Going to tech, riding gear recommendations?

[Ice_Monsta]

Hey

I've just got my bike license saving up for the bike. Figured i'd start looking at bike gear before i get the bike.

I'll be riding my bike to tech - this involves and stretch of open road as i live about 15 minutes from civilisation.

Just wondering what sort of gear people would recommend, like do i need the boots and all?

Where's the best place to look, and what sort of price am i looking at?


Thanks

[The Lone Rider]

During the summer I wear jeans, t shirt, boots, deniem cut off sleeve jacket

As it gets colder I replace deniem cut off sleeve jacket with a black leather jacket, then I also have neck warmer, leather gloves, and leather strap on leggings.

So, think about the conditions you will be riding in, think about how much you want to tempt fate (how much saftey gear you want), buy what is appropriate

My gear is as following in price

Boots (I have two pair) - one is a leather set of british combat boots that cost $200 but i originally bought them for work and also combat training. Other pair is a set of slip on work boots with steel caps - cost $115 but my work paid for those. First ones are better but I usually wear 2nd ones cuz they are easy to put on

Gloves - normal leather full finger gloves $30

Leather Image "The Fonze" looking jacket in XXL - $279

Deniem Cut Off - no idea as I've had it for years and years back from the 80s when they were cool everyday wear

Jeans - whatever you want, Levi or Warehouse

Leather strap on leggings - no idea as they were a present, but cost apparently was $20-40 NZD (they were bought in China)

Neck warmer - Looks like a turtleneck shirt, but without the shirt. $20

There are more options out there, thats just what I have picked out for myself

[Hitcher]

With the colder weather on its way I am considering wearing garments. Something suitable skimpy, made of muslin with lurex highlights should do the trick nicely. Too much is made of that new-fangled protective apparel. It's too expensive and just way too, protective. Hypothermia adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the daily commute. I'm sure you will agree.

[xwhatsit]

I agree. The girlfriend loves kissing my blue lips and playing with my shrunken, distorted nipples after riding over the harbour bridge to see her.

[pritch]

You can use any suitable warm clothing for a start but you should have a one piece rain proof suit available under the seat or in a pack if you aren't wearing it. I wear boots commuting on the bike but I leave a pair of shoes at work. So far nobody has complained :-)

Take notice of what other people are doing and ask them how it works for them. Whatever, by the time you are fully kitted out you will have spent quite a bit of money.

[moT]

i reccomend at least proper gloves and boots u can wear a jacket if u like i gotta travel to tech thats what i wear i dont like walking into tech with my full leathers i have done that tho it gets annoying and hot

[Hitcher]

i reccomend at least proper gloves and boots u can wear a jacket if u like i gotta travel to tech thats what i wear i dont like walking into tech with my full leathers i have done that tho it gets annoying and hot

Gahh! What are you "doing" at Tech? Clearly not English or anything that involves a cogent explanation.

[jahrasti]

Gahh! What are you "doing" at Tech? Clearly not English or anything that involves a cogent explanation.

You have to take a really big breath and read it all in one go.

[Kflasher]

You can use any suitable warm clothing for a start but you should have a one piece rain proof suit available under the seat or in a pack if you aren't wearing it. I wear boots commuting on the bike but I leave a pair of shoes at work. So far nobody has complained :-)

Take notice of what other people are doing and ask them how it works for them. Whatever, by the time you are fully kitted out you will have spent quite a bit of money.

Me too, smelly shoes under desk that cleaners push around at night.
I have two piece rain wear on most rides (Auck).

A spare pair of gloves is good to have, as wet cold ones from the night before are a bitch to wear... my 2 cents.

[moT]

Gahh! What are you "doing" at Tech? Clearly not English or anything that involves a cogent explanation.

im not writeing an essay here so what if i cant be fuked useing proper grammer

[Crisis management]

im not writeing an essay here so what if i cant be fuked useing proper grammer

Fine, but it makes it very hard to read and us old bastards get grumpy really easily.........

