Mountain Biking - Ouch! Help!

I'm pretty new to mountain biking, really got into it last season, and I'm learning quickly (thanks Dave!)
but the downside to the learning curve is the damage I'm doing to myself. I rode for the first time clipped in on Sunday and just beat myself up pretty badly. My elbows are a little bloodied and all my pointy jointed parts are feeling not so happy with the all too frequent fallovers.
I'm trying to find a way to mitigate my damage on a budget.
I'm looking for elbow, hip, and knee pads that won't break the bank and will be comfortable to ride in. I'm not looking for full protection, but at least something between me and the dirt (other than cotton!). it looks like I can get some good deals on "Paintball" pads, and other such, but don't want to sweat my face off trying to huff it on a climb.
I'm loving the sport, but find a mixed reaction after a hard ride "That was a great" and "That hurt in a not great way"

My wife is also starting to notice the damage to my joints, and that makes for not fun conversations about risk Vs Fun. That is why I had to give up motorcycles, and I don't want another joy to suffer :(

So I'm looking for advice on how to protect myself on the trail. Most of what I find is for downhillers, and that's not my thing. don't want bulky, don't want plastic shells, don't want constrictive, hot, non movable hockey pads, don't want $400 in bulletproof chest padding...

What do other folks out there use?

Help!

http://www.rscycle.com/Sixsixone-Kyle-Strait-Knee-Guards?CAWELAID=145431215
Personally, I prefer hardshell knee+shin combos, but they do tend to be quite a bit bulkier than something like this.

I'm pretty new to mountain biking, really got into it last season, and I'm learning quickly (thanks Dave!)
but the downside to the learning curve is the damage I'm doing to myself. I rode for the first time clipped in on Sunday and just beat myself up pretty badly. My elbows are a little bloodied and all my pointy jointed parts are feeling not so happy with the all too frequent fallovers.
I'm trying to find a way to mitigate my damage on a budget.
I'm looking for elbow, hip, and knee pads that won't break the bank and will be comfortable to ride in. I'm not looking for full protection, but at least something between me and the dirt (other than cotton!). it looks like I can get some good deals on "Paintball" pads, and other such, but don't want to sweat my face off trying to huff it on a climb.
I'm loving the sport, but find a mixed reaction after a hard ride "That was a great" and "That hurt in a not great way"

My wife is also starting to notice the damage to my joints, and that makes for not fun conversations about risk Vs Fun. That is why I had to give up motorcycles, and I don't want another joy to suffer :(

So I'm looking for advice on how to protect myself on the trail. Most of what I find is for downhillers, and that's not my thing. don't want bulky, don't want plastic shells, don't want constrictive, hot, non movable hockey pads, don't want $400 in bulletproof chest padding...

What do other folks out there use?

Help!

If you ever make your way the next state over (East)...schwing by Topeka and I'll take you on some tame stuff:D

Are you beating yourself up from falling over and not clipping out in time? Maybe you should practice on some easier terrain until you get your bearings.

Other than that, I agree with Zephyr.

Crash Pads wear looked mighty intriguing when I was first learning . . . and crashing a lot:

http://www.crash-pads.com/products-padded-pants-c-25_31.html?osCsid=37d47ffd7533865c9a676d7c48436c92

http://www.crash-pads.com/upper-body-bike-p-64.html

But, really it's probably overkill. SixSixOne has an interesting new line of pads - - made with d30 shock absorbing miracle stuff. It stays "fluid" until impact and then firms up. They make XC-weight fabric-covered knee and elbow guards:

http://www.sixsixone.com/Catalog_661Bike.aspx?id=5ecb79c6-c172-4c37-b95d-aa7faf872626&product=ae8b9690-1ece-4731-b18d-76e6c5c4a7bc

http://www.sixsixone.com/Catalog_661Bike.aspx?id=1ad81d1b-70d2-4da3-9a01-9f847b6a83c7&product=27b844d0-b734-4005-b7d6-39cddd59d959

The problems are many fold! I'm getting much better at unclipping in time, but there is always an errant log or something that halts forward progress in a most unpredictable way, and the nature of MTB is that you get ejected form the saddle sooner or later, that's why we wear helmets...

I know it will get better with experience, just trying to make sure that I don't beat myself up too much to get that experience!

