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My Helimots arrived! Mediums are fairly tight but they fit well and should soften and break in a bit as I use them. Got a good price on them for a closeout. Can't wait to wear them for tomorrow's ride.  
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 05:50 |
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| # ? May 23, 2013 11:06 |
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Kind of an odd question, but uh, does anyone know of any place to get elbow sliders? I know A/S, Dai, Komodo, and possibly others put them on some of their suits now but no one sells the sliders standalone. I'm thinking calling Komodo will be the best option but I wasn't sure if anyone here has seen them around anywhere.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 10:34 |
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Okay, got the Scala Riders in the helmets, and that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The issue I did have is one of the units is a bit of a pain to charge, have to fiddle with the plug in, but I can deal with that. Tried my iPod for a bit, and bluetoothed my phone and that worked great, now I have to get my bikes out and try that out, may pick up the Vespa today and give it a run and have someone call me while I'm out on the scoot.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 13:16 |
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So I am taking the MSF next weekend and it seems like it's going to be raining at least one of the days. I've built up my set of gear and was going to wear it for the course (I know, probably not necessary but I really like it). If I wear all or some of my stuff and it rains, is there anything I need to do to clean it or make sure it doesn't get ruined? The only waterproof part is the pants (and I guess the helmet) so I don't know if wearing non-waterproof leather in the rain will ruin it or require special treatment after. I just spent a bunch on it so if it makes more sense I will just wear the pants/helmet.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 14:19 |
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Does anyone else think that any solid pair of hiking boots would provide as much protection as most street boots? Unless you get to the really high end race boots they don't seem any more solid to me. Inu: why do you want elbow sliders?
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 14:55 |
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Nah you're right. Expensive boots like Sidi Fusions etc provide very little if any support for the ankle because they have no real system in place to hold it steady in a crash. I'm sure they often better abrasion resistance when sliding but as far as actual ankle safety I wouldn't be surprised if you were just as hosed when wrecking in those as you would be in your work boots. I was pretty disgusted when I picked up a pair of sidi fusion's and bent them over at the ankle with absolutely no effort. I know they aren't race boots and they're aimed for the street - but you'd think they'd offer some kind of protection there. Seeing that really sold me on a racier boot, I feel much safer in my SMX+'s than I would in a slightly less expensive "street oriented" boot to be honest.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 16:28 |
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Mister Duck posted:So I am taking the MSF next weekend and it seems like it's going to be raining at least one of the days. I've built up my set of gear and was going to wear it for the course (I know, probably not necessary but I really like it). Most leather jackets come pre-conditioned which will help deal with water, but you can buy a waterproofer/conditioner to help with that. I've gotten caught in a torrential downpour with my old Dainese jacket (which I never used any conditioner on) and it took awhile to dry but has turned out all right. You could always drop some coin on one of these which will collapse down small enough to fit under your seat. This site has some good info...and some bad jackets.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 16:32 |
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JP Money posted:Nah you're right. Expensive boots like Sidi Fusions etc provide very little if any support for the ankle because they have no real system in place to hold it steady in a crash. I'm sure they often better abrasion resistance when sliding but as far as actual ankle safety I wouldn't be surprised if you were just as hosed when wrecking in those as you would be in your work boots. Hm, I was really thinking about either the Sidi Fusion or the A* S-MX 5 as a solid first boot. With all this discussion about ankle protection and such, would it be smarter to just put down more  on a race boot like say, the Sidi Vertigo and count on its replaceable parts feature to protect my investment?
