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Main
Date: 01 Mar 2006 21:02:54
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Body Armor??
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So, anyone have any experience with these?
http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple turtleneck...that,
and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
So how good is body armor in general? Are they like helmets, a one-use
affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.) Think of your worst
bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
And where can I get them chrome German helmets? Want 'em in chrome
since that's so damned reflective -- and of course I'd only use them in
winter time.
BTW, any of y'all use balaclavas like this from Outdoor Research? It's
so neat:
http://orgear.com/home/style/home/headware/cold_hats/balaclavas/85130.
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Date: 03 Mar 2006 04:16:20
From:
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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You can allways go the way of the Auto Airbag System. Before you hit
the car or truck inflate it. Ha ha ha
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Date: 03 Mar 2006 07:45:39
From: Ride-A-Lot
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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crazy6r54@webtv.net wrote:
> You can allways go the way of the Auto Airbag System. Before you hit
> the car or truck inflate it. Ha ha ha
>
You mean like this?
http://tinyurl.com/ju53n
--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 17:03:20
From: Marty
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1141275774.200235.200510@v46g2000cwv.googlegroups.com...
> So, anyone have any experience with these?
>
> http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>
>
> I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
> together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
> shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
>
> I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple turtleneck...that,
> and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
>
> So how good is body armor in general? Are they like helmets, a one-use
> affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.) Think of your worst
> bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
>
> And where can I get them chrome German helmets? Want 'em in chrome
> since that's so damned reflective -- and of course I'd only use them in
> winter time.
>
> BTW, any of y'all use balaclavas like this from Outdoor Research? It's
> so neat:
> http://orgear.com/home/style/home/headware/cold_hats/balaclavas/85130.
>
Wooo hoooo! You go dewd!
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 09:56:55
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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John_Kane@tricolour.queensu.ca wrote:
>
>
> Try picking up some used hockey equipment. Probably just as good and
> you should be able to get it a lot cheaper.
Wow, even cheaper? Oh, wait, "used"...! No way I'm buying used
anything I have to wear. And I don't want to have thick football pads
on my shoulders, either. These "pressure suits" (wonder how they came
up with that name) have them all integrated in one piece -- no straps
for this and that, it seems.
> Of course, there is the
> problem that hockey and football equimpment probably increase injury
> rates but oh well.
Only if you run across a football game in progress!
> John Kane, Kingston ON Canada
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 09:53:26
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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Werehatrack wrote:
>
>
> No. Abrasions and minor bruises were not the issue.
Ewww...hope you're better these days, then.
> Extreme Backyard Wrestling F(fill in your preferred word ending here).
Ah, trailer-sports!
> To chrome it, you must have steel. There is no other choice. (Well,
> there is, but do you want to pay for the extra steps to polish and
> prep a nonmetallic surface for chroming? It often triples the cost,
> if you can even find a shop that will try.)
Damn, you mean the Chinese don't have a cheap substitute??
I guess I don't mean literally "chrome," but something mirror-like and
reflective. Surely the popularity of these things (I see 'em every
summer) must mean there are cheaper versions...?
> Nope. It's the other way around. Chrome is almost camo in most
> settings; it reflects the background, and blends in amazingly well.
Oh, hehe, that too. I was just thinking of it catching the sun. Seems
to always catch *my* eye!
> How many times have you been in a room that had an entire wall that
> was a mirror, and not realized there was a wall present? There's a
> reason why road crews wear blaze orange or that new fluoroputrescent
> green. To be visible, be *different*. Reflection guarantees that
> you'll look largely the same as the surroundings.
Right. Can't wait to see what Army "skunkworks" comes out with in
another few decades!
> It absorbs none of the impact, transmitting all of it through. It has
> knobby bits on the inside where the support stuff attaches. The only
> thing it may help with is distribution of force in the case of a
> localized impact, as from the prow of an old Pontiac, but in that
> case, you're probably toast anyway.
Hmm, so it's purely a fashion statement, then! Thanks for the tip.
Back to styrofoam it is, damn!
> The cool, dry and wonderfully varied vel known as Houston. (By
> comparison to Miami, where I grew up, it is all of the above.)
I'll assume you mean TX.
> --
> Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
> Some gardening required to reply via email.
> Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 18:45:02
From: Werehatrack
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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On 2 2006 09:53:26 -0800, "NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com >
wrote:
>
>Werehatrack wrote:
[about a steel helmet]
>> It absorbs none of the impact, transmitting all of it through. It has
>> knobby bits on the inside where the support stuff attaches. The only
>> thing it may help with is distribution of force in the case of a
>> localized impact, as from the prow of an old Pontiac, but in that
>> case, you're probably toast anyway.
>
>Hmm, so it's purely a fashion statement, then! Thanks for the tip.
>Back to styrofoam it is, damn!
Intermediate point: BMX buckets have a thicker ABS shell, less swoopy
styling, and about as much styro as the average bike-racer version.
Many folks prefer that type; some of them like it for the lack of all
the frivolous (to them) bric-a-brac latticework and shaping, others
for the reduced number of holes, and some for the fact that a
good-sized avocado pit flung energetically will just bounce off.
>> The cool, dry and wonderfully varied vel known as Houston. (By
>> comparison to Miami, where I grew up, it is all of the above.)
>
>I'll assume you mean TX.
Ayup.
--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
Some gardening required to reply via email.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 09:44:15
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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Wow, with extrasensory insight like that, why don't you try finding
some WMDs while you're at it.
G.T. wrote:
>
>
> No, you cross-posted to a.m-b because you're a troll.
>
> Greg
>
> --
> "All my time I spent in heaven
> Revelries of dance and wine
> Waking to the sound of laughter
> Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 09:07:24
From: John_Kane@tricolour.queensu.ca
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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NYC XYZ wrote:
> So, anyone have any experience with these?
>
> http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>
>
> I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
> together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
> shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
Try picking up some used hockey equipment. Probably just as good and
you should be able to get it a lot cheaper. Of course, there is the
problem that hockey and football equimpment probably increase injury
rates but oh well.
John Kane, Kingston ON Canada
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 08:46:10
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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Werehatrack wrote:
>
>
> The intended use is for protection against impacts with rocks and such
> when the rider takes a spill in a downhill run. It's poor or no
> protection against vehicle hits, but might help if you ride and spill
> a lot when the streets are icy. Personally, I wouldn't bother; if
> it's that slippery, I'm staying put.
Well of course it's no use against cars; I'm surprised people keep
bringing that up!
Thing I'm curious about is whether they "really work" -- think of your
worst-ever bike accident: would body armor have helped any?
> For their intended use, they can be worthwhile. On the street in NYC,
> I think it's likely to attract EBWF wannabe attention, which would
> produce exactly the opposite result from what you want.
What's EBWF?
> <SNIP>
>
> A plain stahlhelm can be had from a number of sources online, and
> usually costs about $50 to get chromed, after which you get to rivet
> that support stuff back in. (No, I will not sell you mine.) They
> make rotten riding gear. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter,
> heavy, and terrible protection from impact with large objects.
Well, definitely not "Stahl" (steel), but that type, yes. I'll be
wearing a balaclava in winter, anyway -- Outdoor Research's excellent
excellent Gorilla Balaclava, which is user-customizable -- but I
thought the reflective chrome would be a modest safety feature.
But if they don't offer impact protection...then it's out of the
question! I find it odd, however, that a steel helmet should offer
less than a styrofoam one?!?!?!???
> It seldom gets that cold here, sorry.
What's your 20?
> --
> Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
> Some gardening required to reply via email.
> Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 17:25:07
From: Werehatrack
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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On 2 2006 08:46:10 -0800, "NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com >
wrote:
>Thing I'm curious about is whether they "really work" -- think of your
>worst-ever bike accident: would body armor have helped any?
No. Abrasions and minor bruises were not the issue.
>Werehatrack wrote:
>> For their intended use, they can be worthwhile. On the street in NYC,
>> I think it's likely to attract EBWF wannabe attention, which would
>> produce exactly the opposite result from what you want.
>
>What's EBWF?
Extreme Backyard Wrestling F(fill in your preferred word ending here).
>> A plain stahlhelm can be had from a number of sources online, and
>> usually costs about $50 to get chromed, after which you get to rivet
>> that support stuff back in. (No, I will not sell you mine.) They
>> make rotten riding gear. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter,
>> heavy, and terrible protection from impact with large objects.
>
>Well, definitely not "Stahl" (steel), but that type, yes.
To chrome it, you must have steel. There is no other choice. (Well,
there is, but do you want to pay for the extra steps to polish and
prep a nonmetallic surface for chroming? It often triples the cost,
if you can even find a shop that will try.)
