Who wears safety gear??

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Wed May 07, 2008 9:36 am

Mr. Asphalt doesn't care what you ride, he just wants to have a brief, very close relationship with you, then throw you aside. How many wear at least a helmet and gloves? Anything else?

I always wear a full face helmet, gloves, armored mesh jacket and armored mesh pants for the long runs. Yes, I have kissed the asphalt.

DoubleD

Post by **ericalm** » Wed May 07, 2008 10:55 am

Hey, Dennis,

While we take care not to be too judgmental of what others wear when they ride (as difficult as this sometimes is), you'll find from past threads that most of us wear at least helmet, jacket and gloves when riding. The type of gear varies quite a bit—there are several threads on what types of helmets people prefer and why, and which kinds of jackets provide the best protection.

Personally, while I respect the strict adherents of ATGATT ("all of the gear, all of the time") I feel I have to be honest and admit to riding with "most of the gear, most of the time."

I usually wear a modular helmet but on a couple trips recently have reverted to my 3/4. While the modular handles the warm weather just fine, when I'm riding with my wife, it's easier to communicate scoot-to-scoot without having to life the chin bar every time. I have several jackets but these days wear my Corazzo Max armored jacket except on short local rides on days when it's over 85 or so. I'm in the market for a mesh jacket for summer. Same with boots: most of the time, yes. The rest of the time, it's always at least leather shoes or leather sneakers. Never canvas sneakers. Gloves, always—no exceptions. I have 3 pairs for different weather! Pants: I know they're not the best for riding, but yeah, I wear regular jeans most of the time. Rain gear: none. Doesn't rain that often here and until this year, I never rode in the rain.

Eddy Merckx · Post by **Eddy Merckx** » Wed May 07, 2008 12:39 pm

After 25 years of riding and racing road and mountain bikes at speeds up to 55 mph wearing not but lycra and a helmet, and as well as commuting in urban areas during the same period of time (did not get my auto lis. until I was 34 years old), it is my opinion that the folk that wear armor, leathers, full face helmet, etc. rely to much on that stuff to protect them when it's your brain that will protect you the most, if you think you can compete with the cars and trucks you are doomed to failure, and a certain crash, and bodily injury. It is and alway will be the cyclists ( motor or other wise ) responsibility to not get hit not the motorist responsibility not to hit you, if you don't think this is true your in for an enlightening experience and not a good one at that.

Rely on your smarts not your gear, and you will have much higher odds of not going down......................

I'm not saying don't wear a helmet etc. but that thinking is more important than your helmet....

Queen · Post by **Queen** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:09 pm

I just ride naked, it saves on laundry.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:16 pm

I ride with a cortech GX series 2 jacket, first gear mesh gloves, and a full face helmet.

I may have a ton of crap on, but it's better to be safe than fall over going 40mph and scrape your arms and legs face.

Leeroy Jenkins · Post by **Leeroy Jenkins** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:22 pm

ATGATT.

http://www.ride2die.com

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:38 pm

I always have a modular helmet, gloves, boots and jacket. I am looking for armored overpants, but have not found the right fit yet.

eddy merckx wrote:
it is my opinion that the folk that wear armor, leathers, full face helmet, etc. rely to much on that stuff to protect them

Eddy, I disagree with that generalization. My gear does not replace my brain, but I too have many years of riding and have seen plenty of things to know to protect myself.

I won't push gear unto anyone else (unless I would have to take care of them should they go down). Everyone else can ride in thongs and flip flops if they want.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:41 pm

Eddy Merckx wrote: Rely on your smarts not your gear, and you will have much higher odds of not going down......................

I'm not saying don't wear a helmet etc. but that thinking is more important than your helmet....

And when a drunk guy misses that red light and shoots at you at 50mph in his hummer, what can you do? You cant use brain power and skill to avoid him, you get hit.

Armor and helmets will protect you. Your head isnt the only spot which you need to protect in an accident, your body and vital organs if damaged could kill you just as easy as a hit to the head.

captaintg · Post by **captaintg** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:59 pm

jfrost2 wrote:
Eddy Merckx wrote: Rely on your smarts not your gear, and you will have much higher odds of not going down......................

I'm not saying don't wear a helmet etc. but that thinking is more important than your helmet....
And when a drunk guy misses that red light and shoots at you at 50mph in his hummer, what can you do? You cant use brain power and skill to avoid him, you get hit.

