Back in the late 1800s when I still rode motorcycles, I raced with Shoei shoulder pads, elbow pads, full coverage helmet, pants and boots.

Still managed to pound the daylights out of my body...

As far as bicycling goes, I don't ride without gloves and a helmet.

@op, you did a very nice job of wrapping those bars.

Much nicer than I usually do for my bicycles.