>I'll be
>wearing a balaclava in winter, anyway -- Outdoor Research's excellent
>excellent Gorilla Balaclava, which is user-customizable -- but I
>thought the reflective chrome would be a modest safety feature.
Nope. It's the other way around. Chrome is almost camo in most
settings; it reflects the background, and blends in amazingly well.
How many times have you been in a room that had an entire wall that
was a mirror, and not realized there was a wall present? There's a
reason why road crews wear blaze orange or that new fluoroputrescent
green. To be visible, be *different*. Reflection guarantees that
you'll look largely the same as the surroundings.
>But if they don't offer impact protection...then it's out of the
>question! I find it odd, however, that a steel helmet should offer
>less than a styrofoam one?!?!?!???
It absorbs none of the impact, transmitting all of it through. It has
knobby bits on the inside where the support stuff attaches. The only
thing it may help with is distribution of force in the case of a
localized impact, as from the prow of an old Pontiac, but in that
case, you're probably toast anyway.
>> It seldom gets that cold here, sorry.
>
>What's your 20?
The cool, dry and wonderfully varied vel known as Houston. (By
comparison to Miami, where I grew up, it is all of the above.)
--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
Some gardening required to reply via email.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 16:16:13
From: Werehatrack
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
On 1 2006 21:02:54 -0800, "NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com >
wrote:
>So, anyone have any experience with these?
>
>http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>
>
>I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
>together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
>shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
>
>I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple turtleneck...that,
>and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
The intended use is for protection against impacts with rocks and such
when the rider takes a spill in a downhill run. It's poor or no
protection against vehicle hits, but might help if you ride and spill
a lot when the streets are icy. Personally, I wouldn't bother; if
it's that slippery, I'm staying put.
>So how good is body armor in general?
For their intended use, they can be worthwhile. On the street in NYC,
I think it's likely to attract EBWF wannabe attention, which would
produce exactly the opposite result from what you want.
>Are they like helmets, a one-use
>affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.)
For their intended use, ordinarily, no.
>Think of your worst
>bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
No.
>And where can I get them chrome German helmets? Want 'em in chrome
>since that's so damned reflective -- and of course I'd only use them in
>winter time.
A plain stahlhelm can be had from a number of sources online, and
usually costs about $50 to get chromed, after which you get to rivet
that support stuff back in. (No, I will not sell you mine.) They
make rotten riding gear. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter,
heavy, and terrible protection from impact with large objects.
>BTW, any of y'all use balaclavas like this from Outdoor Research? It's
>so neat:
>http://orgear.com/home/style/home/headware/cold_hats/balaclavas/85130.
It seldom gets that cold here, sorry.
--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
Some gardening required to reply via email.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.
|
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 08:09:50
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
Peter Clinch wrote:
>
>
> No particular problems with elbow pads (or a shinpad on the forearm is
> also sometimes seen), but they're just a PITA to put on and off every
> time you're on a bike and they're less comfortable than when they're not
> there. Wristguards limit manual dexterity a fair bit, I can't think why
> I'd want them on the 'bent.
The only issue I could think of having with any body armor is the
much-increased heat during summertime. But wristguards, unless they
hamper handling, I'd thought of since the instinct of just about any
fall is to reach for the ground with one's hands.
> People get killed and injured every day using stairs or just tripping
> over on pavement, but nobody much seems to feel a need for armour to do
> that. Same /should/ apply to bikes.
Yeah, I know, and I feel the same way about helmets myself. But, heck,
if all these damned club rides are gonna insist on 'em, then why not go
whole-hog...it'd suck if I had a helmet on but broke my arm instead!
And this body armor is surprisingly cheap (of course, it's just
plastic, too), so I was like, hmm, why not, could keep me warm in
winter too, besides...!
> So it's okay to fall off a bike in the city, but not to use a trike?
> Sorry, not with your reasoning there!
The trike is typically wider, it seems, and even lower...if you know
NYC you'd see how impractical it is, unfortunately. It can be done,
but it can be done much more easily by bike, even with a 'bent!
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
> net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 16:39:53
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
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NYC XYZ wrote:
> The only issue I could think of having with any body armor is the
> much-increased heat during summertime.
Not just in summer. Armour is not typically very air-permeable so you'd
find it very sweaty any time other than bitter cold if you were doing
anything approaching work. It's only for using in places where comfort
is a total non-issue (i.e., downhill MTB).
> But wristguards, unless they
> hamper handling, I'd thought of since the instinct of just about any
> fall is to reach for the ground with one's hands.