Armor and helmets will protect you. Your head isnt the only spot which you need to protect in an accident, your body and vital organs if damaged could kill you just as easy as a hit to the head.

Poor example. A guy in a hummer that hits you at 50mph? You'd need to be wearing a sherman tank to come out of that in one piece. Riding a scooter is dangerous, period.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed May 07, 2008 2:02 pm

EP_scoot wrote:
eddy merckx wrote:
it is my opinion that the folk that wear armor, leathers, full face helmet, etc. rely to much on that stuff to protect them
Eddy, I disagree with that generalization. My gear does not replace my brain, but I too have many years of riding and have seen plenty of things to know to protect myself.

There's no replacement for riding skills, experience and good judgment. There's also no replacement for your head and the brain inside it.

Best to use—and protect—both. I seriously doubt that those with enough sense to wear protective gear are doing so because they think it will somehow enable them to "get away" with riding recklessly or or somehow invulnerable or less likely to crash as a result. Not in the world of scooters, at least.

In the sport bike world, it's a different story. Plenty of squids out there, armored head to toe, riding like they have a death wish. But for them, gear is as much part of the competition (with each other) as their bikes.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed May 07, 2008 2:27 pm

captaintg wrote:
jfrost2 wrote:
Eddy Merckx wrote: Rely on your smarts not your gear, and you will have much higher odds of not going down......................

I'm not saying don't wear a helmet etc. but that thinking is more important than your helmet....
And when a drunk guy misses that red light and shoots at you at 50mph in his hummer, what can you do? You cant use brain power and skill to avoid him, you get hit.

Armor and helmets will protect you. Your head isnt the only spot which you need to protect in an accident, your body and vital organs if damaged could kill you just as easy as a hit to the head.
Poor example. A guy in a hummer that hits you at 50mph? You'd need to be wearing a sherman tank to come out of that in one piece. Riding a scooter is dangerous, period.

Okay, how about a Honda at 25mph? I think he was just making a point, which is valid either way. Some crashes/wrecks are unavoidable regardless of how skilled and cautious you are. Yes, it is dangerous. All the more reason to gear up.

I really don't think there's a need to argue these points. (That's my casual way of indicating that everyone needs to stop arguing about them.)

r0sa · Post by **r0sa** » Wed May 07, 2008 2:30 pm

Pax wrote:I just ride naked, it saves on laundry.

hahahahha niiiice.
i just wear a helmet and long sleeves

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Wed May 07, 2008 2:33 pm

Gear is just one more weapon in your survival arsenal. It will not replace your brain, it will not guarantee your safety. It will increase the odds of survival; perhaps survival with quicker recovery and less pain. I hate road rash.

All is compromise.

DoubleD

redding · Post by **redding** » Wed May 07, 2008 2:48 pm

I'm all the gear, all the time. I've had a couple of wipe-outs when I was first learning to ride, and the gear that saved me some serious trouble. I'd be missing the pinky finger on my left hand if it wasn't for gloves.

I wear jeans, an armored jacket, gloves, boots or low boots, and a helmet. I have an armored mesh jacket for summer in hi-viz yellow; all my jackets have reflective stripes. Also various pairs of gloves for various weather.

In terms of helmets, I have half-helmets for summer, and a full-face and 3/4 for the rest of the year.

I want to live to ride, and gear will help me do that in case of an accident. To me, it's a no-brainer.

And those who don't wear helmets -- I call them 'organ donors.'

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed May 07, 2008 3:12 pm

captaintg wrote: Poor example. A guy in a hummer that hits you at 50mph? You'd need to be wearing a sherman tank to come out of that in one piece. Riding a scooter is dangerous, period.

Exactly my point, a scooter in general is like a motorcycle, same dangers. No matter how skilled you are, there are always unavoidable things which can kill you on the road, even a pile of mud can make you go down and have road rash all over your arms legs and body. All the more reason like ericalm said, to gear up.

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Wed May 07, 2008 3:27 pm

i always wear a full face, jeans(shorts are NOT sexy if they show road rash), and i've got some black leather work gloves from when i was in the army that i wear. i don't really have a "riding" jacket, but what i do wear is an outdoor jacket that's wind/waterproof and has reflective piping on the seams.

