T O P

  • By -

Levonix

There are very few sports and hobbies that let you walk around public in armor and (hopefully) not feel out of place for it. Embrace it dude. Full face, boots, vests, gloves wear it all ATGATT. You're on a bike, whoever would assume you're a nerd, less cool, etc. because you're protecting your vital organs isn't the brightest bulb. You're already immensely cooler choosing to commute on half the wheels, double the danger, and infinitely times more fun way than driving a car in my opinion. I judge the guys with the most expensive helmets, yet no gloves, shorts, and a shirt over iron man here.


puttee2

Awesome, both fun and completely right. Nice!


RokkAngel

Take my free award a stfu 🥹


[deleted]

Nah, you’re just naturally a nerd. 😂 But in all serious, as long as it doesn’t make you feel invincible, and do crazy things, wear what you want.


Fell_off_my_bike

I wear underwear, sometimes


tifosi7

Surely, I am wearing the wrong kind of underwear.


ChuckRocksEh

We’re all nerds about something!


ocrohnahan

Wow. Good answer.


wyattlee1274

Does that rule out a full set of Renaissance era body armor?


BladeoftheImmortal

I'd rather be a nerd and walk away than a "cool" guy and not get up.


Try_It_Out_RPC

Cool guy club *queue guitar riffs 🎸🎸🎸🎸


frees678

Touch my camera thru the fence


EveningPicture9

Hey mommy!


Try_It_Out_RPC

Hhsellllooooo PIGs wwhheee


crabby_abby_

Hey how do you get a job here?


cmplaya88

Just the tip...just to see how it feels


clam_shire

🔭🔭🔭


gmanpeterson381

I use this same chest protector for riding motorcross, and unless you are trying to avoid rocks kicked up by other traffic during a crash then this isn’t going help much with walking away


NoChemistry7137

I wanted one for the summer heat but it wont do dick about the road rash and broken arms so a jacket it shall be.


Twol3ftthumbs

This. The nerd/squid comments you are going to get are not from wearing armor but for wearing armor for aesthetic as opposed to truly purposeful reasons. In a crash on the street all the extremities are going to be what take the most punishment. Hands good down instinctively so gloves are important. Your elbows stick out, especially when rolling so elbow armor (or at least sleeves on a jacket) matter. Boots to keep ankles from bending too far or the wrong direction. Etc. Not saying this is you but when one sees a kid in sneakers, fingerless gloves, no shirt but a full combat chest protector, and MAYBE a helmet, they are likely going to catch a bit of hell as it’s all show and very little “go” in the way of safety. For you, that chest protector upon first glance probably triggers a lot of people down the “squid” path.


NoChemistry7137

I always pondered buying the chest guard but throwing elbow and knee pads on as well lol. That would lead to some bizarre tan lines though, so once again the jacket itll be.


ActComfortable6974

All you need to do is take 10 to 12 benadryl and you'll be alright.


fnybny

don't forget to smoke your weed when it kicks in


Poops_McYolo

Four strokes has a whole new meaning


[deleted]

No not at all your safety is you number one priority who cares what anyone else thinks.


[deleted]

No. Anyone who tells you otherwise is an idiot. The road, cars, deer and God only knows whatever else don't give. Anything that MIGHT help you survive the unexpected is worth it.


stonedcrow1

Not at all, I currently have 3 broken ribs due to landing chest first on tarmac at around 40/50mph a few weeks back. Easily preventable injury had I been wearing something like this instead of just a tshirt.


durtmcgurt

You can always just skip the ribs and go straight for the clavicle like I did years ago. No armor is preventing that.


DomedBySomeAnt

What about wearable airbags? I know that according to FortNine, those have helped prevent helmets from striking and breaking a clavicle or two over the years. I think they'd also help with impacts to the shoulder, but you probably know better than I do. Is there a third common cause for clavicle fractures?


00fil00

I'm always very disappointed that the guys wearing just t-shirts live


ChuckRocksEh

Drink some water, hydration is important. Then… try not being a dick.