Then wear them the whole time... that's a ridiculous suggestion, you
know they're not worth it, even though people break their wrists in
falls. Do you use them at the moment on other bikes? If not, why start
now? After all, you're closer to the ground to start with so there's
less energy to take.
By all means try them, but I'll practically guarantee you don't use them
for long. I'd save the money, unless you're going skating on rough
pavement or think you'll take up unicycling.
> Yeah, I know, and I feel the same way about helmets myself. But, heck,
> if all these damned club rides are gonna insist on 'em, then why not go
> whole-hog...
Because the "whole hog" is expensive (much more expensive than not
buying it), unnecessary and uncomfortable, and probably won't do you any
good.
> it'd suck if I had a helmet on but broke my arm instead!
First up, body armour is not proof against breaking an arm. What it
will tend to help with is punctures and lacerations, breaks are simply
energy that overloads the bones, and while you may well save broken ribs
with an armoured vest in a whole-body wipeout, if your arm tries to take
a load that's too much for it, it'll break even with armour.
Second up, that argument can be carried any distance. Are you wearing
protective glasses? If not, what if a bee hits you in the eye at 20
mph, or what if a stone thrown up from a car does the same. So you'll
need glasses. And what if you swallow a wasp? Best wear a facemask.
And you'll need some heavy boots as well. And so on, and so on. If
you're going to be paranoid, get a car.
Third up, the same arguments apply to walking. Cycling is comparably
dangerous to being a pedestrian in terms of serious injuries, so
anything you feel you should wear on a bike will apply to cycling. You
can break your arms or head on stairs, you probably use stairs quite
often, so are you wearing them there? Fact is that An Average Cyclist
negotiates the roads without any special protective equipment, just as
the average pedestrian does.
> And this body armor is surprisingly cheap (of course, it's just
> plastic, too), so I was like, hmm, why not, could keep me warm in
> winter too, besides...!
There's comfortably warm, with breathable clothes that let vapour from
sweat escape, and there's uncormfortably warm where it all gets a bit
sticky and smelly. Body armour will be the latter.
> The trike is typically wider, it seems, and even lower...if you know
> NYC you'd see how impractical it is, unfortunately. It can be done,
> but it can be done much more easily by bike, even with a 'bent!
But to ride a bike optimally safely on roads takes typically just as
much room as a trike, and if it's icy then it needs a lot /more/ room
than a trike, because you need enough space to fall off in. I prefer
bikes as they're more practical for me more of the time, but if the road
is icy a trike (held in addition to the bike) is a better answer.
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 07:17:37
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
RonSonic wrote:
>
>
> Yikes, what sort of insane riding do you do - but - only ride like that in the
> winter? In the summer you pedal along multi use trails - but cold weather brings
> out the downhill animal?
>
> I don't get it.
>
> Ron
Oh, actually, I x-posted to the MTB NG 'cause I thought y'all would
have some particular insight. I'll actually be riding a 'bent, a
recumbent!
This set-up would be much too hot in summertime, but in the winter I
figure it could also help keep me warm. I was just wondering as to its
true efficacy. I've taken my share of MTB spills in my time, but never
used body armor. Now, with a herniated vertebra, I'm a lot more
conscious of these things, you see.
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 09:23:04
From: G.T.
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> RonSonic wrote:
>
>>
>>Yikes, what sort of insane riding do you do - but - only ride like that in the
>>winter? In the summer you pedal along multi use trails - but cold weather brings
>>out the downhill animal?
>>
>>I don't get it.
>>
>>Ron
>
>
>
> Oh, actually, I x-posted to the MTB NG 'cause I thought y'all would
> have some particular insight.
No, you cross-posted to a.m-b because you're a troll.
Greg
--
"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 07:14:11
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
joseph.santaniello@gmail.com wrote:
>
>
> I doubt that gear would help guard against major injury in a tangle
> with a car, but it sure would help if say you lost it trying to jump
> down a flight of stairs!
>
> Gear like that could make wipe outs fun! I imagine it makes things like
> scrapes and bruises a non-issue. I know I'd try a lot more crazy stuff
> if I had some.
>
> But it might also give a false sense of security. One time I was riding
> my track bike (no brake) to a friend's house to deliver a full-face
> motorcross helmet he was going to borrow. Naturally I wore the helmet.
> I felt invulnerable, which of course I was not. Happily I did not prove
> my invulnerability, but I had to make an effort to keep my cool.
