Padding up

[300hp]

So, back on topic, I have some really nice protective gear for sale in classifieds at great prices to pass the love on.

H.

[300hp]

The pro tec is substantially heavier duty, uses an in-mold injection design, and really covers the back of the head. It was too hot for me, so I settled on the giro Xen. I'm quite happy with it, and it has good back of the head coverage.

Have you seen the POC ones? Not super vented, but I do think they look nice and have a fair bit of extra coverage.

In terms of helmets, the ones I listed were just examples that I have put many many days on. The POC trabec is a great lid, I've worn one, but their sizing is a bit screwy and the price is premium. If I had to order a lid via the interwebs, I would lean towards the giro, because they fit a range of head sizes well. But yeah, they make a great product. I don't know if I would spring for the MIPS super high end version, the standard trabec felt great. I like how poc, kali and pro tec use multiple impact helmets. My giro is not. If you are getting into aggressive riding, it is something to consider.

I'm also very impressed with Kali protectives. Super light and well thought out. A shop in ann arbor, wheels in motion, is stocking them on the shelf know, and imho they are a serious contender for best helmet out there.

In all, I feel that a "trail" or "all mountain" style helmet is superior for any kind of riding. Extended coverage of the brain stem and back of skull is always a benefit. The weight penalty is minimal, and the first time you take a hit with less trauma and don't have to sell your helmet, you'll be a believer, too.

[sndmn2]

Perhaps this thread has gone in a bad direction. I am a new rider to mountain biking. 54 years young.I do like the tighter more technical side of the sport. I have only had one good get off. A few good scrapes on the legs but no stitches. I would call myself a cautious rider. That being said. I still want to try the fun stuff. I was on Torn Shirt in Brighton with my son yesterday. Challenging for sure, but the trail kept me entertained. I am not strong enough to climb all the hills but I will be back. I was just looking for some input on what others were maybe doing in the line of protective gear if they chose to wear any.I value others opinions to find out what works and what doesn't before I form my own opinion and lay out any money. I will probably look into some sort of knee pad until my skills improve and confidence grows as I know I have mistakes in front of me. Thanks 300hp and the others for the suggestions.

[ArcticRobot]

Perhaps this thread has gone in a bad direction. I am a new rider to mountain biking. 54 years young.I do like the tighter more technical side of the sport. I have only had one good get off. A few good scrapes on the legs but no stitches. I would call myself a cautious rider. That being said. I still want to try the fun stuff. I was on Torn Shirt in Brighton with my son yesterday. Challenging for sure, but the trail kept me entertained. I am not strong enough to climb all the hills but I will be back. I was just looking for some input on what others were maybe doing in the line of protective gear if they chose to wear any.I value others opinions to find out what works and what doesn't before I form my own opinion and lay out any money. I will probably look into some sort of knee pad until my skills improve and confidence grows as I know I have mistakes in front of me. Thanks 300hp and the others for the suggestions.

I said it once already and I will repeat it again, because it could be lost in all of this flame war we have going: Fox Launch Pro knee pads are probably the best you can get for our trails. Absolutely no restriction on pedaling, even though they are hard shells. And you forget about added heat as soon as you hit your fun ride, which starts 30 feet down the trail.
I myself crash rarely even though I push it to the tire grip limits, and sometimes ride above my skill. But if i see challenging section, rockgarden or drop, I have to try and take it without second guessing and thinking about riding on a safe side, because I have to go to work tomorrow.
If someone really thinks protection is a must - go for it, and don't be afraid of what other people will think about it. I've seen too many judgmental people on a parking lots laughing at other riders because of this and because of that. Their opinion is not essential and should be ignored.

Regarding helmets, there is one more AM-type helmet that haven't been mentioned here along with POC, 661 and Urge: Fox Flux. It looks really well ventilated, comparable to my Giro Xen, and has extended back coverage. It is also reasonably priced and I'm planning to give it a try.

[iamkickstand]

Perhaps this thread has gone in a bad direction. I am a new rider to mountain biking. 54 years young.I do like the tighter more technical side of the sport. I have only had one good get off. A few good scrapes on the legs but no stitches. I would call myself a cautious rider. That being said. I still want to try the fun stuff. I was on Torn Shirt in Brighton with my son yesterday. Challenging for sure, but the trail kept me entertained. I am not strong enough to climb all the hills but I will be back. I was just looking for some input on what others were maybe doing in the line of protective gear if they chose to wear any.I value others opinions to find out what works and what doesn't before I form my own opinion and lay out any money. I will probably look into some sort of knee pad until my skills improve and confidence grows as I know I have mistakes in front of me. Thanks 300hp and the others for the suggestions.

Nothing wrong with wanting some pads, they're just hot as *beep*. As for looking like a dork, so be it.

Enjoy the flame wars, some of us have nothing else to do

[Redstone Liger]

Perhaps this thread has gone in a bad direction. I am a new rider to mountain biking. 54 years young.I do like the tighter more technical side of the sport. I have only had one good get off. A few good scrapes on the legs but no stitches. I would call myself a cautious rider. That being said. I still want to try the fun stuff. I was on Torn Shirt in Brighton with my son yesterday. Challenging for sure, but the trail kept me entertained. I am not strong enough to climb all the hills but I will be back. I was just looking for some input on what others were maybe doing in the line of protective gear if they chose to wear any.I value others opinions to find out what works and what doesn't before I form my own opinion and lay out any money. I will probably look into some sort of knee pad until my skills improve and confidence grows as I know I have mistakes in front of me. Thanks 300hp and the others for the suggestions.

