Must have gear for female riders!!! [Archive]

roxy12

14-09-2006, 11:10 AM

Being a dh person i should were armour but im realy not an armour person, when it comes to dh and djn i feel i cant move as freely as id like.

i do own a 661 prop preesure suit, elbow guards, shinnies, tld t bones, fox neoprene knee pads, full face, skate lid (mucken around, djs etc) and roadie helmet.(longer rides)

For dh i wear the tld tbones, not to short not to long.

when it comes to just messing around and djn i found because i have week kness if i hit the deck without any kind of protection on id be on the ground in pain for at least half an hour before being able to even stand up. Hence i bought the neoprenes, no to heavy not to light, acts more like a brace then anything.

I havnt worn shinnies in a looooooooog time i find them uncomfortable and as i have very skinny legs i could never get a pair that fitted appropriatly in length and width. I only wear the pressure suit when im on a super rocky track (so basicaly maybe 1-2 times a year), elbow guards not often at all.

When it comes to longer rides i have a pair of fox baggys with the padded insert. awesome, no other word for them. pockets are fantastic, i cant go anywhere withut pockets for my athsma pump, keys, phone bandaids.

I have a camelback, dont know what id do without it. 2L lots pockets.

As for seats, i found it important when i was into xc to have an appropriate fitting one, along the lines of a wtb speed she, or specialised womens. But with dh and djn its not important in the slightest as far as ive found.

One thing ive found important and this may seem odd to a few of you, but after being cornered and harrased by a group of 6-8 males at the train station one day on my bike, ive found that carrying an alarm scares the shit out of them and keeps me safer:)

TerraNik

14-09-2006, 04:19 PM

I think a camelback is definately a must - I actually have a 'women's specific' one, which I just thought looked nice until I realised that it was actually designed for women!!! Guess they got the colouring right!! :p But on a serious note, it's fantastic and it means that I can keep all my lil goodies in there on a long ride (sunnies, phone, spare tube, etc).

I was seriously thinking about investing in armour... Funny thing is that when I stack it, I ALWAYS crash onto my left and I always joke about whether I would get half price if I wanna only buy the left hand side gear!! :rolleyes: But seriously I really don't know where to start with it, but it's not too much of a necessity at this point (maybe after a few more broken arms...). But gloves are definately a must - I have saved the skin on my hands many times over thanks to my trusty tuff's!

I only have a roadie helmet - but I will definately be investing in a full faced pretty soon.

On the matter of clothes, I'm really slack on that front! I wear jeans shorts and a tee-shirt. I'm comfortable in it and I don't feel that I need that 'padding'... But I might be persuaded if I actually gave it a go.

With regards to the seat - I actually have a guys seat (stock) on mine. It's the most comfortable seat I have ever had on a bike which suprised me!! I guess I just got lucky with it but I haven't had any issues, even on my 3 hour rides. Maybe my butt is just super padded :o

My clipless pedals I think is a must... Makes riding up hills *so* much easier! And I get so much more power than if I ride on flats. I wonder though - do the girls who do DH - do you use flats or clipless? I can just imagine myself stacking it on a DH race into a tree coz I couldn't get my feet out fast enough... hahah

Mandy

14-09-2006, 06:24 PM

Does anyone know if the armour for mountin bike sis teh same as the stuff for motorbikes. Looking at pictures it looks the same???. I am thinking about getting a full face too.

roxy12

14-09-2006, 07:11 PM

prettmy much all the pretty much all the preasure suits are (bar the select mtb specific few), i bough my first one in a moto store.

Make sure you get one the fits correctly, i made that mistake.

Mandy

14-09-2006, 07:27 PM

I have the hard shell armour from when i rode motorbikes. I used to wear it under clothes so if ever i need armous ill probably wear that

14-09-2006, 07:56 PM

I would definitely recommend Dainese for pressure jackets. They have been making armour forever (for motos and mtb) and it has aluminium reinforcement that others don't. It's worth the extra $$ for sure.

Same deal with the helmet, you can either go moto or mtb specific. Moto ones don't have as many vents and are often a little heavier, so my preference for Australian conditions is a mtb specific one. 661 and Giro are good quality budget priced helmets. Make sure you have someone help you with the fit though.

With leg and elbow armour, girls often struggle with lack of smaller sizes. Also, just trying it on in the shop isn't enough, you really need to get on the bike and ride around in it - elbows that feel firm can easily slip down when riding, for example. If you can't 'test ride' it at the store, take it home with the option to exchange if no good.

Flats vs clips ... well I ride XC in clips and DH on flats ... I like to be able to get my foot solidly on the pedal and not worry about having to clip in. And same deal for getting a foot out when necessary. Clips can help for jumping etc. if you don't have the technique to 'lift' the bike on flats (something I definitely should work on!) and through rocky sections where your feet can bounce off. FiveTen Impact shoes are the go for riding with flats, or so I hear - unfortunately they don't make them small enough for my feet. But apparently this is the closest you get to feeling clipped in, without clipping in!

Seats are such a personal thing ... ask a store to take one home and test it for a couple of rides, with the option to swap it if it doesn't suit. A girl-specific seat won't necessarily be comfortable for you, and they vary a lot in terms of padding, width, etc.

roxy12

14-09-2006, 08:16 PM

I would definitely recommend Dainese for pressure jackets. They have been making armour forever (for motos and mtb) and it has aluminium reinforcement that others don't. It's worth the extra $$ for sure.

I disagree to an extent, if your not an armour person i wouldnt bother, most spinal injuries are caused by jaring rather then direct impact like that as much as it helps, after going through 3 pressure suits includeing a dainese i cant justify the cost.

my fractured vertebrae, caused by jaring armour did nothing, and would have done nothing.

If your prepared to spend that much go for it, but like most my budet is limited.

I however find it completely uselss wereing dainese/basic 661/azonic now as im in between sizes and it causes more rashes and grazes upon impact then its worth. The 661 pro pressure suit however comes in sizes that are very small, worth a look by all girls as this is the first ive found to fit perfectly, and still have sizes to go down to!

Dont necessarily go for the most expensive, theres no point if it dosnt fit.

TerraNik

14-09-2006, 08:25 PM

With leg and elbow armour, girls often struggle with lack of smaller sizes. Also, just trying it on in the shop isn't enough, you really need to get on the bike and ride around in it - elbows that feel firm can easily slip down when riding, for example. If you can't 'test ride' it at the store, take it home with the option to exchange if no good.