I've been looking at the 661 stuff... found they have a lightweight (and fairly inexpensive) line called the veggie...
http://www.bikesonline.com/index.php?page_URL=661-Veggie-Elbow-Guard-MD
and price is a huge factor for me, I have spent a lot on bikes this year, and don't want to have to break the bank again (I'm still trying to sell blood on craigslist to pay for my recent acquisition sorry dave!)

what has been the experience out there for pads, any designs that get too hot? chafe? irritate the skin? what should I be looking for? what should I avoid? I mostly ride XC,a nd I'm a big sweaty guy!

Thanks for all the input guys, it's greatly appreciated!

Some falls are just part of the breaks, especially if you ride somewhat agressively. You've got to learn how to: 1) unclip quickly and, 2) take a fall. For the first, loosen your pedals so that you can unclip without too much effort, you'll find you'll want them tighter as you gain experience/confidence. When you fall (and regardless of riding style, you will eventually fall), tuck your shoulder and arm and roll-protecting your head as well. A rigid, arms out "I'm going to stop this crash right now" type of reaction is what leads to more injuries. Although that can be a hard reaction to overcome, you'll find that you get up much quicker after a fall. Also, don't ride above your skill level. Learn technique and practice until you feel comfortable with the terrain/obstacles. Maintain some speed on tough sections like rock gardens (the momentum helps carry you through) and remember that most obstacles were designed to be cleared so, attack them with confidence. I find that it helps to ride with someone more experienced or, with better abilities, let them stay in front and mimic their style as they ride. Have fun but be cautious too, you don't want an injury that will put an end to yet another passion.

Or you could just quit being such a Girlie Man.

Sheesh ! I throw this guy into mountain biking - Full Force in less than a year - having him riding clipless on his GT Zaskar on the 2nd ride of the season - and he wants pads.

I'll get you some pink tassles to go with em Chris!

Maybe you should just wear some tights stuffed with Charmin like the old TV Commercial!


ahhhhhh.. taunting in a public forum! hehe

The great thing is - I have his bike! and I know he wants to ride it...

So I'm looking for advice on how to protect myself on the trail. Most of what I find is for downhillers, and that's not my thing. don't want bulky, don't want plastic shells, don't want constrictive, hot, non movable hockey pads, don't want $400 in bulletproof chest padding...

What do other folks out there use?

Help!

So, if you are not doing a lot of DH, then you are doing mostly XC/AM. Why are you crashing so much, should be the first thing you look at, rather than protection. Ounce of prevention/pound of cure kind of thing, I would say.

I'm pretty new to mountain biking, really got into it last season, and I'm learning quickly (thanks Dave!)
One upside to the learning curve is the damage I'm doing to myself. Everyone around me is complimenting me on looking so badass! When my skills progress to the point where I'm launching tabletops and bar inversions off every ripple in the trail, I'll look down at my fading scars with wistful remembrance.

Cleaned that up for you. :beer:

Woot! To Mezinger

what has been the experience out there for pads, any designs that get too hot? chafe? irritate the skin? what should I be looking for? what should I avoid? I mostly ride XC,a nd I'm a big sweaty guy!Wash them often. That'll help keep the 'jungle rot' at bay.

Mezinger, love the clean up! I think it was a wise man that one said "Chicks dig scars" how come my wife doesn't???

i think I'm falling the mostly when I launch off the switchback doing a backflip, I can't seem to stick the landing on my rear tire as solidly as I'd like and lose my grip on teh trail...

and then back in reality...

Dave, you did push me pretty hard. I had a lot of control on a bike, I've been riding since I was about 4, and I think that the 15 years I took off (and the 100Lbs I gained LOL) are showing!
I enjoy the technical trails, but I'm getting used to a few things, a new bike, being clipped into the pedals, and in general just getting my skills and strength back up to par. I totally understand that I'm on a learning curve, I'm just trying to minimize the damage!