You're a 54 yr old new rider who road TS and thought it was entertaining and want to go back?
You're alright and welcome to mt biking.
If you get padding don't worry about what others think, because many of them think TS is to hard and needs replacing.

[iamkickstand]

You're a 54 yr old new rider who road TS and thought it was entertaining and want to go back?
You're alright and welcome to mt biking.
If you get padding don't worry about what others think, because many of them think TS is to hard and needs replacing.

agree, torn shirt rocks.

[ArcticRobot]

If you get padding don't worry about what others think, because many of them think TS is to hard and needs replacing.

Many of them should replace their and keep riding Island Lake! We have too few good technical trails around here and there was a recent issue on Highland of someone removing rocks and roots from the trail. Better put padding on, but leave our technical Highland, Holdridge and TS trails alone!!

[johanssont]

Perhaps this thread has gone in a bad direction. I am a new rider to mountain biking. 54 years young.I do like the tighter more technical side of the sport. I have only had one good get off. A few good scrapes on the legs but no stitches. I would call myself a cautious rider. That being said. I still want to try the fun stuff. I was on Torn Shirt in Brighton with my son yesterday. Challenging for sure, but the trail kept me entertained. I am not strong enough to climb all the hills but I will be back. I was just looking for some input on what others were maybe doing in the line of protective gear if they chose to wear any.I value others opinions to find out what works and what doesn't before I form my own opinion and lay out any money. I will probably look into some sort of knee pad until my skills improve and confidence grows as I know I have mistakes in front of me. Thanks 300hp and the others for the suggestions.

Paint your bike orange? I heard pumpkins never fall over.

Recognize your screen name from TT. Not sure if I ever rode with you. Bike hasn't left the garage yet this year but I am doing a lot of mountain biking. If you are looking for a wide open flowing easy trail try Island Lake. It is wide open and pretty smooth.

Troy

[sndmn2]

Paint your bike orange? I heard pumpkins never fall over.

Recognize your screen name from TT. Not sure if I ever rode with you. Bike hasn't left the garage yet this year but I am doing a lot of mountain biking. If you are looking for a wide open flowing easy trail try Island Lake. It is wide open and pretty smooth.

The same guy. That's funny because I will be on the pumpkin this weekend. 450exc. Our group is doing the trail work for the Spring Ringer ride this weekend . Leaving in the morning as early as possible. I think its going to be me, cmore,yzmann and flat tracker. Its at Holton/Horseshoe. The CCC is putting it on. I've only been out twice myself so far this year. Evart and trail cleaning at Caberffe. I have only four riding weekends planned this year. KnucklBuster, Jack Pine, The Grizzly and we always mark for one of the days for Six Days.
Island lake is 5 min from my house. I buzz over there when I only have an hour to spend. I"m just getting into the mtb fun and have a new found respect for the condition and commitment you guys must have to be able to race in this sport. I'm riding four times a week and It doesn't cost me $125 in gas every time I ride. So far this year I have been on Island Lk. Tree Farm, Caddilac, Big M, and Brighton last night. We are planning Highland next week.I don't know what I won't like until I try it. Sooo, Throw your leg over something with a motor and join us this weekend if you can.
Rick

[Roy]

Now we know " why don't more women ride Mt. Bikes" .

Roy

[johanssont]

Paint your bike orange? I heard pumpkins never fall over.

Recognize your screen name from TT. Not sure if I ever rode with you. Bike hasn't left the garage yet this year but I am doing a lot of mountain biking. If you are looking for a wide open flowing easy trail try Island Lake. It is wide open and pretty smooth.

The same guy. That's funny because I will be on the pumpkin this weekend. 450exc. Our group is doing the trail work for the Spring Ringer ride this weekend . Leaving in the morning as early as possible. I think its going to be me, cmore,yzmann and flat tracker. Its at Holton/Horseshoe. The CCC is putting it on. I've only been out twice myself so far this year. Evart and trail cleaning at Caberffe. I have only four riding weekends planned this year. KnucklBuster, Jack Pine, The Grizzly and we always mark for one of the days for Six Days.
Island lake is 5 min from my house. I buzz over there when I only have an hour to spend. I"m just getting into the mtb fun and have a new found respect for the condition and commitment you guys must have to be able to race in this sport. I'm riding four times a week and It doesn't cost me $125 in gas every time I ride. So far this year I have been on Island Lk. Tree Farm, Caddilac, Big M, and Brighton last night. We are planning Highland next week.I don't know what I won't like until I try it. Sooo, Throw your leg over something with a motor and join us this weekend if you can.
Rick

Hope you guys had a good ride. Maybe I'll catch up with you guys next time. I just need a couple of weeks notice before I can go.

[sndmn2]

Code: Select all

Hope you guys had a good ride. Maybe I'll catch up with you guys next time. I just need a couple of weeks notice before I can go.
Dirty Thirties



Worked out great. Owasippie was only four miles away. Dirtbiked and mountain biked back to back. Sweet.