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 17:25 |
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Bottom line - if the boot is too restrictive to the point where you won't wear it then a "less safe" boot will be a better purchase (provided you wear them all the time). If you can handle the extra features of the Vertigo's or SMX-Plus's then you're better off with those. For my SMX-+'s there is a very simple lacing system inside and a dirtbike-boot style calf latch - neither of which adds any real time to getting into the boot. You can find SMX-+'s for $290 right now, so they are on the same level as Vertigo's. I was in your same position where I was going to pay 200 bucks for Fusions before I found out how sketchy they were and then I shifted my focus to a more serious boot. If you do any kind of spirited riding I think you should just get the racier boot anyways. You'll feel MUCH safer out in the twisties with better gear. I'd rather feel good riding fast and maybe slightly inconvenienced riding every day than feel unsafe at some point while riding hard.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 17:39 |
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n8r posted:Does anyone else think that any solid pair of hiking boots would provide as much protection as most street boots? Unless you get to the really high end race boots they don't seem any more solid to me. quote:Inu: why do you want elbow sliders?  Two of my buddies can't seem to keep their elbows off the pavement and it's wearing holes through their suits, heh. timn: go try a pair of smx+'s or vertigo's on. If you find them comfortable and simple enough to wear everyday, buy them. I urge as many people as possible into the SMX+ because it's fantastic for commuting, mountain riding, track days, racing, etc. But, if for whatever reason there is something about them that might make you say "meh, I really don't feel like putting those on today", buy the boot that you will wear every day. That's most important. SMX5's are better than the tennis shoes you threw on because you didn't feel like wearing your Vertigo's one day.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 19:47 |
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I have MX elbow guards that are pretty cheap and hard plastic they'd work fine as elbow sliders.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 20:38 |
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Mister Duck posted:So I am taking the MSF next weekend and it seems like it's going to be raining at least one of the days. I've built up my set of gear and was going to wear it for the course (I know, probably not necessary but I really like it).
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 20:52 |
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Endless Mike posted:The MSF course is probably the one time I'd say you probably shouldn't wear full gear. I don't know where you are, but if you're in a warmer region, you'll spend a lot of time standing around being hot, and wearing full gear will only make it worse. I mean, it's obviously up to you to determine your comfort level, but keep in mind that you'll barely be breaking 20 mph. Thanks, I've had a few friends tell me this as well. I think I will bring the gloves and my own helmet and maybe the boots. It's not warm by any means here right now (Long Island, NY) but if I will be fine without the jacket/pants then that might be a good idea. Gnaghi, thanks for the links and advice. I may end up picking something like that up. I won't be commuting on the bike since I take the train, but I can't help but think I will want to ride in the rain at least a few times and when I get caught out as well.
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| # ? Apr 16, 2011 21:16 |
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I'm looking at overpants now, and I'm starting to wonder how this whole Denier system really works. If you take two pairs - one textile and one mesh - with an identical Denier rating, should I expect them to perform about the same? Is the difference that textile is more likely to suffer less damage in the process while mesh is typically destroyed? edit: vvvvvv Ah I see, thanks. vvvvvvvv Symphoric fucked around with this message at Apr 16, 2011 around 23:24 |
| # ? Apr 16, 2011 22:27 |
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Symphoric posted:I'm looking at overpants now, and I'm starting to wonder how this whole Denier system really works. If you take two pairs - one textile and one mesh - with an identical Denier rating, should I expect them to perform about the same? Is the difference that textile is more likely to suffer less damage in the process while mesh is typically destroyed? pre:Pounds of force until fabric tears Abrasion cycles on pavement until fabric fails CottonJeans 4.5 pounds to tear 50 cycles to failure 70 Denier Standard Nylon 4.5 pounds to tear 165 cycles to failure 500 Denier Polyester 8 pounds to tear 180 cycles to failure 200 Denier Standard Nylon 7.5 pounds to tear 275 cycles to failure 500 Denier Cordura 22 pounds to tear 710 cycles to failure 620 Denier Cordura 35 pounds to tear 1200 cycles to failure NEW Competition Grade Leather 80-110 pounds to tear 1200-1700 cycles to failure 1000 Denier Cordura 110 pounds to tear 1780 cycles to failure Air Mesh Kevlar 1260 pounds to tear 970 cycles to failure Stretch Kevlar Blend 420lbs pounds to tear 1800 cycles to failure lwoodio fucked around with this message at Apr 16, 2011 around 23:05 |
| # ? Apr 16, 2011 23:02 |
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Who did these test out of curiosity? Because that's pretty surprising, didn't know air mesh kevlar was so strong. Making me rethink that leather = always better. (should it?)
