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So I'm in the process of rejoining the fold, after an absence of about a decade. Got my license late last year, and finally have some money together for a bike/gear/insurance. Seeing as I will need gear first (helmet/jacket/pants/gloves/boots), where would folks recommend I go for that? I'd prefer to go to a brick and mortar place, as opposed to online, as I may need things like fitting advice. Also I want to be able to browse and try stuff on. I live just a couple blocks away from the CycleGear in Redwood City, but that one is seriously tiny, and they don't carry HJC helmets, or any non-super-expensive helmets that work well with glasses (I've had the best luck with HJC on that front). I've heard good things about the location in San Jose, and Santa Clara Cycle Accessories is also an option (when I last had a bike I couldn't afford proper gear, but used to go there to ogle stuff). I like that CycleGear has a discount for CMSP graduates; does Santa Clara Cycle Accessories offer that? Anyway, which is the closest thing to a one-stop-shop for gear?
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Mar 21, 2017 00:56
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| # ¿ Apr 27, 2024 19:03 |
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mentalcontempt posted:I have a HJC CL-17 and while it's a good helmet and great value, I wear glasses and have found it tough to get them seated properly. May just be my head or my particular frames but it happens with two different sets. The visor also doesn't seal as well as I'd like at highway speed but with earplugs it's not an issue. I'm glad you mentioned that; that exact model is one that I'm looking at. I used an HJC at the CMSP course last year that worked great; not sure what model it was though. I'll definitely be trying on everything before buying it.
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Mar 21, 2017 21:39
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Chichevache posted:
Well, I went and did it. Dropped a cozy $800 at Cycle Gear on Parkmoor on Saturday. I went in with unrealistically low expectations as far as helmet pricing goes, but I ended up going for one of those AGV helmets (the K3). Most of my stuff is being shipped to me, but I'm really having a good feeling about the helmet. Not only does the K3 work well with glasses, but the flip-down sunshade works with glasses as well. Having that was kind of the holy grail of helmets for me. Now all I need is a drat bike.
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Mar 27, 2017 23:15
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ought ten posted:What makes it good for glasses? I've been happy with Scorpions for the last couple helmets but I suspect they're to blame for one of my sunglasses' ear arms breaking in half. I'm able to slide my glasses on without feeling like they're wedged in or I'm forcing them. We'll see how it goes with regular use, but I've got a good feeling. And as a bonus, you might not even need sunglasses with the flip-down sunshade. I'm pumped that I won't have to switch glasses.
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Mar 28, 2017 05:53
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ought ten posted:Yeah, I'd love a sunshade. And it fits over your glasses too? Yup, the shade is far enough forward that the glasses don't get in the way. I wear these frames most days, which are not particularly form-fitting, so if it works with these it should work with most frames. Chichevache posted:Glad to hear it worked out! What jacket, pants, and gloves did you pick? If anything is Bilt, return immediately. Ha, I actually bought some Bilt pants (the Ironworker cargos) and was debating asking the thread if it was a bad idea. I mostly chose those because everything else they had was either overpants, or $400 (and the Bilts can take hip armor, though they don't come with it). I'm not against overpants, I'll probably end up with a pair eventually, but I'd rather start with something simpler (and cooler). I'd totally be willing to swap out the Bilts if someone can recommend a better pair of textile pants that are $200 or under. Actually leather would be fine, just nothing that costs $400. But here's the rest of the order: Jacket: Alpinestars T-GP R Air Helmet: AGV K3 SV Avior Boots: Alpinestars SMX-1 R Vented Gloves: Alpinestars SPX Air Carbon Colorwise, I kinda went all out on day-glo. I'm okay with that. I realize none of this will be suitable for rain or even particularly cold weather, but I'm not planning on commuting on the bike regularly (I usually commute by bicycle, it's my main exercise) and we're getting to some warmer weather.
