Brace yourself!

[Strombone]

Hello Chums,

Just thought I'd see what the general opinion on the device in the link below is .

I am interested in it, actually. Anything that improves ones chances should something unpleasant happen must be a good thing. However, I can't help but think that ,as good as it may be, it seems like yet another item to add to the list of things that make getting ready to get on your bike slower than getting ready to go ski-ing. At what point to you think , sod it I'll just get in the car?

I should add that I could potentially feel a bit of a wally wearing one as well.

http://shop.1stmx.co.uk/new-2012-leatt- ... 2781-p.asp

[bencav]

Hmmm...That is all!!

Actually, if you are going to add protection to every last inch of you, and in the doing, reduce the feeling of freedom beng on a bike gives, you might as well take the car.

Nothing to do with getting ready time, just the fact that you would feel like a mummy if you added all of the 'protection' gadgets you can buy!

[willbo]

I was given a chest protection pad to go with my knox Aegis back protector. I love the Aegis and wear it all the time. I never wear the chest protector, as its slightly too snug and a bit unconfortable. I'm all for protection, and wear as much as I feel sensible (back, shoulders, elbows, knees etc) but I feel there's a limit for normal biking. if I went motocross though I think that would be on my list

[temporaryescapee]

There is a review of this in Bike this month - they now have a road rather than mx version.  Conclusion was you get used to it (feel and appearance).

[Strommer]

Will it work with my airbag jacket....?  

[Strombone]

Will it work with my airbag jacket....?  

Airbag jacket? Tell me more!

[Arto]

I had the full exo-skeleton kit for my Green Laning, being as how I rode like a cod not a god, I came off loads of times, with no injuries till the one that mashed my wrist, just got over that and did my knee, I only ride the roads now it's safer. I reckon me giving up Geen laning must save the government half of the proposed NHS cutbacks.

[Juvecu]

Aren't the neck braces more relevant for off road racing/motoX? I wouldn't wear one on the road myself, not even when green laning, but I have armour in a lot of other places (knees, elbows, shoulders & back.) I want to get hip amour inserts some time, I always land on my hips when I fall, and my new boots will give better angle and shin protection.

[Sea-Strom]

I usually have plenty of elbow,shoulder, back, knee, protection as well as tall boots and armoured gloves. I do have a theory though that the more protected you are, the more foolhardy you ride - like in the summer if I don't wear much, I ride more safely. Still it's nice to know you have a better chance if you do go down. Wear it all, if it makes you feel good - you never know which part of you is going to hit the tarmac or car or wall or............etc.

[Steve33]

the more protected you are, the more foolhardy you ride

It's called "risk compensation", and is recognised as a road safety factor in many countries around the work (although not in the UK).

A nice heavy quiet lid + earplugs adds 10-20MPH to my comfortable crusing speed. Summer mesh jacket, open face lid and light gloves takes the same off.

In the end it all comes down to your personal comfort/safety/image balance. There isn't one right answer (but personally feel flip-flops are a definite wrong one   )

[Juvecu]

[chrishassell59]

does that mean I'll have to stop riding in my leopard skin budgie smugglers

[Oop North John]

And the easiest way to stop car etc accidents? A great big sharp spike coming out of the steering wheel, and no seatbelt allowed!

[Abercol]

does that mean I'll have to stop riding in my leopard skin budgie smugglers

   

Oh how we would live to regret that statement....

[Steve33]

..and there's my breakfast again.

[2112]

And dinner  

[Gassoon]

does that mean I'll have to stop riding in my leopard skin budgie smugglers

No. My suggestion: wear them on the outside of some decent protective pants.