I guess I'm lucky in that respect coz I'm bigger than a lot of girls... I'm 6ft tall and built pretty well! It's normally a problem of women's gear being way too small!!!!! My MTB shoes are guy ones coz they don't make my size in women's specific (by quite a few sizes!!)... Most of the time I don't even bother looking for girls attire - and that will go the same for when I'm investing in armour!

mtbmamma

14-09-2006, 10:15 PM

Most of what Fi says is pretty much on the mark, though as Roxy has said it can vary person to person. But there is no doubt that the following are extremely important.

Helmet - Full Face
Gloves - Not mitts
At least arm and leg armour of some sort and good riding shorts that will take a beating. I use my sons old fox base shorts which have a good lycra inner with chamois and a tough outer shell.

I take some horrid hits when falling dh and have survived intact thanks to my protective gear. I also ride motorbikes and figure that if I am doing 40-60kph with all the gear I wear then I should do so for mtb. At Lithgow the riders were clocked at between 40-68kph in some sections, when I think of this I think of Johnny Waddel and his crash. He was wearing a Motocross helmet and it saved his life. If you are really out there with your dh riding that maybe the way to go.

Ricky Boyer, one of our Elite Riders, is now wearing a motocross helmet by Fox, it looks great and should do the job. Ricky has had some major crashes in the past but is still up at the top of his game.

Protection is the way to go girls. :D

ruthlessgirl

15-09-2006, 12:19 AM

I would definitely recommend Dainese for pressure jackets. They have been making armour forever (for motos and mtb) and it has aluminium reinforcement that others don't. It's worth the extra $$ for sure.

In Australia if you order Dainese you have to ask specifically for the moto back plate if you want the metal honeycomb in it. Otherwise you get the MTB style which doesn't have it. That being said Dainese is the only armour I've found that fits small. If you've got a small chest you can wear the hard plate front, if big, get the soft plate front.

Pebble

15-09-2006, 05:15 AM

I'm just a plain old trail rider - so xc type stuff or whatever is available - moto tracks around here mainly.

I pretty much always take the following on a ride:
Helmet
Gloves
Camelback with minipump, puncture kit / spare tube, multitool, small first aid kit, protein bar.
Cycling shirt (love those back pockets!)
Mobile Phone

and these days as the area is all new to me sometimes I'll take the gps when I go exploring. And occasionally the mp3 player.

LOL, and I'm yet to get out for rides that go longer than an hour or two!
But I ride solo, and when my husband used to work away if I had an accident I wouln't really have had anyone to call on:eek:

Mandy

15-09-2006, 11:56 AM

MTB-ChiK

25-09-2006, 11:44 PM

I am hoping the full face helmets are lighter then the motorcross ones. Yesturday i put my old motorbike one on and rode around the yard. There is no way i could do ride with that helmet on its way to heavy!!!!

The MTB specific full face helmets such as 661, specialized, Giro etc are all lighter than the Moto style ones and all have proper venting... I'm using an old Netti full face at the moment until the new 661 Bravo's arrive in Oz and its kept my head cooler than any moto helmet ever could! If you haven't seen the new Bravo's yet check them out... The Pro Bravo Carbon is sweet :D
http://www.sixsixone.com/catalog.aspx?id=b0006b42-edb1-4c42-a5a5-bed41adbcfc0&pl=BIKE

Bethany

27-09-2006, 11:08 AM

Mandy

27-09-2006, 02:45 PM

I probably wouldnt ride in a singlet on trials were you are trying out new skills all the time as the more skin showing the more grazes you will get. I have the super light material shirt i bought at big W was just $10 so i dun care if it gets ripped and stuff. I use that for now will think about proper riding clothes later.

I will be getting a full face before thredbo too my main concern is lightness then looks. How much was that one the guy was talking about????

As for knocking yourself out when you go by yourself tell someone where you are going and what trials you plan on riding that way if your not back in a few hours they know where to look.

Also i was wondering what size camel backs you girls are using?? I put one on layby today but its only 1.5 ltrs and i was hoping for a 2 but this one was more comfortable. I am just worried this isnt big enough for those long rides!!!

mtbmamma

27-09-2006, 02:54 PM

so i feel a little out of this convo as im really only starting out and dont have alot of gear. But was tlaking to a mate that works in a bike shop and he was showing me the full face helmets after i talked to him about the thredbo weekend. He has a Troy Lee Design helmet and was talking up that. it is hell light and looks hot (no one has really talked about look here... should i not bring it up?)

Do yall wear goggles?

I ride by myself as well. I kinda wonder what would happen if i knocked myself out or (like is so common here) couldnt get service on my mobile. oh well.

hey is it not cool to ride in a singlet?

Hey Bethany,

I usually, for dh, wear a short sleeved jersey in winter and short in summer, both with arm guards. Leg guards as I end up with road maps on my shins otherwise. I have a Giro Remedy, my boy and man both said as I am a beginner that a TLD D2 was a bit advanced for a "punter" (I do love them you know). The TLD's are great, you couldn't go past them. As for goggles I wear riding glasses as I get very hot but most wear gogglesl, its a personal thing. Oh and gloves, the way I fall gloves are a must.

As for singlets, fine if you are going to the shops but doing dh....... No I wouldn't as that leaves a lot of skin showing if you fall. Bare skin in a fall means lots of grazes. Not a nice thing.

Yes, you should let someone know where you are going and when you expect to get back and if not back by a certain time to send out help. Phones are not the be all and end all.

Good luck Bethany. :)

TerraNik

27-09-2006, 04:28 PM

Yeah I don't think I'd be into goggles.. I wear my old pair of Oakley sunglasses (yes, I have 2 pairs of the same glasses!!) so I don't care if they get scratched! And I can't really go outside with sunnies on because of the glare so it serves 2 purposes!

With my camelback - it's a 2.2L I think... I haven't found it to be a problem, but I am 6ft tall so something that big wouldn't really bother me as much as someone smaller. But I do have a women's specific one which is apparently designed for a chick. It works for me! :)

Oh and the dreaded full face helmet. I don't know where to start with that, but I will have to get one eventually! My tactics for picking a good one at the moment include "ooh that looks nice"... I'm such a girl! :D Again the same thing goes for armour. I think for Thredbo I will be hiring it coz I just have no idea.

mtbdh_girl

27-09-2006, 06:09 PM

When I started getting into DH I got an Odyssey BMX FF. It was light, both in weight and price, but I don't think Odyssey make them anymore. Racing I usually had shins and knees, never liked the all in on shin/knees though, I had them seperate for better movement. I was also lucky that I was given some really old Dainese armour which I wore uder any old T. Also just wore normal shorts too.

