ATGATT, the Pilsbury Doughboy, and the Devil's Butthole

[papacooldown]

I have full set of gear for off road riding, but I never thought much about gearing up on the street since I ride so slow on my short work commute. Then the other day a grizzled old biker took me aside and told me I shouldnt be riding around in just a helmet and gloves. Naturally, I apologized and put my shirt and pants back on. "All The Gear All The Time", he said, and proceeded to frighten me with tale after gruesome cautionary tale: bold riders and barbwire fences, oil slicks and detached aortas, squids skipping stop signs, and a woman riding 2-up who lost a nipple...

It goes without saying that a life without both nipples is not worth living, so I have started shopping around for good gear...and good lord is it expensive! Not only that, but im a pretty big dude (6'3", 280lbs) and a resident of Devil's Butthole, California, where no one can agree on what's worse; the heat or the air quality. And while my current manager might fancy the musk of a sweaty man in mesh and plastic armor, my coworkers would soon get jealous and force me to ride a KLR...so I need something I can wear over my work attire and remove once I arrive, preferably with as few sweat stains as possible.

So if anyone reading this has experience outfitting thrill-seeking cows and/or hogs in somewhat affordable, breathable protective gear so they can careen down the side of scorching volcanoes in minimal discomfort - and can apply said experience to large humans on motorcycles - then I could really use your help!

Any ideas would be most welcome

[Hundlewerx Motovision]

Lol I feel your pain...6'1" 260...far from the DB tho?

[DRZadvKat01]

Gear isn't cheap! But you are protecting your skin, your spine and your working ability. You just need to check out your local motorcycle superstore or whatever you all have out that way and get a light jacket that has some spine protection. They make them in mesh but I prefer the ones with a little more skin protection. And you already have gloves so that's a plus. Then some kind of foot protection... if you break an ankle you won't be able to work so ya need that. Leave some work shoes at work wear your boots back n forth. And watch this..... this is my inspiration for wearing gear!!

https://vimeo.com/22897515

And you can go to rockthegear.org and they talk more about the importance of it and what to look for!

Edited March 27, 2015 by DRZadvKat01

[Signman606]

Gear isn't cheap! But you are protecting your skin, your spine and your working ability. You just need to check out your local motorcycle superstore or whatever you all have out that way and get a light jacket that has some spine protection. They make them in mesh but I prefer the ones with a little more skin protection. And you already have gloves so that's a plus. Then some kind of foot protection... if you break an ankle you won't be able to work so ya need that. Leave some work shoes at work wear your boots back n forth. And watch this..... this is my inspiration for wearing gear!!

https://vimeo.com/22897515

And you can go to rockthegear.org and they talk more about the importance of it and what to look for!

 

Wow, definitely makes you take a 2nd look......

[DRZadvKat01]

Wow, definitely makes you take a 2nd look......

yes she does!! We don't think about this stuff when riding... even if you just go up the road and back. We all do it but since I met Brittany I think more about it. Chris likes to call me a power ranger sometimes but hey I like my skin and things!

[bmwpowere36m3]

Buying "off-season", on close-out, last years models or even used on some items... is a good way to save money.  Shop around locally and online.  There are lots of good reviews on budget gear online.  At your size it might be harder to find a large selection of gear.

 

For most, gear is a big investment... I look at it as insurance and cheaper in most cases than one trip to the ER.  I'm slowly working on my gear collection... little by little over the years.  Depending on the kind of riding you do, you can "dual" use some items say between street and off-road use.  My collection:

 

Street

Shoei RF-1000 helmet (closeout $350)

Cortech Latigo leather jacket (closeout $170)

Dainese D6 kevlar jeans (discounted Cycle Gear $130)

Held Airstream gloves ($80)

Bates combat boots (used for work)

 

Off-Road

AFX FX-39 helmet, dual-sport ($120)

Shoei VFX-W helmet ($400)

