[N.Y.STYLE PIZZA]

Another couple of points...... Your jacket should fit snugly, in order to keep the elbow/shoulder armor in the correct locations on your body. I returned one of my jackets after I realized that the armor was moving around too much and leaving my elbows exposed. Same with your helmet, it should be snug without providing pressure points. Make sure you can return the helmet, if it does not fit. Cycle Gear has a seven day return policy. Take the helmet home and wear it around the house for 30-60-90 minutes.............whatever it takes to ensure that it fits snug, yet does not hurt your forehead, or top of your head or ANY part of your skull. The helmet should fit snug because that will afford the greatest protection in the event you go down and smack your head on the road/track surface. It is the height of the impact, not the velocity at which you are traveling that is the greatest factor in how much trauma your skull/brain receives. I cannot provide a reference at the moment, but google helmets on the net, and sit back and READ. There is plenty of research out there........ My point is helmet FIT is important.

Also, I wear a back protector. It is a Dianese BP2 model. A lot of guys new to the sport are not even aware of this piece of gear. The only reason I know about them is that I went to a track day, and they are required. Your spine is very fragile.......... this piece of equipment consists of 6-7-8 pieces of hardshell plastic segments, with two elastic velcro bands that wrap around my waist. They keep my midsection tight, provide lower back support, and cover my spine from the base of my neck down to my tailbone. I FEEL MUCH SAFER WEARING IT. However, as stated before, we all make tradeoffs. I wear jeans on my commute, which most would agree is not adequate, yet I wear the back protector, which some would say is overkill for the street.

Hope this helps,

-Ruben