Seats, Ive always had a SDG BelAir, boys seat but it suits me for everything so...

I looking at getting a pair of riding shorts and jersey for freeride type stuff, but I've never owned them before so any suggestions or past experiences would be appreciated!!

roxy12

27-09-2006, 06:16 PM

well for dh

short sleeve jersey
black skate shorts
orchid bmx shoes
giro remedy
scott goggles
tld gloves
tld t-bone knee guards- or fox depending on track

I have a 661 pro pressure suit ( as they are very small sizes im generaly an 8-10 and i have to take a medium-pro model only)
and dainese elbow guards, both of which may only get worn twice a year on super rocky tracks, thredbo, but thats it. I find i stack more in armour, damn magnetic ground.:p

Bethany

27-09-2006, 10:22 PM

well good to know terranik thinks the same way as i do. I kinda just walk in the bike shop and point at things that look hot. Im lucky to have a best mate that works so i can be dumb and doesnt matter.

Should i pay the money and get Troy Lee Design full face? I have these hot pink TLD gloves they are the best. Anything pink i will hit

Bethany

27-09-2006, 10:23 PM

ahhh i sound like such a ditz!

im not

really!

TerraNik

28-09-2006, 04:50 AM

Haha! I'm not exactly the same as you Beth... My LBS keeps trying to get me to buy pink helmets, pink everything... It's a bit of a joke now - I just tell them... "I DON'T DO PINK!" :P Instead everything I have is red. Red clipless pedals, red bike, red helmet... :p I'm very colour coordinated!

Mandy

28-09-2006, 07:31 AM

I wanted a black bike so i could buy any gear but i got a blue one!!! My camel back is black and kahki i was so angry there wasnt a blue one!!! I hate things not being colour coordinated! Lol

Mandy

28-09-2006, 04:01 PM

TerraNik

28-09-2006, 04:15 PM

Well I own a normal MET helmet (not full face), and my clipless shoes are by Specialized - MTB Comp (men's coz i don't fit into womens!). They are the most comfortable mtb shoes I tried on and other people rave about them too Well worth giving them a go if you want to go clipless.

I also have a camelback women's specific.. but I tend to ride in jeans (I know, not very good to keep the temperature down, but they sure protect me when I have a crash!) but I have been looking for a good pair of riding shorts for summer. And my gloves are made by "Tuff" and I also have some Fox gloves.

mtbmamma

28-09-2006, 04:30 PM

Hey,
I was just wondering if some of you could please rattle off some brand names for gear.
In particular full face helmets, protective clothing and body armour and shoes so yeh pretty much everything!. I am looking at laybying all my gear now so by the time my car is sold i can just go in and get it all off:)
Thanks in advance girls!!!

Yep, MET Helmets are very good for trails but if you want to do dh don't go without your full face. I have a Giro Remedy which was mid $200's whereas a TLD D2 is high $400's!! both are very good. I have six six one leg guards and dainese arm guards and both are great. As for shoes if you want to go flats you should look at 5-10's which have the worlds stickiest soles but only come in black. White would be nice but the blacks wash so well!

As for colours, I love blue and have a blue womens specific camelbak which is great and for clipless pedals I have Cannondale blue shoes. My shorts are handmedown fox base shorts (from my son) and new cobalt blue TLD shorts which are really cool on hot days. I have a light grey Oakley short sleeve jersey and riding T shirts. I also have soft rose coloured fox girls gloves.

Hopefully that helps you work out what you need. Good luck!:)

Zooke

28-09-2006, 07:49 PM

I wear either netty or fox shorts with nicks inlayed, or I have raceface shorts without. The Netty ones I only really wear on the road bike, they don't offer a whole lot of protection on the trails. I also wear road jerseys most of the time (not the skin tight lycra things, jezzz I'ld scare everyone to death if I wore the lycra ones!!), I like my fluid jersey, it's from Anaconda, it's like their homebrand type thing, don't touch anything else by them but do like the jersys. And my raceface one is pretty worn in.

I wear BBB gloves, which seem to be going well, Shimano MTB shoes. Swore I would never ride clipped in, but these are really comfy and wear them on both road and dirt. Met helmet, Blackwolf hydropak......... can't think of anything else right now.

roxy12

28-09-2006, 08:56 PM

Yep, MET Helmets are very good for trails but if you want to do dh don't go without your full face. I have a Giro Remedy which was mid $200's whereas a TLD D2 is high $400's!! both are very good.

the remedies awesome, hish peak, removble liner for washing! wide opening for goggles!

mtbmamma

29-09-2006, 01:43 AM

the remedies awesome, hish peak, removble liner for washing! wide opening for goggles!

Yes, thats true and one of the reall attractions for me with it. It is very comfortable too.:)

Lizardskin

29-09-2006, 10:22 AM

Hey girls

Ive got a TLD full face which is pretty new, it is soooo good. Before that I had Netti, which was ok but now i have teh TLD I would never go back.

Dianese body armour, Fox knee and shins, MACE (they do chicks ones which fit really well for small hands) and Fox gloves.

Ive got Pearl Izumi clipless shoes for DH (with little purple bits on them:) ). I have Nike for XC but the PI ones are really comfy and a more casual style. When I ride with flats I use DCs.

As for clothes the Sombrio stuff is really cool. A bit pricey but they do funky chicks stuff. Ive also got quite a lot of Kathmandu riding tops for casual XC stuff.
My 2c worth :) :)

TerraNik

01-10-2006, 02:37 PM

I bought my first ever pair of REAL mtb shorts a few days ago, and just christened them out in the state forest at Wingham (near Taree).

OMG - I am NEVER going back to jeans!! My butt felt NOTHING! Literally no feeling like I had sat on a boys seat for 2 hours... Absolute bliss I tell you! For all you girls that don't have a pair of mtb knicks or shorts, YOU NEED THEM! :D

(Mine are Louis Garneau's Escape - women's of course)

Mandy

03-10-2006, 08:13 PM

For anyone who is unsure if they need shorts and doesnt wanna spend the money on them for them to be uncomfortable. Rebel Sport have a netti pair they are only $30 but its just the lycra so wear ur usual shorts over the top. Gurentee you wont feel like you wasted the money!

