bike to make sure it worked.

Its about half hour to 40 mins from my place.

No I dont work there etc. But went there tonight.

Seriously, follow me out tomorrow. His webbie http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/index.php its a bit out of date but you get the idea. Over the past week Ive tried on stacks of pants at different retailers, he spent the time with me to get the right ones. No BS or hard sell.

I did try Qmoto and 1Tonne, neither could help with my unique sizing but were both very helpfull.

[allycatz]

Keep an eye out on the $1 reserve auctions on TM. I just picked up $500 jacket and gloves (IXON) for $85 and that was brand new from a bike shop

[ynot slow]

Try Cycletreads sale items as well online,some good bargains.

[Quasievil]

So best way to put it, I am brand new to the biking and will be getting a bike very soon (fingers crossed).

If you dont have a pressing need right now as you havent got your bike yet my recommendation would be to save up some more money and get decent gear, i.e a quality named brand, especially if youre intending to ride in the longer term, cheap gear can be a false economy.
Go to some of the stores around Auckland and look out for good brands on sale, there are heaps of brands, Revit for example has a good ladies range and its well made and will last longer than a cheap no name brand.
In Hamilton we have Boyds Suzuki who have a large stock holding all on sale!! there must be an equivalent in Aucks , Cycletreads ?

What ever you do look at think about its construction, thickness, stitching type how many rows, etc etc

Perhaps even get a Kiwibiker Mentor to go along with you, they would have the experience to know whats good and whats not.

good luck anyway and welcome to biking !

[Maha]

Cycletreads and Motomail (at times) have start up packages for learners.
All I can say is go and see them, tell them how much you have to spend and let them do the rest.
The sales people at both stores are very very good.
Or Lyfestyle Imports as nzspokes suggeested, I have seen thier gear and its real tidy stuff.

[4AGE]

I just got into riding this year and i bought a spool textile jacket and pant set off trademe for a reasonable price. Second hand but in very good condition.

I didn't even try it on. I just asked them to get some good measurements and got the mrs to go around with a tape measure.

Good condition second hand gear (except helmet) would be a good way to go especially to get decent gear but for a more reasonable price.

Also i bought a pair of 1 tonne boots for around $150 and they have been nothing but excellent so far.

[crystalball]

Remember to get gear for the season i.e winter or summer. Ride alot comfortable with dry gear and cooler gear for hot months. Leave pair jeans or shorts at work then do not have to carry them in your bag or wear them under bike pants.

[PrincessBandit]

Regular safety boots prob don't have ankle protection. Sliding your leg down the road with the 200 odd kilos of bike on it will grate your ankle like cheese. Also, imagine what happens in a shoelace ends up in your chain.


Yep, boots very important. Whenever I see riders wearing sneakers etc. I just think to myself "I hope you never come off, dude, and your tootsies meet the chip up close and personal". Having been in a position where mine have, I can say that proper boots (under-rated by some) are essential.
As for steel cap, I have heard mixed reports. Scariest scenario, although not sure about likelihood, is them being crushed and your toes being amputated :shit:
Ankle protection is also high on the priority list.

[wysper]

Scariest scenario, although not sure about likelihood, is them being crushed and your toes being amputated :shit:
Ankle protection is also high on the priority list.

I think that is extremely rare. I am sure some where on the interwebs will be an account of someone having their toes amputated by steel cap boots. But I think it was a myth mythbusters busted at some stage.

However, proper motorcycle boots are the go if you can afford them.

[Desert Eagle]

I went and got boots after my laces kept getting caught in the pegs.
boots are much easier than stomping on your feet to release a caught up pair of laces every second time you pull up at the lights...:facepalm:

[skippa1]

If you dont have a pressing need right now as you havent got your bike yet my recommendation would be to save up some more money and get decent gear, i.e a quality named brand, especially if youre intending to ride in the longer term, cheap gear can be a false economy.
Go to some of the stores around Auckland and look out for good brands on sale, there are heaps of brands, Revit for example has a good ladies range and its well made and will last longer than a cheap no name brand.
In Hamilton we have Boyds Suzuki who have a large stock holding all on sale!! there must be an equivalent in Aucks , Cycletreads ?