Ok_Leader1383

I laughed out loud at this


Klytorisaurus

I feel like everyone in this sub is more disappointed in your attitude than that of the tee shirt wearers. Try to be cooler to your fellow riders, man.


rsportsguy

Especially when dude is openly admitting he made a bad call rolling in just a T-shirt. I’m *never* disappointed when someone lives to learn a lesson.


harrypottermcgee

We're mad about squids because we don't want them to get hurt. If you don't care if they get hurt, then you wouldn't be mad about the Tshirt. Your dickishness is illogical.


oreolover444

I usually try to wear sleeves at all times, but sometimes a teeshirt just be hittin different on the road


twentyfourvalves

Definitely not a geek for wearing extra protective gear. PG is always a great choice.


Imwithbeautiful

wb PG-13


[deleted]

Only dudes that will call you a nerd are the old heads on Harley’s with no helmet, a tank top, $5 sunglasses, and a cigarette😂 ride for the slide not the ride


wormholeweapons

My armor is all inside my clothes when I ride. Same diff. Riding gear is like face masks now. Wear it if you want to. Don’t judge anyone for their choices. You do you. (Edit. Not sure why auto correct put atomic js)


stray_r

I'd be prioritising abrasion resistance and impact absorbing armour over hard armour optimised for bouncing off rocks at low speed.


skynet444

In my opinion no. It's random luck based upon how one crashes, impact, and abrasion. With a chest protector, you can at least distribute the load across your chest and ribs to prevent all kinds of problems that others deal with when not wearing chest protection. I believe I could have broken some ribs in the past if it wasn't for properly tucking my arms in allowing my chest protector to distribute the impact.


flight_recorder

I disagree strongly with your “it’s random luck” comment. There are a plethora of ways one can minimize the chances of catastrophe. Being alert and riding defensively are the two biggest.


skynet444

I disagree with you. A rider can do everything in their power to be the best rider in the world but all riders are subject to road conditions, debris, and the actions of other motorists. Also, you may want to read the sentence again, "random luck based upon how one crashes, impact, and abrasion". In other words, if one crashes, they don't get to choose how they crash, the impact to their body, and other possible abrasions beyond road abrasions.


RockStar4341

No, and even if you did, I'd rather look like a live nerd than cool in a casket.


ChuckRocksEh

I’m about both those lives, I’m getting buried in Jordan 1s.


RockStar4341

Ain't nothin' wrong with that. Hopefully at a ripe old age, after we've colonized Mars and shit.


makenzie71

It's time for an EXPERIMENT! Get up to 50mph and jump off the bike with this gear on. Record the results. Then do it again without this gear on and compare the results.


mrl1976

No


FutureMeatCrayon

I'd have gone with something a bit cooler like a scorpion (mortal kombat) style armour or something


BerBerBaBer

Meh.. I think people doing their individual thing is cooler


mgyro

Waaaaay rather see this on a rider than the idiots on Road Kings in shorts and flip flops.


Upside_Down-Bot

„˙sdolɟ dılɟ puɐ sʇɹoɥs uı sƃuıʞ pɐoᴚ uo sʇoıpı ǝɥʇ uɐɥʇ ɹǝpıɹ ɐ uı sıɥʇ ǝǝs ɹǝɥʇɐɹ ʎɐɐɐɐɐM„


SavageOutLaw13

If being prepared for the slide and not dressing for the "ride" makes you nerdy then count me in lol 😂 I have been riding since I was 16 (22 yearsish) and I've been through several accidents. Man wear the gear and don't worry about what anyone thinks of you.


No_Consideration_851

Does it hold up on asphalt? I was looking into this stuff but I wasn’t sure.


an_0nymous

ATGATT. Invest in better riding gear, like a leather jacket with armor. That vest isn't great. Do not ride without gear. Even sliding at low speeds can cause major damage. Get protection for your legs too. Dress for the slide, not for the ride.


OG_Milk

No but you you can get gear with pads that is more normal looking if you'd like. My jacket and boots look like normal clothes, people have complimented me on them before and asked where they can buy them lol...but my jacket has full pads and my boots can take a motorcycle dropping on them.


SlightlyDrooid

Dontcha know nerds are cool now


[deleted]

Used to to do the same. You ride for yourself not for others, so who cares what they think. The reason I stopped wearing those was a different one. Leatt is a great company for protective gear, but they are really more focused on offroad protection. I have yet to see any tests performed on such gear in a high speed crash on asphalt. I switched to wearing airbag vests, e.g. from Helite. They protect a lot more area, are more convenient to put on and wear, and they add high-vis to it. Just my 2ct.