Bethany

23-10-2006, 11:40 AM

Hey i just wondered if anyone could help me out.

My friend found these jumpers online that have brands of forks and other bike parts on them and i was wondering if anyone knew the wesite?

Its for a present so i dont wanna ask him again.

roxy12

23-10-2006, 12:21 PM

i have no idea but have you tried searching google with the keywords being fork brand and jumper?

Pebble

23-10-2006, 01:24 PM

I'm no dh'er here, but as for the brand name game -
I've got a MET helmet (crackerjack - had better vents than the equivalent priced Giro).
Just brought a brand new pair of Troy Lee XC gloves - fantastic, nicer design than my now 5yr old pair - but as for durability only time will tell.

Ventou jersey off ebay is as far as I've got into the cycling specific clothing. Love the pockets in the back, even though I carry a camelback on all my rides the jersey pockets are still great for having the mobile at hand.

661 veggie guards is as far as I have gone for protection - but they'd be better if they didn't have the cutout hole at the back of the knee - would probably try something from fox or troy lee if I could have the choice again.

So I've been sticking to the mainstream in regards to brand names.

Maybe one day I'll venture into the mtb shorts / knicks domain - I'd be looking at fox, nzo, ground effect etc.

Blas4me

23-10-2006, 05:23 PM

...Rebel Sport have a netti pair they are only $30 but its just the lycra so wear ur usual shorts over the top...

I always wear normal shorts over lycra ones, they are much cheaper than the shy shorts and you get to pick the style of short to wear over top (lets face it some of the shy shorts have some really poxy designs).
As for the Rebel Sport knicks, the 8 panel ones are sooooo comfy - once you get past the "it almost feels like a nappy sensation" anyway ;)

Bethany

24-10-2006, 09:41 PM

i found that website its sramnation.com some pretty cool stuf

mtb_biker

28-10-2006, 05:37 AM

yakinAway

28-10-2006, 07:16 AM

hey all

I had heaps of issues when I started ridding DH Im a NZ size ten which ment finding armour n shin guards was a nightmare....

my LBS n a few others were awesome they got heaps of stuff in for me to try

I now own:
* an XS 661 Pressure suit which was the best fit we could get,
* a set of 661 4x4 S shin a and knee guards with modified straps
* a set of Oakley Goggles
* a brand new (it arrived yesterday n I am still in awe) carbon fibre Giro Remedy in a small (full face)
a Bell Bella XC helmet
I use AXO gloves which I find mint and cheap they fit real awesome and dont move they are XS though

I have Lake shoes and various pedals umm Keywin DH ones and Shimano 525's n some keywin silly xc ones
661 comp shoes for the HT n silly pedals
ohhh n camel packs I have two I have a daystar which is a womens hike pck but is awesome, I can get heaps of water snacks a jacket n my shin pads in there when riddin uphill

Im sure I own more than that but I cant think of it
cheers All
YAK

TerraNik

28-10-2006, 08:00 AM

Thought i'd pass on some info on some new clothing/protection for women.

Have any of you checked out Loeka clothing?
here's some of their stuff Here (http://www.sicklines.com/interbike2006/loekaclothing)

and the new rockgardn women's armor lineup is out that fits women better
Here (http://www.sicklines.com/interbike2006/rockgardensports)

Yeh, pity the Rockgardn's armour looks like it would be too small for me. They only make it in a small or medium, and looking at their fit faq's, the small and medium have the same body length, and same arm length because apparently there's not much difference in a women's body (for those 2 lengths) for women that are height 5'2" to 5'10". Did they forget that some girls are TALLER THAN THAT! :mad: Anyway, it's good for the more petite girls who can't fit into the guys stuff...

That Loeka clothing looks really cool!!! Definately be checking that out..

* Kate

13-11-2006, 06:45 PM

roxy12

13-11-2006, 06:53 PM

hi kate.............

yakinAway

14-11-2006, 06:13 AM

a bike mechanic I know described body armour the best its a sack that holds all th bits together on the way to the hospital.....:D brilliant

armour wont make you invincible Im walking proof of that but it stops a lot of the bruises and scrapes....

helmets on the other hand are a life saver get the best helemet you can afford, but remeber you have to be able to replace it if you crack it one...

have agood one ay

hi Kate...

Pebble

14-11-2006, 11:27 AM

Well I just ordered my first set of elbow guards:
http://www.fortheriders.com/store/product.php?productid=142&cat=117&page=1
they should match my new black Troy Lee XC gloves nicely.

The 661 veggie knee guards I've got - well the verdict is still out on those - they haven't been 100% comfy on rides so I don't wear them all the time. Size wise I'm a medium in those, but they have a cutout behind the knee, and I find that seems to rub a bit by the end of the ride. If I put them on so that bit is sort of scrunched up it seems better. I dunno - thinking about how I could improve them or just get something better. (Could probably use knee/shins now that I'm riding flat pedals I guess).

What knee or knee/shin guards are working for others here?

And anyone had the Troy Lee elbow guards?

dilemma

14-11-2006, 03:04 PM

Hey,

I got these Fox Launch shin/knee guards (http://shop.foxracing.com/ecomm/AutoForward.do?forward=home.pagedef#aforward=asyn&proId=6912&cid=148&cname=Guards&proNumber=29027&imgName=29027001F.jpg) Having never worn guards before, I wasn't sure how they'd go or how they would feel riding, but they feel pretty good. They got a bit hot though hanging around in them for a whole day of racing. The elastic comes around your leg in a cross on the back which makes them feel pretty snug - get the feeling that they're not going anywhere!

The first time I rode in them, I wore long socks underneath cos I thought the elastic would be uncomfortable (haha Lizardskin might remember that! They were blue with silver stars on them). But they feel fine without the socks now (and I feel less like a bus driver!)

I have kinda short legs and I thought they might be too long, as they do come pretty far down the shin, but they're OK. I wouldn't want them to be any longer though.

I also got this Dainese armour (http://www.dainese.com/eng/articolo.asp?cat=6&nome=GLADIATOR_EVO&articolo=3879525/26) and it's pretty easy to move around in and pretty well ventilated.

I kind of went for the whole hog first off and hopefully when I get better I'll be able to ride with smaller shinnies and less armour! But for now, I'm covering up!

