Introductions - Do you use any protective gear while cycling, commuting, or racing?

I'm asking a general question using protective gear in summer or winter. Besides a helmet. What else do you use if any?

My background info for the question:

I know on my road bike my max speed recorded by my bike computer was 41mpg. I never crashed at that speed. I did fall at first learning to clip in and out my pedals and when I got hit by a car.


When I got hit by a car at start of winter last year. I had my helmet, long riding spandex pants and a
cycling hoody and gloves. Besides being shook up a little I was find. Sore for a few weeks and I had to replace my helmet because hairline cracks. BTW it was hit and run. Besides that I went a year or so without crash or accident.



So now, recently. I switch over to riding my cyclocross bike with 700c x32 wheels and I have eaten
pavement 3 times at 22 mpg by my lack of experience on that type bike. I cut corner too sharp and
wheel slips right under me.

I'm currently suffering and healing from road rash on both knees, both forearms and my right
ankle and pain in my right shoulder. I ripped off the skin to my right pinky knuckle completely. Hurts
the worse. I had cycling gloves but I damaged what was exposed.

So I bought full finger gloves and middle forearm abrasion protection. Look like arm warmers but

made for abrasion protection. Haven't used them yet. I have taken 2 weeks off from the bike to

heal and I'm giving it another week before I ride again.

Let me know if I'm just a little shell shock because of my accidents.

I do believe you are shell shocked and riding to fast for your abilities.
Slow down and heal quickly.

I'm asking a general question using protective gear in summer or winter. Besides a helmet. What else do you use if any?

My background info for the question:

I know on my road bike my max speed recorded by my bike computer was 41mpg. I never crashed at that speed. I did fall at first learning to clip in and out my pedals and when I got hit by a car.


When I got hit by a car at start of winter last year. I had my helmet, long riding spandex pants and a
cycling hoody and gloves. Besides being shook up a little I was find. Sore for a few weeks and I had to replace my helmet because hairline cracks. BTW it was hit and run. Besides that I went a year or so without crash or accident.



So now, recently. I switch over to riding my cyclocross bike with 700c x32 wheels and I have eaten
pavement 3 times at 22 mpg by my lack of experience on that type bike. I cut corner too sharp and
wheel slips right under me.

I'm currently suffering and healing from road rash on both knees, both forearms and my right
ankle and pain in my right shoulder. I ripped off the skin to my right pinky knuckle completely. Hurts
the worse. I had cycling gloves but I damaged what was exposed.

So I bought full finger gloves and middle forearm abrasion protection. Look like arm warmers but

made for abrasion protection. Haven't used them yet. I have taken 2 weeks off from the bike to

heal and I'm giving it another week before I ride again.

Let me know if I'm just a little shell shock because of my accidents.


m777, It's been a while since your post. What did you end up doing re safety measures? What did you find useful?

m777, It's been a while since your post. What did you end up doing re safety measures? What did you find useful?

Hello Thanks for commenting. This summer I rode 700 miles on my bike. I was in 2 races.

I learned that falling is part of the game in cycling. I always believed in safety. So I always wear a helmet and dress for the weather, I carry id, cash and a phone.

I vowed that U wouldn't hit pavement again but I did in a group ride. This guy stop with out warning in front of me and we went down. I was more prepared by then and both of us were able to continue riding.

I learned about cornering safely, I learned what different tires can do on pavement and on dirt and I learned how to ride safe in a group.

My fear is gone but I don't forget how dangerous it can be to be a cyclist. I try to remember that it's for the love of riding that is important.

Thanks for reading my post.

m777, thanks for the notes.

I've been seriously cycling (almost carfree) for about 3 years and until recently only had minor injuries due to a fall or bad road conditions.

I ride all types of bikes so have been getting used to the reaction differences in frames and tires.

I'm mostly a commuter and find that (for me) a steel mtb with slick larger tires handles the streets more safely than the skinny tires. That's a little disappointing since I'd rather ride a fast road or hybrid to get there in less time and effort.

But after my last fall on a hybrid, I'm more concerned with safety.