Alpinestar Techstar pants/jersey/gloves (used $100)

T.E.C. Novik gloves ($25)

Gaerne SG-10 boots (used $200)

Thor Roost Guard and EVS R2 neck roll (gift from riding buddy)

Fox Racing kidney belt ($30)

EVS Burly elbow guards ($30)

EVS Option knee guards ($30)

Oakley O-Frames (old snowboarding googles, bought MX lenses for them)

 

More importantly than buying a lot of gear or expensive gear... is actually wearing it.  I'm currently shopping for riding boots (street), like Alpinestars SMX-3 and kevlar pants with CE armor or separate CE armor to wear under the jeans.

[DougBurgoyne]

Wow, Brittany. Can't believe she still likes to ride.  I think it's great that she is raising awareness to the need for proper gear. But I must have missed the part that says not to ride on public roads at 120 mph!  That must be at least twice the posted speed limit, which probably caused the loss of control, which almost cost her life. Very tragic, but glad she pulled through!  What about obeying the law, riding smart (what? no wheelies through intersections at 70 mph...come on!), being defensive, and never riding when tired, fatigued, bad visibility, or impaired by legal or illegal drugs or alcohol (I wonder if the old school  biker that schooled you ever rides home from the bar after having a beer or two with his buddies).  I would much rather avoid an accident through these common sense practices, than having on $1500 worth of gear and going  down. After all, at 120 mph, no amount of gear is going to save your life if you contact a tree, guard rail, sign post, fence post, rock, car, etc.  Gear up..AND ride smart folks! 

 

Thought your post was great, and funny papa. Good luck on your search. Do like many of us cash strapped riders do...keep a regular eye out on ebay and craigslist for great lightly used gear at sometimes silly prices. There are XXL and 3XL deals to be had. Also,  read the reviews for gear you need like boots,  to find gear that does a great job in the budget range you are in. 

[DRZadvKat01]

Wow, Brittany. Can't believe she still likes to ride. I think it's great that she is raising awareness to the need for proper gear. But I must have missed the part that says not to ride on public roads at 120 mph! That must be at least twice the posted speed limit, which probably caused the loss of control, which almost cost her life. Very tragic, but glad she pulled through! What about obeying the law, riding smart (what? no wheelies through intersections at 70 mph...come on!), being defensive, and never riding when tired, fatigued, bad visibility, or impaired by legal or illegal drugs or alcohol (I wonder if the old school biker that schooled you ever rides home from the bar after having a beer or two with his buddies). I would much rather avoid an accident through these common sense practices, than having on $1500 worth of gear and going down. After all, at 120 mph, no amount of gear is going to save your life if you contact a tree, guard rail, sign post, fence post, rock, car, etc. Gear up..AND ride smart folks!

Thought your post was great, and funny papa. Good luck on your search. Do like many of us cash strapped riders do...keep a regular eye out on ebay and craigslist for great lightly used gear at sometimes silly prices. There are XXL and 3XL deals to be had. Also, read the reviews for gear you need like boots, to find gear that does a great job in the budget range you are in.

Yes Britt is an amazing rider!... she actually works for ICON now and teaches rider safety classes. She used to live here in Lexington Ky is how I met her now is in Cali and all over. Really makes a difference.

You just got to ride smart and keep an eye out for others.

[papacooldown]

Thanks all. In all seriousness I'm less concerned about the money aspect...after all, an overnight stay at the hospital would probably cost more than two full sets of gear with my company's crappy health plan.

So what's the best thing to do about the heat situation? Its 95+ from now until around October, with lots of 105+ days. I've read some reviews recommending mesh and some saying to avoid it. I really dont even know where to start looking or what to look for.

[BlueHeart]

Thanks all. In all seriousness I'm less concerned about the money aspect...after all, an overnight stay at the hospital would probably cost more than two full sets of gear with my company's crappy health plan.