(And I must admit, I do feel pretty invincible.... for now...:rolleyes: )

TerraNik

14-11-2006, 05:14 PM

roxy12

14-11-2006, 06:43 PM

new gear peoples

troy lee d2 in black:D
troy lee xc gloves in pink:D :D
testing out 661 tomcat knee guards (as an alternatve for the t-bones and elbow guards):)

MTB-ChiK

14-11-2006, 09:11 PM

I started downhilling on my 2" of travel GT bike, which I came off too many times resulting in various scars and the need for a real DH bike. I was wearing my rollerblading gear that consisted of basic knee & elbow guards for protection, and my XC helmet (by the way, never wear an XC helmet on an XC bike on a downhill track... unless you are very confident you won't fall off!) This was my protection up until I got my Ironhorse (nheyyy!), which also came with a full face Netti helmet, score! (even tho it was slightly too big) So, then I bought a pair of 661 bomber shorts from a shop in Melbourne (love 'em & so comfy) I was still using the basic knee & elbow guards - it took forever to find the gear I found on the net in bike shops in Melbourne & Adelaide to try on the stuff, and not much stock was carried in our LBS's. I tried on just about every make & model there was to find the most suitable gear for arms & legs. And do you think that was an easy process??!! Nooo! I found the only knee/shin guards that fitted comfortably on my legs were the Dainese 3x and I got them from Peter Stevens Motorcycles in Ringwood. For elbow guards I'm now using the 661 2x4's which are very comfy & have good movement.

Since riding a proper DH bike my riding got better in a short amount of time which was great! And I had been pretty lucky, with no crashes... that was until practicing for my first race in Mt Gambier I was familiarizing myself with a new track and tried out my new body armour in the process (661 Pressure Suit Pro) I dropped short of the road gap and landed full weight on my shoulder. I'm not sure if the armor helped or prevented breakage but I think I pulled ligaments or something since I still have this f$#% injury 7 weeks later :eek: IT SUCKS BALLS, I just wanna go ride down a hill & do jumps again, dammit!!

Anyway..... as a reference, here's a list of the gear that I wear, and I'll come back & edit it later with comments/problems on how comfy, durable or crap each item is (since some of the stuff I've only used a few times) :D

Gloves: 661 SX-1
Helmet: 661 Pro Bravo Carbon
Upper Body: 661 Pressure Suit Pro (medium, could've gone small - its a bit long in the arms)
Lower Body: 661 Padded Bomber Shorts (excellent, buy some if you fall on yer ass while practicing wheelies like me)
Elbow: 661 2x4's
Knee/Shin: Dainese 3x (excellent fit & movement but little side protection)

Hmmm, i think thats it for now....... Enjoy your riding!

MTB-ChiK

14-11-2006, 09:14 PM

new gear peoples

troy lee d2 in black:D
troy lee xc gloves in pink:D :D
testing out 661 tomcat knee guards (as an alternatve for the t-bones and elbow guards):)

Ohh Ahh! Pink gloves Rox!
What about the Kyle Strait knees? They would have more side protection than the tomcats?

Troy Lee D2 , IN BLACK!........ ok now Im jealous, LOL

mtbmamma

14-11-2006, 09:22 PM

For knee/shins I've got some Roach/RaceFace FR shins/knees which are alright. I haven't stacked while wearing them though (*crosses fingers*) so I can't tell you if they can handle the heat or not! Though I did get them because almost every review and person that I spoke to about them said they stayed put and were pretty solid. I'm gonna get a set of TLD t-bones or 661 Kyle Strait pads soon for when I don't need the whole shabang.

For elbows, I have matching RaceFace FR pads. They're comfy and a lil hot, but you expect that!!

Are you riding again Nik? Hopefully your armis healing and you will be back riding soon.

If you have time during the days just call me and we can go for a ride. I'm not very good so you will have to be patient.

Take care and heal up well.

Maxine:D

Also love the rockgardn stuff, wish it came in blue though.

Pebble

15-11-2006, 05:27 AM

Thanks for your input everyone. I guess it's inevitable that I'll have to go trying some on! Since I don't have a LBS in town I may go for a look at the local moto shop - but they aren't likely to carry much range I don't think.
I made the decision to give up the 661 Veggies for something that's more comfortable - and maybe go for something more protective at the same time, lately I find myself slipping off the pedals a bit more often.

I was a medium in the 661 veggie pads - so would that be an indication that I'd be a medium or regular in knee/shins - or are they a bit different?

I haven't been stacking very often at all (haven't had a big one in ages) - but I figure basic armour is a good investment as I ride on my own pretty much 100% of the time.
I'm still a wuss when it comes to sizeable jumps - so working on that. I even brought a 2nd seat so I can stick the short seatpost in for mucking around and having a go out back.
Falling off around here isn't going to be pretty as anywhere not on the trail is usually full of bindis and goatheads!
I haven't found any downhill in the area - let alone what I would call a big hill.

yakinAway

15-11-2006, 05:49 AM

figured I would procrastinate from studying a wee while longer and add my 2 cents...

how are we all this am?

thought Id follow the excellent example n list my gear too
Gloves: axo decends xxs size 6 I believe(cheap as chips n have outlasted my Xc ones n 661 gloves by miles n I got a free pair score:D )

Helmet: mmm brand new giro remedy carbon in S

Upper Body: 661 Pressure Suit XS (n still a wee bit big but we made some improvements)

Lower Body: N/A I ride with normal neti baggies

Elbow: N/A ride with armour or with nothing

Knee/Shin: 661, 4x4 ones I think (they dont say) in a S they dont come smaller except youths n they were no cop so adapted these too

Im too weeny for the sport Im sure... although I dont look it (wear too many clothes too cold here)

the womens armour maybe worth a peak at mmm nope its pink Im sorry the attraction has been munted....

anyways ciya all laters
YAK

Bethany

15-11-2006, 11:04 AM

hey

i have those pink TLD gloves as well. Have had em for a while.. the colour is awesome, i love em!

I stacked off my bike a while back with my cx helmet on and hit my head on a rock below my helmet... needless to say my helmet didnt have a scratch on it but my head freakin hurt! And i ride by myself.. guess its a bit of a wake up call about getting a full-face.

I bought Dainese knee/shin guards which were okay comfort wise but i found that one of the straps at the back kept coming undone.. anyways thats just my whinge.

