Have you ever gotten a friend to change their gear?

[Grey Thumper]

A friend of mine just got a bike. I went to a gear store with him before he even bought the bike, just to show him what's out there, tell him what stuff does, and subtly give a few tips (well, the nice thing about full face helmets yadda yadda).

I rode with him yesterday for the first time, and of course, he's got the cool retro half-face helmet, fashion weight leather jacket, and retro but useless gloves (they're actually thin driving gloves). I was a bit disappointed but didn't say a thing, since hey, I already gave him the intro tour. He's an adult and anything he actually spends his money on is none of my beeswax.

I'm wondering if anyone out there has managed to successfully convince a friend to get more protective gear? How do you do it without being preachy and coming off like a big douche?

[HYPERR]

Yes I am proud to say, I have talked many people into using more gear, earplugs too!

In many cases, they just see me wearing gear and using earplugs on rides that we go on and they initiated the conversation regarding gear.

[Wrider]

Yep, just went faster than he could go in first, he changed to second...

Ohhhh protective gear... Lol yeah I've gotten a few to change it up, including my sister.

[High_Side]

I tease Mike about his school-bus yellow riding jacket but have thus far not been able to convince him to change!

Hehe - just kidding buddy.

[totalmotorcycle]

I tease Mike about his school-bus yellow riding jacket but have thus far not been able to convince him to change!

Hehe - just kidding buddy.

Thanks man. haha.

I have to say riding here in Houston, the school-bus yellow jacket isn't helping. I almost got taken out again, (that makes 3 times) by a side swipe a few days ago (texting car drivers). Even in England or Canada it wasn't this dangerous to ride the roads. I might have to switch to a lighted flashing 80's neon jacket. haha.

Mike

[Grey Thumper]

I might have to switch to a lighted flashing 80's neon jacket. haha.

Mike

Like one of these?



(Sorry, don't know how to embed video).


(Admin - This is the long link for your video to embed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7Bzx5l7bqE see reply below on how to get it from YouTube)

[BobK]

Your friend is probably posting about how embarrassing it is to ride with his geeky buddy who dresses up like a cross between a Power Ranger and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

[sapaul]

Just order from here Mike

come on, you know you want to

http://shop.thinkbike.co.za/shop?page=s ... egory_id=1

[JackoftheGreen]

Nope, but not for lack of trying.

I've got a buddy who insists on wearing a Harley Davidson (he rides a Suzi Boulevard) mesh vest with bright yellow reflective tape all over it, and despite constant ridicule by me and my wife, he won't give the thing up.

[totalmotorcycle]

I might have to switch to a lighted flashing 80's neon jacket. haha.

Mike

Like one of these? (Sorry, don't know how to embed video).

I need to post a FAQ about how to get the new youtube video links to work (YouTube changed it to make it a little more difficult as they want you to go to their site to see the ads). But here you go:

1. Find a YouTube video
2. Click on the SHARE button at the bottom of the video (it's in the LIKE / DISLIKE / ADDTO / SHARE / FLAG are )
3. Click on OPTIONS dropdown
4. Click LONG LINK (copy that)
5. Come back to TMW and your post, click on YouTube quick button then press paste. DONE


And for your reply: That vest is a really good idea for riding at night, hopefully it would catch on but not till it's "cool to wear". Safety doesn't seem to rank high on the coolness scale it seems.

Just order from here Mike come on, you know you want to http://shop.thinkbike.co.za/shop?page=s ... egory_id=1

Yes, ThinkBike. Great idea for a company. They had them in the UK as well. Lots of riders in the UK wear those bright yellow safety vests (and I mean A LOT). It's quite hazardous to ride in the UK in parts so extra safety is welcomed.

Nope, but not for lack of trying. I've got a buddy who insists on wearing a Harley Davidson (he rides a Suzi Boulevard) mesh vest with bright yellow reflective tape all over it, and despite constant ridicule by me and my wife, he won't give the thing up.

I used to wear a motorcycle purposed studded blue jean jacket when I first started out (ya, those where the days when they were cool; Sears sold them!). Then after many years my next jacket is the one I'm wearing today (ya. It a 1st year Joe Rocket!).

Big, big difference in drivers turning in front of me (outside the USA). But here in Texas, drivers have the "I don't care, it's what I want to do" attitude and it doesn't matter if they see you or not because are late, can get there 10 sec faster by cutting you off, texting their friends, on the cell, or putting on makeup!

Mike