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Mar 28, 2017 15:48
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So I finally got a thing: 2015 Vulcan S ABS. I wanted something with ABS, and because I'm basically an old man this should suit me just fine. Plus, I dig the "let's take the ninja and make it a cruiser" thing. I only had time for about a 20 minute ride yesterday around my neighborhood in Redwood City (got my first wave!), definitely need some practice. I've been bikeless for 10 years, with my only recent riding experience being the CMSP course last year and taking my coworker's R6 around the office parking lot. An old friend is a CHP motor officer; he's going to come by this weekend to show me some drills. But I'm super pumped to take this up 84 to the coast; not quite ready yet but getting there.
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Oct 13, 2017 18:32
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Been taking the Vulcan S around Redwood City, and to work (also in RWC) a few days this week. Definitely improving every time I take it out, but am still not as confident as I would like to be. Anyone have any road recommendations in this area that aren't particularly challenging, but something at least a bit more interesting than going in a straight line from stoplight to stoplight? Also, as an aside, my CEO is convinced that I have a super fast bike. "But it's a 650!" "You said it's based on the Ninja!"
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Oct 20, 2017 00:36
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Chichevache posted:What color? I'm working in Redwood right now. White, with cheap white hard sidecases. Haven't actually ridden it to work since Tuesday, as I don't want to completely abandon commuting by bicycle. pokie posted:Take 92 South to 35. Take 35 South East as far you'd like then ride back. When you have the confidence, make a loop via 84. If you want a riding buddy, I am in between jobs and have the time. Haven't done any freeway riding yet, but I believe I can get most of the way there on Canada road, avoiding the larger parts of 92. Might give that a shot.
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Oct 21, 2017 00:47
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Alright, ride is done! I took 84 to Canada road to 92. Then turned south on 35 to Alice's. Stopped to rehydrate, then down 84 to home. This is exactly what I needed, lots of gentle turns. On the way back down 84 things got a bit tighter, but this bike is much more nimble than I was expecting. Super easy to lean over, and never scraped a peg. Still a ways to go, but today was a milestone. Strangely, the Vulcan S seems too quiet. At a good speed with my helmet on I can barely hear it. Makes it hard to select gears since I don't get that aural feedback. Oh well, I'll get used to it. Also I just spent $200 on crash bars, a few hundred more for exhaust isn't too much of a stretch. Edit: I was approached at Alice's by a guy on a huge Harley tourer. "Does it handle like a Harley?" No, it does not.
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Oct 23, 2017 02:28
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Had a fantastic ride today, from Redwood City up 84 to Alice's and on to the coast. I'd driven the section of 84 west of Alice's a few times, but had a blast riding it for the first time. Then I headed south to Pescadero, which involved travelling through a mass of fog on 1. Had to wipe my visor off a few times. Didn't feel like stopping when I got there (waaaayyy too packed), so I turned North to Half Moon Bay. Had a bite at Cameron's Pub (the place from Birdemic), and then home via 92. Happy to say I'm getting more comfortable with the whole "slightly longer rides" thing, so my throttle hand pain/numbness is improving gradually. drat fine day it was. Capn Jobe fucked around with this message at 07:40 on Mar 12, 2018 |
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Mar 12, 2018 06:02
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I've been doing the 84-1-92-35 thing quite a bit lately, still digging it. I got my bike just last October, and it took me awhile to get comfortable, so having the extra daylight to play with is just great. I'll be on my way home and just randomly decide to keep going all the way to the coast. I've been surprised how sparsely populated the roads up in the hills are during rush-hour; I guess the weekends are rush-hour up there. Anyway, I've been having a hankering to go on something resembling a proper motorcycle trip. I'm looking for a destination that's like 2-4 hours away from Redwood City; I'm thinking just ride somewhere on a Saturday, explore/drink, stay the night, then ride back. Nothing too special. I don't even need to go anywhere particularly scenic (it's the ride that matters); I was thinking of going to Fresno by way of Hollister. Everyone knows Fresno is terrible, but I've never been. There's a good chance I'll be leaving California in the next couple years, so I want to explore a bit, even the lovely parts. So I ask the thread: What is the best motorcycle route to Fresno by way of Hollister? Alternatively, what are some alternate destinations of similar distance? Capn Jobe fucked around with this message at 00:21 on May 31, 2018 |