125PHIL

15-11-2006, 12:06 PM

Eyy, :D

I'm just starting up riding DH, good to know other girls do ride and know and are sharing their knowledge about what wear fits best!

I'm looking into getting some body amour (figure that way i'll be invincable! :rolleyes: )

Just thought i'd say thanks for the good reading!

cool keep it up!

hey kate,
im not sure of any companys making ladies specific upper armour, because thw way gurls are built diferently to boys, they seem 2 sit wierd around the chest.
i know companys such as thor make like motocross roost guards for women specifically. Perhaps look into them

does any one else know of any armour that fits gurls who have a chest??

also kate i know your looking into a full face at the moment, there is a new model available in australia at the moment for rrp $129, and its an azonic fury, the matt black one looks the business!
http://www.trickbitz.com/news_images/OnealHelmetFury0039.jpg

and roxy, those troy lee pink gloves are hot! too bad there out of my size, i know im a boy, but i do like the pink riding gear.

cheers,
125PHIL

roxy12

15-11-2006, 03:42 PM

and roxy, those troy lee pink gloves are hot! too bad there out of my size, i know im a boy, but i do like the pink riding gear.

cheers,
125PHIL

i know phil, but they wont match your kit! haha

TerraNik

15-11-2006, 04:16 PM

Are you riding again Nik? Hopefully your armis healing and you will be back riding soon.

If you have time during the days just call me and we can go for a ride. I'm not very good so you will have to be patient.

Yup I'm back on the bike! At least on the bike paths for the moment... It'll be 6 weeks this weekend, so technically I can do whatever I want and it shouldn't hurt it. I have *ALMOST* full range of motion in my elbow/wrist now, and today was the first time it didnt hurt when I tried to see how far my arm would go. So that's promising!!

I'm planning to go hit the dirt in a few weeks - maybe us girls in Syd can all go for a ride together to celebrate haha A nice and easy ride so I can ease back into it :o

TerraNik

15-11-2006, 04:24 PM

Yup I'm back on the bike! At least on the bike paths for the moment... It'll be 6 weeks this weekend, so technically I can do whatever I want and it shouldn't hurt it. I have *ALMOST* full range of motion in my elbow/wrist now, and today was the first time it didnt hurt when I tried to see how far my arm would go. So that's promising!!

I'm planning to go hit the dirt in a few weeks - maybe us girls in Syd can all go for a ride together to celebrate haha A nice and easy ride so I can ease back into it :o

ps i realy like pink
now

AH HEM Roxy I do not! *smacks your pink gloved hand*

Pebble

17-11-2006, 07:54 AM

dilemma

17-11-2006, 12:56 PM

So in your opinion do you think the Launch Pads are relatively less bulky than others? I'm getting rid of the 661 veggie wraps and looking at these due to the shin protection as well. And they look like they would be cooler than the Race Face FR.

Do you reckon they pedal pretty well? It's probably overboard for trail riding but I don't really see too many other options - t-bones etc don't offer shin protection from the pedals.

Hey Pebble,
I'm not sure how the Launch pads compare in bulkiness to other pads - they're the first pads I've ever worn/owned.
I guess that they don't feel super bulky because they fit pretty snug.
I didn't have any issues with pedalling at all, and I thought I would having not worn pads before. I was surprised at how much movement there was.
I think the definite benefit is that they completely cover your whole shin.
Hope that helps you out a bit!
Cheers
emma

dilemma

17-11-2006, 01:00 PM

Here's a question for you girls: goggles...

What is good? What fits well? What goggles do you use? What lenses (clear, amber etc) do you prefer?

I have a smallish face when it comes to fitting sunnies, swim goggles, glasses, etc so I would need to take that into account.

Over to you...

Any comments would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks girls, emma

Pebble

17-11-2006, 02:27 PM

Thanks Emma - I was having doubts as to wether it's a bit overboard just for trail riding. You've put my mind at ease somewhat.

The foxes look bulkier than the Race Face ones but seem like they would be cooler and more comfy (strap system etc) so I'm leaning towards the Fox.

Pain is so quickly forgotten untill it happens again! So I'll just think of how much it hurts if you hit your shin and that would be enough encouragement to wear them! Perhaps it will be a courage boost at the same time:rolleyes:

I guess they would definitely not go underneath pants - on top only jobbies?

Oh goggles wise I don't wear them, my husband wears Scott goggles on his motorbike (road trail that he uses to commute to work on) in conjunction with a dirt style helmet (which are similar to mtb fullface ones). Anyway I've tried them on briefly. Seems to me like most designs would be pretty similar, some may be more comfortable than others and have better peripheral vision. Not sure if they come in different sizes. Anyway I know I'm not much help here, but if they all turn out to be the same I know Scott are meant to be pretty good and can be got for $40 - $60 from moto shops.

Cheers,

Kristina

peep

17-11-2006, 03:02 PM

hey emma,

theres heaps of goggles out there now that are not too expensive and come in funky colors - including pink if thats your thing.
Oakleys, Utopia, Smith and Blur spring to mind (review on front page of farkin), and I think Fox have some coming out as well.

Probably most important thing to look at is the fit. Not a bad idea to take your full face into the shop and try the goggles on with it, especially if you are a bit smaller - some goggles and helmets might not go together.

Make sure the lens is decent quality and gives you good clear vision all around. Its great if you can replace the lenses as well, even if you are careful they get little scratches over time. In terms of lens color, I guess it depends where you ride - most tracks I ride are under trees at some point so colored lenses don't really work, especially on overcast days.

I have a hand-me-down pair of basic Oakley's which work fine. Hope this helps!

yakinAway

17-11-2006, 04:06 PM

Im looking for goggles too tried on the Oakley ones but seen riding tops too .... so eadng in with the armour and helmet in tow after exams

leaning towards the Oakley MX o frames theres a womens one I saw in one of the british mags last year (whilst working in london) but not sure what they were called they were the oakleys though

I too am small so have issues with the same things... getting some next week so will let you know what I finally go with....

