Essential gear for a Newbie

[palazzi]

I quit riding when my first kid was born. Now, ten years after, my son and I have decided to come back to the woods (obviously after getting the approval of the big chief… my wife) ;) . We have almost selected our new bikes (Honda XR 70 and XR 400), but we are still not clear about our gear.

Ten years ago, I hardly used a helmet and hiking boots. But now, I give a lot more importance to protective gear. I have no idea of what gear should I buy for both of us. I certainly don’t want to “save” on these important items, but I don’t want to buy things that we will never use.

From your experience, what essential gear should we buy (helmet, goggles, boots, gloves, pants, knee protectors, chest protectors, etc.)? Should we buy all these things? What are the really important ones? Any preference for a specific brand/model?

Many thanks for your help.
Luis

 

[Senior KX Rider]

IMO I wouldn't ride with less than:

Helmet
Goggles
Boots
Gloves
Knee Guards

As long as you have spent that much you might as well get pants jersee and chest protector and start saving your money for knee braces.

I wear all the gear everytime I get on the bike. It is made to protect you and really works. Saved me from serious injury many times :D

 

[Senior KX Rider]

There is a lot of used gear out there (especially for kids) if you want to save money but stay away from used helmets.

You can save money at some of the internet discount sites like

http://rockymountainmc.com
http://www.bobscycle.com


Or check the links and try MXSOUTH they will give you good prices

 

[CO Dan]

For puttering around in gentle terrain, which is what you will be doing for awhile...
you - helmet, gloves, boots, goggles or sunglasses
son - same + kneepads

Full face, Snell approved helmets.

Once you get past the puttering stage I'd recommend a full set of everything for both of you
riding pants & jersey - substitute long sleeve t-shirt for jersey if you like
kidney belt - especially for you, helps the old back and provides some puncture protect for the lower ab area
elbow pads - you can't believe how much it hurts to hit an unprotected elbow on a rock
chest protector
back protector - look at www.backprotection.com, this is my next purchase

Buy used if needed, look at Moose Qualifier (www.mooseoffroad.com) or Malcolm Smith World Trophy (www.msracing.com) for inexpensive gear.

 

[CO Dan]

For puttering around in gentle terrain, which is what you will be doing for awhile...
you - helmet, gloves, boots, goggles or sunglasses
son - same + kneepads

Full face, Snell approved helmets.

Once you get past the puttering stage I'd recommend a full set of everything for both of you
riding pants & jersey - substitute long sleeve t-shirt for jersey if you like
kidney belt - especially for you, helps the old back and provides some puncture protect for the lower ab area
elbow pads - you can't believe how much it hurts to hit an unprotected elbow on a rock
chest protector
back protector - look at www.backprotection.com, this is my next purchase

Buy used if needed, look at Moose Qualifier (www.mooseoffroad.com) or Malcolm Smith World Trophy (www.msracing.com) for inexpensive gear.

Have fun. You'll have a lifetime of memories, worth every penny you spend.