I was taking my $5 EVS socks (black friday) off today after taking off my Oakley Airbrakes and set them out to dry off before putting up. It got me thinking of the time I wore airbrakes for the first time ever and how I had no idea what I was missing. Am I missing the world of joy $30 socks offer? What else am I missing out on?
I lean pretty cheap on most purchases, but of course some things are worth the money spent. What's something in your gearbag, toolbox, or on your bike that is worth paying a premium for?
For me, nice goggles with good lenses are worth it (on sale). I'd rather have one set of nice gear than 2 entry level. I have no idea how people work on anything without a high quality impact driver. Not moto related, but I should have bought an espresso machine years ago. I'll never be without a high end espresso unit again. Let's hear yours.
Jock strap.
Suspension tuning Enzo, Helmet Astars SM10, Boots Tech 10, Goggles, Armega w/ hiper lens. Body, clean organic eating.
Brain bucket and boots nowadays
Bling
The Shop
Free shipping: VITALMX
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Helmets, boots, roost guard, high quality goggles.
The things tied back to safety I don't go cheap on. I used to go cheap on helmets, until I had a bad crash and lost a lot of memory (it came back after a year or two) and ended up with some noggin issues for a little while. Not going cheap on that again.
Boots and helmets
A lot of you guys said helmets - this is pretty off topic but what’s your personal philosophy on replacement? How hard of a crash? Do you follow the “5 year expiration” guidelines?
I love my VFX-EVO and it has protected me well in my minor crashes.
Tires.
I’ll never forget the one time I tried cheap tires.
One time.
Tires. I don't care if you'll give me free maxxis.. I'm running dunlops
Helmet, boots, suspension, chains, tires.
Edit: Clutch plates, also.
Try a Michelin and you won't want a Dunlop again either.
I have found I don't like going cheap on any bearings. No aftermarket, go OEM only.
Probably get a little heat on this, but once a year unless a hard crash. As for what constitutes a 'hard' crash that's a bit of personal judgement. Obviously if there is any visible compression of the foam then that's a immediate replacement.
Helmet and suspension
Tires,oil,helmets.
Helmet, helmet, helmet…
From your perspective what’s something that surprised you in testing over the years regarding price versus quality? Such as a budget item that rocks or something expensive that is not worth it?
I hit the ground head first and hyperextended enough to break my C6 facet due to compression (think ears to shoulder).
I’m kinda torn because there wasn’t really a hard cranial impact of any kind, just an excess of movement at slow speed. I didn’t even have a headache but I’m still feeling on the fence about replacement. I love my Shoei! It’s visually perfect but it’s in my head a little bit.
Pit Row
Starlink so when I’m at the track I’m able to log on vital and see if my sprocket bolts are torqued correctly.
Joking aside…chain and sprocket are my number 1 do not cheap out on products. Followed closely by oil and oil/air filter changes. Other than that I can pretty much live with anything. Nice goggles with fresh lenses and laminated tear offs to keep the lenses from wearing out are nice also.
Health insurance, motorcycle insurance
Neck brace
I had a massive crash in 2014 and the doctor said if it want for the neck brace I'd be dead!
(average guy here of very modest means where budget is an issue)
Boots are Sidi SRS so there is no getting around that. Helmets are always last years close outs so good quality at a deep discount. Pants are last years close outs and jersey is a plain long sleeve lycra (or whatever) deal. Gloves are important and I like the Fox Bombers. The fuq if I have the cash for those $150 clutch levers or goggles. I haven't run graphics in years and the plastic is well scratched. That money is better spent on a good crank, fuel, oil(s), chain, sprocket and tires and just being able to ride now and then in the first place.
Suspension, air filters, tyres and oil
It is kinda wild what some people have for “must haves” and for safety and piece of mind it honestly makes sense if it does financially. I remember riding the whoop track at izzis with j law a million years ago… he was on mx suspension with blown fork seals. He was also aware that he was missing a tooth or two on his rear sprocket. He hit the whoop track till he couldn’t and he was missing I’d say 1/3 of teeth. It is crazy what skill can afford you on a bike. Not saying I condone any of this.
X2
Helmet, chain & sprockets
Knee braces or pads. Doesn’t matter which side you choose, just at least wear one or the other. It’s crazy to me how many people don’t even wear them.
Helmet, boots, suspension, chain/sprocket, good fuel, tires, goggles in that order.
The most important thing I won't go cheap on though is my time spent doing routine maintenance. I check every single nut and bolt after a wash and visually inspect every inch of the frame and subframe. Blow out any electrical connections, check spokes, etc... Old mechanic habits die hard with me.
good thread.
Premium goggle lenses are great, but I appreciate the cheap goggles on hot days because they are smaller and allow more air flow. I like to upgrade to injected lenses though.
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