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I am taking an MSF course in a few weeks. I have to have some gear to bring to the course; I think they provide helmets but everything else I need to bring.

My question is: assuming I do OK in the course and end up buying a bike, what do you recommend for purchasing jackets, boots, gloves, et cetera? I've seen some great sites but I don't know how much of this stuff one should buy without holding it -- on the other hand, I know if I go to a New York City motorcycle dealer, I'm going to pay through the nose.

Should I scrape together whatever I can for the safety course and then invest in some real gear once I've chosen a bike? Would you purchase a helmet that you hadn't held in your hands?

Thanks!

Definitely try the gear on before purchasing. ESPECIALLY the helmet. After that, it's up to you whether you buy from the place you tried it on or online. Personally, I tend to buy from where I tried it on. I like to support my local businesses whenever possible.

Be sure to read the stickies at the top of the New Riders Forum. There is an excellent post on helmet fit guidelines.

If you have to choose, buy good gear before buying a bike. Also, the MSF can provide a helmet if you need one but do you really want to wear a helmet that untold numbers of prior students have worn?

Good Luck, Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There!

Makes sense! Thanks!

Can anyone recommend a good gear shop in NYC? The general "New York Bike info" site seems to have not been updated ni the last 8 or 9 years. :/

I am taking an MSF course in a few weeks. I have to have some gear to bring to the course; I think they provide helmets but everything else I need to bring.

You might want to find out what KIND of "gear" you need. You probably don't need to buy the "real deal" until after you complete the course.

Most sites require nothing more protective than jeans, a long sleeve shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves, eye protection (can be sunglasses or prescription glasses) and over the ankle footwear. Helmets are nearly always available.

All I can say is, if you decide to go into a shop and try on stuff, then plan to make a purchase there. Doesn't have to be everything.

P

Stuff like gloves you can order online, but stuff like jackets and helmets you should definitely try on first. The size charts they list on the websites arent always totally accurate and all the brands tend to fit differently.

Definitely try the gear on before purchasing. ESPECIALLY the helmet. After that, it's up to you whether you buy from the place you tried it on or online. Personally, I tend to buy from where I tried it on. I like to support my local businesses whenever possible.

+1 to that, I love my local bike shop. I might pay a bit more but I know thay will take care of me when I need them too, I also like to support them because they are the only place around that carries a great selection of womens gear.
Definitely get your helmet new and definitely try it on and wear it in the store for awhile. But for other gear I'd imagine in NY you can find anything else you need on craigslist for bargain prices. Alot of folks buy gear, decide riding is too scary or whatever, then unload their barely used gear on craigslist.

Last time I got a helmet I tried on five same model/brand before I found the best fit. So if you buy on line check return/exchange policy. Best to buy at shop!

On clothing, if price is the main concern. There are alternatives like work gloves and Army boots. Not the best but cost effective. Also look at extreme sports clothing. Best buys are out of season and discontinued.

Another good source is Army surplus (some even carry leathers and helmets) or Play It Again Sports (used) A friend of mine once got a leather MC coat at Goodwill for $2. Also look at newspaper ads,flea markets,swap meets, and yard sales

You can get one up clothing made. I have boots from The Leather Botique (E bay) and coat from Stone Lake
www.stonelakeleatherworks.com This usually takes 1 to 3 months. Better quality and fit than off the shelf, but at an increased price.

Remember that protective clothing needs to protect from elements as well as from wrecks. Also look for that friend that is just a little bigger than you, he/she may have good gear that they have out grown. If you are in a fairly large city, over 30,000 you should be able to find at least one shop with a good stock, at least till snowmobile stuff comes in.

I'm not terribly worried about price so much as I have yet to find a (still-open) shop in NYC that carries a lot of stuff. There's one place way out in Queens but I can't really even get to it ... without a bike! har har.

There seem to be a couple of small places so I'll hit those up. Definitely want to try on things like helmets first.

Most cities have several shops. Pueblo has 5 and its only around 50K. Most other cities (Portland, Tacoma, Bosie, Denver ,SLC, Colo Spgs, Calgary, Oakland/Berkley, Cheyenne) I've looked for shops in have many more. NYC should have like hundreds or thousands.

I take it you don't have a car, so get a buddy to take you or Most cities have bus systems, I rode one in Denver about 20 yrs ago. And finding a shop open, you may have to go on Saturday. Most bike shops are open Tuesday through Saturday. Some are open on Monday and a few sell parts on Sunday. (its not legal to sell motor vehicles on Sunday, like booze)