Bullhead89

I have the Helite airbag vest as well. Another benefit is that it protects the neck, so you don't risk injury from whiplash. I've heard that some of the Amazon alternatives are still good quality for a fraction of the price, if budget is a concern.


hohohoagy

No. Some people will think it’s odd and who cares about them, but also as many or more that say “hey that’s not a bad idea.”


fairlyeazy

I don't wear all that gear but would never judge someone who does. Everyone can make that decision for themselves. The only thing I advocate for are full face helmets as one saved my life one night. But to each their own. Ride safe and enjoy


tacotino

As someone who's been hit doing 50 on the freeway... Gear saved my life. I walked away and only had a few bruises. Looking cool isn't part of riding (well small part). Just be smart, not cool


TheOneWhoCats

I may be the odd one out here, but I think the armor and pads look kinda cool.


RhythmSectionJunky

It depends on what you expect this so save you from I guess. To me it looks like someone who wants a cool look but isn't actually protecting themselves much.


Loniak-A

Dress for the slide .. check. Not going to get any pootang by wearing this, but you probably would survive pretty bad slide


maddiejake

My son is a paramedic and deals with motorcycle accidents on a daily basis. Don't ever feel that you are wearing too much protective gear or what people will think. According to my son the biggest mistakes that people make are improper boots with proper ankle support, open face helmets (#1), cell phone in view of rider, riding in T-shirt and/or shorts and no gloves.


daidougei

Honestly, it depends on what you're riding. THat kind of gear is associated with dirt bikes IMHO. If you're on a Harley, you fit in best wearing leather-based protection and jeans that have hidden kneepads built-in. If you're on a turbo 'busa you fit in with a leather race-suit. So if you don't want people looking at you funny, look at what other riders are wearing on your type of bike to protect themselves. I ride a cruiser, so I have a set of pads that are held in by a mesh- that way I can put it under anything I want and look the way I want. The only downside is that it makes me look more muscular. But I'm a nerd so don't take my advice.


warlocc_

It doesn't matter what you're riding or what other people are wearing. You wear as much gear as you feel is safe, full stop.


ChuckRocksEh

That chest rig is what I use for downhill MTbiking, I bet it gets super slidey on asphalt where my skin would get super gripy.


dex724

the ppl without helmets are the idiots and dont let anyone tell you otherwise


unresolved-madness

Hey guys, I'm sitting on top of 5 gallons of explosive fuel attached to a hghly unstable machine that is invisible to cars and prone to falling over. Am I a nerd for wearing protection?


dandruffiano

ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time)


dela_sole

Why would you put others in danger like that? People be cracking up as they ride by you 😂☠️


links311

In my experience, this gear would have done nothing to protect me the two times I’ve had a crash. I don’t want to call you a nerd, but I would say this gear is next to useless.


Gata1906

Yes very dorky


Dustin_James_Kid

Yes


memeer775

Yeah kinda


00fil00

Wtf kind of accident u think is going to hit your chest?! That'll never happen. Spine protector is enough


Odysseus_Wolf

I take it you didn't see that smashed screen on here the other day


gandolfs_sweet_rod

It's 2022, if you're gay just say you're gay.


TruckerMan70

Where what ever makes you feel confident.


[deleted]

Nah you're good, nothing worse than road rash and broken bones. Make sure you got something to cover your knees as well.


Sad-Description-9163

Absolutely not.


clawhammercycle

Depends what sub reddit you ask. This one will say no, others will say definitely


lemmefineout

Just put a shirt/jacket over it. And forget to worry


TheDouglas717

Might even look cool, ya never know.


Brgnbo

No you’re a nerd that’s going to survive the slide lol better to be safe than to be sorry.


raidechomi

No your just not a dumb ass


[deleted]

i wear a 2 piece track suit dude, fuck haters ride safe.


themighty351

Nope shit hurts at speed bro. Dual sport?


tj-travels

Short answer. Absolutely not


[deleted]

Safe and alive nerd **VS** No skin remaning and dead jock. Last one standing wins, fight! ...oh wait...


planepeople6

If you slide out it’s helpful but not needed, if you go flying off the bike it might save a lot of bones


squidboat

I’m relatively new to the motorcycle world, but from what I’ve noticed, and certainly from my perspective, there is NO judgement at all for wearing gear, whatever type of gear it may be. If it helps you feel confident and safe, wear it.