So what's the best thing to do about the heat situation? Its 95+ from now until around October, with lots of 105+ days. I've read some reviews recommending mesh and some saying to avoid it. I really dont even know where to start looking or what to look for.

I feel the same way about figuring out what gear to get, what is a good value and the little details that can make a huge difference. Unfortunately for me, the nearest motorcycle store that has a lot of gear is 2.5 hours away. (That's a guess as I don't know where,I just figured a large metro area should have one.)

[papacooldown]

Yeah similar situation here with the gear shops. We have a cycle gear but they have a small selection and the employees are rude.

[Decil Moto]

Here me on my bikes with my collection of riding gear! My Japanese racing boots are my crowning jewel of my protection! Never leave the house without them.

[bmwpowere36m3]

Wow, Brittany. Can't believe she still likes to ride.  I think it's great that she is raising awareness to the need for proper gear. But I must have missed the part that says not to ride on public roads at 120 mph!  That must be at least twice the posted speed limit, which probably caused the loss of control, which almost cost her life. Very tragic, but glad she pulled through!  What about obeying the law, riding smart (what? no wheelies through intersections at 70 mph...come on!), being defensive, and never riding when tired, fatigued, bad visibility, or impaired by legal or illegal drugs or alcohol (I wonder if the old school  biker that schooled you ever rides home from the bar after having a beer or two with his buddies).  I would much rather avoid an accident through these common sense practices, than having on $1500 worth of gear and going  down. After all, at 120 mph, no amount of gear is going to save your life if you contact a tree, guard rail, sign post, fence post, rock, car, etc.  Gear up..AND ride smart folks! 

 

Thought your post was great, and funny papa. Good luck on your search. Do like many of us cash strapped riders do...keep a regular eye out on ebay and craigslist for great lightly used gear at sometimes silly prices. There are XXL and 3XL deals to be had. Also,  read the reviews for gear you need like boots,  to find gear that does a great job in the budget range you are in. 

 

I think everyone would like avoiding an accident… however reality is they happen and they don't have to be your fault, from a lack of common sense/riding ability/situational awareness.  Stuff happens and when you're laying on the ground… I'm sure all your considered with is your well being and then maybe who's at fault.

 

My take, not disagreeing or arguing is, I'd rather destroy $1500 of gear than pay $1500 to the hospital and possibly be out of work and deal with the pain.  Plus the whole psychological aspect of going down and getting hurt (seriously).  Yeah, at 120 mph there isn't much hope for you… however if by chance you avoid hitting something SOLID and just slide… good gear will keep most of your skin in tact.  If you ask a rider who has gone done… I bet they'll all say they wish they were wearing more gear.

 

There seems to be a misconception when generally taking about gearing for the street vs. off-road.  Off-road it's just assumed that you fall/crash often, so wearing gear makes sense.  However on the street, you don't fall/crash 10 times in a ride, maybe never in your life… if your lucky.  Unless you're a hardcore off-roader… I'd say the speeds you typically ride at on the street are MUCH higher, asphalt shreds skin like nothing and you have these big things called cars.

 

I'll be the first to admit that gearing up sucks… and when it's really hot out and you're sweating at a stop light or some traffic jam (if you can't split lanes), ughh.  Maybe because I'm used to gearing up, when I choose to wear less gear it just feels wrong.  For example, we have a 150 cc, I mean 50 cc , vespa scooter that we take along on RV trips.  I feel pretty stupid riding around in full leathers and full-face helmet (and I rarely do). However it easily hits 60 mph and I don't want to think about crashing on it.  Cruising around the camp-ground is another thing, under 20 mph, I'm willing take the risk by not gearing up.  The scooter is fun as hell, but usually I'd rather just gear up and ride my bike.

 

Anyway… long winded, sorry 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Thanks all. In all seriousness I'm less concerned about the money aspect...after all, an overnight stay at the hospital would probably cost more than two full sets of gear with my company's crappy health plan.