StL_Stadtroller · Post by **StL_Stadtroller** » Wed May 07, 2008 4:01 pm

it's pretty easy to ATGATT

FF Helmet
leather jacket (or mesh in summer)
gloves
draggin' jeans
steel toed work boots.

that's my minimum for riding out, no matter what I'm taking or where I'm going.

NathanielSalzman · Post by **NathanielSalzman** » Wed May 07, 2008 4:03 pm

I ride with a full-face modular helmet, armored gloves, jeans, high-ankle leather boots, and an armored jacket. Every time.

The reality of riding on two wheels is that if you're in an accident, you're going to get hurt. It's just a matter of how badly. It's also a reality that you can be doing everything right, and something will get you. Be it a cager, a drunk, a deer, or a well-placed bumble bee, there are unavoidable hazards out there.

What I don't buy into, however, is this notion that the alternative [the car] is automatically safe. There are hundreds of people killed in automobile accidents every day, even though they're surrounded by steel and airbags. Anybody actually think their convertible is all that safe? Conversely, there are scooter riders this year who have pretty much taken a lexus to the face and lived to tell about it.

The way I figure, short of my number just simply being up. I'll be alright if I:
1. Gear up
2. Don't ride like an idiot in traffic (a lot of motorcycle deaths are the fault of the idiot rider taking risks like they're superman)
3. Be proactive about becoming a better rider - i/e the MSF course, regular exercises (the recent rise in motorcycle fatalities is being greatly attributed to new or returning middle-age riders who have not gained or refreshed their riding skills adequately to stay out of trouble)
4. Ride with an enjoyable paranoia - I assume that the cagers are trying to kill me. It's like doing battle. So I embrace my inner warrior.

madtolive · Post by **madtolive** » Wed May 07, 2008 4:24 pm

Conversely, there are scooter riders this year who have pretty much taken a lexus to the face and lived to tell about it.

thank goodness that is the truth.

Ride with an enjoyable paranoia - I assume that the cagers are trying to kill me. It's like doing battle. So I embrace my inner warrior.

i hadn't thought about it that way. i was afraid that staying on my toes would turn into a paranoia that would be anything but enjoyable, but i like this outlook. i will contemplate it. thanks nathaniel.

Apiarist · Post by **Apiarist** » Wed May 07, 2008 4:30 pm

i always wear 8" boots, riding gloves, ff helmet and thick leather or mesh armored jacket depending on the heat. i mostly wear mesh armor pants, but sometimes i let myself go with just denim for shorter rides.
in my short time of riding i have been pulled out in front of a couple times, but i could sense they were coming and i always watch their wheels. it's funny. whenever i am the only one on the road and an SUV at an intersection waits for me, i get happier. like seeing me/waiting for me is an exception and not the expectation.
use your eyes, don't daydream, and understand people in cars are in a miserable rush to find happiness somewhere other than where they currently are, and they are probably on the phone saying something like, 'hey, watch the news for this scooterist i'm about to hit'.

Leeroy Jenkins · Post by **Leeroy Jenkins** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:12 pm

Dress for the fall.

captaintg · Post by **captaintg** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:47 pm

NathanielSalzman wrote:

What I don't buy into, however, is this notion that the alternative [the car] is automatically safer. There are hundreds of people killed in automobile accidents every day, even though they're surrounded by steel and airbags. Anybody actually think their convertible is all that safe? Conversely, there are scooter riders this year who have pretty much taken a lexus to the face and lived to tell about it

Really? I can't think of a single situation where a scooter would be safer in an accident than a car. Maybe a scooter could dart out of the way, since it is a smaller target, but even then, I'd take my chances in a steel cage with airbags. Just my thoughts.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:50 pm

If wearing jackets, helmets, and gloves dont work at all, then why the heck do we even wear them? It's a proven fact the gear saves lives.

Kurzer · Post by **Kurzer** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:54 pm

Standard for me is a FF lid with Icon pants and gloves, beyond that, it depends what I'm doing. I used to wear full gear all the time no matter what but as I've gained experience I've learned as many others have, that my brain is my number one tool... sure nothing will stop mother nature from trying to take me out, she already has a few times, but each time I simply did what I was trained to do and I came out of the ditch or gravel corner still on two wheels.