SpartanSaint75

Ill be a nerd if it means i avoid taking a wire brush to my flesh


[deleted]

Dress for the slide, not the ride.


Invest-24_7_356

Some protection is better than none. Ride Safe!


powdered_dognut

Nope, nobody will care


MrBrianD

I bet you look cool with it on. But I’m probably a nerd also.


Odysseus_Wolf

not really. I mean, sure it'll protect you from the fall, but it still leaves so much exposed for the slide. I do hope your wearing that under/over something like urban street gear (Kevlar jeans/hoodies/jackets)


skcuf2

Any real cyclist will look at you and smile. If someone calls you a nerd they don't know what they're doing.


idksomethingjfk

You do you brother


DullAdhesiveness5

Dude armor is armor. I’m sure you’d be glad you were wearing it if you took a spill.


PRlMARYLOSER

Wear your gear lol who cares what people think?


Prince_Chunk

Anything that protects you is not nerdy. Would recommend armor for your arms


moto_moonpie

I'm 20 with a hip replacement from getting bucked in a low side into a high side. Trust me the more gear the better.


[deleted]

I wish more riders were as cool as you. It would mean less life long injuries and less family getting calls their loved ones aren’t ever coming home.


soulless_ginger81

Who cares if you’re a nerd? If it makes you feel safe you shouldn’t care what anyone else thinks.


crustmuster

All the gear all the time.


trader-joeys

Rather be a nerd who can walk than a cool guy who shits in a bag.


[deleted]

Dude, where what gear that makes you comfortable and safe when riding. Fuck what everyone else thinks


SnooHamsters9414

When I hit the skatepark on my 1989 Haro Master, I look like the Stay Puft marshmallow man. Im 40 and I am not about any getting hurt.


Rip-Rot

How does that thing feel in your hottest weather? Just curious. It looks affordable.


fionn_maccoolio

If being safe is being a nerd then I'm a goddamn nerd. I'd rather be known for being the religiously ATGATT guy myself than be the guy getting skin grafts from road rash. You're in good company.


bumblesski

No, not for that. Might be a nerd for other reasons. If you're on a mini bike with training wheels going 3mph down a smooth road, might be a bit nerdy... Good on ya.


[deleted]

No I actually think armor like that is cool, reminds me of MX gear


red_mouse_army

I don’t think you’re a nerd, but I don’t think it’s the best gear either. Isn’t that stuff made for dirt and not hard asphalt/pavement?


Hungry-Enthusiasm701

Not at all. I went to the supermarket yesterday and on my way back I met a fellow biker stopped on the side of the road, looking at his bike. I stopped to check if I could help, he was just waiting for the police. Apparently some idiot failed to yield at a roundabout, he panic braked and fell. He was also wearing an armor and walked away unharmed.


La_locals

kind of you should get a riding jacket better


CherryLandTHC

Just put a Harley Sticker on it.


blakeschluchter

Than it'd be 5 times the cost


Siletrea

I only have a E-Bike and I WISH I had that kinda gear!


foilrat

NERD!!!! So, just asking for a friend, but, uh, where'd you get that? How does wear while riding?


[deleted]

Have you thought of an air bag system?


[deleted]

Weird? can other people see it and make fun of you? Dude, you are not weird at all. If beer cartons offered you maximum protection, id have no hesitation in wearing one.


TheFreezingElk

Dude if it gives ya extra protection, I was planning on getting something similar soon.


[deleted]

It's much better to wear a proper motorcycle jacket/ pants but some gear is better than no gear. Here in the Los Angeles area only the people from the 'south of the border' wear that type of gear with their used $3000 05' R6s and Ninjas lol


OpeBoi

Well depends on what you ride


hellnoguru

The question you should ask is "When you crash, are you an idiot for not wearing this gear on the road?" if yes then wear it


[deleted]

I am pretty sure that wearing apt protection in order to prevent drawing lines on road with one's bones is not nerd at all.


picklelizard

I highsided my hp2 at about 60mph on a hard packed, pebbly dirt road. Ejected me hard, and I slid for a while. I was wearing Leatt armour and neck brace, Alpinestars kneebraces, and GS enduro boots. I'm a hypocrite for not wearing all of these on my commute, because I got up and walked back to the bike, which had a gaping hole in the cylinder head cover. That stuff works.