Yeah, I sooooo know what you mean!! Luckily, I'm starting to mellow
out these days...that's why I'm doing 'bents!
> I like the idea of just a turtleneck over the gear. Tight and black.
Actually, I just didn't want to be so conspicuous (body armor riding a
'bent????) and thought it would keep me warm, too.
> Make you look like a short-track speed-skater. The Robo-cop look might
> catch on if you've got the physique... ;-)
Yeah, I got the physique:
http://tulsa.craigslist.org/m4w/136014026.html
> Joseph
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 07:05:05
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
Peter Clinch wrote:
>
><SNIP>
>
>
> An addendum is that 'bent racers on lowracers are often seen wearing
> elbow guards. I use skaters' wrist guards on my unicycle.
You know, I was wondering about that, too...I'd use 'em for normal
riding, when I use the rest of my equipment, but I wonder if they
interfere much with grasping handlebars, etc.
> And if
> you're worried about slipping off on ice in winter then don't get body
> armour, get a trike...
Yeah, but I want to ride on city streets, too. But I've definitely got
an interest in trikes, particularly for riding around in the snow (with
studded Nokia tires, thick and fat!)...just don't want to get myself
all excited right now...!
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
> net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 16:01:14
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
[elbow guards]
> You know, I was wondering about that, too...I'd use 'em for normal
> riding, when I use the rest of my equipment, but I wonder if they
> interfere much with grasping handlebars, etc.
No particular problems with elbow pads (or a shinpad on the forearm is
also sometimes seen), but they're just a PITA to put on and off every
time you're on a bike and they're less comfortable than when they're not
there. Wristguards limit manual dexterity a fair bit, I can't think why
I'd want them on the 'bent.
People get killed and injured every day using stairs or just tripping
over on pavement, but nobody much seems to feel a need for armour to do
that. Same /should/ apply to bikes.
> Yeah, but I want to ride on city streets, too.
So it's okay to fall off a bike in the city, but not to use a trike?
Sorry, not with your reasoning there!
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 07:01:19
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
Lorenzo L. Love wrote:
> There's something that may be more useful then hard shell armor for the
> ordinary bicyclist and certainly more comfortable:
>
> http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,186325,00.html
Wow!!!
Thanks for the link!!
I'll be a very happy old geezer the way science keeps making leaps and
bounds like this...that is so cool! It's soft and pliable, but AS SOON
AS sudden violent force is applied the material hardens
INSTANTANEOUSLY?????
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 06:58:42
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
nget wrote:
>
> I have had only one accident on my bent that amounted to anything. I
> was entering the bike path at about 14mph making a 90 degree turn,
> leanning to the right, when the rear wheel hit a very small patch of
> loose gravel. Padding in the hip area would have saved me a good road
> rash that I doctored for a week.
Ah, then I'm gonna get these, then. I actually flew off my old MTB
once -- over the handlebars and into the bush! Luckily, barely even a
scratch! It happened so fast, wow, I didn't even know what had
happened...never tried any MTBing after that (damned tree roots!)!
> You are new to recumbents? The reason I ask is to make sure you get
> the clipless pedals and be aware of leg suck on your new bike. The only
> time it is good to break a leg is when you are in show business.
Good grief, I keep hearing about this "leg suck" business...yes, I'm
totally new to 'bents, and have bought an HP Velo SMGTe SWB (will take
delivery of it next month, it looks like) and will get an HP Velo
Spirit CLWB in the summer...and that's why I got interested in this
body armor stuff.
What do you think of Power Grips? I'm thinking of using these instead
of the shoes and special pedals...besides, trial and error is very
expensive, no? Wonder if there's an LBS where, like any shoe store, I
can go and try out different makes and models....
Anyway, how are Power Grips? Too simple to be useful, especially for
an SWB like the HP Velo SMGTe??
> --
> nget
|
| |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 13:35:15
From: RonSonic
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
On 1 2006 21:02:54 -0800, "NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote:
>So, anyone have any experience with these?
>
>http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>
>
>I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
>together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
>shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
>
>I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple turtleneck...that,
>and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
Yikes, what sort of insane riding do you do - but - only ride like that in the
winter? In the summer you pedal along multi use trails - but cold weather brings
out the downhill animal?
I don't get it.
Ron
|
| |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 01:29:19
From:
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> So, anyone have any experience with these?