[kiwifruit]

Hey

I've just got my bike license saving up for the bike. Figured i'd start looking at bike gear before i get the bike.

I'll be riding my bike to tech - this involves and stretch of open road as i live about 15 minutes from civilisation.

Just wondering what sort of gear people would recommend, like do i need the boots and all?

Where's the best place to look, and what sort of price am i looking at?


Thanks

wear the best gear you can afford
dress for the bin not for the ride
boots and all

:rockon:

[Hitcher]

im not writeing an essay here so what if i cant be fuked useing proper grammer

Bring it on! If its ridicule you're after, be warned, I don't tire easily.

[Ice_Monsta]

now now guys :-P on topic haha.

Thanks a lot for the feedback - whats the benefit of boots over decent leather shoes?

Any good cheap places that sell bike gear around Auckland?

[kiwifruit]

whats the benefit of boots over decent leather shoes?



boots will stay on your feet if you bin, they will also help prevent ankle damage
:)

[Panther]

Have you ever known anything to be good and cheap?
is the warehouses motto "our stuff is good and cheap"?

all the gear all the time, bubye a grand atleast.

[GOGAL]

I agree with Kiwifruit - gear up for the bin, not the ride. Obviously we always do our best to get there safely, BUT - who means to have an accident? I had a real nasty one on a short ride on a sunny Sunday afternoon - only good gear saved my right arm from being a stump - One of the lesson's learned that day: only ever ride with good protective gear on.

[moT]

Bring it on! If its ridicule you're after, be warned, I don't tire easily.

How much i would love to i got better things to do with my time, so should you.

[Sanx]

Gahh! What are you "doing" at Tech? Clearly not English or anything that involves a cogent explanation.

Cogent or coherent? Whilst the former is not going to be posible without the latter, I'd have thought the complete lack of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure would be more of a hindrance to comprehension.


Bring it on! If its ridicule you're after, be warned, I don't tire easily.

"it's" :hitcher:


im not writeing an essay here so what if i cant be fuked useing proper grammer

And it takes that much extra effort to hit the Shift key or add in a few punctuation marks? If you want your posts to give the impression you're a dribbling imbecile then you're more than welcome, of course.


How much i would love to i got better things to do with my time, so should you.

An improvement already. A capital letter and two punctuation marks. OK, the comma's in the wrong place and there's full stop and two other capitals missing, but credit where credit's due.

[mark247]

I used to wear jeans and a crap fake leather jacket to tech, now i have draggin jeans, and the DriRider "Urban" jacket, i just wear normal shoes and some cheap gloves.

[moT]

wear a thong if u like just dont crash

[Highlander]

A reasonable ammount of time spent on this site and you will see a couple of recurring themes:

1) Not all accidents are the riders fault. Other road users tend to not see motocyclists.

2) No one here who has taken a fall from their bike saw it coming in time to prevent it.

3) No one has made a post that can convince me the road is any softer on a sunny day.


ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME

[moT]

a car is slightly softer...

[Ice_Monsta]

Hahaha, very nice.
Surely it'd be nicer to fall in the wet, wouldn't ya slide further? Although sliding is only good until the gutter or something similar turns up.
I'm getting the general idea that i'm going to have to get me some good quality gear.
Any recommendations for brands of gear that last? and would fit in as normal clothes - you know, not be completely obvious that I just got off my bike...although really, i should be proud :rockon:

[McDuck]

Have PMed you. You want to stand out, the more the better. Wear some normal clothes under your gear and take the riding gear off when you get there.

[clint640]

Hahaha, very nice.
Surely it'd be nicer to fall in the wet, wouldn't ya slide further? Although sliding is only good until the gutter or something similar turns up.
I'm getting the general idea that i'm going to have to get me some good quality gear.
Any recommendations for brands of gear that last? and would fit in as normal clothes - you know, not be completely obvious that I just got off my bike...although really, i should be proud :rockon:

Draggin jeans & a solid leather jacket are always a good combination of protection & coolness, & leather is really durable, but a full set of basic textile gear is cheaper & you'll also stay dryer.

