What to buy

[heath_92]

Hey, I have recently bought a downhill(ish) bike and am hoping to do a couple of races and social rides each season and i was wondering what gear i need to buy. ie gloves, knee pads ect.

[karlfaith]

Possibly the cheapest option is to go to your local moto dealer and get a cheap motorcross helmet. About 70 bucks.
It's pretty much the same thing as a mtb fullface.

[johnny]

Um, no. Moto helmets are MUCH heavier than MTB lids, don't get a moto lid!

You need a full face helmet and gloves to race, that's the bare minimum. But I'd suggest knee/shin pads, sturdy shoes and quite possible upper body armour as well. Firstly, because rocks hurt and bones brake. Secondly, the added protection gives you greater confidence and allows you to go faster!

[davo069069]

you should go down to your lbs and they should sort you out with there current stock just tell them what you need and they will help you.. or if you want a cheaper option have a look on farkin for some fullfaces, knee/shin elbows maybe thats all you should need probli

[norcorulz]

if you are just starting downhill i would suggest you buy as much protective gear as possible. Start with some gloves, full face helmet, knee and elbow guards, body armour and goggles.

I would suggest you go to your local lbs as they will give you a good deal when buying all the protective gear in one purchase.

[DANCLOSH]

actually there are some pretty light moto helmets, like the 661 flight, but there is no way you'll get one for 70 bucks, the cheapest reasonable quality ones i know are THH tx-10's, but they are more than 100

as said here, get gloves, specialist mtb fullface helmet, goggles knee pads, elbow pads and armour of some sort

[heath_92]

Im happy to spend the money to get some better quality gear i just wanna know what i need:)

[motox199]

Dont get a moto helmet.
I ride moto's and Dh and Ive worn my moto helmet downhill before and it was terrible. It felt like my head was inside a blast furnace, and had 2 tonne weights on it. The next day i could hardly move my neck. Now i have a propper downhill helmet (rjays missile - $120 ) and it is sooo much better.
Also just head down to your local moto shop and you can pick up some decent shinnies for around 30 - 40 bucks.

[ryno]

http://catalog.troyleedesigns.com/catalog/images/06_tbone_guards.jpg

they are realy good knee guards for racing...they are really light and provide good protection

[dailywar]

i would go try and find a full face(like 661 or troy lee designs)
some elbow/arm pads(any brand)
knee/ legs pads(any brand i would choose 661)
ummm you could also look at the 661 pro pressure suit, that would keep you unscratched.