>
> http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>
>
> I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
> together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
> shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
>
> I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple turtleneck...that,
> and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
>
> So how good is body armor in general? Are they like helmets, a one-use
> affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.) Think of your worst
> bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
>
> And where can I get them chrome German helmets? Want 'em in chrome
> since that's so damned reflective -- and of course I'd only use them in
> winter time.
>
> BTW, any of y'all use balaclavas like this from Outdoor Research? It's
> so neat:
> http://orgear.com/home/style/home/headware/cold_hats/balaclavas/85130.
I doubt that gear would help guard against major injury in a tangle
with a car, but it sure would help if say you lost it trying to jump
down a flight of stairs!
Gear like that could make wipe outs fun! I imagine it makes things like
scrapes and bruises a non-issue. I know I'd try a lot more crazy stuff
if I had some.
But it might also give a false sense of security. One time I was riding
my track bike (no brake) to a friend's house to deliver a full-face
motorcross helmet he was going to borrow. Naturally I wore the helmet.
I felt invulnerable, which of course I was not. Happily I did not prove
my invulnerability, but I had to make an effort to keep my cool.
I like the idea of just a turtleneck over the gear. Tight and black.
Make you look like a short-track speed-skater. The Robo-cop look might
catch on if you've got the physique... ;-)
Joseph
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| |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 09:09:30
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> So how good is body armor in general?
Compare and contrast ice skaters... people doing serious roughty tufty
stuff (hockey) use body armour and helmets, people doing stuff where the
odd collision and spill with others involved in a heap is likely (short
track) wear helmets, people who don't fall over much, and/or don't have
much chance of banging their head (speed, recreational & and figure)
don't wear anything except the minimum to keep off cold and wind.
Similarly with bikes, mad downhill MTB: body armour; technical trails
MTB, racing in packs: helmet; typical use, no need for anything.
An addendum is that 'bent racers on lowracers are often seen wearing
elbow guards. I use skaters' wrist guards on my unicycle. And if
you're worried about slipping off on ice in winter then don't get body
armour, get a trike...
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
|
| |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 07:36:24
From: Lorenzo L. Love
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
There's something that may be more useful then hard shell armor for the
ordinary bicyclist and certainly more comfortable:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,186325,00.html
|
| |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 18:02:16
From: ray
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> So, anyone have any experience with these?
>
> http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>
>
> I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
> together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
> shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
>
> I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple turtleneck...that,
> and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
>
> So how good is body armor in general? Are they like helmets, a one-use
> affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.) Think of your worst
> bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
>
> And where can I get them chrome German helmets? Want 'em in chrome
> since that's so damned reflective -- and of course I'd only use them in
> winter time.
>
> BTW, any of y'all use balaclavas like this from Outdoor Research? It's
> so neat:
> http://orgear.com/home/style/home/headware/cold_hats/balaclavas/85130.
>
Very silly. Body armour will not protect you in the least from being
collected by 1.5 tonnes of metal doing whatever speed, you will be very
very dead. The army-style helmets are designed to protect your nut from
shrapnel-type fragments, not cushion it when it hits the ground or
something equally solid, hard. If you don't like your inherent
vulnerability, you have no alternative but to become a cager yourself
with your own land barge. Which of course sucks.
Cheers,
|
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Date: 02 Mar 2006 07:43:34
From: John Forrest Tomlinson
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
On Thu, 02 2006 18:02:16 +1100, ray <ferret57@optusnet.com.au >
wrote:
>Very silly.
For some times of use -- certain types of mountain biking and BMX,
this stuff makes sense -- it'll protect against common bangs and
bruises.
JT
****************************
Remove "remove" to reply
Visit http://www.jt10000.com
****************************
|
| | | |
Date: 03 Mar 2006 08:09:51
From: Luke
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
In article <62qd02lc0ro849m8vjr4fjgbot5vebd2dm@4ax.com >, John Forrest
Tomlinson <usenetremove@jt10000.com > wrote:
> On Thu, 02 2006 18:02:16 +1100, ray <ferret57@optusnet.com.au>
> wrote:
>
>
> >Very silly.
>
> For some times of use -- certain types of mountain biking ....
<snip >
Last summer when hiking the mountains of Nelson, B.C., (a mecca for
extreme MTBers), it was quite a revelation to encounter these storm
troopers on wheels. Adorned head to foot in polymer plates, with full
faced helmets, bash rings, 8" of suspension front and back - they more
resembled moto-crossers than cyclists. But I was in awe of their
technical skill - truly impressive!