You guys have given me a lot to think about, I might just want to throttle back on trying to climb rock stairs and work on the single track for a while! If I'm not careful, by exuberance for a challenge will turn into a negative experience that I might not want to recover from...

so I'm buying a new bike... here it is! (anyone interested in a zaskar race?)

http://www.qtbichesterfield.co.uk/images/bike.JPG

So, if you are not doing a lot of DH, then you are doing mostly XC/AM. Why are you crashing so much, should be the first thing you look at, rather than protection.You don't get it, do you? He comes from a moto background. You get on something with two wheels and you wanna go WFO :D. Been there.

oh yeah, I'm still thinking I can just twist the throttle out of trouble... doesn't work too well, all I do is move the grips around on my bike and fall over! lol !

Mezinger, love the clean up! I think it was a wise man that one said "Chicks dig scars" how come my wife doesn't???

i think I'm falling the mostly when I launch off the switchback doing a backflip, I can't seem to stick the landing on my rear tire as solidly as I'd like and lose my grip on teh trail...

and then back in reality...

Dave, you did push me pretty hard. I had a lot of control on a bike, I've been riding since I was about 4, and I think that the 15 years I took off (and the 100Lbs I gained LOL) are showing!
I enjoy the technical trails, but I'm getting used to a few things, a new bike, being clipped into the pedals, and in general just getting my skills and strength back up to par. I totally understand that I'm on a learning curve, I'm just trying to minimize the damage!

You guys have given me a lot to think about, I might just want to throttle back on trying to climb rock stairs and work on the single track for a while! If I'm not careful, by exuberance for a challenge will turn into a negative experience that I might not want to recover from...

so I'm buying a new bike... here it is! (anyone interested in a zaskar race?)

http://www.qtbichesterfield.co.uk/images/bike.JPG


Come on Chris - Show them the REAL YOU - with your new bike (READ: TASSELS)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/bmwrob/Santa_Pink_Bike.jpg?t=1237833611

Dave... why do you have a picture of yourself riding my new bike? what the heck man!

oh yeah, I'm still thinking I can just twist the throttle out of trouble... doesn't work too well, all I do is move the grips around on my bike and fall over! lol !:roflmao2:

I had to learn jumping all over again; no blip of a throttle to get pop or pull me outa trouble or anything. It was a weird learning curve.

made with d30 shock absorbing miracle stuff. It stays "fluid" until impact and then firms up.

Couldn't that be accomplished by any shear thickening fluid? I think I would feel quite ripped off if this d30 just ended up being corn starch suspended in water...

I really think some more "tame" practice and some light padding will get me on my way.. Thanks for all the great feedback all! I hope to be here for years to come!

Even more than protection, pads might give you confidence. Most of the stuff I'm riding don't warrant pads...they're XC trails and the really mini baby jumps at the track. But the pads give me confidence, and I find myself riding a lot better than I do without them. In a bad enough crash, pads won't help. But they give me that feeling of invincibility that allows me to attempt things I wouldn't otherwise attempt, and let me shut my brain off enough to help me land stuff I otherwise would overthink and either crash on or bail out of.

Crashing happens, it's just something we all have to live with from time to time.

You should try learning to ride. I did and boy, what a difference! Seriously, how do you fall so much it's actually starting to affect your quality of life? You trying to keep up with your pro racer buddies, or what?

Well

here it is folks - Really and Truly

We ended up getting Chris an 01 Zaskar - long story short, it has to stay in my stable until Chris can make room for it in his...

I made a few upgrades for him while it's in my posession... notice the Crank Brother Candy C's ?!

http://aspenmaintenance.com/01_Zaskar_Red1.JPG

http://aspenmaintenance.com/01_Zaskar_Red2.JPG

http://aspenmaintenance.com/01_Zaskar_Red3.JPG

We need our 'winter' weather back of 60 and 75 degree days!!! I'm ready to ride!!!

Nice! But aren't My Little Pony accessories a bit less flexy?

yes, but the Disney princesses are a lot lighter! they are little skinny chicks, where the my little pony is a fat little horse!

dave... that is truly awesome! you are a good man!

^ lol

are your tires on the wrong direction?

I'll check the next time I ride, it might be hard to see over the basket

are your tires on the wrong direction?

That is so awesome! I have been looking at that bike since the day I picked it up for Chris thinking "what is wrong with this bike?".....

When I took the wheel off to mount the bike in the truck... and then went to put the wheel back on the bike... I almost put the wheel on the bike the wrong way...

Now that you have pointed that out... Chris gets to do a little tire swapping! I'll time him and post the times here!