New Year, New Gear
Unless you’re fortunate enough to live in one of those warm, sunny states, you’re probably like the rest of us—pining for riding season to begin again. It’s the perfect time to scroll through all the great bikes for sale on Cycle Trader and dream about what your next ride will be. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle maintenance tasks, check your insurance policy, and do an inventory of your existing safety gear to identify if any of your old equipment should be replaced with newer, safer pieces.
Why Replace Your Gear?
There are all sorts of reasons you might want to invest in fresh gear for the new riding season. First off, if you had any sort of accident last season, chances are you should replace several items, since the integrity of anything from a helmet’s impact-absorbing foam to the seams on jeans, gloves, or jackets can be compromised by a strike on pavement, or by skidding along it.
On the other hand, maybe you simply want to update your style a bit with a new jacket, new helmet, or pair of riding pants. Or maybe you’d like to add some new pieces you’ve never had before, like an airbag vest, lighter or more breathable textiles, or even a different jacket to suit another kind of riding. Either way, with technology continuing to improve and advanced features filtering down from top-tier gear to more affordable options, there’s rarely a downside to shopping for new equipment.
Advancements in gear technology may not move as quickly as motorcycles themselves, but helmets are getting lighter, quieter and more aerodynamic, and modern materials are being used to reinforce everything from boots, gloves, and riding pants to make them stronger and more comfortable.
Time for a Thorough Inspection
Even without a crash, some gear naturally ages out over time. A good leather jacket can last decades if properly cared for, but leather should be conditioned and zippers should be lubricated in ensure longevity. For most other items, it’s worth pulling them out of the closet and inspecting them. Exposure to the elements is hard on textiles. Wind, heat, and even salty sea air can dry out and break down the foam inside a helmet, while the sun’s rays can degrade the shell itself.
Gloves take a lot of abuse simply by nature of their role. Beyond exposure to the same elements as your helmet and jacket, they endure constant contact and friction with the bike—and anything else you touch while wearing them. Seams can fatigue over time, and palms will almost certainly wear thin. When material wears away, there’s less protection for your hands. A good rule of thumb (pun intended) is to upgrade your gloves every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
For jackets and pants, start by checking the condition and age of the protective padding. If it’s brittle, cracked, compressed, or doesn’t align properly with the body part it’s meant to protect, you should at least replace the armor, but chances are good it’s time for a new garment altogether.
If your jacket or pants were originally waterproof but now leak like a sieve, pay attention to the seams, which may be separating and degrading the garment’s ability to stay intact in a crash. And if zippers or buttons no longer hold the gear securely on your body, it’s probably time to retire those pieces as well.
Boots can be evaluated with similar criteria, but be sure to check the soles too. If the tread is worn flat, you risk slipping at a stoplight and dropping your bike. While jackets and pants might last five to seven years, a decent set of boots can last much longer provided you don’t drag your feet. A good pair of boots is an investment. Consider replacing the sole before throwing them away.
Helmet Health Check
As for helmets, take them apart to look for damage or heavy wear. Ensure the visor is free of abrasions and mechanisms for opening, closing, and locking are functioning properly. Superficial scratches and scuffs are no big deal, but cracks or spiderwebbing make for sure signs it’s high time for an upgrade.
How often should you replace your helmet? The jury is out, but manufacturers often suggest replacing helmets every three to five years, but depending on how well it is treated, frequency of use, and how it is stored. You can safely stretch that timeframe by a couple of years. Still, if you’ve had your helmet for five years or more and the liner is compressed or worn, it’s unlikely to keep your head positioned correctly inside, making it less effective. In some cases, you can buy replacement liners, but after six or seven years, it’s probably time for a new bucket. When removing the liners to inspect the helmet, take the opportunity to wash them.
Gear Up for the Season Ahead
So, if you’ve already finished your pre-season maintenance and have your bike polished and ready for spring, take a little extra time to inspect your gear. Replace any pieces that are due to be retired. This is the equipment that not only helps you look good while riding—it helps keep you safe.
Jeff Wilson
You might also like
