New rider, where to buy gear

When you’re a new rider looking for gear,

it’s important to consider physical stores and online retailers to find the best fit, quality, and prices for your needs.

Here’s a guide to help you start:

Physical Stores

Physical stores offer the advantage of trying on gear to ensure the perfect fit and comfort,

which is crucial for safety and comfort on the bike.

Here are some popular chains and types of stores where you can buy motorcycle gear:

Cycle Gear – A well-known chain with locations across the U.S. They offer a wide range of gear from helmets to boots, and the staff is generally knowledgeable about their products.
RevZilla Gear Boutiques – In select locations, RevZilla has physical stores where you can try on gear. They’re known for a wide selection and knowledgeable staff.
Local Motorcycle Dealerships – Many dealerships also have an apparel section where you can find gear. Brands and selections vary by location.
Sporting Goods Stores – Some larger sporting goods stores may carry a limited selection of motorcycle gear, especially helmets and gloves.
Specialty Motorcycle Shops – Independent shops often carry unique or high-end brands not found in larger chains. These are great for finding specialized gear and supporting local businesses.

Online Retailers

Online shopping offers convenience and a broader selection,

often with competitive pricing and customer reviews to help inform your choices.

RevZilla – Known for a vast selection of gear, detailed product reviews, and video breakdowns. They also have an excellent return policy, which is beneficial for ensuring the right fit.
Cycle Gear – Shares ownership with RevZilla and offers a similar wide range of products online. They often run online specials and clearance sales.
MotorcycleGear.com (formerly New Enough) – Offers great deals on closeouts and has a loyal customer base for their customer service and detailed product reviews.
Amazon – While it can be hit or miss, Amazon has a vast selection of gear. Be cautious about seller ratings and authenticity, especially for safety gear.
eBay – Good for finding deals on both new and used gear. It’s essential to check the seller’s feedback and return policies.

Tips for Buying Motorcycle Gear

Prioritize Safety: Look for gear that offers the best protection within your budget. Helmets should be DOT, ECE, or Snell certified. Jackets, pants, and gloves should offer adequate abrasion resistance and have CE-rated armor.
Check Return Policies: Especially important for online purchases, to ensure you can return items that don’t fit or meet your expectations.
Read Reviews: Customer and expert reviews can provide valuable insights into the fit, durability, and comfort of gear.
Visit Forums and Social Media Groups: Motorcycle forums and social media groups can offer recommendations and advice from experienced riders.

Whether you choose to shop online or in person,

taking the time to research and try on gear can make all the difference in finding the perfect fit and ensuring your safety on the road.

For new riders, choosing the right motorcycle gear is crucial for safety, comfort, and the overall riding experience.

Motorcycle clothing and gear serve to protect you from the elements, reduce the risk of injury during falls

or crashes, and enhance your comfort while riding.

Here’s a breakdown of essential gear categories, tailored to different riding styles

such as sportbike riding and adventure touring:

1. Helmets

All Riders: The helmet is the most critical piece of safety gear. Look for DOT, ECE, or Snell certifications. Consider helmets with good ventilation, comfort, and visibility. Modular helmets can be a good compromise between full-face and open-face helmets, offering protection and convenience.
Sportbike Gear: Full-face helmets are preferred for their aerodynamic properties and superior protection.
Adventure Rider Gear: Dual-sport helmets, which combine the features of street and off-road helmets, are ideal. They typically have a visor for sun protection and can accommodate goggles.

2. Jackets

All Riders: Motorcycle jackets should be made of abrasion-resistant materials like leather or reinforced textiles. Look for jackets with CE-rated armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back.
Sportbike Gear: Leather jackets are popular for sportbike riders due to their high abrasion resistance and snug fit, enhancing aerodynamics.
Adventure Rider Gear: Adventure jackets are often made from advanced textiles with reinforced panels, multiple layers for weather adaptability, and plenty of pockets for storage.

3. Pants

All Riders: Like jackets, pants should be abrasion-resistant and equipped with armor. Options include riding jeans with Kevlar, leather pants, and textile pants.
Sportbike Gear: Leather or Kevlar-reinforced jeans offer protection and style. Some riders prefer one-piece suits for track days or high-speed riding.
Adventure Rider Gear: Look for waterproof and ventilated options. Many adventure pants also convert to shorts or have zip-off panels for temperature regulation.

4. Gloves

All Riders: Gloves should offer protection for your hands and wrists while providing good grip and comfort. Leather or textile gloves with knuckle protection and palm sliders are essential.
Sportbike Gear: Short cuff or racing gloves with reinforced protection and high abrasion resistance are suitable.
Adventure Rider Gear: Choose gloves that offer waterproofing for wet conditions and breathability for hot climates. Gauntlet-style gloves provide extra protection against the elements.

5. Boots

All Riders: Footwear should be sturdy, with non-slip soles, ankle protection, and, ideally, waterproofing.
Sportbike Gear: Racing boots or short boots with armor and sliders cater to sportbike riders, offering protection against impacts and slides.
Adventure Rider Gear: Adventure touring boots are more rugged, offering increased support, water resistance, and durability for off-road conditions.

New rider, where to buy gear

New rider, where to buy gear

When you’re a new rider looking for gear,

it’s important to consider physical stores and online retailers to find the best fit, quality, and prices for your needs.