What ever you do look at think about its construction, thickness, stitching type how many rows, etc etc

Perhaps even get a Kiwibiker Mentor to go along with you, they would have the experience to know whats good and whats not.

good luck anyway and welcome to biking !

+1 on this one. In my accident I very good gear, it was all written off and saved my bacon. Funnily enough as I did the big tumble thing down the road, both feet hit the road hard, right on the toes. I had $800 Sidi boots on, I think that if I had steel caps my feet would have hit the toes of my boots a lot harder and I would probably have broken toes, I still ended up with black toenails:sick:. Get good gear, I'm not from the "any gear is better than no gear" team. If you think it is worth buying gear, buy good gear.
The way I explained it to my daughter with her scooter was, go outside and rub your elbow on the road with either your cheap gear or worse still no gear. As hard as you can:shit:. If you are happy to do this and put up with the pain, then go for it. :blink:If not get good gear. Get gear with armour to.:yes:

[sam.la]

overwhelmed by the amount of help received here. I think I will take an experienced rider to Cycletreads and see some good gear and hopefully be kitted out.

[Dangsta]

Hi, was in similar boat as you as new to bikes. After a lot of shopping around, I took a ride to Eltham and grabbed 1tonne leather jacket and pants for $640. Really happy with service, price and gear. Got a Shoei Raid 2 helmet and can't rate it high enough. Totally different experience riding at speed with quality head gear. Got some A* SP2 gloves (again didn't dick around with hand protection) and got some decent 2nd hand boots on TM. Best of luck

[crystalball]

Just get cheap gear to start use extra money to get better bike. Once wore pair lace up leather shoes no gloves just long sleave shirt and cotton trousers.I used my helmet and the side of my shoes to slow me down and stop me skidding for to long down the road lol. And my amazement only a compound fracture and no grazes. :violin: Its how you fall to.

[4AGE]

Just get cheap gear to start use extra money to get better bike. Once wore pair lace up leather shoes no gloves just long sleave shirt and cotton trousers.I used my helmet and the side of my shoes to slow me down and stop me skidding for to long down the road lol. And my amazement only a compound fracture and no grazes. :violin: Its how you fall to.
I hope you are being sarcastic.
Otherwise that is the worst advice in the world.

[steve_t]

I used my helmet and the side of my shoes to slow me down


I hope you are being sarcastic.
Otherwise that is the worst advice in the world.

Ummm :shutup: :innocent:

[Animus]

Over the years I have accumulated various kinds of gear. I now ride with alpinestars smx-r boots (tried work boots, leather shoes, proper biker boots are all I will ride in now), alpinestars rc1 leather jacket (back protector, gp armour all over, looks cool, I have a ducati textile jacket that I have crashed in and it does the job but leather jackets are a lot more fitting), alpinestars st-5 drystar pants (waterproof, windproof and have all the protection plus you can walk around in them without feeling like david bowie) and clover gloves with shoei xr1100 helmet. This setup is the most comfortable so far and protection all over. Fork out the dosh for good gear, treat it right and it will last a very long time.

[sam.la]

This is what I'm planning on buying:

Helmet:
http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/609-bargains_road_and_adventure_ge/4962-helmet_shark_s650_full_face_he.aspx
Gloves:
http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/437-textile_gloves/2688-ixon_pro_tour_glove.aspx

Jacket:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/jackets/auction-406512332.htm
Pants:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/pants/auction-406512399.htm

are these okay?

[sam.la]

I actually just checked out 1tonne and I can get kitted out in leather within my budget... is all the equipment at 1tonne top quality stuff?

Only concern is they are in Taranaki so I won't be able to try the stuff on before buying...

Jacket:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=37&sco=&categoryid=3
Pants:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=4&sco=&categoryid=bestsellers
Gloves:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=66&sco=&categoryid=bestsellers
Boots:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=13&sco=&categoryid=bestsellers
Helmet:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=62&sco=&categoryid=bestsellers

[otter]

I actually just checked out 1tonne and I can get kitted out in leather within my budget... is all the equipment at 1tonne top quality stuff?

Only concern is they are in Taranaki so I won't be able to try the stuff on before buying...