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May 31, 2018 00:13
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Thanks for the recs, guys. I thought of Fresno pretty much because it isn't exciting. In fact, taking a leisurely cruise through farm country and maybe some gentle hills is the sort of thing I'm looking for in this trip. Also, there is just something inherently funny about taking a trip to Fresno. I'd just like to explore a new place, eat some food, go drinking, etc. I want to start with something pretty low-stress, with as few variables as possible so I can get used to riding a bit longer distance. Trips up/down highway 1 I think will be good for my next trip. My dad's suggestions were to go up to Mendocino/Fort Bragg, or down to San Simeon; both area great ideas, as are the ones provided here. But I'd prefer to start with something simpler. As far as getting down there, can I take Highway 9 to Santa Cruz? It might be fun to go through Boulder Creek and the like; haven't been there since I was a kid. Last time I was around there was at least couple months ago, and I was going the other way (taking 9 to Los Gatos from 35). There were some signs indicating that there were closures on 9 on the way to Santa Cruz; is that accurate?
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May 31, 2018 19:58
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Alright, the trip to Fresno is actually happening tomorrow. I decided last-minute to take the week off from work, so I was fresh out of excuses. I'm going to start in the hills up 84, then take highway 9 to Santa Cruz. From there it's 156 (I wanted to go through San Juan Bautista) and 152. Once I get to Los Banos I'm not 100% sure how I'm going to cross the valley, but I'll figure it out. Got a hotel booked downtown, so I'll have a solid half day to to explore Fresno. The way back will be a bit more straightforward than the way out; probably won't go through Santa Cruz, but I can play it by ear. Wish me luck!
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Jul 2, 2018 00:59
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mentalcontempt posted:Welcome! Stay hydrated; we’re hitting triple-digits this week. If you’re staying downtown, Tioga-Sequoia Brewing is in that area (near the baseball park) and has a beer garden. Haha, I actually found my own way to the brewery. Nice place. I'm debating trying out the Club One Casino next, but I want to make my way to the tower district. So, things I've learned on this trip: 1. The Kriega tailbag (10 liter size) I bought is only barely big enough for an overnight bag. It also has no carry handle, so everytime I get off the bike I have to hold it under my arm. Good news is, I can always mount it on to another bag in the future, or use it as a tank bag. 2. The USB ports on my bike apparently don't work, and I forgot my Anker battery. As a result, I took a slightly more boring route here than I was planning (couldn't use navigation). 3. People drive really fast out here in ag country. I was going 80 in the slow lane through the Pacheco pass. 4. Not a lesson, but an anecdote. I spent awhile on highway 9 being tailgated by a Prius that had some issue where anytime they braked hard, it'd make this horrific scraping sound. Kinda distracting when going through those hairpins. I was able to find a turnout after a few miles and let him pass, but drat that was unnerving. 5. My Dad (total dadcyclist: BMW bike, aerostitch, the works) recommended, as a way to help with the heat, wearing a neckerchief and wetting it in the sink when stopping. Gotta say, this is a great idea. Edit: one more! Those Heat-out garments that Cycle gear sells work great. Well, they don't really keep you cooler, but they definitely cut down on swampiness. Totally worth the $15 sale price. Capn Jobe fucked around with this message at 01:26 on Jul 3, 2018 |
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Jul 3, 2018 01:21
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| # ¿ Apr 27, 2024 19:03 |
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dema posted:Nice avatar picture thing Capn Jobe. I've ridden motor bikes with the ArnoCorps lead singer dude a few times. That's awesome. I read the interview with him in CityBike (they were giving it out at a show), so I figured he did his share of riding.
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Jul 6, 2018 06:37
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