Here’s a guide to help you start:

Physical Stores

Physical stores offer the advantage of trying on gear to ensure the perfect fit and comfort,

which is crucial for safety and comfort on the bike.

Here are some popular chains and types of stores where you can buy motorcycle gear:

Cycle Gear – A well-known chain with locations across the U.S. They offer a wide range of gear from helmets to boots, and the staff is generally knowledgeable about their products.

RevZilla Gear Boutiques – In select locations, RevZilla has physical stores where you can try on gear. They’re known for a wide selection and knowledgeable staff.

Local Motorcycle Dealerships – Many dealerships also have an apparel section where you can find gear. Brands and selections vary by location.

Sporting Goods Stores – Some larger sporting goods stores may carry a limited selection of motorcycle gear, especially helmets and gloves.

Specialty Motorcycle Shops – Independent shops often carry unique or high-end brands not found in larger chains. These are great for finding specialized gear and supporting local businesses.

Online Retailers

Online shopping offers convenience and a broader selection,

often with competitive pricing and customer reviews to help inform your choices.

RevZilla – Known for a vast selection of gear, detailed product reviews, and video breakdowns. They also have an excellent return policy, which is beneficial for ensuring the right fit.

Cycle Gear – Shares ownership with RevZilla and offers a similar wide range of products online. They often run online specials and clearance sales.

MotorcycleGear.com (formerly New Enough) – Offers great deals on closeouts and has a loyal customer base for their customer service and detailed product reviews.

Amazon – While it can be hit or miss, Amazon has a vast selection of gear. Be cautious about seller ratings and authenticity, especially for safety gear.

eBay – Good for finding deals on both new and used gear. It’s essential to check the seller’s feedback and return policies.

Tips for Buying Motorcycle Gear

Prioritize Safety: Look for gear that offers the best protection within your budget. Helmets should be DOT, ECE, or Snell certified. Jackets, pants, and gloves should offer adequate abrasion resistance and have CE-rated armor.

Check Return Policies: Especially important for online purchases, to ensure you can return items that don’t fit or meet your expectations.

Read Reviews: Customer and expert reviews can provide valuable insights into the fit, durability, and comfort of gear.

Visit Forums and Social Media Groups: Motorcycle forums and social media groups can offer recommendations and advice from experienced riders.

Whether you choose to shop online or in person,

taking the time to research and try on gear can make all the difference in finding the perfect fit and ensuring your safety on the road.

For new riders, choosing the right motorcycle gear is crucial for safety, comfort, and the overall riding experience.

Motorcycle clothing and gear serve to protect you from the elements, reduce the risk of injury during falls

or crashes, and enhance your comfort while riding.

Here’s a breakdown of essential gear categories, tailored to different riding styles

such as sportbike riding and adventure touring:

1. Helmets

All Riders: The helmet is the most critical piece of safety gear. Look for DOT, ECE, or Snell certifications. Consider helmets with good ventilation, comfort, and visibility. Modular helmets can be a good compromise between full-face and open-face helmets, offering protection and convenience.

Sportbike Gear: Full-face helmets are preferred for their aerodynamic properties and superior protection.

Adventure Rider Gear: Dual-sport helmets, which combine the features of street and off-road helmets, are ideal. They typically have a visor for sun protection and can accommodate goggles.

2. Jackets

All Riders: Motorcycle jackets should be made of abrasion-resistant materials like leather or reinforced textiles. Look for jackets with CE-rated armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back.

Sportbike Gear: Leather jackets are popular for sportbike riders due to their high abrasion resistance and snug fit, enhancing aerodynamics.

Adventure Rider Gear: Adventure jackets are often made from advanced textiles with reinforced panels, multiple layers for weather adaptability, and plenty of pockets for storage.

3. Pants

All Riders: Like jackets, pants should be abrasion-resistant and equipped with armor. Options include riding jeans with Kevlar, leather pants, and textile pants.

Sportbike Gear: Leather or Kevlar-reinforced jeans offer protection and style. Some riders prefer one-piece suits for track days or high-speed riding.

Adventure Rider Gear: Look for waterproof and ventilated options. Many adventure pants also convert to shorts or have zip-off panels for temperature regulation.

4. Gloves

All Riders: Gloves should offer protection for your hands and wrists while providing good grip and comfort. Leather or textile gloves with knuckle protection and palm sliders are essential.

Sportbike Gear: Short cuff or racing gloves with reinforced protection and high abrasion resistance are suitable.

Adventure Rider Gear: Choose gloves that offer waterproofing for wet conditions and breathability for hot climates. Gauntlet-style gloves provide extra protection against the elements.

5. Boots

All Riders: Footwear should be sturdy, with non-slip soles, ankle protection, and, ideally, waterproofing.

Sportbike Gear: Racing boots or short boots with armor and sliders cater to sportbike riders, offering protection against impacts and slides.

Adventure Rider Gear: Adventure touring boots are more rugged, offering increased support, water resistance, and durability for off-road conditions.

Where to Buy Motorcycle Gear

Refer to the previously mentioned physical stores and online retailers for purchasing motorcycle clothing and rider gear.

Specific products and brands might cater more to sportbike or adventure riding needs,

so it’s beneficial to research and even try on different gear to find what suits your riding style and preferences best.

Remember, investing in good quality gear not only contributes to your safety but also enhances the riding experience.

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