Boots or Helmet first...

[Magellan]

I just got my trials bike, an 01 Sherco 2.9.

I ahve about $300 to spend and can either get a Trials helment and use my MX (Tech-8) or work boots, or get some Trials boots and use my MX helmet.

Any opinions?

I suppose I could get a cheap helment (Hebo Zone is about $100) and some cheap boots and maybe stay under $350, but I always have a hard time going cheap.

So, what do the more expereince trials folks recommend. A good trials helmet or a good pair of trials boots as my first purchase now that I have the bike.

Thanks,

mcp

 

[mxmatthew]

well i dont ride trials or anything so I dont really know what the advantages of having trials specific boots and helmets are but if i were just starting out with trials i wouldnt mind the extra face protection from keeping my mx helmet.

 

[Jonala]

I bought my boots first. Then got a helmet. You walk around a lot when you check out the sections.

 

[Patman]

I'd agree with Jonala boots first especially if you have T8's! I have T8's and there is no way I would be able to use them for trials. I have a pair of Gaerne trials boot that I like a lot which I obtained through MX South for a good price. As far as helmets, it's all about what feels good. Keep in mind you move your head a lot more than in typical off road/MX riding so a light lid makes a noticable difference. I have a Hebo carbon fiber unit that again I am very happy with, so much so that I got a carbon fiber Hebo HSX2 to replace my busted up off road lid. The open face really isn't that big of a worry as you typically are not moving that fast but I have gotten a fat lip and a few scratches.

 

[JTT]

I'll go with the others...boots first. If you can afford both, great. But if I had to choose one or the other, I'd take the boots and wear my MX helmet as the helmet is passable, but the Tech 8s are not.

 

[Matt R]

Welcome to trials!

I agree with the others. You should first buy trials boots. I wear the Gaerne's and like them a lot. They are very comfortable to walk around in and while riding. Trials boots are totally different than mx boots. The soles are flat and softer rubber. This allows you to reposition your feet easily on the pegs. They are also very flexible which is important for developing the correct riding techniques. Wearing mx boots would be like trying to run a marathon wearing hiking boots... sure you can do it but they are not the right tool for the job.

Regarding helmets... trials specific helmets are not needed right away. They do make riding more enjoyable. They are cut away from your face for better visibility and are higher cut in the back. This allows you to look up easier (for example, as you go down a hill and are looking upwards for a good line to ride). They are lighter too which makes riding more comfortable... plus won't make you feel top heavy and make you dab.

Anyways, keep your feet on the pegs and enjoy learning this wonderful sport. You will like your Sherco very much. They are nice bikes. In case you don't know yet... visit Ryan Young Products (RYP) website for great Sherco support and ShercoUSA website for useful technical manuals/tech tips. I would HIGHLY recommend getting Ryan Young's trials training tape/DVD. It is money well spent and will help you a lot. :cool:

 

[Magellan]

Thanks, sounds unanimous: Boots first.
Already have RY's video and have been purising Trials websites for the last year just dreaming.
I really love the helmet my wife got me (a Shoei TR-3), and may try to figure out a way to afford boots and keep it, otherwise it'll get returned for some boots. Myabe I'll be able to get a cheap helmet for now and some decent boots, then get a better helmet later. Alwasy nice to have an extra lid around.

Thanks so much for the straight replies...

mcp

 

[Patman]

I just checked MX South, they have some really good pricing on Gaerne boots. The Balance Protec is $195 and the Explorer (really and ATV boot but should surfice) is $170. Maybe this way you can keet that sweet helemt AND have boots.

Another source for trials stuff on your coast is Lewisport, Adrian & Mandy seem to always have reasonable prices on things nobody else has in stock. They are also VERY friendly and helpful.

 

[MOTOMILT]

Hi

Another opinion ? Did you get enough from all the sites you put this ? on.

One more!

Keep the helmet. Already got that. Buy the boots later.
Go break that helmet in. ride , ride ,ride ,with what you got.
And have fun.

Ride the tech 8's now. If your new you will have lots to learn.
The boots aren't going to make too much difference.

One thing to learn is to bend the knees.Trials boots bend at the ankle a little better. So ppl get lazy and bend there ankles instead of the their knees. You will learn more about turning
and keeping you balance with knees bent with stiff ankle boots.

Milt

 

[Magellan]

Milt, I take it you have seen this post in other places. LOL.

I decided to exchange the helmet (I took a picture first) for a pari of Alpinstar Trials boots (not sure what model), and picked up a cheap open face street helmet for now. Wow, the boots sure are comfortable.

I plan to pick up a Trials helmet later this summer when I start noticing how hot the street helment is at low speeds. By then I should have recovered from buying the bike.

Thanks all.

mcp

 

[MOTOMILT]

Hi Mcp,

Yea a couple other places????? ;)

The Alpinestars (no stop ) are great feeling boots.
I get a new pair every year. ( ride alot).
The boots seams around the ankle start to break loose on the clutch cover, holding brake all the time.
And I rub a chain hole thru the left side.
I grip the bike too much with the legs. ( old habits)
But the comfort and support is worth it.

All helmets are hot. I think.15 minutes of hard section riding and I drip if I lean my head forward.(NZI) I just bought the newer tri-vent helmet though. I tryed to buy it in aug. but my size was back ordered and I finally get it in dec. when it's cold here.

;)

 

[Magellan]

I got the best replies on this site. Also Ryan Young gave me a very clear response. Other people sort of said "it depends." I guess the trials community is small enough that one forum would suffice.

let me know how you like the new helmet. I've got a bunch of "bonus dollars" on a credit card I use to pay all my bills and can probably get them to buy a helmet for me. Beats a bunch of free dinners...