Good gear choice for new starting rider?

[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 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

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

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.

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.

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