- This topic has 7 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 11 months ago by Munch.
Better Gear = Better Riding?
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April 27, 2009 at 1:14 pm #2752WeaponZeroParticipant
I recently invested in a pair of FirstGear overpants (same ones Elwood has), upgraded my helmet from an HJC CL-15 to a Shark RSR2, Upgraded my gloves from a generic pair of River Road leather gloves to a pair of Speed & Strength Moment of Truth SP gloves, and started wearing earplugs. Now, I rode for a fairly significant length of time before I bought all this nice gear without seeing any significant increases in my skill level or confidence level while riding. I was getting somewhat discouraged and wondered whether or not riding really was for me. But when I bought the GOOD gear, and added earplugs, almost overnight I found myself able to do things I wasn’t doing before, things I thought it would take months and months of practicing to be able to do. I amazed myself at how I was riding, taking turns faster, responding to emergency situations better, riding like a “pro”.
So, to all new riders: DON’T SKIMP ON THE GEAR! it WILL make you a better rider and you will have WAY more fun! And WEAR EARPLUGS!
April 27, 2009 at 2:01 pm #18041MunchParticipantI wouldn’t say it “WILL MAKE you a better rider”. However what it does do is give you more confidence in the protection you have and the comfort and mobility of good equipment. In the winter time I wear layers and all that bulk will give me a sluggish and heavy feel and makes me confine my movements on the bike. Once the heat comes back and I am able to scale back down quite a bit I feel lighter and more maneuverable.
I can move better, see better, and not heavy feeling and can throw my 900 around with the best of ’em. The better gear moves with you…not you having to force it to move. All the while allowing your skill that you have to come out.April 27, 2009 at 4:21 pm #18048eonParticipantI agree with Munch on the confidence thing. For me being able to take a corner well comes down to how I am feeling at that precise moment with the bike and with myself. Wearing good/comfortable protective gear will help with that. I also think the ear plugs may be helping more than you think. Without them I certainly notice a lot more wind noise and it is distracting. I would guess your brain is interpreting that noise as ‘you are going fast!’ and would not help your concentration and/or confidence.
April 27, 2009 at 5:01 pm #18053briderdtParticipantAfter initially feeling very insulated the first time I wore them riding, I find that I am not as distracted, and my fatigue levels went WAY down. Now, it’s more that I feel the bike, rather than trying to sort out all the sounds.
April 27, 2009 at 5:19 pm #18055megaspazParticipanthrm… i’ve seen folks all geared up to the hilt and they suck at riding… better gear != better rider…
April 27, 2009 at 6:38 pm #18058SantaCruzRiderParticipantI get all suited up and look like Joe Rider, but it all goes to hell once I lift up the kickstand!
But next time I NEED a spendy new jacket, I’m going to try the “I need it to improve my stopping distance” reasoning
April 27, 2009 at 8:37 pm #18062WanderingRiderParticipantI recently went from a black leather jacket (not designed for riding) to a new Joe Rocket mesh jacket w/ elbow and back protection. That has made SUCH a difference! The new jacket fits a lot more snugly than my old one, so it doesn’t flap around nearly as much. I didn’t realize how fatiguing that was before. Not to mention I don’t get too hot, and I feel more confident with the elbow and back protection.
Another thing thats improved my overall comfort has been the Ear Fuze earphones I bought a couple of months back. For anyone thats never heard of them, they are foam rubber earbud type ear phones that come with a two part compound that you mix together, and mold into your ear with the earphone. I’ve seen some bad reviews on them, but I took my time to shape them correctly, and they fit great. They block out a lot of sound too, are very comfortable, and never fall out. I got mine on ebay for $30.
April 27, 2009 at 11:30 pm #18068MunchParticipantWell I guess tomorrow I will try the whole ear plug thing. I never am bothered by it….mostly due to the fact I am an auto mechanic and even at 80 mph the wind noise doesn’t even come close to the crap I hear for 12 hours. Air guns, air chisels, high rev motors, high pitched car alarms that everyone ignores…. you name it. The wind actually is a nice treat for me. I found some laying around so I guess I will try them on in the morning ride to the shop.
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