Hi all,

Passed the theory test, have appointment with the NDLS place on Friday. Will book my IBT once they tell me how long to receive the learner’s permit. In the meantime I’m trying to do as much research as possible on gear.

The conventional wisdom seems to be "buy the best you can afford". This seems wise, but I’m wondering is there a decent tradeoff? From looking around online, I’ve put some links to the types of gear I think would be reasonable from cost and protection, but would appreciate advice:

Helmets: Shark S900 Would this be okay for a newbie?

Jackets – confusing! Leather or gimp?! Think I prefer short, and probably leather for protection. I’ll be riding in traffic in Dublin, some spins at the weekend too. Will be in the rain, so waterproof is probably important. Or do you use raingear instead? What about connecting jackets to trousers – do they need to be the same brand? :wassat:

For boots, these Sidi Rain Evos seem to get good reviews, are waterproof and have good protection. Anyone any input?

For trousers I was thinking gimp – I’m not sure I could wear leather trousers, but leather seems to offer more protection. Do many people do leather one half, gimp the other?

Then back protector and gloves. These seem like a more straightforward purchase.

My estimated gear cost is:

Helmet €180
Jacket €300
Trousers €170
Boots €180
Back Protector €150
Gloves €80
Total about €1100

Does that seem over the top? I always had about a grand in mind for gear, but I’ve nothing really to benchmark against.

Sorry for the long post, I just feel a bit confused but I’d rather buy right the first time and not have to find out the hard way I did it wrong!

Thanks,

S

Also, is téxtile showing up as gimp the answer to the leather/téxtile question??!!