NathanielSalzman · Post by **NathanielSalzman** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:55 pm

Really? I can't think of a single situation where a scooter would be safer in an accident than a car. Maybe a scooter could dart out of the way, since it is a smaller target, but even then, I'd take my chances in a steel cage with airbags. Just my thoughts.

That's not what I meant. What I should have said was

What I don't buy into, however, is this notion that the alternative [the car] is automatically SAFE.

I agree with you that in a wreck, you're always better off in a car. What I meant was that being in a car doesn't mean that you're safe from harm on the road. The people who would talk their friends out of riding motorcycles or scooters because they've seen some grizzly photos are often under the assumption that driving a car is an inherently safe undertaking when in reality people die every day in parking lots. And in Europe, more people die crossing the street than in any other road-related fashion. There's risk in anything and it's our responsibility to manage that risk. Part of that on a scooter is wearing your gear. That's what I meant.

captaintg · Post by **captaintg** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:58 pm

NathanielSalzman wrote:
Really? I can't think of a single situation where a scooter would be safer in an accident than a car. Maybe a scooter could dart out of the way, since it is a smaller target, but even then, I'd take my chances in a steel cage with airbags. Just my thoughts.
That's not what I meant. What I should have said was

What I don't buy into, however, is this notion that the alternative [the car] is automatically SAFE.
I agree with you that in a wreck, you're always better off in a car. What I meant was that being in a car doesn't mean that you're safe from harm on the road. The people who would talk their friends out of riding motorcycles or scooters because they've seen some grizzly photos are often under the assumption that driving a car is an inherently safe undertaking when in reality people die every day in parking lots. And in Europe, more people die crossing the street than in any other road-related fashion. There's risk in anything and it's our responsibility to manage that risk. Part of that on a scooter is wearing your gear. That's what I meant.

Oh, I'm with you now. Roger that.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:38 pm

Gear threads are almost as good as "what oil is best?" thread.

If you've never been down all of this is theoretical. If you have, you know and understand without discussion. Weigh your responsibilities and if you find that you have none, be free to do as you please. If you do have them, consider them greatly before making your decision.

All is compromise.

DoubleD

Orange Guy · Post by **Orange Guy** » Sat May 10, 2008 10:53 am

I do want to thank all the folks on Modern Buddy for the info on gear.

When I got my scoot, I got a 3/4 helmet ... and that was it.

My gloves came in the mail a couple days ago and I just ordered my FF helmet yesterday from a local shop.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Sat May 10, 2008 2:48 pm

Orange Guy wrote:I do want to thank all the folks on Modern Buddy for the info on gear.

.

Same here... beyond a helmet I hadn't really considered what gear I'd need until I started lurking here. I have to admit that once the reality hit me (oh duh, this is JUST like a motorcycle and I could wreck just as hard just as easily), some of the charm of the scooter wore off- gone where the visions of bounding out the door, hopping on the scooter, starting it up and scooting off. Now it's, bound out the door, start to gear up, unlock the scooter's various locks, start the scooter, finish gearing up, and THEN scoot off!!

I ride most all of the time in a FF, armored jacket, boots and gloves. The only negotiable *for me* is the jacket and when I don't wear it, I end up not liking how it feels- being geared up is definitely a nice cocoon.

MarsR · Post by **MarsR** » Sat May 10, 2008 3:27 pm

jmazza wrote:Same here... beyond a helmet I hadn't really considered what gear I'd need until I started lurking here.

That's me, too. I bought the scooter and a 3/4 helmet and thought I was all set. I'd never even heard of an armored jacket until I read about them here on MB (visions or Sir Lancelot on a scooter came to mind.

) Anyway, now I wear a FF helmet and a Cortech armored jacket. I still wear cheapo gloves, but am looking for a good pair. I guess I haven't caught the vision of the boots yet. I don't want to wear boots at work and I hate to change my shoes just to ride. I'll just have to work that out for myself.

Orange Guy · Post by **Orange Guy** » Sat May 10, 2008 3:45 pm

MarsR wrote:I still wear cheapo gloves, but am looking for a good pair.

These are the gloves I got. Maybe cheap(?), but they are comfortable and I like the feel of the carbon fiber guard over the knuckles.

