Gear / Helmet discussion (split off from Ermax thread)

[JGC]

Given the freedom of choice, on my Deau, full textile gear fullstop. On my PCX I wear textile jacket (just bought a new lighter HELD jacket) ski trousers in the morning if the seat is damp. If dry I don't bother. I realise the chance I take, and my normal commute is only 3 miles in speed limited zones. Any further it would be as per my Deau!

[Fiah]

And like you demonstrate, it's really about how you use it as well. I have a relatively long commute, for which the extra trouble of putting on protective pants doesn't add a lot of time. The same effort feels a lot sillier for 3 miles, and in such cases I usually just put on helmet, gloves and jacket as well.

[maddiedog]

As for the heat, a mesh jacket with protection would go a long way to help protect you without making you uncomfortably hot. And gloves, gloves are really the most important after a helmet!

Cost plays a factor here too. The PCX is a vehicle of economy for me. If I spend $500+ on gear, it mitigates the cost savings of the scooter. Don't get me wrong -- I own a halfway decent jacket and good gloves (wore them this weekend when I went riding in the mountains -- here's the route we took), but to buy a mesh jacket on top of that, protective pants, etc. just doesn't make any sense to me. I wouldn't even have the kevlar jacket if I hadn't gotten it secondhand for $40. I do agree that the gloves are a good idea, hand injuries are gnarly, and gloves are cheap.

At the same time, now that I think about it... I am a hypocrite, because I've spent $100 on an Ermax undertray, and $20 on aftermarket turn signals, both of which would have better been allocated to good gear. So much for economy...

[Fiah]

Maybe a good tip: Try and see if you can find second hand stuff! At least around here, some people who buy the gear end up never using it and then dump it on the market for peanuts. All the gear I wear was new, but I've heard enough stories of people getting theirs for cheap

[Cascanciu]

Second hand is very good option for a lot of things, bike gear included, of course. I bought my current mobile phone used (HTC Desire) and this way I'm free to move from this to that carrier since they haven't "subsidized" my terminal. However, just by looking for good deals a bit, and you can find decent jackets at affordable prices.

My Bering Aero jacket has been ordered today. It's already on its way!.

[duive01]

I don't like the 'real' gear because it feels very uncomfortable to me.
But lately I've seen the jeans with kevlar patches around the knees and thighs (also jackets available). That looks a good compromise to me!

Has anyone experience with kevlar jeans or something like it?
How is the comfort when walking?

[TC3]

I had Hood kelvar lined jeans but they felt heavy. I now have Draggin Jeans cargo pants. Very comfy and I have worn them all day at work at times. Check em out as they dont feel heavy and have good kelvar lining in important places

[louthepoo]

I don't like the 'real' gear because it feels very uncomfortable to me.
But lately I've seen the jeans with kevlar patches around the knees and thighs (also jackets available). That looks a good compromise to me!

Has anyone experience with kevlar jeans or something like it?
How is the comfort when walking?

you'll look like a history teacher with patches all over the place!!

[TC3]

I don't like the 'real' gear because it feels very uncomfortable to me.
But lately I've seen the jeans with kevlar patches around the knees and thighs (also jackets available). That looks a good compromise to me!

Has anyone experience with kevlar jeans or something like it?
How is the comfort when walking?

you'll look like a history teacher with patches all over the place!!

??? ... The clothing is kelvar lined internally with no patches shown externally

[duive01]

I had Hood kelvar lined jeans but they felt heavy. I now have Draggin Jeans cargo pants. Very comfy and I have worn them all day at work at times. Check em out as they dont feel heavy and have good kelvar lining in important places

Thanks TC3, I will take a look at the Draggin Jeans!

[louthepoo]

I don't like the 'real' gear because it feels very uncomfortable to me.
But lately I've seen the jeans with kevlar patches around the knees and thighs (also jackets available). That looks a good compromise to me!

Has anyone experience with kevlar jeans or something like it?
How is the comfort when walking?

you'll look like a history teacher with patches all over the place!!

??? ... The clothing is kelvar lined internally with no patches shown externally

well that's just no fun!