Jacket:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=37&sco=&categoryid=3
Pants:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=4&sco=&categoryid=bestsellers
Gloves:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=66&sco=&categoryid=bestsellers
Boots:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=13&sco=&categoryid=bestsellers
Helmet:
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=62&sco=&categoryid=bestsellers

Looks like a good price for your kit. Only thing I would be wary of is the helmet, I'd go to a bike shop and try them on (they'll help you make sure you have the right fit) instead of buying online. Also, I'd rather get something from a decent brand, you don't know what 1tonne is sending you for something so important.

[4AGE]

Regarding jacket and pants.
I would recommend getting a jacket which zips to the pants. Stops the jacket riding up your back.

[1tonne]

Looks like a good price for your kit. Only thing I would be wary of is the helmet, I'd go to a bike shop and try them on (they'll help you make sure you have the right fit) instead of buying online. Also, I'd rather get something from a decent brand, you don't know what 1tonne is sending you for something so important.

You will find these are great helmets. Also if it isn't the right size, you can easily exchange. Cheers

[crystalball]

This is what I'm planning on buying:

Helmet:
http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/609-bargains_road_and_adventure_ge/4962-helmet_shark_s650_full_face_he.aspx
Gloves:
http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/437-textile_gloves/2688-ixon_pro_tour_glove.aspx

Jacket:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/jackets/auction-406512332.htm
Pants:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/pants/auction-406512399.htm

are these okay?

The jacket I would not buy. Its way to stiff and real hot in summer it also bulks up around your chest and uncomfortable. Wore mine a few times then gave it to the guy for free whom brought my zzr. ( also you look like a traffic light)

[otter]

The jacket I would not buy. Its way to stiff and real hot in summer it also bulks up around your chest and uncomfortable. Wore mine a few times then gave it to the guy for free whom brought my zzr. ( also you look like a traffic light)

Interesting, that was one of the jackets I was looking at when I was in the market. What other jackets are you comparing it to?

[Quasievil]

The jacket I would not buy. Its way to stiff and real hot in summer it also bulks up around your chest and uncomfortable. Wore mine a few times then gave it to the guy for free whom brought my zzr. ( also you look like a traffic light)

I doubt skin safe chemicals are used in these, I recall seeing one chap at a trackday with purple skin.............nasty shit is used in leather tanneries, you have to be sure Skin safe chemicals are used, they arent on cheap stuff in my experience.

(to the haters fuck you , sorry I care about my fellow bikers skin)

[baptist]

The jacket I would not buy. Its way to stiff and real hot in summer it also bulks up around your chest and uncomfortable. Wore mine a few times then gave it to the guy for free whom brought my zzr. ( also you look like a traffic light)

Agree about the jacket, I had one, very stiff and mine would ride up my back as well (as far as the zip onto the pants would allow) and yes it was hot in summer, never felt that comfy in it. The pants from Lifestyle however were really comfy, I did like them, a lot. Sadly I grew out of them:facepalm: The Shark Helmet is good value as well, and at least you can try it on.

It's your skin so be sure that you buy the best you can.

[admenk]

The pants from Lifestyle however were really comfy, I did like them, a lot. Sadly I grew out of them:facepalm:

You ate all the pies :drinkup:
you ate all the pies
you fat baptist
you fat baptist
you ate all the pies

Or something like that

(and they're trousers, not pants - what would her Maj say?)

[baptist]

You ate all the pies :drinkup:
you ate all the pies
you fat baptist
you fat baptist
you ate all the pies

Or something like that

(and they're trousers, not pants - what would her Maj say?)

:clap::clap::clap::clap:

... I thought I had to eat them all to get into the FBMC :whistle::whistle: ... my excuse and I am sticking to it ... Oh and last time I spoke to Maj she was fine with it... as long as I did not sit on the Corgi's

[st00ji]

my recommendation would be to save up some more money and get decent gear, i.e a quality named brand, especially if youre intending to ride in the longer term, cheap gear can be a false economy.

i havent read past page one, but so so much this. i cheaped out all over town when i first got my bike, it feels ok on the shop floor but out on the bike is a different story. i spent enough on gear i never wear anymore to completely replace the one piece in each 'slot' that i ended up being happy with!

being able to sit on a bike is a big plus. imagine doing it for 30 minutes at a time for your commute. anything that feels vaguely annoying or pokey on a first try out is probably going to be driving you mad in a few days of biking.

as for your helmet, you defintely want to try it on first, and going to a store is a great idea - if you dont know much about it, someone there will be able to tell you how it should feel etc.

