Yes, your helmet, gloves, and jacket provide a measure of protection. But when you’re out in the dirt, they’re not enough to keep you safe and sound. Here are some additional protective essentials.
CHEST PROTECTOR Vented-plastic construction not only helps deflect rocks when your buddies roost you, but can add a degree of protection if you tip over or hit a wire strung across the road.
GOGGLES Goggles are necessary to protect your
eyes from stones and dust. (No, your streetbike faceshield won’t do the job.) In really dusty conditions, spread a little baby oil on your goggles’ foam to help trap dust just like an air filter. If you wear eyeglasses, get a pair of goggles that fit over them, or consider a custom corrective-lens insert.
KIDNEY BELT Helps protect your internal organs from the jolts of off-road riding. Wide Velcro and elastic construction does the job; plastic armor over the kidney area adds impact protection.
OTHER ARMOR Elbow guards fit under a jacket, but are awkward if you’re just riding in a jersey.
KNEE BRACES The best-designed braces will help prevent your getting a knee injury from twisting or overextension. At the very least, get a hard plastic padded kneecup to protect from impact.
Yes, your helmet, gloves, and jacket provide a measure of protection. But when you’re out in the dirt, they’re not enough to keep you safe and sound. Here are some additional protective essentials.
CHEST PROTECTOR Vented-plastic construction not only helps deflect rocks when your buddies roost you, but can add a degree of protection if you tip over or hit a wire strung across the road.
GOGGLES Goggles are necessary to protect your
eyes from stones and dust. (No, your streetbike faceshield won’t do the job.) In really dusty conditions, spread a little baby oil on your goggles’ foam to help trap dust just like an air filter. If you wear eyeglasses, get a pair of goggles that fit over them, or consider a custom corrective-lens insert.
KIDNEY BELT Helps protect your internal organs from the jolts of off-road riding. Wide Velcro and elastic construction does the job; plastic armor over the kidney area adds impact protection.
OTHER ARMOR Elbow guards fit under a jacket, but are awkward if you’re just riding in a jersey.
KNEE BRACES The best-designed braces will help prevent your getting a knee injury from twisting or overextension. At the very least, get a hard plastic padded kneecup to protect from impact.