Gear

[Ginger]

Glad to hear that you're alright from your mishap... I learned a fair amount from mine, too; all of which I promptly tossed out the window when Pete was egging me on to learn to wheelie... in a t shirt. BTW, what are you riding?

I was underimpressed with my gloves when I went down, too. Teknic Violators... for $40 or $50 I guess you can't expect all that much.

I think I'll be ordering a pair of the Vanson Rockets:
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or Dainese Speed Metals:
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Though I'm undecided on whether or not I'll need the solid knuckle protection every day (and whether or not the control trade off is worth it... on that note, I've read that the Held Galaxy's are a great, soft glove that fit nicely in the middle of it all: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://newenough.com/held_galaxy_glove_page.htm">http://newenough.com/held_galaxy_glove_page.htm</a><!-- m -->)

I don't wear anything but jeans for everyday riding... maybe some Draggin' Jeans later on... but until I need new jeans they're prohibitively expensive (though cheaper than brand clothes if you're into them).

My next jacket will be a Vanson, I'm rather sure. The classic Mark 2 (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://newenough.com/vanson_csrv2_jacket_page.htm">http://newenough.com/vanson_csrv2_jacket_page.htm</a><!-- m -->); but probably not perforated. I'll likely purchase some CE armor for it, too, as I feel naked without it now. For summer wear I'm planing on a Joe Rocket Rio - $71 + ship from New Enough right now:
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I'm riding with a Shoei RF1000 helmet for now, though it doesn't fit my head all that well and that feeling manifests itself on long rides. I feel pressure on the front of my head and it ocasionally can cause a headache (like on my way to the Chapin's place (3+ hours was my trip there). The Arai Astral's fit my head shape better... but everybody's different, best to go try 'em on.

I said something earlier about Engineer style boots (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.redwings.de/pages/shoes2005/thumbs/Eitel_fertig/0970.jpg">http://www.redwings.de/pages/shoes2005/ ... g/0970.jpg</a><!-- m -->). And while I like the look, I don't like the loose feeling that not having laces gives you. I'm really, really picky about footwear, as it needs to fit alright in a bank environment (I'm a teller) and just as well in a bar or club. These seem like they'll do the trick (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://newenough.com/cruiserworks_defender_boots_page.htm">http://newenough.com/cruiserworks_defen ... s_page.htm</a><!-- m -->) as a long enough pair of slacks will cover up the agressive looking portions and the feature list is HUGE. I have a terrible mental image of my ankle grinding away, trapped under a sliding motorcycle, so actual ankle guards and toe protection are a must - which those offer.

And, uhh, yeah.