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 00:57 |
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It gets balls hot here in the summer. I would like to get a jacket I can use for dirt and street riding (not highway, like 55mph max) which is made for hot weather. I saw those pressure suits but they would probably suck on the street. Cyclegear has some mesh jackets but I don't know how safe they would be in a crash. Anyone have any advice or suggestions. I would like one jacket (or suit) for both since I would be riding my bike to places I ride dirt. thanks! Also trying to figure out a good multipurpose boot for street and dirt and that I can also walk around in comfortably.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 01:04 |
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Russian Bear posted:Who did these test out of curiosity? Because that's pretty surprising, didn't know air mesh kevlar was so strong. Making me rethink that leather = always better. (should it?) The manufacturer of air mesh kevlar of course.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 01:21 |
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More specifically, the owner of Motoport did those tests, I believe. The important thing to realize about gear and armor is that if it doesn't fit you, it's not going to protect you that well. This is the big thing about leather, and especially custom made leather that makes it so effective...if it cannot fold over, if your armor is skintight and forms a second skin, it's nearly impossible to get abrasion injuries from it. Cycles to failure or tear strength don't tell the whole story when it comes to protection.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 01:29 |
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What's the opinion on bike shoes, specifically something like the Alpinestars SMX-1 http://www.motorcyclegear.com/stree...ycle_shoes.html I've got a pair of Alpinestars boots that I usually wear but am thinking of getting some shoes too just for a convenience factor as it's a pain to carry the boots in a bag if I'm going somewhere.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 03:03 |
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I'm kinda meh about motorcycle shoes. They are indeed convenient, but the main point about moto boots is that they help prevent twisting your ankle or otherwise bending it out of shape. A shoe won't really help with that. Of course, as it's been stated earlier here, if it's between those shoes or wearing some casual sneakers because you can't be bothered with the boots, then at least go for the A* shoes.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 03:05 |
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I have A* Afrika shoes, and I love them. As far as I can tell between them and my Sidi boots, the only thing they lack is calf protection and some side to side ankle twist protection. Everything else, toe/heel crush, thickness of the sole in case you lowside, etc it the same. I really love the shoes.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 04:38 |
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Does anyone have experience with white leather gear ? There´s a lot of really nice leather jackets that are white or at least part white but I´m a bit concerned with how long they would actually stay white. I´m afraid that getting caught in the rain is going to turn it grey forever.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 04:49 |
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Ribsauce posted:Also trying to figure out a good multipurpose boot for street and dirt and that I can also walk around in comfortably. Are you talking dirt like advrider dirt (dirt roads) or actual dirt riding like single track/MX/DOONZ? For real dirt riding you want real MX boots that go up almost to your knees. There really isn't any good alternative to those.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 16:41 |
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Arvid posted:Does anyone have experience with white leather gear ? There´s a lot of really nice leather jackets that are white or at least part white but I´m a bit concerned with how long they would actually stay white. I haven't heard stories about the color fading, they just show grime real well. Keep leather supple and shiny with some leather conditioner and clean 'em with some cleaner if (when) they get dirty.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 17:44 |
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KARMA! posted:I haven't heard stories about the color fading, they just show grime real well. Keep leather supple and shiny with some leather conditioner and clean 'em with some cleaner if (when) they get dirty. Not really concerned with fading, rather how easy it would be to clean dirt off of it. Right now I have a black jacket and it turns gray really quickly if I´m driving in the rain. Just concerned that after the first ride in rain with a white jacket it would be impossible to actually get it back to white again.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 18:41 |
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Got a pair of AXO Boxer Enduros in today. They hosed up something in the instep of the left boot (feels like injected plastic) and it hurts like a bitch to wear. Furthermore, the soles are grooved in all the wrong places for my shifting foot to be comfortable. I'm sending them back and hopefully the manufacturer will send me a check instead of replacements because these things are awful.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 20:06 |
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I have a pair of Fox or Thor or something or other MX style boots I've been using for supermoto for forever, but after about 5 months of dirt biking they are getting a little rough (They had a metal cover over the toes that has been completely destroyed and the buckles are getting a little rough from being constantly caked and infused with mud). I had a spill a few weeks ago with them that twisted my ankle and foot pretty good (Flat track!), and overall I think I could use a boot that was a bit better against twisting, and had more armor on the top of the foot. Problem being I'm not really convinced I'm happy with dropping $400 on a nice pair of A*'s or what have you. Anybody have a good $200 MX boot that you'd trust your leg to?