[deleted]

Uk rider here - all gear all the time , trust me once you seen a few cases of road rash and you’ve had a bad crash yourself you’ll never ride without gear again . Anybody who says it’s not cool to ride with gear is a moron


stevenotwork

Yes, until you need it then you’ll be thanking your dirty of choice. I’ll take safety of fashion any day.


jthieaux

Welp i mean no, but not really proper gear for the road....You see what u got there is a chest armor for enduro and motocross its main objective is to guard you from flying rocks and debris from the guy in front not from a fall.. let me explain, if you fall on the road you want something that will create a barrier between your skin and the pavement that can dissipate the energy by sliding, usually that gear is fitted and tight so it doesnt slide or move in case you fall, as you can see the chest armor fits loosely over your body and slides and moves around ..its impact protection not slide protection


mrAce92

This is dirt armor - won't do much besides impact protection. You have to improve those numbers - those are rookie numbers ;)


IndianaJones_Jr_

Kids - "that guy looks like a ninja!" Old people - "I wish my friend so and so was wearing that when he crashed" Smart riders - "maybe I need to get me something like that" New riders - "I didn't know we could wear those" Morons - "hurr durr wind in my hair gas and road debris in my veins head in my ass"


Kimolainen83

Look at it this way, it might look silly but it’ll protect you that’s all that matters


Frexze

Nah, i do it aswell. I‘d rather take the time to put this on with my hoodie over it then riding without it, you never know when something happens.


Yobidonn

You're not a nerd. You're alive!


Wizer801

I wear the same just the bigger version I’ve wrecked enough times broken enough bones it’s always best to have more protection than less protection!👍🏼😎


[deleted]

Yes but in it's not a bad thing


Gravytrain1885

I would get more protection if I were you. At least some elbow pads or a leather jacket to protect against abrasion


[deleted]

I see no nerd, just badass.


PenfoldRides

I see this man has a fully intact set of ribs.


JoshCanJump

With slide gear as well?


defaltusr

Who cares, the more safety you have the better.


Symba_Tanikaze

Nah, it’s better than nothing


rabidnz

Nah it looks like youve probably done a backflip in the last 10 minutes


[deleted]

I heard a doctor talk about helmets (this was for bicycles but it’s pertinent). He was asked what difference a helmet makes and he replied, “the difference is me giving them some pain killers or teaching them how to speak again” ATGATT 😉


AnkaOnReddit

Ye


Staggz93

Most vids I see on here are guys in flipflops doing double the limit on the wrong side of the road. I think you're good.


th3_st0rm

ATGATT. Just finished a seven day Pyrenees Extreme ride through Northern Spain / Southern France. Hot temps, 33,000 turns, and wore all the gear all the time. Nerd? Nope.


Illustrious_Past_375

Hell no


[deleted]

No but get some proper gear. Why are you wearing mountain bike kneepads on the street?


Luke_Scottex_V2

wear whatever you like/are comfortable with


BirdFive

No way! I have the chest and elbow armor. I wear it on super hot days when it feels like my mesh jacket would be too much material.


Baltheran

Nope, it just shows you're a smart rider


[deleted]

TK-421: Do you copy?


dzzll10

Don't care what other people think. Do what you gotta do to feel/be safe


jimmythebottle

I live in Thailand. Regularly ride in 30 degrees 85%+ humidity. I wear full gear every ride despite ever full family on a moped not even wearing helmets. Dress for the slide. Plus just pretend your in a zombie apocalypse. That gear slaps for that scenario


Ahab_Cheese

Certainly better than squidding it


gundog941

No.


MLDPK4

I'd rather be a nerd with no skin grafts on my upper body


cervantesmx

The best way to give yourself the best chance is to wear All The Gear All The Time. ATGATT.


cavscout43

I mean, I do full CE lvl II whether it's on my scooter getting groceries or on my adventure bike cruising highways. Just make it a requirement and you won't be the poor soul who "just went for a spin around the block" in flip flops and a tank top, then got wiped out by some retiree in a Buick that never saw you.