MarsR wrote:I guess I haven't caught the vision of the boots yet. I don't want to wear boots at work and I hate to change my shoes just to ride. I'll just have to work that out for myself.

For me, it's pants.

Really, I wear shorts ALL the time and one of the main uses of the scoot is to get to area disc golf courses. Playing a couple 3-hour rounds in long pants is not an option in the dead heat of summer.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Sat May 10, 2008 3:54 pm

MarsR wrote: I'd never even heard of an armored jacket until I read about them here on MB (visions or Sir Lancelot on a scooter came to mind. ) ...
I guess I haven't caught the vision of the boots yet. I don't want to wear boots at work and I hate to change my shoes just to ride. I'll just have to work that out for myself.

Yeah, if it wasn't so hot down here I'd look for some sweet chainmail to ride in!!!

And on the boots, I don't wear riding boots but now I wear my Doc Marten's just about every day- which gets old and hot. I do get the concept though- shoes fly off too easily in a slide, ankles and toes can be crushed. But I'm with you, it's ONE more thing to do. Yet, like I said, I'm pretty much riding in them every day.

Post by **ericalm** » Sat May 10, 2008 10:09 pm

MarsR wrote:
jmazza wrote:Same here... beyond a helmet I hadn't really considered what gear I'd need until I started lurking here.
That's me, too. I bought the scooter and a 3/4 helmet and thought I was all set. I'd never even heard of an armored jacket until I read about them here on MB (visions or Sir Lancelot on a scooter came to mind. ) Anyway, now I wear a FF helmet and a Cortech armored jacket. I still wear cheapo gloves, but am looking for a good pair. I guess I haven't caught the vision of the boots yet. I don't want to wear boots at work and I hate to change my shoes just to ride. I'll just have to work that out for myself.

I was in the same boat when I started riding, then I discovered Modern Vespa. That's one of the many reasons we maintain the "Who's Crashed?" thread here. A lot of us come into scootering underestimating of the risks involved and what can be done to mitigate them.

If you're not wearing boots, consider at least sturdy leather shoes. Most sneakers (yes, I ride in my occasionally) don't stand up to asphalt, even in a low-speed slide. They just shred right off and your feet and ankles are very exposed. Anything less than that (sandals, whatever) and you may as well be barefoot.

Aside from a helmet, though, the one piece of gear I never ride without is my gloves. I have 3 pairs to get me through any kind of weather: Brazimoto Union Jacks, Olympia perforated leather, Tourmaster gauntlets. I have a pathological fear of damaging my hands and being unable to work; it's the kind of thing I have nightmares about.

ScooterMcGee · Post by **ScooterMcGee** » Sat May 10, 2008 10:18 pm

These Are my new riding gloves.

KCScooterDude · Post by **KCScooterDude** » Sat May 10, 2008 10:40 pm

Pax wrote:I just ride naked, it saves on laundry.

Except for replacing that seat leather every so often.

KCScooterDude · Post by **KCScooterDude** » Sat May 10, 2008 10:56 pm

I live in Kansas (a few blocks from Missouri - my home state) where there is no helmet law and I have to say, apart from Harley riders, I rarely see someone going al fresco. Sometimes a Ninja-type rider. You have to wear a lid in Missouri.

Anyway, for me - gloves, a full face and at least a mesh jacket. I think I've gone without a jacket maybe once on a ride longer than five minutes to the grocery store. Docs and jeans when I'm on lonng rides, but when I commute it's work attire - leather shoes (Borns, mostly) and cotton pants that won't do anything to combat road rash. I'll admit to wearing shorts and tennis shoes on hot days.

For anyone considering a mesh jacket - buy one. I find it works as an air conditioner and if I move my shoulders just right the wind hits the shoulder armor and sends a cool breeze down my back. I swear I'm cooler with the jacket on than just wearing a t-shirt. I know that sounds crazy, but the mesh material is kind of cool on your arms and the way the wind works through the mesh acts like a fan.

Post by **ericalm** » Sat May 10, 2008 11:06 pm

KCScooterDude wrote:For anyone considering a mesh jacket - buy one. I find it works as an air conditioner and if I move my shoulders just right the wind hits the shoulder armor and sends a cool breeze down my back. I swear I'm cooler with the jacket on than just wearing a t-shirt. I know that sounds crazy, but the mesh material is kind of cool on your arms and the way the wind works through the mesh acts like a fan.

