Hi, allow me to introduce myself a a completely self-taught, obsessively passionate dirt biker. Yes, I own a couple of them myself and this article is primarily to spread the good word about Dirt Bike Gear
As a child, I used to wonder as to how much of an impact what you wear while you bike will have on the overall biking experience. Over the past 6 years, I have worn out gloves, helmet, knee-pads, knuckle-dusters and I can tell you one thing - dirt bike gear is an individual thing. Please do not be swayed by what you might see in a one-off ad or classified or some promo. When it comes to Dirt Bike Gear, it is WYSIWYG - What you See is What you Wear. Yes, wear it - take a spin and then decide it it is worth the money that you were preparing to shell out for it.
What is the correct Dirt Bike Gear?
I usually classify the relevancy of good biking gear into how it rates on protection, comfort, ease of use and style - and usually in this order. For helmets, they are meant to protect the most important part of your living self, hence please - a request, never compromise on that. One crash - and you know you better replace that helmet with a new one, or you might truly be playing with your life.
For tracks and jackets, double-lining is always better than a single. If I hear you complaining about how difficult it was to move in your previous double-lined jacket - get one that is a size bigger, but in dirt biking - if you fall, you have to have padding that can swallow the impact. And I really cannot stress on this, enough.
Before 2000, it was a different ball game altogether, but now with the tracks getting more treacherous by the day, you need to wear stuff that will help you survive. I had a friend of mine, who passed out even before his bike hit the ground after he lost control over a particularly steep climb - but he had his Giro helmet and double-lined apparel that arrested the impact to an extent.
What all should I have?
Well, nothing fancy - let's just start with the basics. Helmet, preferably Giro or Rockhard - a good pair of boots, the jacket, a warpstar google maybe and oh, while you're at it - you might as well get yourself a bionic neck support for the jerks. For tyres, I think I would personally stick to Pirelli or Michelin - depending on which side of the wall you are on.
In Conclusion
Never give up on Protection for Comfort, Comfort for Ease of use and Ease of Use for Styling. After Dirt Bike Gear, is what actually gears you up for the rush of adrenaline that two-wheels on mud are all about!