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 20:10 |
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Arvid posted:Does anyone have experience with white leather gear ? There´s a lot of really nice leather jackets that are white or at least part white but I´m a bit concerned with how long they would actually stay white. My one piece suit leather suit is white and it seems to stay fairly clean. I've avoided rain so far with it and just use leather cleaner once or twice a year on it. Did find out that cleaning clay off sucks and takes a while...supermoto crashes are fun.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2011 21:47 |
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What are some good riding headphones in terms of comfort and noise-blockage? I know this discussion was had before but I can't find it.
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 13:14 |
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Spiffness posted:Anybody have a good $200 MX boot that you'd trust your leg to?
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 13:25 |
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GlazedMcGuffin posted:Yeah, she doesn't like them, but I think she's going to have to just get in touch with her inner power ranger. I'm actually vegan as well, and I wear the Sidi Sport Rain boots: http://www.motorcyclegear.com/stree...ycle_boots.html They're not too power-rangery and are 100% leather-free as far as I can tell. They're also waterproof and quite comfortable. Let me know if she needs any more gear advice. I've had to do a lot of deep digging to find good vegan gear.
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 16:03 |
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Clank posted:What are some good riding headphones in terms of comfort and noise-blockage? I know this discussion was had before but I can't find it. Would also like to know. Some noise isolating ones would be great if they don't stick out too far.
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 17:59 |
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I use ER MC5s connected to a Bluetooth Receiver and I couldn't be happier. Someone up thread or in another thread recommended the ERs and they work really well.
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 18:27 |
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I use a pair of Sony MDR-EX71s. They're not nearly as good as the Neodymium, I'm sure, but they were like $15: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-EX71...03152900&sr=1-1 edit: By the way, am I completely kidding myself in believing that wearing these for highway riding is protecting me from hearing damage?
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 18:57 |
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I use the Vmoda Vibes: http://www.v-moda.com/collection/modaphones/vibe.aspx They can be found on ebay at times for less than $10 and they sound amazing. They take about 3 days of use to 'burn in' or develop the sound quality while the speaker loosens up so don't be put off at first. But yes, recommend them 100%.
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 19:41 |
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SlightlyMadman posted:edit: By the way, am I completely kidding myself in believing that wearing these for highway riding is protecting me from hearing damage?
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 19:44 |
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BlackMK4 posted:Very much so. Do other brands like the Neodymium actually offer any protection? I assumed my cheap-os were doing something, since if I don't wear them I sometimes notice a ringing in my ears after spending a bit of time or the highway. I might try the trick I'd heard mentioned of shoving them into a set of foam earplugs and see if that works out.
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 19:58 |
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Clank posted:What are some good riding headphones in terms of comfort and noise-blockage? I know this discussion was had before but I can't find it. I bought the ER-6i headphones based on recommendations from others here in CA and I absolutely love them. Blocks out noise very well, and you don´t need to set the volume any higher while riding than you would while standing still.
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| # ? Apr 18, 2011 20:13 |
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| # ? May 23, 2013 11:06 |
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I got some Blockade earbuds but they're way too deep for me to wear under a helmet. Even regular ear plugs are hard for me to keep in when putting my helmet on. 
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| # ? Apr 19, 2011 00:27 |
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