armor

[Dichotomous]

so I see many jackets and pants and boots with armor, and even a mesh suit with armor that you wear under a jacket. I am all about being protected, but whats really needed and where to people usually get hurt when they crash. I notced almost no chaps with knee or shin armor in them. and will steel toed construction boots protect better than average cruiser straight leather boots? I am seriously thinking of buying that mesh armor suit that has eblow, shoulder, neck, spine, and chest armor. or is that just really silly?

[Ninja Geoff]

so I see many jackets and pants and boots with armor, and even a mesh suit with armor that you wear under a jacket. I am all about being protected, but whats really needed and where to people usually get hurt when they crash. I notced almost no chaps with knee or shin armor in them. and will steel toed construction boots protect better than average cruiser straight leather boots? I am seriously thinking of buying that mesh armor suit that has eblow, shoulder, neck, spine, and chest armor. or is that just really silly?

That mesh with the armor is a good idea. Most chaps won't have armor, you'll have to get motorcycle pants. Though they do make pants with armor that are designed to be worn overs your regular pants. As for the steel toe, what do you think'll happen if you drop your heavy cruiser on your foot? I forsee lost toes since i seriously doubt they can withstand 500+ pounds dropping on your foot. I say go with the cruiser boots. Besides, the leather in those should protect better than whatever material is in the work boots.

[Dragonhawk]

so I see many jackets and pants and boots with armor, and even a mesh suit with armor that you wear under a jacket. I am all about being protected, but whats really needed and where to people usually get hurt when they crash. I notced almost no chaps with knee or shin armor in them. and will steel toed construction boots protect better than average cruiser straight leather boots? I am seriously thinking of buying that mesh armor suit that has eblow, shoulder, neck, spine, and chest armor. or is that just really silly?

Chaps are not designed to protect anyone. They are fashion statements designed to "look cool" to the lawyers on their $30,000 Harleys, trying to be badasses on the weekends.

I wear a full-face helmet, armored gloves, armored boots, and a 2-piece armored leather racing suit every single time I ride.

I've had "unexpected dismounting experiences" more than once. And the armor works.

If you are concerned with looking silly, I promise you that I look a LOT more cool when I walk away from a wipe-out than one of those silly-looking people in jeans and a t-shirt who are left bleeding on the side of the road from the exact same accident.

[Dichotomous]

As for the steel toe, what do you think'll happen if you drop your heavy cruiser on your foot? I forsee lost toes since i seriously doubt they can withstand 500+ pounds dropping on your foot. I say go with the cruiser boots. Besides, the leather in those should protect better than whatever material is in the work boots.[/quote]

really? I just assumed that since work boots are around very heavy industrial stuff, which is generally quite heavy. I'm just thinking it would have a nice dual use since as an architect I am on job sites a bunch

[Ninja Geoff]

really? I just assumed that since work boots are around very heavy industrial stuff, which is generally quite heavy. I'm just thinking it would have a nice dual use since as an architect I am on job sites a bunch

Maybe if you weren't moving and the bike just kinda tipped over onto your foot, it may be fine. But add speed and impact into the equation, and the risk is there. I personally don't reccomend having ANY metal in your boots that supports your foot or protects your toes. My step dad once dropped an old bike of his on his foot. He was wearing work boots with a metal shank running along the sole. He had to unbend his foot when he pushed the bike off of himself.
I like these for cruiser-esque boots myself: http://www.newenough.com/tour_master_so ... s_page.htm

[JustJames]

Chaps are not designed to protect anyone. They are fashion statements designed to "look cool" to the lawyers on their $30,000 Harleys, trying to be badasses on the weekends.

I'm not agree with Chaps are fashion statements. I do wear chaps when it cold not it looks cool. BTW I do not own Harleys just a japanese made cruiser style. I also think chap at least give more protection than regular jeans.

[Sev]

Chaps are not designed to protect anyone. They are fashion statements designed to "look cool" to the lawyers on their $30,000 Harleys, trying to be badasses on the weekends.

Wow, I must be doing a LOT better then I thought. Here I figured I was an unemployed student who rides a bike worth less then 7grand American. Apparently not.

Chaps are not designed for IMPACT protection, they are designed for ABRASION protection. Leather still holds up better then anything else as far as ability to resist abrasion from tarmac, and stop you over the shortest distance. Textile is a close second, but is more likely to slide, and if it's cheap it'll melt.

Why else do you think it's possible to get armored leather pants? Because they look cool?

Personally I hate the way chaps look, I hate how cumbersom the are, and I hate the way it feels to wear them, but I still put them on because I'd rather be a little uncomfortable then have to go through trying to grow skin on my knees again.

The armor in your jacket and pants is designed to protect against the initial impact which generally results in broken bones and joints, though it is also helpful vs abrasion it is not as good as the leather in my chaps.

[Scoutmedic]

Just make sure you don't land or skid on your butt when you're wearing chaps. I'm not saying they're worthless but, from my experience seeing motorcycle accidents, the chaps work very well for wind/bug/debris/etc while in motion and not when sliding down the gravel or asphalt.

[Sev]

That's just because chaps don't put any leather on your "O Ring", everywhere else should be pretty good

[Seetrout]

I personally don't reccomend having ANY metal in your boots that supports your foot or protects your toes. My step dad once dropped an old bike of his on his foot. He was wearing work boots with a metal shank running along the sole.

Those metal shanks are only to protect against punctures (boards with nails, etc.). They put them in military boots for the same reason. ANSI steel toes are tough.
9 months ago a co-worker got his foot run over by a forklift, (they weigh 10k lbs + or -)(4.5mt?). The steel cup cut down through the sole of his boot on one side, but retained it's shape and protected his foot.
7 years ago, before they required us to wear steel toes, another co-worker had the same thing happen to him. He lost half of his foot.

All that said, I don't think they're necessary for riding, but I also don't think they will hurt you. If that's the best you have till you can afford a riding boot, they're definitely better than sneakers.