Kidney Belts

[Pwalo]

Yay another random poll and question from me

On the ride I went on, on Sunday I ended up with what felt like a stitch for the last 10 minutes of the ride before we got to the fish n chups place... someone commented that it might be my kidneys that were hurting and not just a stitch (which kinda makes sense as I don't see how you can get a stitch by sitting on your butt throwing a bike around... but I could be wrong).


Thanks again

Have you made sure that you're bike is set up to suit you? Might just need to have a look at your control positions (ie clutch and brake levers, perhaps clip on angle adjustment, if possible), or adjust your suspension to your weight.

I'm sure there's a few threads relating to this on the site. Suspension set up makes a huge difference.

BTW I'm not too sure that throwing your weight around is the best way of getting the best performance out of your bike.

[Ixion]

..
Oh, and one other thing... it actually gives my 57 year old body a narrow (ish)waist again It hides quite nicely under a sweater. Pity I have to take it off sometime

Right !. Where do I get one ! Can I get rush delivery ? Why didn't anyone say what they were used for instead of all this stuff about motorcycles and kidneys.

[placidfemme]

Have you made sure that you're bike is set up to suit you? Might just need to have a look at your control positions (ie clutch and brake levers, perhaps clip on angle adjustment, if possible), or adjust your suspension to your weight.

I'm sure there's a few threads relating to this on the site. Suspension set up makes a huge difference.

BTW I'm not too sure that throwing your weight around is the best way of getting the best performance out of your bike.

I don't know if my bike is set up right for me... but when I said throwing thr bike around it was just a term... in the loosest sense...

[Blackbird]

Right !. Where do I get one ! Can I get rush delivery ? Why didn't anyone say what they were used for instead of all this stuff about motorcycles and kidneys.

Hi Les

There aren't too many people as old as me on this site. Not many people need them for that purpose

[danb]

I was a little saw in the back after the ride last week. The gravel part nearer the fish n chips place did it for me.. I’m not to worried about it at this stage as after a good stretch all was good again. Not having ridden to many hours and still getting used to the bike is probably what it is with me. Once im more confident resulting not being as "stiff" it should go away I assume.

[What?]

I have a BMW kidney belt that is great for lower back support as well as keeping the kidneys in line. Unfortunately it has shrunk, so I haven't worn it for a while...
Bought it from Sydney about 20 years ago, but I guess they still make them.

[Jantar]

Like many other road riders in here I use a back protector with built in kidney belt. It definitely helps to support the back and makes long distance riding less tiring.

I normally only wear it for rides graeter than 2 hours non stop.

[Jackrat]

I wear one for about 75% of my riding due to a back injury.
They work well for lower back support,without it I'd have to quit riding.

[XP@]

Highly recommended bit of kit!

I have 3 - mostly cos i don't wear them too often only on longer rides. so i set off and realise 100km down the road it is still at home.

there are 2 types of belt, road and off road. The road ones are designed for comfort and don't have much armour. The off road ones are also designed to protect you from impact.

Riding on the road with a kidney belt you notice 2 things:
1. you are warmer, it will really keep your mid section from those little chills
2. you sit more properly ie not slouching

The result is many more hours in the saddle and less pain tomorrow.

Just one word of warning, after you stop and have a coffee don't tighten the belt too tight otherwise you will be stopping again real soon!

[Jackrat]

Went up to Motomail today,bought a new kidney belt, amongst other things.
Fox MX =$59.00

[Vagabond]

I have one but only wear it on the odd occasion, especially when the old back plays up!

[FROSTY:Me]

PF--something Ive noticed with female pillions/riders is you need to keep your kidney area warm. Dunno why it is. I have a kidney belt I wear kart racing
I usually just wear my back protector -whic does double duty

[Zapf]

I never thought it'll be useful... that is until I rode to Wanaka from Auckland over 3 days, my back was so sore it wan't funny.... so just went to a pharmecy and whatever back support they have got.

So.... I wear it on long rides and also the sports bike position, as your back is suspending your body against the wind one way and gravity the other.

So... my vote is, yes wear one, but only on longer rides ~(200k+) never for around the city or in Auckland area.

[Biff]

Being a conceited, egotistical kinda fella that I am I thought I knew it all - but bloody kidney belts while riding a bike?! I need to get out more.

Sounds like a good idea - particularly if they help your riding posture.

[laRIKin]

I do use a old one and it more of a denim wrap on the road.
Mainly to keep my back warm and to support my lower back.

I do use a proper one when riding off road all the time.
Even though my body armour has one built in, but is not that good. (off road type, UFO)
And is know where as good as the the one I have by it's self.
So I end up wearing two, do I get extra points for wearing two?
As silly as it sounds I'm not the only one that does this.

Lemans