Noob equipment questions

[HeavyD]

I am getting together some riding equipment and have some questions about it all. So far I have (all hand-me-downs) a helmet, boots, goggles, and gloves (that are a size too big).

The helmet is white with neon decals, looks like it was da bomb in the 60's. Do MX helmets have a "shelf life"? (Bicycle helmets should be replaced after a crash or 5 yrs BTW)

The boots are Alpine Stars 5. They have a replaceable mid-sole that needs to be replaced. I can't find replacements for sale anywhere. Does anyone have any ideas?

Are chest protectors and roost protectors the same thing or is one beefier than the other?

Do you wear a kidney belt with a chest protector or not?

Does MX specific clothing do anything but make you look good for the ladies or should my fat a$$ stick to jeans and a sweatshirt?

Neck protector, yea or neigh?

[Crazy]

Id get a chest/roost protector if your following anyone. It has saved me many times from huge rocks smacking into me from the other persons tires, and the biggest help was just from falling over. The shoulder protection on them is awesome. I got the fox airframe because it had the most shoulder padding I could find.

As for a helmet shelf life Ive never heard of it, but Id assume as technology advances so does the safety rating. Id say a helmet is one thing not to fool around with, if it looks like its from the 60's the protection was probably about as good as the suspension back then.... a little inadequate.

[Crazy]

O btw on the clothing apparel, Id have to say its more about cooling instead of protection. Some have padding in certain areas along with leather, but the only thing I can see the leather being helpful at would be shunting the heat of a four stroke pipe. No matter what clothing you wear you will still get hurt the same. But on a 70 - 90 degree day youll be glad you had some motorcycle clothing.

[HeavyD]

Thanks CRazy (clever screen name BTW).

How far down do you want a chest protector to fit when standing up so that it doesn't dig into you're beer belly when you're on the bike?

[mtk]

Motorcycle helmets don't last forever. The energy absorbing foam inside of them deteriorates with time and they lose their protective qualities.

From the sounds of it, the helmet you have is due for replacement.

This is your skull we're talking about and brain injuries are no laughing matter. Why chance it? Get a new one. Saving $150 and risking your brain is just stupid.

[Garasaki]

You wear a kidney belt with a chest protector. The kidney belt provides back support...it's not really "protection" per say.

MX Specific gear does have a lot of function, although it isn't NECESSARY. I'd list a helmet, boots, chest protector all as being much more important then mx specific pants and a jersey. As mentioned, mx specific stuff keeps ya cool in the right places, is also much more durable then jeans and a t shirt, provides a certain degree of protection (notice WHERE those big rubber logo's are on pants...), and cleans up really easy (ie you can be covered head to toe in mud, then wash em off and you could never tell the diff!).

EDIT - just a suggestion, I'd say if you have to leave somethign out, make it a jersey. I think MX specific pants are worth it, and all the protective gear is obviously a necessity. Also, check out places like [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] where you can get really good deals on closeout stuff, like kidney belts for under 10 bucks!

[HeavyD]

Well that's why I asked.

There are a lot worse things than death. Being dead is one thing, having to have someone change your diaper for the rest of your life is another.

I don't want to take chances with my skull. I'd rather kill my brain cells a few at a time with Shiner Bock.

[Garasaki]

LOL I can tell you are from Texas (shiner bock reference) No one around here knows what that is (except maybe CRazy and his homie Matt, they've sampled a beer or two I bet).

Check out HJC helmets...very good quality and pretty low priced. Also, go back and read my above post cause I added some edits.

[HeavyD]

Thanks, Gar. I'm trying to prioritize my spending and having good deals makes it easier.

My wife hasn't warmed up to this new obsession of mine and me spending a lot of money will make for a long, cold winter.

[twoofeach]

When I first started riding, I thought MX gear was for racers or cool guys. After ripping a few pairs of jeans and checking out the protection on my kids gear I bought some for myself. If you do "eat it", it'll still hurt but you'll cut down on the abrasions and the gear does no tear (most of the time). Also, it's very comfortable compared to chaffing jeans.

Boots and helmet. I can't stress how important these two are. You can get a brand new helmets on Ebay for under $50. If you have AlpineStars, you may be able to replace the sole. Again, you might be better off buying a new pair. The newer boots offer new technologies that older models did not have. Most shops have closeouts or "entry level" boots that are under $100. If you look on the internet, many companies offer package deals that include jersey, pants and gloves. Also, some of those can be expanded to include helmet and/or boots. Don't forget the googles! If you don't buy googles, you might as well go to the kitchen right now and pour salt in your eye. Gear can be expensive but it doesn't need to be. Look around on Ebay or on the internet and the deals are out there. Good luck!

[Crazy]

Speeking of brain cells I burned a few the other night at my wifes Christmas party, maybe now Ill be able to try something more daring. Although Im still fighting this stupid back problem. Ive been to the chiro 9 times and yet to have it fixed.

[HeavyD]

Sorry to hear about you're back CRazy. Is it MX related?

"I don't drink and drive, I only drink at the red lights. Keeps me from spilling my drink."

[mtk]

Someone else mentioned boots and that is excellent advice.

Take it from someone who's suffered a severe foot injury, you want boots, and good ones at that. Boots are second only to a helmet in my book. Being on crutches for six months is NOT FUN, take my word for it.

One other is kneepads, particularly if you fall off with any kind of regularity. Before I got a set, I fell off my CR and landed on my knees. I was in motocross gear from head-to-toe, but didn't have knee protectors. I landed in rocks on my knees. They were black & blue and sore for a week. Don't go there, believe me.

This is one reason MX pants are nice: they fit over knee pads and are designed to work with MX boots. Plus the leather panels to help grip the bike and all the rest.

I got a lot of my gear from [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] on the web. They carry lots of close-out stuff and such and you can get really good deals from them, particularly on combinations. I got a Core 4 pant/jersey combo for under $100 if I recall correctly.

A chest protector is a nice add-on if you ride with other folks and to keep the occasional tree limb from slugging you in the chest. Or for keeping the handlebars from skewering you in the gut and leaving a quarter-sized bruise on your chest (don't ask my how I know that one either).

[Silver_Fox]

When it comes to gear.........."If they make it, wear it"

You only need to wear the gear that protects the part that you are going to land on. If you can predict the bike landing on your foot wear good boots, if your landing on your shoulder, wear a good protector......you get my point.

[HeavyD]

After my first ride attempt I've been thinking about a cup too.