Motocross Gear - Worn out of Necessity, Shaped over Time,
Polished with Style
When dirt bike racing was in it's infancy riders wore whatever
was available to protect themselves. Open faced helmets, Jofa
pants, leather protection... as the protective equipment was not
specifically made for dirt bike racing, riders looked more like
confused hockey playing bikies than dirt bike racers!
As the sport (best sport in the world mind you :) became more
popular, the growth was then able to sustain 'parallel' or
complimentary manufacturing industries. Companies like JT USA,
Sinisalo etc. could now focus primarily on making only motocross
gear.
More money was now being pushed into research and development of
motocross gear, sponsorship of riders and marketing programs
More emphasis was being placed on style so colour was added to
gear to match dirt bike colourings or just to be outrageous and
different. Pink was big mid eighties (I did not say it was
always in good taste).
Body armour moved to be worn over the top of race jerseys
therefore they became more stylised to appeal to users. In
itself becoming a fashion statement, but was researched and
tested to also be practical and offer maximum comfort. Today's
body armour has 'floating' shoulder cups as well as flexible
back and side panels to cater for both sitting and standing
positions when riding. Can come in a range of colour options
including clear as well as built in kidney belts on some models.
Race pants received there own special treatment made out of
heavy duty nylon with doubled stitching, extra room in the butt
to cater for the crouched/sitting riding position as well as
cordura, kevlar and leather panels in high wear areas such as
the seat and knees. Spandex panels are used to allow for
movement where necessary. A quality race pant will offer extra
room in the knee area to allow for knee braces that more and
more riders are wearing.
Jersey material went from cotton to sweat/moisture wicking
polyester/cotton blends to offer greater comfort for prolonged
periods of riding. Vented panels were placed in 'hot spots' and
even little touches like rubber strips in the tail to hold them
into the race pants on even the roughest ride.
Boots were being designed to deal with high impact landings and
ultimate ankle protection. Replaceable soles and buckles
prolonging their use. They are now carefully constructed to
avoid the damaging lateral and hyperextension movements around
the ankle area.
Dirtbike gloves - choose them wisely and make sure they fit
correctly. Some gloves are better suited to certain types of
riding than others. Motocross gloves offer better feel for the
rider with less padding in the palms. Enduro gloves can be the
opposite with more padding to give greater comfort for longer
rides.
Elbow protection can be found in a "sleeve" that also covers the
forearms. Knee/shin guards are lighter as well as stronger and
some hinder 'lateral' movement of the knee (gone are the days of
using skateboarders protection). Although with the onset of
lightweight, composite materials it is possible to have the
ultimate in protection with knee braces.
All this protection would mean nothing if you cannot see. So it
is very VERY important to properly protect one of your greatest
assets (as well as one of the five senses) in your sight.
Different goggle manufacturers have their own registered names
for their lenses, but they basically mean the same thing -
scratch resistant, shatterproof protection for your eyes.
So next time you go for a dirtbike ride, dress in the latest
motocross gear and be comforted in the knowledge that you have
minimized risk to your body as much as possible. That will allow
you to focus on what you are there for... enjoying the ride!
The old saying is still as true as ever - "dress for the fall,
not for the ride"