125PHIL

17-11-2006, 05:44 PM

in oakleys there is the oakley o frames, these are a standard fit goggle, but for you dillema, and yakinaway with your 'smallish face' check out the O frame XS, which is a smaller version. available in a baby doll pink frame aswell

www.oakley.com.au

with branding, you cant really go wrong aswell longs as they have a good fit in your lid, and you are able to buy replacement lenses when u scratch up the one you got.

peep is right, the different lenses are for differnet conditions, with a standard clear you cant go wrong, but if u feel like getting a little tech, blues are usually good for all around (dull glare, and instensify the dull) but yellows are the devil unless its low light or overcast. ambers are also good for sunny conditions, but suffer in low light.
ive used pretty much every colour so i reckon stick with a clear, blue or a slight smoke tint.

125PHIL :)

roxy12

17-11-2006, 06:46 PM

well i have 2 pairs, scott moto ones in pink, iwht a light sensitive lens, works briliantly! and it fits ina d2!

and a set of blue proflexs-sat awkwardly, thre light sensitive lens sucks.

ive also owned smiths (he frames stretched and wouldnt hold the lens anymore)
and oakley a frames, these fogged up like all hell!

yakinAway

18-11-2006, 06:26 AM

thanks phil

yeah it was the Oakley O frame XS i saw in mag last year should have picked a set up in the UK were cheap as chips

waiting to head in with the helmet n also for another pricing hmmm but I want them now... n no they will not be pink no way no how no can do

Bethany

18-11-2006, 10:42 AM

i was looking at Dragon Goggles... anyone know how they go?

dilemma

20-11-2006, 11:08 PM

Thanks for the advice girls. (and Phil)

I've ordered in a pair of Oakley MX googles from my LBS and I'll see how they fit, otherwise they just got in the new Fox ones so I'll try them at the same time as well. Maybe there's less involved in sorting out goggles than I thought!!
I'll let you know which ones I end up with and how they go
:)

yakinAway

21-11-2006, 06:44 AM

sounds like Im getting some scott ones sent to try will let you know how they go too

Pebble

21-11-2006, 11:31 AM

I ended up ordering the fox launch pads, will let you know of first impressions and fit when I get them, for anyone that's interested.

Actually I'm glad as I twisted my knee last night - probably stretched and weakened ligaments now due to a prior bike related fall i had. Definitely a part of the body worth protecting!

dilemma

22-11-2006, 10:12 PM

Hey Pebble, hope the pads are OK for ya!

I ended up getting the new Fox Main Pro goggles, in silver with clear lens. The Oakleys took too long to arrive and I'm impatient! :rolleyes:

The Fox ones seem pretty good, I'm trying them out on the weekend in Tassie so I'm sure I'll find out soon if they're OK!

Pebble

23-11-2006, 06:27 AM

Yeh hopefully they'll be here today or tomorrow.

Serviced my fork though and now have to figure out what I stuffed up before I can ride:o there is a clang that wasn't there before! Ooops. Anyway do it all again today & hopefully find the problem.

And yes I'm impatient like you - hence I just went ahead and ordered the fox pads. If I'd only known we'd be going away for the weekend in a couple of weeks I may have been able to try some on at a bike shop!

Hope your goggles fit like umm goggles should LOL. Let us know how you go.

EDIT: the fork is fixed and I'm loving the 130mm of travel.

yakinAway

23-11-2006, 07:56 AM

I am patiently waiting till tomo apparently I m getting black scott goggles to match my helmet if they dont fit then I will be style oakleys instead

the guy tried to sell me pink yuck :eek: no way Hosea

mmm it now 24hrs till ride time n exams are over, uni is over n summer is here hills hills n more hills here we come

Ride hard
Take Care
YAK

Pebble

23-11-2006, 12:51 PM

Must be funny when you're buying bike stuff & people just assume because youre a girl you want pink!

yakinAway

23-11-2006, 01:25 PM

yep although most of the guys know me now n know that i seriously will go nuts if they offer me pink gear yuck

Pebble

23-11-2006, 03:31 PM

:) and then they do it on purpose for a reaction and a laugh

yakinAway

23-11-2006, 07:04 PM

not usually

they know better than that

Bethany

24-11-2006, 10:39 AM

okay so i went into a Moto shop today and had a look at goggles.
The guy in the shop was raving about Scotts. My boss raves about Dragon...
Does anyone have either?

And do you guys get mx goggles or snow goggles?

yakinAway

24-11-2006, 11:01 AM

I got the scott mx ones sent but I think they are too big :( off to the moto shop to see what can be done now

Pebble

24-11-2006, 01:53 PM

Got my fox launch pads yesterday S/M size. Went for about an hours ride today (pretty much all pedalling).

They are great looking pads, they fit around the legs well and go to just above the ankle. They don't interfere with my sneakers while riding. And I love the clip system, so easy to take on and off!
I also thought they might rub or hit the top tube of my bike when I pedal but they didn't at all.
Comfort wise I'll give them some time to break in. They did end up rubbing above the knee area somewhere after the first half hour. Probably couldn't have ridden for more than an hour and a half without getting red sore skin particularly on one side. This may be a case of loosening or tightening the straps or give them a bit of time to wear in. Otherwise wearing knee length shorts (or even 3/4 ones) would solve the problem I reckon.
Other than that they were great - if only the 661 veggies didn't have that stitching behind the knee and had straps that were as nice and soft as the fox then they would have been great - minus the knee protection of course!

Oh and todays temp is in the mid to high thirties, so I imagine it was thirty something when I went out about 11:30am. My legs did sweat a littl (hell they would if I was wearing pants) but the fox pads were really nice and light and also let the breeze in when you're riding. So they weren't unbearably hot or anything like that.

As long as the rubbing issue can be resolved (which should be easy enough) then I think they're great even for people like me who just go out on the trails and don't get to do any gnarly dh stuff. Of course for DH where you don't do a huge amount of pedalling they'd probably be perfect. And for anyone trying them on in the shop - they feel more comfy & sit better when you're pedalling on the bike rather than standing and walking aorund.

Cheers,

Pebble

yakinAway

24-11-2006, 02:08 PM

the verdict is the scott moto ones are going back n a set of carbon fibre MX XS O FRAME ones are winging the way to me right now roll on tuesday......

I found the scott ones cut my vision out too much n did not sit well in the helmet hated the youths Scott ones, could not breathe in them, the Oakley MX ones were too big in the helmet but the MX XS O frame's fit nicely n hurray there not pink

I have to wait tilll tues though cause they only had pink n yuck no way hosea

Pebble

29-11-2006, 12:41 PM

The stitching came undone after just 2 to 3 rides on one of the straps & the strap started to deteriorate badly. So the pads were sent back. I opted for a store credit rather than and exchange.

