Ideas for doing things on the cheap

**anonbiker** · 28th June 2009, 16:04

Hi.

I just thought I would post some things I did to keep costs down as much as possible as $$$ is tight for me. Opinions welcome of course and other comments as to how people tried to save money.

- I used skateboard knee pads and elbow pads. They weren't ultra cheap ones. They are the ones that slip on and they came from Cheapskates. I wore these underneath my clothing. Was happy I was wearing knee pads when I came off as my knee is still abit sore a week or so after and my pants were ripped around the knee.

- I bought some shin guards for Hockey from the Warehouse for about $20. They have a ankle strap too.

- Bought some ankle wraps from the warehouse for $5 each as I heard that the ankle can be stuffed pretty easily in a fall.

- Steel toe leather boots bought from No. 1 shoe warehouse. $60. Didn't want to go too cheap on these. Boots were reduced from $100.

- Leather gloves from the warehouse for $6. These ripped pretty bad when I fell off recently and my hand got a big cut. Not recommended to go cheap here. Perhaps next time I'll just wear fingerless gloves underneath haha.

- Helmet. Just bought cheapest brand new.

- Didn't know how to protect lower arm, chest, shoulders or back on the cheap. Thought about maybe using Gridiron gear haha. Skateboard wrist guards might also be good but might interfere with normal riding and normal use of gloves.

Also thought about use of bullet proof or stab proof vest but I don't think these things come cheap.

**skidMark** · 28th June 2009, 16:07

SQUID

The price of gear is relative to the price you put on your life.

cant afford the gear? dont ride.

this has got to be a troll....

**Spuds1234** · 28th June 2009, 16:08

I reckon your better off just buying good gear as you can.

Leather shoes as a minimum, but Helmet, Jacket, and Gloves shouldnt be skimped on.

**geestring** · 28th June 2009, 16:25

what are you riding. not the point i know, but sounds like you should wait and get second hand gear not random shit from other sports, good on you for trying to save but some times , as you have found out. not realy worth it, do you have a leather jaket, what size are you. have a mate that has a second one he wants to sell.

**dogsnbikes** · 28th June 2009, 16:42

get the riding gear dude yeah it can be a shock at the price at times but so can the shock of not having it as you found out

What size gear are you in pants,jacket and gloves??? there's plenty of second hand gear out there if you dont have a huge budget and cheak with the shops and see if any do a beginners package and you may be susprise that you can be fully kitted out with boots,gloves,jacket,pants and helmet for around $600 Mt Eden motorcycles do one WWW.mtedenmotorcycles.co.nz

otherwise Im sure you could layby some new gear while your bike is off the road

**carver** · 28th June 2009, 17:08

most bins wins

**Ixion** · 28th June 2009, 17:21

Originally Posted by anonbiker

- Steel toe leather boots bought from No. 1 shoe warehouse. $60. Didn't want to go too cheap on these. Boots were reduced from $100.

- Leather gloves from the warehouse for $6. These ripped pretty bad when I fell off recently and my hand got a big cut. Not recommended to go cheap here. Perhaps next time I'll just wear fingerless gloves underneath haha.

-.

Warehouse boots do me just fine. Motorcycle boots are overpriced and either impractical or shoddy.

Gloves, get leather riggers gloves from a safety shop. About $35. fugly as but strong.

More pretentious crap talked about magic gear than anything else in biking.

Good places for cheap kit , Army surplus (excellent place in K Rd if you're in Auckland. Some of it's crap, some of it's overpriced, but there are bargains to be had. A lot of it's new, not just used.

Safety shops, good quality stuff cheap.

More pretentious crap talked about magic gear than anything else in biking.

**anonbiker** · 28th June 2009, 17:37

Originally Posted by Ixion

More pretentious crap talked about magic gear than anything else in biking.

I don't understand this quote?

**carver** · 28th June 2009, 17:40

Originally Posted by anonbiker

I don't understand this quote?

he is of a forgotten generation, i dont understand either yo ma shizzle

**anonbiker** · 28th June 2009, 17:41

I am abit surprised that more people don't do things on the cheap. Thought it was the Kiwi way haha. (Having been here for 13 years I think I'm getting towards being a full Kiwi).

But yeah if I had the money I'd just buy it I guess.

P.S. Looking for a job anyone hiring haha? Seriously. I have a BA from Victoria Wellington and office experience.

**Gremlin** · 28th June 2009, 17:48

Originally Posted by geestring

...but sounds like you should wait and get second hand gear not random shit from other sports, good on you for trying to save but some times , as you have found out. not realy worth it...

Don't dismiss other sports so quickly for all required clothing. Some other activities are extremely complimentary to biking, and are much cheaper than the motorbike brands of gear.

However, for the protection factor, gloves, jackets boots etc, while expensive, they are designed for motorbike protection in mind (ie, higher speed abrasion etc). For warmth, tramping/hiking gear is excellent, designed to be lightweight, pack down small, offer good warmth etc.

I wouldn't be buying cheap helmets... I don't have a cheap head. You don't have to spend a grand plus, but cheap sub $100 helmets are normally just that, cheap...

**anonbiker** · 28th June 2009, 17:56

Gutted tagged with $50 head but helmet actually cost $120. It is good to see that you guys care about safety.

**Mom** · 28th June 2009, 18:01

Originally Posted by anonbiker

Gutted tagged with $50 head but helmet actually cost $120. It is good to see that you guys care about safety.

As the thread starter you can edit the tags on your threads

Hey I agree with what is being said here about buying the best gear you can afford to keep yourself safe. Hells teeth back in the olden days when I started riding I thought I was the best dressed out there with my trusty Line7 suit, some good leather boots a helmet and some gloves. Times have changed, we can now buy all sorts of wonderful safety gear when we ride our bikes.

I think the question of what sort of riding do you do is a good one.

**sil3nt** · 28th June 2009, 18:21

Helmet - $270 - HJC
Jacket - $95 - 1Tonne (sells for $140 got it cheap of KB member)
Pants - $140 - 1Tonne
Gloves - $60 - 1Tonne

Total gear - $565

Still don't know about getting boots but i consider my gear to be cheap yet at the same time good quality and safe.