Dirt bike recommendations?

[nzspokes]

when buying boots what are important features to look for?

They fit and match the rest of your gear. I bought bright white as they were on sale. Mates gave me shit untill they turned a dirty grey.

[noobi]

when buying boots what are important features to look for?

Fit primarily, as some run wider than others, the cheaper price point boots are all pretty comparable in terms of quality.
They will all feel stiff to start with, but you should know that from road riding.

The exception to the rule is the Gaerne GX1 at RRP of $350, I would put it above all boots in the same price bracket and even some above that.
The best of the best being the Sidi Crossfire, or Gaerne SG10 or SG12.

[bosslady]

Fit primarily, as some run wider than others, the cheaper price point boots are all pretty comparable in terms of quality.
They will all feel stiff to start with, but you should know that from road riding.

The exception to the rule is the Gaerne GX1 at RRP of $350, I would put it above all boots in the same price bracket and even some above that.
The best of the best being the Sidi Crossfire, or Gaerne SG10 or SG12.

I keep hearing Gaerne over and over again, must be good. Do you know much about alpinestars?

[bosslady]

also, is getting gear that matches the colours on your bike the done thing? try not to laugh or eye roll, I'm serious.

[Madness]

I tried, honest I tried

[pete-blen]

The exception to the rule is the Gaerne GX1 at RRP of $350,

GX1 is a nice boot... prob would have bought them if they didn't
have a smoothish MX type sole & a wee bit stiff to start with..
so I bought Forma ADV boots.. grippy sole , soft/flexable enough to use
on the Trials bike as well...

[bosslady]

what's the part of your body that's more likely to get injured than any other? the feet and ankles maybe? I already have a bad right ankle that still gives me grief after twisting it 6 months ago, so I'd need a very supportive boot I think..

[Ocean1]

what's the part of your body that's more likely to get injured than any other?

Clavicle fracture is common. Knees, elbows, broken fingers, broken arms...

Best you just stay in bed.

[bosslady]

Best you just stay in bed.

I might as well be dead if i just stayed in bed! although bedtime is calling soon! yawnnn

Was just trying to think what was best investing in after helmet and boots

[noobi]

I keep hearing Gaerne over and over again, must be good. Do you know much about alpinestars?

Yes, im currently using tech 8s.

The tech 3 being their entry level boot at a RRP of $400. It is a very sturdy boot, but very stiff. It has a bonded sole instead of the traditional stitched sole, imagine road boot sole v work boot. The buckles are also very stiff, but you'll never have them come undone whilst riding.
I think generally that Alpinestar are maybe more orientated towards mx than trail/enduro. Mostly due to the stiffness of their boots and bonded soles on most models they make. That doesn't make them bad as a trail boot, quite the opposite, they provide good protection and support, they're just stiff. If you can find a pair to try, its best you get an idea that way, than from opinions on the internet.

[bosslady]

thanks, appreciate it, I'll have to go try some boots next week. What can you tell me about insurance? stupid me only thought about it last night. Would I go to kiwibike my broker and they'd sort it? I guess you can only get it insured for third party fire and theft or something?

[BoristheBiter]

thanks, appreciate it, I'll have to go try some boots next week. What can you tell me about insurance? stupid me only thought about it last night. Would I go to kiwibike my broker and they'd sort it? I guess you can only get it insured for third party fire and theft or something?

Pretty much. I have yet to find an insurance company that will insure for off road riding.

as for armour, At the start you will be going slow so boots, helmet, gloves (as everyone else has said). buy what you can afford and upgrade as old bits get worn. I have Gaerne boots that have lasted over 10 years so they would be my choice.
As you get faster the "get off's" will show you what you need next as it is all just as important (I should have got knee braces before armour).

[bosslady]

good advice, thank you

[gwynfryn]

also, is getting gear that matches the colours on your bike the done thing? try not to laugh or eye roll, I'm serious.

Yes everything has to match your bike and be fully colour and brand coordinated. They normally have scrutineers who check for this sort of thing and most riders will get advice from a stylist to save any potential embarrassment. Just think horse polo but on bikes.

[bosslady]

Yes everything has to match your bike and be fully colour and brand coordinated. They normally have scrutineers who check for this sort of thing and most riders will get advice from a stylist to save any potential embarrassment. Just think horse polo but on bikes.

cool do you know of any good stylists?