Safety and Protective Clothing

Good quality, properly fitting protective gear can make the difference in a collision between serious injuries and long term pain and expense or slight short term discomfort. It is also the difference between being comfortable or cold and wet.

	Helmet This is not the place to save money. It must fit properly. Lighter is better. Ask about anti fogging measures. Full face, open face or flip up? Which would you rather be wearing if you fall off and hit your head?
	Jacket You must have properly fitting armour for back, Shoulders and elbows. It needs to protect against impact and sliding. Leather gives better abrasion protection, Gortex can be more comfortable. Weather protection can be improved with cheap plastic rain gear.
	Spine Protector You use your spine quite a lot really. The armour in many jackets can be improved with a separate spine protector.
	Gloves It’s hard to make a cup of tea without your hands. Properly fitting gloves must protect against impact and sliding. They should keep you warm and dry. Weather protection can be improved with handlebar muffs and heated grips.
	Trousers Same as the jacket. Properly fitting (Sitting on the bike) Knee protection.
	Boots Sure where would you be going without your feet? Shins, ankles and feet are very vulnerable. They need; good ankle support, impact and sliding protection, and weather protection. Cold feet are clumsy and no fun.