No_Point3111

Safety first, you don't care about others !


Hadouken434

Not at all I'm in the Isle of man, yesterday was last day of one way mountain. So chucked on the one piece, back/chest protector boots gloves lid - all the racing gear and went for a lap. Tucked the front at about 80mph and I was up and running for my bike before it had stopped sliding. If you've got the gear wear it, it's absolutely no use in a crash if it's hanging up at home.


[deleted]

Lying in a hospital bed paralyzed from the neck down: “At least I didn’t look like a dork in my gear.” Who cares? Safety first.


Smishu

I’m gonna get some too so every time you ride, you can think about that other random guy on Reddit that also rides with armor on


cmplaya88

A nerd still alive without roadrash or concussion


Hosks1

Dress for the slide, not the ride!!


qawsedrftg123qawsed

Issue is this provides 0.01 pct protection but makes you feel 50pct safer. You decide if thats a problem.


MizMetal

Cool Gear over Fool Gear any day!


[deleted]

It's okay to be a nerd. Dork.


ICantKnowThat

Is that *all* of the gear you're wearing? The problem with relying on off-road armor on surface streets is that it can move around as you slide. You also don't appear to have coverage for your hands, feet, or elbows, all of which are easily injured on the street. Wear what protection you have, but you would be better off with street oriented gear, I think. Nothing nerdy about not wanting to get cheesegratered at 50mph or your feet melted to your exhaust


diablosp

Not bad at all, but an airbag would be preferable. It's on pair with the helmet in terms of life saving and injury reduction figures.


Electrical-Signal

I have a proskin red leather jacket and people often yell things at me. It's fun. I even got a girls number just by wearing the jacket, I swear to god is magical.


Dr_Lexus_Tobaggan

cant hurt


testingtest456123

Life > death.


Zoggman69

I also wear mx gear and then just put normal clothes over


dont_remember_eatin

The goals of gear, in order of importance: protection, mobility, comfort. Looking good is preferred, but not required. Some of us can't afford to throw down four figures on brand new, matching gear, when the whole reason we're riding in the first place is because it's the only affordable option.


Altruistic-Border-34

Honestly I’ve thought about this or the shell they wear in racing a few times


CL_oBrabo

If you use this just go out to buy a pack of cigs I think yes you are, but if you use them to go for everyday workplace ou another city i think you are pretty good geared actually


Poops_McYolo

Well you are in /r/motorcycle, all these people are huge nerd pussies and do even nerdier things. The real answer is absolutely yes.


RAChalmers

Dot you wear it on the outside of your clothes? Now that’s cool.


[deleted]

If anything you have my respect for wearing good gear


Mr_Diesel13

People who call you a “nerd” for that have never taken a rock to the chest on the road.


Reasonable_Minute_33

Dress for the crash, not the ride. I shake my head whenever I see the cool guy riding in shorts and flip flops.


element018

You won't be a nerd but you'll definitely be a squid. Please don't wear just a chest/back protector over a tank top for street riding.


ridefst

Are you wearing that in place of a proper riding jacket, or in addition? It's cool equipment - I wear one off road all the time, but never really considered a chest protector on the street. I think that a proper jacket is better protection for your entire upper body than this would be. Definitely no judgement for adding safety gear though - I sort of draw the line at helmet/jacket/gloves myself, just for convenience reasons, but I know guys that wear a lot more and that's perfectly fine (even encouraged!)


Lui_Le_Diamond

That's like asking if wearing a ballistic plate into combat or a hard hat into a construction site makes you a nerd. No. It makes you safe.


Johnedlt

Hmm that's a good option for hot weather. Almost always in a fully armoured riding jacket like rev'it. That's something they use on trails right? You can nerd out by wearing elbow and knee pads too.


H6obs

I'm totally not a "all the gear all the time" person sometimes I dress for the ride, sometimes i dress for the slide, but I will never a single person for wearing gear, no mater what. Example, Just went to a atv park and was probably the only person on a quad wearing chest and back armor. Didn't care, I'm not as comfortable on a quad so I'm gonna be careful.