Good gear choice for new starting rider?

**Markw336** · 13th August 2009, 21:31

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

thanks

**Hitcher** · 13th August 2009, 21:40

First gear is probably your best gear for getting started.

**2wheeldrifter** · 14th August 2009, 16:49

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

**alexm** · 14th August 2009, 19:09

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** · 14th August 2009, 19:42

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 15th August 2009, 14:27

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** · 15th August 2009, 14:36

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** · 15th August 2009, 14:43

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 15th August 2009, 18:40

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** · 15th August 2009, 18:53

Originally Posted by MaxCannon

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** · 16th August 2009, 20:04

ok so i should get good gear to start with

**JATZ** · 16th August 2009, 20:20

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** · 20th August 2009, 12:22

Originally Posted by 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

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

**crazyhorse** · 20th August 2009, 12:42

Originally Posted by 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

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