Minimalist Gear
Aug 5th, 2008 by Leo
Riding on two wheels is about freedom. Not only that, “it’s hot out,” and “I need to be dressed for the meeting” and “it’s a short trip downtown, so I’ll be really careful.” Now when you’re in Rome (or wherever this picture’s from), I say do as the Romans do…you can make airplane noises while you’re at it. But in a city of a million angry cabs (angry at the gas prices they pay), let’s at least get some gear on… And when it comes to minimalist gear I have two word for you Elbow Pads.
In the two minor accidents I’ve had in my time riding in the city, both involved hitting my elbows…hard (once against a cab – I didn’t fall, but I managed to scrape up the side of the offending cab pretty good). In these low speed run-ins I haven’t hit my head or knees, but my elbow took the brunt of the impact. Fortunately I was wearing an armored motorcycle jacket (both times). The result was I could get right up and ride off. But if I wasn’t wearing an armored jacket, I might have had to run to the ER to get my arm x-rayed or at the very least have my elbows wrapped and be off riding for a few days. In other words, the elbow armor didn’t save my life, but it made my life easier.
These elbow guards can be worn under a jacket without armor, or just by themselves or over your dress shirt. The Alpinestars ($29.95) model looks like it could be worn over suit jacket in a pinch, but the Icon ($55) not so much.
Where to buy? Try Newenough and Motorcycle Superstore to get a price and look around some other online shops to see if you can get a better price…and if you find it lower, post it here for other folks. Cheers!
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