Body armor for XC
#1
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Body armor for XC
anyone riding with chest/rib protection?
This is the second year in a row I've been sidelined for rib/chest injuries. Last year was a freak accident on a CX bike where my ribs landed on a stump, out for 3 months. Last week while trying to dial-in my XC bike, took an OTB after running wide at a turn and hitting a log, been out for 2 weeks and don't see a quick recovery again in prime riding season in the NE no less. I've got gear for DH (POC) and enduro (7protect) but they seem a bit bulky for XC and casual riding. Looking at some Troy Lee and Demon vests which seem like a good idea and maybe even bring some mojo back. I can also spend the coin on lessons on falling but I seem to get injured lots, LOL. Also second year detaching tendons on my right hand.
Some folks out there riding XC with armor with decent chest/rib protection? Don't really need back protection, but I know a lot of vests have both.
This is the second year in a row I've been sidelined for rib/chest injuries. Last year was a freak accident on a CX bike where my ribs landed on a stump, out for 3 months. Last week while trying to dial-in my XC bike, took an OTB after running wide at a turn and hitting a log, been out for 2 weeks and don't see a quick recovery again in prime riding season in the NE no less. I've got gear for DH (POC) and enduro (7protect) but they seem a bit bulky for XC and casual riding. Looking at some Troy Lee and Demon vests which seem like a good idea and maybe even bring some mojo back. I can also spend the coin on lessons on falling but I seem to get injured lots, LOL. Also second year detaching tendons on my right hand.
Some folks out there riding XC with armor with decent chest/rib protection? Don't really need back protection, but I know a lot of vests have both.
#2
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While I am not I do see the necessity of wearing it if you have had issues with those injuries. Ive ridden with a couple of people who are older and really need the protection because of the recovery time at their age. I am at least going to start wearing knee pads soon Ive had several accidents hitting my knees. I did have a rib cage injury but chest protector would not have helped in my case as I was pulled off the bike and pulled some muscle in between my ribs.
#3
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Is your cross country bike a 26er? Bigger wheels like my 29er roll over stuff better. Take some lessons, do some yoga/general conditioning. And yes there are correct ways to fall. I like g form elbow and leg armor.
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I just got a Pivot 429SL, after slack trail bikes the last few years the Pivot just feels so twitchy. But that's expected. I do yoga twice a week, really helps with the winter sports and MTB. Been doing it for about 10 years. As for lessons, yep, that's next. Usually take one every year to hone the skills. My instructor is the US enduro champ last year so I'll be sure to pick her brain.
#5
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^^^ Good start. I " try" to ride within my skill set. Doesn't always work. Lots of times it's slow speed stuff, tech rock gardens, short steep pitches up or down, that give me trouble. Some group rides we will session some difficult sections, both ways, different lines, etc.
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^^^ Good start. I " try" to ride within my skill set. Doesn't always work. Lots of times it's slow speed stuff, tech rock gardens, short steep pitches up or down, that give me trouble. Some group rides we will session some difficult sections, both ways, different lines, etc.
There's a park by me which was an old zoo which has been repurposed as a park, rocks and features everywhere, last time I was there I rode it on a steel hardtail SS without incident.
My crashes are usually in fast race loops with virtually no tech. Riding seems to be regressing every year. Maybe I should take up knitting....
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the bike shop owner I used to work for broke his ribs the first year of riding MTB back in the '80s. I don't think I would wear chest protection though. I have definitely considered lightweight shin guards, that seems to be where I hit when I go down.
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after a cpl falls was gonna try knee pads, but recently tried some XL at a consignment shop & they were ridiculously tight to put on. either I get XXXL or don't
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Are you on flats? If so, definitely need guards. One of my friends took a one foot cut down his shin, lots of stitches as a result. I now wear shin guards religiously when on flats. Which is most of my riding at the moment
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Are they bike specific knee pads. You really can go with roller blade type guards as they are not meant for the pedaling motion. It took me 5 purchases before finding the right knee/shin protection. Still looking for elbows which don't slide. Everybody's built different, really need to try them yourself
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Are they bike specific knee pads. You really can go with roller blade type guards as they are not meant for the pedaling motion. It took me 5 purchases before finding the right knee/shin protection. Still looking for elbows which don't slide. Everybody's built different, really need to try them yourself
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#12
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oh yeah absolutely. they were the G-Form Pro-X Knee Pads. I didn't take a photo of the PKG but I'm pretty sure they were marked XL. looking at them on Amazon I see there might be a XXL (somewhere). thanks
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