Great thread. I have some stuff picked out from online sources (based on what I can afford unfortunately) but was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is a shop in San Diego that has pressure suits in stock? I'd really like to try a couple on as I am very lanky and am not sure on size. Thanks
you might try calling bikebling in escondido, they have a large selection of stuff and have a pretty decent website also. http://www.bikebling.com/
Thanks! Just checked out bikebling.com and they are currently offering a 30% discount on all 661 Evo Pads
In case anybody was eyeing the Fox Launch Pro Knee Pads here's a first impression... Picked em' at Fullerton Bikes yesterday (really cool crew over there by the way) and wore them to go ride Skyline-Skinsuit today. These are put together very well...the materials and stitching are top notch but real world durability still needs to be tested over time. They are comfortable and didn't need any adjusting whatsoever as I pedalled up Skyline with them on and didn't touch them until I removed them at the end of the ride. I did a minor crash test coming down Skyline and they did their job. Overall 2 thumbs up! http://http://shop.foxhead.com/store/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=23460&categoryId=cat20152
Armor... while im stickler on my street bike armor my DH armor is a different feel i can tell you that. I seriously sometimes think it'd be fun to compete in a DH event wearing medieval armor in all seriousness. That would just be funny as hell in my mind. That aside i've got a couple of buddies out there in the Rock Gard'N Flak set up and i have that myself... Over all i freaking love it. The 661 gear is okay, kind of weird as it is RIGHT there on you (like second skin really) where the RGF is a little more "free" but however for skinnier riders (im 6' @ 160) the 661 fits like a glove and i like that. However the RGF i feel protects better en masse and is just fine to float about in. I want to try the new Fox Gear but i have to wait a paycheck or two. So in my object tests: RGF vs DougFir Tree - RGF was the winner. Took a chunk out of the bark with the shoulder pad and came a way a bit dizzy but unscathed and the shoulder pad was NOT broken. Approx speed was 15mph. RGF vs Redwood Tree - RGF won again. However i shattered the forearm protector. Note on this was i was off the bike flying through the air like a flying squirrel. Approx speed is unknown honestly...i was flying...someone good at math? RGF vs Boulder - RFG lost. I destoryed the spinal protector HOWEVER i did not incur any damage. approx speed was 35 mph. I think my favorite bit on the RFG is its OVERALL coverage for your side (for men this is the floating rib cage bits) and up under arm. I dont know how many of you have taken an object to the direct side of your body but it hurts like the dickens (esspically pedals or handlebars) and the addition on the side of the RFG covers that subperbly well. Only downside is you look like a retarded scout trooper on a bike. I kind of want to get a white full face helmet and black goggles and chase down some ewoks. -dLs-
You mean something like this? That'd be my girlfriend Alison (Nerdgirl) rocking the storm trooper look. The running joke for her is "aren't you a bit short for a storm trooper" as she's only 5'2" tall.
Does it work now? My album was set to private so only people on my friends list could view it, and Luke didn't realize that when he linked to it. I changed the setting to "public" so it may work now.
I like my Race Face Flank knee/shin pads. Best pads I've worn. Can wear them full time, pedaling, climbing, hiking, DHing. Haven't let me down yet, except that have hit the spots that aren't protected. I like 661 Kyle Straits too, but I decided to get that Flanks this time since they are lower profile and have more protection coverage (they came up for a good price too). I use the Race Face Rally FR elbow/forearm guards, which I'm happy with. Inexpensive, good looking, great protection (overkill actually). I tried the 661 Vapor armor, but 661 doesn't seem to design their armor for small people very well. Dunno how to get the shoulder armor to sit right. It tends to sit on top of my shoulder so my riding shadow looks like I have huge boobs for shoulders. They catch on stuff too--I dragged the shoulders on the dirt wall in San Juan coming down the switch backs right when the dirt turns black. The pads on their bomber shorts for Sm were in the wrong spots too (too far forward and impeded pedaling and all the bony points weren't covered). I hit my shoulder a few times back in NY, so I'm still looking for protection there. I'm looking at 661 sub gear and also see that it looks like the padded shirts they use in hockey. Might just try out the hockey shirts instead ($35 for this)
Negative ghostrider. lol. you have to re-link it i think, i even tired the direct link in a new browser. As for the hockey jerseys.. DONT CATCH ANYTHING! lol. They shred pretty good so be careful. But yes for a $35 pricetag its kind of nice i know my buddy derick tried one once but caught alimb and was riding bare the rest of the way. -dLs-
Too the person that was asking about elbow pads the troylee shock doc elbow forearm guards works awesome if they fit right. For some people they can be between sizes so it's a good idea to try before you buy. (Also a good reason to ride sycamore if you buy them out at jenson in riverside)Compared to the 661 xc evo lite elbows, those never stayed in position and I would always end up with tore up arms. Btw the knee shin combo of the tld shock doctor didn't stay in place for me very well as they slid down. The kyle strait type of knee pads worked much better but than again it's all a matter of fit. http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PG267C03-Troy+Lee+Designs+Eg5550+Forearmelbow.aspx
Knee pads: Kyle Strait or Fox Launch Pros? Looking to get some knee pads and I'm interested on some of the feedback the community has. Let's hear them, pros/cons. Appreciate the insight.
i have the pros and my nephew has the kyle straits. both are very comfortable. you don't even notice you have them on. some might say that they're the same knee pads. i went with the pros because the price was cheaper when i bought mine.
I've been using the Fox Launch Pro for more than a year now. They are comfy enough for pedalling uphill (although they can get a little hot like all other pads) and have held well in crashes (no slipping or sliding off) and in washes (in the washing machine).
I've got the Fox. I tried both on in the store and the Fox felt a little more comfortable. I don't think you could go wrong with either.
I swear by the Kyle Straits. I wear them both going uphill and downhill. You don't even notice you're wearing them. Of course, I've never worn the Pros.