I'm debating wether to try something like the Mace Tectonic or Race Face Rally FR.

Funny, riding clipless you need pads for falling off so much, riding platforms you need pads to save your shins!

yakinAway

29-11-2006, 04:03 PM

yeah even with flats u need then for falling off ask my shins after an encounter with the rocks today :(

oh n I marked my new helmet boy am I mad now the new googles n helmet are still going strong though

I just over cooked things
:eek:

Pebble

07-12-2006, 10:14 AM

And the verdict is

I rode for about an hour or so (18ks), it had rained late yesterday so there was some mud on parts of the trail (otherwise it was mostly dry). Temperature today is supposed to be 36deg C, I went out about 9am before it got too hot.

I did the tops straps fairly loose to start with, one pad started croaking so after going up and down the hill I tightened them up. No chafing behind the knee at all which was my main concern when I wore them around the house.

The pads are hotter than the fox launch ones, they are bulkier, but they are really comfortable to pedal in. Also no sign of any stitching coming undone from doing up the velcro straps etc.

Only problem is mud flicking up and for some reason it likes to get into the pads above the knee - that can lead to irritation, I found a couple of red marks just above my right knee which feel tender now that I'm back home, only thing I can put it down to is the mud that got in as the inside pads are soft as. I reckon most pads would probably have the mud problem though - fox ones certainly would as the top opens up just like the RF pads. Anyone else have this problem and done anythign about it? Not that I'll probably be riding in mud that often.

Coasting down hill I could feel the cool breeze coming in, but nothing like it did with the foxes - I imagine the Race Face DH version may have better front venting as it has more of a baffle system similar to the fox launch pads allowing more air flow.

In the end I reckon if you live in a hot climate you're probably used to riding in it enough not to worry about having sweaty legs - it didn't seem to make me feel any hotter overall.

And if you pedal heaps then these are worth a look, if you have big legs / calves you should probably try them on first as the straps can be on the short side. Also if you don't like burly looking pads they're probably not for you.

Protection, Comfort, Durability that's all I ask of them, and seems to be what I'll get!

Big ugly leg - showing the mud that got in....
http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/500/medium/PC070013.JPG

Gee they don't actually look that bad in a photo! Look bulkier from my point of view.
http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/500/medium/PC070011.JPG
http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/500/medium/PC070012.JPG

dlgh

17-12-2006, 12:35 PM

TerraNik

17-12-2006, 02:38 PM

MTB yet :( but am looking!
for my road/tri kit, & general sports clothes, team estrogen in US have GREAT girls gear. and very colour-coordinated. haven't looked to see what their MTB range is like yet.
www.teamestrogen.com

Mtb stuff is almost non-existent. They have a few good things there like MTB baggy shorts.. but no women's specific DH jerseys, or armour or anything like that. It really caters to the road cyclist.

Gwills

12-01-2007, 09:18 PM

I bought my wife a pressure suit for Christmas thinking it would have been suitable :( ie. fit her) Nahhh. I have tried doing some research on finding her some armour that would fit the female frame etc and have found nothing.

Is there any brand out there that caters for women sizing? She is a "small/medium frame"(not bike?!)

yakinAway

13-01-2007, 12:49 PM

Im using a pressure suit its an XS size which was brought in specially for me :)

its a bit big still round the shoulders but does the job n was mint when I bailed over the bars in my last race....

there are some ones specific ones ummm it was listed in the tread somewhere..... but they are pink so out of principal (i dont do pink either) I have never looked into it

SCF

15-01-2007, 04:42 PM

The only female specific body armour I have found is the rockgardn lady flak jacket. Check it out here

http://www.rockgardn.com/items/body-armor/lady-flak-jacket-lfj-detail.htm

I have a small and find it very comfortable and well ventilated:)

GrooveJet

09-07-2007, 11:03 AM

Hi girls.
I just got a new xc bike and took it out for it's maiden voyage, however, my butt is really paying the price today :(
It currently has a WTB Devo team seat. Does this seat need time to be worn in :confused:

I know this all comes down to personal preference & the feel & fit of the seat, but just wondering if anyone can give me some clues as to any girl bum friendly saddles they have used for xc.

My butt thanks you in advance :D

roxy12

09-07-2007, 05:39 PM

Still getting around to writing reviews but generaly
dj saddle sucked (wide style)

speciailsed jett (comes in 3 sizes for differnent hip widths) is fantastic, takers a bit to get used to because of the shape but im never chaning.

wtb speed she is crap, imo, basicaly just a cheaper version of the bel air and not very female specific.

RAChad

18-09-2007, 12:15 PM

Hi girls!

I just got a pair of Fox Launch shorts- lycra Niks with padding for the thighs and hips. Although they are, in fact, a men's short, I think they may solve a major problem for many girls; grazing and bruising our hip-bones. Both guys and girls fall and hurt their hands, wrists, shoulders, thighs and butt-cheeks, but I reckon we have a particular tendency to hurt our hips (Note to male manufacturers of gear: that is, on our sides just above where most shorts finish and below where most upper-body armour straps up around your waist). I think the reason for this is that this part of a woman's anatomy tends to stick out a bit. Unfortunately this means our hips tend to take the brunt of the friction in a fall, resulting in worse bruising and grazing than just sliding along your torso if you're a straight up-and-down male.

With the Launch Short, if you get a size that allows the waist elastic to be pulled up high enough, the pads on either side will cover your hip bones right where you would expect them to hit the ground if you come off at speed. I know this because the pads sit right on the scars I have from previous stacks. They also have padding lower down to protect your thighs and butt. You still need baggy shorts without lining to wear over the top though.

Excited at the thought of less grazes and bruises for summer:D.

yakinAway

20-09-2007, 05:44 AM

yeah bomber shorts 661 do the same thing... Im thinking about them for nats as we have so mean rock gardens to ride

RAChad

23-09-2007, 09:14 PM

Actually the 661 Bomber Shorts are probably better.

I've heard since I made my purchase that not only does the Bomber short have more padding than the Fox Launch short, but it's got more length in the legs too, and having now worn the Launch short a couple of times this would be my only gripe; the leg elastic grips really tightly because it sits quite high up on my thighs (though probably only because i have them pulled up over my hips).

Wish I'd looked around and got a pair of the 661s. But I got excited over padding for my hips...In case you couldn't tell.