These guys were hurtling down trails - forget pedalling uphill, the
bikes were too heavy to battle gravity - that made for difficult
hiking. 6+ foot drops, mud, knee high boulders, turns so tight they
required front wheel hops - one mistake and you could literally ride
off the edge of the mountain to the hereafter. And yet, down they went,
just another day at the office. Amazing!
Luke
|
| | | | |
Date: 03 Mar 2006 13:55:55
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
Luke wrote:
> These guys were hurtling down trails - forget pedalling uphill, the
> bikes were too heavy to battle gravity - that made for difficult
> hiking. 6+ foot drops, mud, knee high boulders, turns so tight they
> required front wheel hops - one mistake and you could literally ride
> off the edge of the mountain to the hereafter. And yet, down they went,
> just another day at the office. Amazing!
There's a downhill course not too far from here. I gelt a bit worried
going down part of it in my studded orienting shoes on foot, never mind
on a bike!
'nuff respect to these guys!
OTOH, a pal of mine who's been a keen XC MTBer for years encountered
someone she knew out on her bike. She'd not known him as a cyclist
before, but there he was with full suspension, disc brakes etc. and body
armour. It soon transpired he couldn't ride worh a damn, he'd just gone
out and bought the MTB Lifestyle! ;-/
But the guys (and gals) that go out and tackle the Real Thing are brave,
talented and IMHO a bit mad...
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
|
| | | | | |
Date: 03 Mar 2006 20:27:24
From: Raptor
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
Peter Clinch wrote:
> Luke wrote:
>
>> These guys were hurtling down trails - forget pedalling uphill, the
>> bikes were too heavy to battle gravity - that made for difficult
>> hiking. 6+ foot drops, mud, knee high boulders, turns so tight they
>> required front wheel hops - one mistake and you could literally ride
>> off the edge of the mountain to the hereafter. And yet, down they went,
>> just another day at the office. Amazing!
>
> There's a downhill course not too far from here. I gelt a bit worried
> going down part of it in my studded orienting shoes on foot, never mind
> on a bike!
>
> 'nuff respect to these guys!
>
> OTOH, a pal of mine who's been a keen XC MTBer for years encountered
> someone she knew out on her bike. She'd not known him as a cyclist
> before, but there he was with full suspension, disc brakes etc. and body
> armour. It soon transpired he couldn't ride worh a damn, he'd just gone
> out and bought the MTB Lifestyle! ;-/
>
> But the guys (and gals) that go out and tackle the Real Thing are brave,
> talented and IMHO a bit mad...
I rode the NORBA downhill course at Deer Valley a time or two. The top
is sketchy, too steep feel comfortable about my COG, riding the brakes
hard. The bottom... I dragged my bike along with me as I scooted down on
my butt.
Those people are crazy.
--
Lynn Wallace http://www.xmission.com/~lawall
"You American workers haven't seen an increase in real wages since the
1970s... But are you rioting? No. You're voting for Republican
candidates who give people like me tax cuts. You know what? I think
that's your way of saying 'Thank you.'" - Stephen Colbert
|
| | |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 02:40:32
From: Phil, Squid-in-Training
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
ray wrote:
> NYC XYZ wrote:
>> So, anyone have any experience with these?
>>
>> http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>>
>>
>> I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
>> together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
>> shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
>>
>> I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple
>> turtleneck...that, and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
>>
>> So how good is body armor in general? Are they like helmets, a
>> one-use affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.) Think of
>> your worst bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
>>
>> And where can I get them chrome German helmets? Want 'em in chrome
>> since that's so damned reflective -- and of course I'd only use them
>> in winter time.
>>
>> BTW, any of y'all use balaclavas like this from Outdoor Research? It's so
>> neat:
>> http://orgear.com/home/style/home/headware/cold_hats/balaclavas/85130.
>>
> Very silly. Body armour will not protect you in the least from being
> collected by 1.5 tonnes of metal doing whatever speed, you will be
> very very dead. The army-style helmets are designed to protect your
> nut from shrapnel-type fragments, not cushion it when it hits the
> ground or something equally solid, hard. If you don't like your
> inherent vulnerability, you have no alternative but to become a cager
> yourself with your own land barge. Which of course sucks.
> Cheers,
Cager? This is bicycles we're talking about, buddy.
--
Phil, Squid-in-Training
|
| | | |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 09:18:42
From: G.T.
