Safety Gear
 

Hi All!
New to this forum, and i searched, but couldn't really find an answer...A year ago, I fell off my bike and dislocated my elbow and broke six bones in my wrist. I have most of the function back, I want to start riding again, but i'm a bit skittish. it was recommended to me that I should probably wear an elbow guard and wrist guard to protect against any future falls while doing sports (we ski as well). I've looked into elbow guards and want something comfortable but can't make a decision. I don't want to look like i'm ready to joust. Has anyone else been faced with this? What do you wear?
Thanks,
Astrid

The stuff you need , if you go thru Bike shop sources is for Down hill and other competitive Bicycle racing.

that will be the look you don't seem to want, so go to a general sporting goods shop.

I'm not using either.. maybe you would feel safer on 3 wheels than 2.

you may be done with skiing entirely.. ,
just go to the Lodge Bar and save on the lift tickets.

I've been faced with a lot worse and body armor was the required gear. I can understand your skittish-ness, but really, aside from seeking professional help, there really is not much you can do other than ride again. Nothing wrong with wearing pads and wrist guards like the ones people use for skating and it depends on how tolerant you are regarding funny stares from others.

You could also try looking at tadpole trikes. Now those are some fun machines!

By far the most effective safety measure is to keep the rubber side down. Lay out some cones etc in an empty car park and practice your bike handling skills. Do maneuvers such as a slalom, figure of eight, emergency stop and obstacle avoidance. This takes care of accidents due to losing control of the bike- you've practiced all the moves in a safe environment. Next is to be assertive and above all visible on the road. This helps avoid getting into accidents involving other vehicles.

On to actual safety equipment, all I wear is a pair of leather gloves. Instinctively, if you fall off you will put out an arm to protect the more squishy parts from harm, and this can really take the skin off your hands. Motorcycle gloves would be ideal. Elbow and knee protectors may also help in some falls. Some people wear helmets, some people don't (it can be a touchy subject)

My advice with all safety equipment is to know what it can and can't do, and make an informed judgement based on the level of protection vs risk of injury. Some types of riding warrant more safety gear than others.

For my cross country mountain biking, I wear downhill protection. They consist of a combined elbow/ forearm guard and a knee/ shin guard.They have plastic cap on the outside of them and have a
foam/ fabric/ velco on the inside. Helmet too. Better than bouncing off rocks for some bad decisions/ lines. Check out downhill apparel, lots of choices.

Skateboarding safety gear is probably more useful than downhill body armour.
Also, learn how to fall.

Get yourself one of these. Your biggest concern will be the cramps you get from grinning so much, and picking the bugs out of your teeth.