Cheers
Clint

[Rosie]

No one has made a post that can convince me the road is any softer on a sunny day.

Sometimes the tar is softer when it's sunny :shit:
All the more reason to wear gear. :mellow:

[devnull]

wear the best gear you can afford
dress for the bin not for the ride
boots and all

:rockon:

:first:

What he said. Roads and cages don't get any softer if the distance you travel is less

[kaz]

I agree with the others: textile gear can be worn over your normal clothes and removed, it'll keep you dry and is cheaper than leather. It's a bit annoying to wear all that stuff but it's less annoying than your classmates staring at your skin grafts after an accident. That'll really bring your day down (though it will get you an extension on your assignments).

[breakaway]

I recommend wearing

- Textile Jacket (Waterproof is always a bonus)
- Gloves
- Boots

AT THE VERY LEAST For commuting. I've seen first hand how big a difference gear can make. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=55252)

[jade]

Aim to buy once, splash out on your gear and for christ sakes wear it
Ive crashed 11 times, worn gear everytime and walked away 10 times..
buy your gear before you get your bike.
all the gear, all the time
nobody intends to crash

[ipod1098]

Sorry if allready been said, but in my humble opinion Quasimoto has the best priced/quality gear around.Very helpfull friendly service you won,t go wrong.

[slickaz]

so you guys think all thats needed for riding safety is
Gloves (riding)
Boots (Riding???)
Textile Jacket?
none of the pads on the elbows etc? ive heard some people say you have to get them to keep your arms and knees. but im not racing!! im going to be doing 50 to 60. hardly more as ill drive if i do go further.

Quasimoto? they have a shop in Auckland???
Boots: Are there specific riding boots? ankle protection?
Gloves: obviously available at the store.
Helmet: Whats the best brand as if all else goes id atleast like my head intact for when they bury me.lol.
what is the difference between a textile jacket vs a rain off jacket?2 piece??

[ipod1098]

http://www.quasimoto.co.nz/
Enjoy.
I would recommend sticking with leathers, they have everything except helmets.

[breakaway]

so you guys think all thats needed for riding safety is
Gloves (riding)
Boots (Riding???)
Textile Jacket?
none of the pads on the elbows etc? ive heard some people say you have to get them to keep your arms and knees. but im not racing!! im going to be doing 50 to 60. hardly more as ill drive if i do go further.

Quasimoto? they have a shop in Auckland???
Boots: Are there specific riding boots? ankle protection?
Gloves: obviously available at the store.
Helmet: Whats the best brand as if all else goes id atleast like my head intact for when they bury me.lol.
what is the difference between a textile jacket vs a rain off jacket?2 piece??

Gloves - yes, critical for any type of riding.

Boots - Yes, there are special riding boots. They protect your ankles and won't just come off like normal shoes would in a crash.

Jacket - Yes, I would get one with pads. When I low sided my bike off a 2m bank, I came off at about 100km/h, and rolled for a fair bit. There are huge holes in my riding pants and jacket. The armor saved me. I walked away with just a little scratch on my elbow.

Helmet - Stick with the well known brands - HJC, Shoei, etc

[slickaz]

Thank you..i will get jackets and probably pants with armor. i hear about this chest armour.whats that all about? worth anything? i dont want to be ridicolously decked like im in iraq when im riding to meet my girl at the movies you kno..

[slickaz]

dang! i checked quasimoto they dont seem to sell any leather..or am i not looking hard enough?

[sefer]

Don't worry about extra armour, chest amour is going into MX gear.

Get a jacket with elbow and shoulder armor (it's built in to the jacket, or better still in removable pockets on the inside), and a built in back protector if you can (less important). Most good jackets have elbow and shoulder armor already, some have back protectors. Textile is probably best, it's waterproof, light, and you'll be able to stuff it into a locker or bag if you need, personally I hate carrying my jacket around (actually I've been locking onto my bike through the sleeves lately). There are some good ones on trade me for under $200.