So what's the best thing to do about the heat situation? Its 95+ from now until around October, with lots of 105+ days. I've read some reviews recommending mesh and some saying to avoid it. I really dont even know where to start looking or what to look for.

 

Yeah, that's a tough one… and totally dependent on each person (how hot is too hot, or uncomfortable).  Being honest, whatever you put on is going to warmer than cruising in a t-shirt (no disrespect or saying that's what you do).  Maybe post a thread in regional section, so you get better answers.  I live in CT, so there are a few days in the 90s and high humidity… but it's never stopped me from riding, I just try to keep moving.

 

The argument with mesh is it's not as durable as quality leathers and has a tendency to "melt" when sliding across pavement.  However the best leather jacket will do you no good if you don't wear it.  So mesh is a lot better than nothing.  I haven't looked into jackets/pants in a while, but I'm sure there are better textile jackets/pants out there now.

 

Cycle gear, while not having a huge selection, pricing or brands on certain items… has a really good return policy if you don't like something.  I'd say, give them a shot and try out a few things.  Then ride for a bit and if you don't like, return. 

[Pnzrdvsn]

Craigslist has good deals on gear, usually people getting out of riding or they bought something can't return it cuz it doesn't fit.

I always ride with a tour master jacket/cortech, it's got plenty of ventilation,keep ya from sweating too much, but in summer I'll wear it and t-shirt under. Not sure if that's work appropriate attire for you. It's got armor in elbows and shoulders. A buddy has an older version and been down a couple times, with no blood loss except from the jeans. I also have leathers for weekends.

I'd suggest looking into the dual sport gear if your worried about being too hot.

[BurnCycle]

I live and ride in hot conditions. I have a variety of gear to choose from. I mainly wear my CorTech Air jacket in mesh mode. The armour in it is in the right places and has a full padded spine protector. I feel protected enuff in it. I also have a cool vest that I wear under it. On a typical ride off road. When I stop for a break and take off my jacket and feel my belly its well chilled. Amazing how well it helps handle the heat. Of course on humid days it no worky to guud. As to riding pants I have not found a comfy way to go with them yet. The MX style pants are not mesh and thereby retaining heat and moisture. My strap on knee/shin guards add a heat factor. Warm knees work better when you a Geezer Deezer like me. ? I dont trust jeans. If I do wear them I use the knee guards underneath. So =s 'ot an' sweaty. Carry a cold hydration back pack for a bit extra cooling and hydration.

[papacooldown]

Yeah, that's a tough one… and totally dependent on each person (how hot is too hot, or uncomfortable). Being honest, whatever you put on is going to warmer than cruising in a t-shirt (no disrespect or saying that's what you do). Maybe post a thread in regional section, so you get better answers. I live in CT, so there are a few days in the 90s and high humidity… but it's never stopped me from riding, I just try to keep moving.

Shamefully, I have ridden quite a bit in long sleeve tshirts with just a windbreaker on (heavy pants and hiking boots though). My drz is geared 14/47 and I am below 35mph like 95% of the time, almost never on freeways and if so im 55mph for about 3 miles max with people smirking and passing me lol. I ride like an old man when Im not on the dirt, but I am starting to understand that is not a good excuse. Too many factors out of my control, and although ive ridden on dirt since childhood, Ive only been on the street about 6 months.

It's not enough to get me to ride around town in my goofy off road gear though ?. I'll have to go brave the local cyclegear tomorrow and see if they have any dual sport gear. I wasnt aware they had such a good return policy. Maybe they hired new people by now.

[papacooldown]

I also have a cool vest that I wear under it.

Sorry, couldn't resist ?

Edited March 28, 2015 by papacooldown

[BurnCycle]

Close but mine is blue and silver. More space age looking than that tribal look. ?

[DRZadvKat01]

Close but mine is blue and silver. More space age looking than that tribal look. ?

Haha