Good gravy guys 'n gals!!
Lots o' back-n-forth on this one... but, I think the bottom line is this: If you're going to wear gear - and IMHO you SHOULD wear gear - wear gear that's going to actually give you some meaningful level of protection if you go down.
If you've only got $85 to buy a helmet, Guess what - if you shop around long enough and do your homework, you'll find one for that much that will give you a comfortable fit and adequate protection.
If you've only got $20 for gloves - shop and do your homework and get the ones that offer the best fit and most protection.
Same for boots and jackets. I just picked up a new, fully lined, CE armored Nitro jacket for $90. And, a used, heavier, leather HJC for colder weather for just $75. The moral is: do your homework and spend your money wisely.
Used gear (except for a used helmet - I personally draw the line there) is fine for everyday riding and costs a fraction of what it would cost new.
If you choose not to wear any gear at all, that's your choice - you'll get no respect from me (I'll mutter "stupid squid" or something similar under my breath as you pass by). By the same token, I won't call you out as a squid until you say, "Hey - Look at me, I'm not wearing any gear. Aren't I cool?"
BTW - I have a cage that guzzles gas like I drink beer... I ride the bike to save me money and keep the miles down. I drive alone to work and getting 50 mpg beats the snot out of getting 18 any day of the week. Is it a necessity? Prolly no. It's closer to being a toy, but I still get plenty of utility out of it.
Lots o' back-n-forth on this one... but, I think the bottom line is this: If you're going to wear gear - and IMHO you SHOULD wear gear - wear gear that's going to actually give you some meaningful level of protection if you go down.
If you've only got $85 to buy a helmet, Guess what - if you shop around long enough and do your homework, you'll find one for that much that will give you a comfortable fit and adequate protection.
If you've only got $20 for gloves - shop and do your homework and get the ones that offer the best fit and most protection.
Same for boots and jackets. I just picked up a new, fully lined, CE armored Nitro jacket for $90. And, a used, heavier, leather HJC for colder weather for just $75. The moral is: do your homework and spend your money wisely.
Used gear (except for a used helmet - I personally draw the line there) is fine for everyday riding and costs a fraction of what it would cost new.
If you choose not to wear any gear at all, that's your choice - you'll get no respect from me (I'll mutter "stupid squid" or something similar under my breath as you pass by). By the same token, I won't call you out as a squid until you say, "Hey - Look at me, I'm not wearing any gear. Aren't I cool?"
BTW - I have a cage that guzzles gas like I drink beer... I ride the bike to save me money and keep the miles down. I drive alone to work and getting 50 mpg beats the snot out of getting 18 any day of the week. Is it a necessity? Prolly no. It's closer to being a toy, but I still get plenty of utility out of it.
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