[NinjaBuc]

Originally Posted by JustWondering

I've read the stickies and have found them quite usefull for considering what sort of bike I should start out on. I have decided to go with the ex500. I was leaning toward starting on a smaller bike but it seems all of my buddies who ride think that is a horrible idea. But the stickies (as well as other research) have helped confirm my belief that starting on a smaller bike is a good idea.

Kudos to you, nice choice!

That being said, I didn't find any stickies or good posts about what sort of gear a noobie should start off with. I also checked the gear thread and there was no easily found threads on the basics of gear. Perhaps one of you more experienced riders could either point me in the direction of a good startup guide or could make a good post that has sticky potential. I believe the 'noobie' forum is the best place to make it because I would think that the proper choice of gear is almost as important as the first choice in bikes (if not moreso).

Right again, although by simply choosing to wear gear at all, you've already made the most important decision.

But I have a few specific questions that might help someone develop a post. I have glanced through the gear section of this forum and most people have the whole gettup going (helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, boots, etc.) which sounds like a good idea if I were out riding for pleasure. But I will probably be using my bike to commute to and from work & school as I will use it for joyriding. Is all of this stuff neccessary just to get me the mile and a half of city driving required to get to school and work? If not, what things are necessary? I would guess a helmet at the very least but what about gloves or a jacket? If I want to wear 'normal' clothes without having to change my clothes once arriving, are jeans acceptable? Any pants? Shorts? Naked?[/

For the most part, yes. I forget the exact number, but it is a fact that most accidents happen within a few miles of home. Helmet is a must, as well as a jacket and gloves. I'll admit that I do ride in just jeans on occation, but the are usually my ICON Standard reinforced jeans, which are better than nothing, and if you are big fan of the whole walking and good ankles thing, get boots too.

And what general info should I know about the various types of gear that would help me make a better informed choice in what I'll buy. Do I need a $400 helmet or is a $25 helmet that I might find at a garage sale acceptable? What should I look for in a helmet? What should I stay away from? And more importantly WHY should I look for, or stay away from, certain things?

All right, let's get into specifics. No, you do not NEED a $400 helemt. I would also not buy the $25 one at a garage sale, as it is used, and buying a used helmet is generally a bad idea, since you never know how it was treated, and damage can be hidden. What you need is a DOT and Snell approved helemt. These helemts have met certain crash standards and good for your melon. Brands such as HJC, ICON are good, but I personally recommend Scoprion. I had one before I bought my Shoei and it is a great helmet. You can get them all day long for $150-$200. With the higher priced brands, you are paying for a lighter helmet with more features (better venting, etc.) BTW, the most important thing when it comes to helmets is fit. How does a particular helmet fit you and you head. In the end, try a bunch on and go with what fits best.

Are gloves neccessary? Can I use those 99 cent mittens I see at the dollar store or should I find some cast iron gauntlets? Leather or chainmail?

LOL, always go with chainmail, it vents better.
Seriously, do me a favor and put one of those 99 cent mittens on you hand and then put that hand on a belt sander. Now, what kind of gloves do you want. As silly as it sounds, that's about what is happening if you should even find youself sliding down the pavement after a lowside. Ask me how I know. Go with gauntlet style golve made from leather. They can be had for less than $30 online if you look.

Jackets? The pro's and con's of leather jackets versus some of the synthetic materials I see out there. Dont some jackets actually have hard material like plastic or perhaps even kevlar in them?

I own both, leather and textile, both Alpinestars. The textile is a good choice for those really hot days here in Florida, but leather will give better protection. Buy the best you can afford, simple as that.

If I dont want a pair of raicing boots are my regular sneakers okay to commute in? What about for joyriding?

Again, not if you like walking. Ankle injuries are no joke. I actually wear an Alpinestars "Ridge" boot. It covers to just above my ankle, and look like regular boots under some pants. I can wear them all day at work and nobody even notices them. Check them out.

Are baggy pants out of the question? I'd look rediculous in some tight wrangler jeans where every detail of my keys shows through the material.

Yes, nothing baggy, too much to get caught up in moving parts. I have a few options when it comes to pants. I own a pair of Firstgear Overpants that do just what they sound like. The go over a regular pair of pants. Great when it's cool, but too hot otherwise. I also have a pair of Firstgear textile pants. Vented and very cool. Not as great as leather, but survived my lowside with minimal damage and saved my skin. On the rare occation I do wear jeans, I have a few pairs of ICON Standrd Jeans. The are reinfiorced in some areas and a bit better than nothing.

I'm not 'skinny' or even 'average' in weight. I'm above average with a picture perfect beer belly and some beautiful love handles. Is there gear to fit my body style?

I have the same body type, so I can offer some suggestions. Go with Alpinestars for jackets. I've tried tons of different brands, and A* is the only one with the lenght to make up for the beer belly. Also, don't assume big body means big head. I wear an XXXL Jacket, but a M helmet, figure that one out.

I've asked a ton of questions and I dont really expect someone to have ALL of the answers. But any advice would be helpfull not only to me but to any of the other noobies who are not only curious about a first bike but also about the set of safety gear we purchase. I've found it hard to find all of this information in a central location that is not marketing a specific product. Thanks in advance!

I hope this info helps. Feel free to ask away if any of this is unclear, and welcome to SBN

Josh