[nzspokes]

I doubt skin safe chemicals are used in these, I recall seeing one chap at a trackday with purple skin.............nasty shit is used in leather tanneries, you have to be sure Skin safe chemicals are used, they arent on cheap stuff in my experience.

(to the haters fuck you , sorry I care about my fellow bikers skin)

Well im allergic to everything. No bike gear has given me an issue in that regard yet.

[Quasievil]

Well im allergic to everything. No bike gear has given me an issue in that regard yet.

Yeah but you brought a decent Jacket, a shift from memory so you wont have a problem dude.

[nzspokes]

And I got pants from Lifestyle. He had some that fit perfect. Probably the first time in my adult life ive bought something that fit my legs that are to short for my weight.

[Metastable]

To the OP, just from previous stats, and don't ask me to look them up, because I can't remember where I saw it, but basically they say you should dress from the bottom up after getting the helmet. Believe it or not, from a protection standpoint you are much more likely to have serious injury to your feet/lower leg than you are go have a serious injury to your upper body.

Just from seeing friends with serious injuries, this holds true. Get a helmet that fits well and GOOD boots! Then sort the rest out (btw I would never ride without gloves.... but I'm a wimp)

[4AGE]

To the OP, just from previous stats, and don't ask me to look them up, because I can't remember where I saw it, but basically they say you should dress from the bottom up after getting the helmet. Believe it or not, from a protection standpoint you are much more likely to have serious injury to your feet/lower leg than you are go have a serious injury to your upper body.

Just from seeing friends with serious injuries, this holds true. Get a helmet that fits well and GOOD boots! Then sort the rest out (btw I would never ride without gloves.... but I'm a wimp)
Good advice.

I don't know why anyone would ride without gloves.(the amount of scooterists without gloves is mental) Chances are, if you come off you will use your hands to break your fall, cover your face etc. So i would definitely want gloves on.

[Scouse]

To the OP, just from previous stats, and don't ask me to look them up, because I can't remember where I saw it, but basically they say you should dress from the bottom up after getting the helmet. Believe it or not, from a protection standpoint you are much more likely to have serious injury to your feet/lower leg than you are go have a serious injury to your upper body.

Just from seeing friends with serious injuries, this holds true. Get a helmet that fits well and GOOD boots! Then sort the rest out (btw I would never ride without gloves.... but I'm a wimp)that is sort of right but there are a lot of bikers that fuck there back up in a crash so I disagree with the dress from the bottom up after the helmet theory a back protector should be the next item on the list after a good quality helmet and gloves

[steve_t]

To the OP, just from previous stats, and don't ask me to look them up, because I can't remember where I saw it, but basically they say you should dress from the bottom up after getting the helmet. Believe it or not, from a protection standpoint you are much more likely to have serious injury to your feet/lower leg than you are go have a serious injury to your upper body.

Just from seeing friends with serious injuries, this holds true. Get a helmet that fits well and GOOD boots! Then sort the rest out (btw I would never ride without gloves.... but I'm a wimp)

I wonder if the stats are a bit skewed due to people often buying a helmet, gloves and a jacket and nothing else. Less protection for the lower body means statistically more likelihood for injuries, or are they adjusted for the gear worn?

Nonetheless, good boots are a must :yes:

[ynot slow]

Re boots,in a mates case moto cross boots saved him,ne clipped the tray of a landrover back in 1986,he had jeans,jacket,gloves and moto x boots,his knee was and is playing up,so much that he was reccomended at 30yr to have replacement,but his age and at the time the theory was every 15yrs it needed replacing,the docs decided not to do that and he has turned 48 this month,still hobbles on it,but he maintains without the boots he would have been way worse off,if he rode with normal short boots,the length of the motox boots saved his shin,ankle and who knows the outcome without them.

[The Pastor]

dont bother with gear, skin grows back and is free

[Vacquer0]

Hilarious! That needs to go under MC quotes.