Helmet, anything from a bike shop that fits will be fine. Try lots on, some will fit better than others. You don't have to spend a fortune.

Gloves, I'd say probably the most important thing after a helmet. Just think what your likely to do if you find yourself heading for the ground.. Lots to chose from out there, just make sure they'll stay on.

Boots, bike boots are ideal, but you'd have to carry some shoes most likely, as they're a pain to walk in for long. You can get shoes with ankle armor, but they don't seem popular in NZ. Personally I'd say a good pair of high boots (docs, workboots) will serve for commuting.

Pants, waterproof and armored is probably a good idea. Personally I can't stand wearing Draggin jeans, the kevlar is heavy, itchy and uncomfortable. Of course I'd have to admit to rarely wearing bike pants for commuting these days..

Also get yourself a neck scarf of some description.

[Sanx]

dang! i checked quasimoto they dont seem to sell any leather..or am i not looking hard enough?

You're not looking hard enough. He does have some leathers up there now, but he's also got new gear coming in soon which I don't think is on the site as yet. Drop Quasievil a PM and ask him - that's the easiest thing.

[slickaz]

great, thanks you guys.appreciate your help..i will continue looking.i went to the motorcycle shop up past victoria market yesterday and bought a Shoei helmet, i fugured i better start slowly gathering stuff like someone here adviced so when i do get my license and bike im all set to go. and it helps with the finances as well rather than a bulk buy i guess..
ill be buying a textile jacket soon, something with shoulder elbow and back armor. also will but one of those neck warmer things.
one question: do you guys usually wear your jacket on top of your shirts (work) or t-shirts, polos (play) what about pants? do you have to constantly carry them in a bag so you change everywhere you go?

[Rosie]

one question: do you guys usually wear your jacket on top of your shirts (work) or t-shirts, polos (play) what about pants? do you have to constantly carry them in a bag so you change everywhere you go?

I generally just wear my textile jacket and trousers over top of whatever I'd be wearing normally (with the thermal liner in winter, without in summer). Unless I'm going for a long ride and it's unusually hot/cold, it keeps me at a good temperature.

[breakaway]

I've worn my jacket on top of my pressed work shirt, it didn't ruin it or anything :rolleyes:

When you get there, take it off and hang it on the back of your chair or something.

[Grub]

During the summer I wear jeans, t shirt, boots, deniem cut off sleeve jacket

Then you're being really dumb ... or was this a p/t?

[Grub]

ill be buying a textile jacket soon, something with shoulder elbow and back armor.

You have a good plan in place i.e. getting good gear before the bike - you really won't regret it.

I have a full set of gear from here for the price of just a jacket anywhere else http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/index.php?cPath=40_59

You'll see the colours and options better on the auction site http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Leathers-jackets/auction-115186018.htm

I've had 2 bins in this gear and it rocks. Rick has trouble with his suppliers in them getting custom sizing right, but he supports his product and will take it back and replace if they get it wrong. His customer support is excellent and the product is great, especially at the price of $320 for a complete set!

[Crisis management]

i went to the motorcycle shop up past victoria market yesterday and bought a Shoei helmet.

Good choice of shop, Motomail has very good staff and will give you reliable advice.
You made an earlier comment about "only riding to tech & back at 50 km/hr" infering good gear may be wasted in that situation......I had a recent accident at 50km/hr when a driver U turned onto me and came away with bruises and scrapes. But, my helmets stuffed, my boots are seriously abraded and the jacket looks a bit second hand. If I had been a second earlier up the road I would be in hospital with a broken pelvis and legs.
Never underestimate the force of 1000kgs of car in motion.

Talk to the guys in the shops or email Quasi and take their advice.

[The Lone Rider]

Then you're being really dumb ... or was this a p/t?

Unfortunately Grubby, I don't see it mandatory to speed or crash my bike, or in fact really do anything dangerous on the bike. And to this day, I have never ever even once crashed, been hit, fallen off, hit anyone, hit anything,.... and.. and.. and..