What kind do you have?

The one caveat with mesh jackets is that there are a lot of reports that they don't hold up in a slide. Stands to reason that they wouldn't be as resistant to friction and snagging as solid materials. I think this is one of the reasons the Corazzo limited their mesh on the Speedway to the chest panels (but that's just conjecture).

Still, I know I'll want and need a mesh this summer and that it's better than not wearing a jacket at all.

Orange Guy · Post by **Orange Guy** » Sun May 11, 2008 12:19 am

jmazza wrote:I have to admit that once the reality hit me (oh duh, this is JUST like a motorcycle and I could wreck just as hard just as easily)

Yes! Actually, my moment of clarity came when I was trying to explain the which weighs heavier thing (a pound of feathers or a pound of rocks) to my 7-year-old son. My mind wandered to "which is faster? 55 mph on a scooter or 55 mph on a motorcycle."

KCScooterDude · Post by **KCScooterDude** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:01 am

ericalm wrote:
KCScooterDude wrote:For anyone considering a mesh jacket - buy one. I find it works as an air conditioner and if I move my shoulders just right the wind hits the shoulder armor and sends a cool breeze down my back. I swear I'm cooler with the jacket on than just wearing a t-shirt. I know that sounds crazy, but the mesh material is kind of cool on your arms and the way the wind works through the mesh acts like a fan.
What kind do you have?

The one caveat with mesh jackets is that there are a lot of reports that they don't hold up in a slide. Stands to reason that they wouldn't be as resistant to friction and snagging as solid materials. I think this is one of the reasons the Corazzo limited their mesh on the Speedway to the chest panels (but that's just conjecture).

Still, I know I'll want and need a mesh this summer and that it's better than not wearing a jacket at all.

FieldSheer Mach 7 mesh jacket. I got it at MotorcycleCloseouts.com, which we in KC have the advantage of being able to pick up at the store. If you keep an eye on their Web site you can find some really incredable deals. Not a lot of scooter-specific stuff, but I did get an HJC full face for about a third of the retail because it was a style that was a couple of years old.

As for mesh - yes, it's not leather, but road rash is one thing, an impact is another and I think the armour is pretty good. It certainly will hold up better than a cotton tee. Came with a zip-out rain liner too. These things aren't flimsy at all It's got three layers of fabric at least.

Also - sweat breathes out of it so not so funky!

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:14 am

I have a FieldSheer High Flow and I agree that it feels cooler with it on. Today started our ridiculously hot season and I did one ride with the jacket and one without... it just feels better with the jacket on. Air moves in the right places, no shirt flapping and hitting my skin, etc.

As far as it holding up in a slide my only expectation is that it hold the armor in place. Mine actually has textile on the bottoms of the arms as well as shoulders (over the armor) so I'm pretty confident in it. There's just no way I could do a jacket even like the Speedway down here. And as we always say, the best gear is the gear you wear.

MarsR · Post by **MarsR** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:56 am

I got the Cortech GX Air Jacket. It has both a zip-in rain/wind liner and a zip-in thermal liner. It is mostly very dense mesh, but with leather around the armour on the shoulders, forearms and back. It breaths beautifully and is surprisingly cool with the liners removed. I'm anxious to see how it does when the temp gets up to 100*. I was glad to find it at a local Honda MC dealer because I ended up buying a smaller size than I expected I would need.

Eddy Merckx · Post by **Eddy Merckx** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:17 pm

jfrost2 wrote:
Eddy Merckx wrote: Rely on your smarts not your gear, and you will have much higher odds of not going down......................

I'm not saying don't wear a helmet etc. but that thinking is more important than your helmet....
And when a drunk guy misses that red light and shoots at you at 50mph in his hummer, what can you do? You cant use brain power and skill to avoid him, you get hit.

Armor and helmets will protect you. Your head isnt the only spot which you need to protect in an accident, your body and vital organs if damaged could kill you just as easy as a hit to the head.

like i said in the posting " I'm not saying don't ware a helmet etc."

