Topic: Dirt Riding Gear questions

[GroovieGhoulie]

What sort of gear do I need to start dirt and trail riding?  I just got that Hodaka and I've been messing around with it on some dirt lots near my house.  I've never ridden off-road before ever and I am SHOCKED at how FUN it is!!!  Hell, I'd spend all day out there just tooling around!!!!

Well I found out that wet grass is softer than pavement after I got pitched off and flew through the air yesterday in a two-MPH highside, (but it was totally AWESOME! No damage to me or the machine), and now I'm thinking I need some proper off-road gear.

Do I REALLY need all the armor plating the MX guys wear?  I'm not doing MX, but figure long sleeves, gloves, jeans and boots and I should be good, right?

As far as helmets, do I really need the "MX-style" helmets I see dirt guys wear?  I have a regular 3/4 open face I rarely wear anymore.  Would that be alright?

[eldar]

Off road riding kicks ass! I love it. You can probably wear your street helmet though. If you want apparel then do a google on motocross gear. you should find whetever you want. The body armor thing is kinda cool. maybe that is why they wear the diff helmets. It blends better!

[GroovieGhoulie]

Yeah, I just went and priced some gear. The HJC helmets aren't too badly priced and the chest protectors and knee pads are good looking since they have models that can go under clothes. I might pick up some of the pants and stuff just so as not to tear up my jeans.

I'm big on safety and gear, but I just don't wanna be looking like a full-house MX racer just to tool around on some empty lots and do some trail work.

[eldar]

Well for the most part, the chest protector and helmet are usually good unless you are going to see air time. Did you know that if you apply front brake, it will cause the front end to drop and if you give er gas, the rear end drops!

[crazypj]

Wouldn't bother with chest protector, its mainly in case guy in front roosts you, doesn't really do any good if you fall  down ( shoulder elbow and knee pads are another matter though)
I would get some decent MX boots though.
Wouldn't bother with the $300.00 plus, pair of Malcolm Smith for about $100.00 will do you much better, easier to break in and much better ankle support than rigger boots or similar.
I'm using Alpine Star Tech 8's, wish I'd bought something cheaper and all leather as I haven't raced since the 80's, don't need the extra stiffness in soles and ankles when I don't do 150ft jumps anymore
PJ

[eldar]

Ok I disagree on the chest protector but then my riding was in a pasture and I can assure you that is way different than some track! You never know where you will find a new rock!