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
Phil, Squid-in-Training wrote:
> ray wrote:
>
>>NYC XYZ wrote:
>>
>>>So, anyone have any experience with these?
>>>
>>>http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>>>
>>>
>>>I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
>>>together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
>>>shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
>>>
>>>I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple
>>>turtleneck...that, and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
>>>
>>>So how good is body armor in general? Are they like helmets, a
>>>one-use affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.) Think of
>>>your worst bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
>>>
>>>And where can I get them chrome German helmets? Want 'em in chrome
>>>since that's so damned reflective -- and of course I'd only use them
>>>in winter time.
>>>
>>>BTW, any of y'all use balaclavas like this from Outdoor Research? It's so
>>>neat:
>>>http://orgear.com/home/style/home/headware/cold_hats/balaclavas/85130.
>>>
>>
>>Very silly. Body armour will not protect you in the least from being
>>collected by 1.5 tonnes of metal doing whatever speed, you will be
>>very very dead. The army-style helmets are designed to protect your
>>nut from shrapnel-type fragments, not cushion it when it hits the
>>ground or something equally solid, hard. If you don't like your
>>inherent vulnerability, you have no alternative but to become a cager
>>yourself with your own land barge. Which of course sucks.
>>Cheers,
>
>
> Cager? This is bicycles we're talking about, buddy.
I take it you just skimmed the OP's paragraph?
Greg
--
"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons
|
| | | |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 08:34:14
From: Bill Baka
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
Phil, Squid-in-Training wrote:
> ray wrote:
>
>>NYC XYZ wrote:
>>
>>>So, anyone have any experience with these?
>>>
>>>http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>>>
>>>
>>>I have in mind that "Farmer John" and the "pressure suit"
>>>together...sides of hips are covered, knees and shins are covered,
>>>shoulders and elbows are covered, even the spine...cool!
>>>
>>>I'd only use them in wintertime, underneath a simple
>>>turtleneck...that, and the exercise, should keep me plenty warm!
>>>
>>>So how good is body armor in general? Are they like helmets, a
>>>one-use affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.) Think of
>>>your worst bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
>>>
>>>And where can I get them chrome German helmets? Want 'em in chrome
>>>since that's so damned reflective -- and of course I'd only use them
>>>in winter time.
>>>
>>>BTW, any of y'all use balaclavas like this from Outdoor Research? It's so
>>>neat:
>>>http://orgear.com/home/style/home/headware/cold_hats/balaclavas/85130.
>>>
>>
>>Very silly. Body armour will not protect you in the least from being
>>collected by 1.5 tonnes of metal doing whatever speed, you will be
>>very very dead. The army-style helmets are designed to protect your
>>nut from shrapnel-type fragments, not cushion it when it hits the
>>ground or something equally solid, hard. If you don't like your
>>inherent vulnerability, you have no alternative but to become a cager
>>yourself with your own land barge. Which of course sucks.
>>Cheers,
>
>
> Cager? This is bicycles we're talking about, buddy.
I have seen body armor for really hard core cyclists who expect serious
off road spills. It is meant to protect the chest, ribs, elbows, knees,
head, and other obvious places from the worst injuries. It won't do a
damn bit off good against a semi or cager or going off a 200 foot cliff
but that is not what it is meant for. I only saw this on a hi tech
science special about a week ago so I can't give an URL or a good
reference to it. It is not full coverage like a Kevlar bullet proof vest
but meant to protect the soft spot against nasty crashes.
You will have to Google it for your self, if it even is Google able.
Bill Baka
|
| |
Date: 02 Mar 2006 17:08:20
From: nget
Subject: Re: Body Armor??
|
NYC XYZ Wrote:
> So, anyone have any experience with these?
>
> http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-protective-gear.htm
>
>
> So how good is body armor in general? Are they like helmets,
> one-use
> affair? (Not likely, but hey, what do I know.) Think of your worst
> bike accident ever. Would armor have helped you any?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 0[/url].
I have had only one accident on my bent that amounted to anything.
was entering the bike path at about 14mph making a 90 degree turn
leanning to the right, when the rear wheel hit a very small patch o
loose gravel. Padding in the hip area would have saved me a good roa
rash that I doctored for a week.
You are new to recumbents? The reason I ask is to make sure you ge
the clipless pedals and be aware of leg suck on your new bike. The onl
time it is good to break a leg is when you are in show business
--
nget
|
|