Eddy Merckx · Post by **Eddy Merckx** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:21 pm

ericalm wrote:
EP_scoot wrote:
eddy merckx wrote:
it is my opinion that the folk that wear armor, leathers, full face helmet, etc. rely to much on that stuff to protect them
Eddy, I disagree with that generalization. My gear does not replace my brain, but I too have many years of riding and have seen plenty of things to know to protect myself.
There's no replacement for riding skills, experience and good judgment. There's also no replacement for your head and the brain inside it.

Best to use—and protect—both. I seriously doubt that those with enough sense to wear protective gear are doing so because they think it will somehow enable them to "get away" with riding recklessly or or somehow invulnerable or less likely to crash as a result. Not in the world of scooters, at least.

In the sport bike world, it's a different story. Plenty of squids out there, armored head to toe, riding like they have a death wish. But for them, gear is as much part of the competition (with each other) as their bikes.

Like I said in the posting " I'm not saying don't ware a helmet etc. "

Eddy Merckx · Post by **Eddy Merckx** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:23 pm

EP_scoot wrote:I always have a modular helmet, gloves, boots and jacket. I am looking for armored overpants, but have not found the right fit yet.

eddy merckx wrote:
it is my opinion that the folk that wear armor, leathers, full face helmet, etc. rely to much on that stuff to protect them
Eddy, I disagree with that generalization. My gear does not replace my brain, but I too have many years of riding and have seen plenty of things to know to protect myself.

I won't push gear unto anyone else (unless I would have to take care of them should they go down). Everyone else can ride in thongs and flip flops if they want.

Like I said in the posting " I"m not saying don't ware a helemt etc. "

Post by **ericalm** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:45 pm

Eddy, I don't think it's necessary to post the same reply 3 times. In fact, it's pretty obnoxious. Once is sufficient, thanks.

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:06 pm

This seems like a good thread to ask for recommendations for specific glove.
I am looking for something that is not hot.
I have been doing some searches but most of what I find looks like it should be on a Harley guy or speed racer.
Are there any simply styled cycle gloves out there?
Any links to sellers would be appreciated!

madtolive · Post by **madtolive** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:15 pm

http://corazzo.net/?q=node/217

I wear the corazzo carbone and like it well enough. it's the only glove i've ever worn (except for some mesh fingerless ones i wore with my madonna circa-lucky star outfit for a paty one time, ahem), and so far i have had no cause for complaint. i don't think it looks too bad, and my hands don't sweat.

BadBrains · Post by **BadBrains** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:18 pm

ScootLemont wrote:This seems like a good thread to ask for recommendations for specific glove.
I am looking for something that is not hot.
I have been doing some searches but most of what I find looks like it should be on a Harley guy or speed racer.
Are there any simply styled cycle gloves out there?
Any links to sellers would be appreciated!

I've been using these gloves for riding in medium-to-high heat weather:

http://www.joerocket.com/productJR.cfm?products_id=162

They're entirely leather with extra padding on the palms, but perforated all around. There's also a nice hard plastic knuckle guard to let air in. My fingers never feel sweaty and there aren't any stitches or barbs on the inside to annoy the hands. I chose these over other gauntlet styled gloves because I wanted a glove that extended far enough to protect the wrists, but not far enough to where it required an extra strap.

I also chose them because like you mentioned, they're simpler looking than speed racer style gloves, but they still might have too much going on for you visually. The only thing I can really recommend is trying on the pair of gloves you intend to buy and wearing them around in the store for at least 10 minutes. People might look at you funny, but you learn a lot about the gloves in those first 10 minutes.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:25 pm

ScootLemont wrote:This seems like a good thread to ask for recommendations for specific glove.
I am looking for something that is not hot.
I have been doing some searches but most of what I find looks like it should be on a Harley guy or speed racer.
Are there any simply styled cycle gloves out there?
Any links to sellers would be appreciated!

There are lots, depending on how much protection you're looking for and what you want to spend. I have 3 pairs of gloves for different weather. For summer, I wear Olympia perforated leather gloves, which are similar to these.

There Power Trip Blackjacks (on sale!) and this pair from Olympia are a slightly heavier options with gel palms.

There are also various kevlar and textile mesh versions, but I get the sense that's not quite what you're looking for.

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:50 pm

I have these... air circulation is good so far (and it's been pretty hot).

http://www.power-trip.com/products.cfm?products_id=538

Modern Buddy

Who wears safety gear??

Who wears safety gear??

My gear of choice

Re: My gear of choice

Re: My gear of choice