zxello

Im looking for 2 things. A nice comfortable black leather or textile jacket, and a matte black full face or modular helmet, anyone have any suggestions.

I've done alot of reading on them, but I'm still feeling lost, any help is useful.

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cyrnel

Most articles seem to be about who gave the author the best samples.

Lots of good stuff out there. Try on lots, then some more, until you're sick of it. It's all about fit so hit some good bike shops.

I'm partial to Arai helmets and Hein Gericke jackets.

(HG's site looks to be in transition but their catalogs are downloadable <a href="http://www.hein-gericke.com/hg-shop/under_construction/menu.php?content=02">here.</a>)

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lt1s10

I think helmets need to be tried on. None of the 6 people I ride with regulary have the same model helmet or brand. Most of the manufacturers make different shaped helmets and it's hard to pick out which will fit online if you haven't tried some on.

I have an alpinestars leather jacket and a firstgear mesh textile jacket. Both fit me pretty much just like any other regular jacket. You can pretty much get whatever style of jacket that you like with as much or as little protection as you feel comfortable with.

I tend to ride on the street in jeans even though I've seen what happens when someone goes down in a pair of levis. I do normally wear a set of gloves and boots too. So you may want to go the whole nine yards investing in gear since you are already considering a jacket and a helmet.

noodle

Try on an Ikon jacket. They look funny, depending on the color (just don't do yeller), but they're reinforced textile and have metal plates in them. Comfortable and surprisingly breathable. The ultimate jacket for riding in Florida with the risk of skidding down 150 degree concrete in the summer. Leathers are niiiiice, but sweaty. Helmets are so very different. I agree with lt1s10... you've got to try them on. Black matte shouldn't be too difficult to find. Definately boots and gloves. I've seen shoe soles stripped off, toes run over, blistered feet from the heat. It's just not worth it. Good luck, man. Once you figure out what you want to focus on, there's tons of sites where you can get stuff discounted. Or in a great bike shop.

Just please, please don't be that guy I saw yesterday. Cargo jean shorts, running shoes, a gold chain and sunglasses. That's it. No shirt, gloves, helmet. How he was talking on the cell phone at 75 mph on I-95 in 5:00 traffic is beyond me. In the emergency lanes at times, no less.

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RaDiAn

Check out http://www.denniskirk.com/, many many things there!!

im2smrt4u

I've got an HJC CL-14 helmet, an Icon Motorhead Jacket, and Icon Pursuit Gloves. They are all great!

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syquestrd270

I've got a Shoei RF-1000 helmet (light, quiet and comfortable), a Dainese Gladiator jacket and Alpinestars gloves. I need to find a good pair of boots, but otherwise I feel like I'm reasonably protected.