Why It’s Important to Choose The Right Dirt Bike Gear

Between the sun, dust, rocks, and mud you’re exposed to while riding, you need gear that protects your body. If you're looking for tips and tricks for selecting the best gear for dirt bike riding to keep you protected from head to toe, GP Bikes has you covered. 

Whether you're new to riding or an experienced dirt biker, we all have the same question: What gear should I buy for my best ride? In this article we'll talk about different types of dirt bike riding gear and what to look for when shopping for off-road or motocross equipment.

Choosing The Best Dirt Bike Boots

Dirt bike boots are an essential piece of gear. They protect your feet, shins, and ankles and help keep you stable while riding. 

There are many different types of dirt bike boots available, but choosing the right one for your riding style can be difficult. There are two major factors to consider when selecting a pair of boots–boot size and traction.

Boot Sizing

The length of the boot is measured from the bottom of the heel to where the top of the foot meets with the boot. This measurement is important because it determines how much room there is in the boot for movement and how comfortable it will be for you to wear. You want a snug fit on your boots, so that you can grip your bike comfortably. Typically, your dirt bike boots will be the same as your normal shoe size.

Boot Traction

Dirt bike boots are made with different types of soles with varying degrees of traction based on the type of riding. Enduro soles have more traction to help pick up the bike to get out of a sticky situation. Motocross soles are smoother for easy repositioning of your foot on the footpeg. A trials sole is similar to a motocross sole but may have softer rubber. If you need help choosing the right dirt bike boots, our experts at GP Bikes are here to help.

Find the Best Dirt Bike Helmet

Dirt bike helmets are an essential piece of equipment for any rider who loves to ride in the dirt. The best dirt bike helmets are made with high-quality materials, they have a wide variety of styles, colours and sizes that can be used by all types of riders. To ensure you’re selecting the right helmet for you, follow these helpful tips:

• Look for a comfortable fit. If the helmet feels too tight or loose, it’s not the right helmet for you. A snug fit ensures maximum comfort and stability when riding, as well as proper protection in the event of an impact. If the helmet is too tight around the crown, you could develop a hot spot or pressure point, which is very uncomfortable.
• Make sure that your helmet is safety certified. This means the helmet is DOT, SNELL, or ECE certified. DOT certification comes to an end after seven years, but you should think about replacing your helmet every five years (and replace your dirt bike helmet any time you have a severe impact). All of our dirt bike helmets at GP Bikes are safety certified, and of course our experts are here to help you find the right fit.
• Most entry-level helmets are made of polycarbonate (plastic). Advanced composite shells tend to cost a little bit more but are lighter and absorb impact better than their plastic counterparts. Some of the highest-end helmets are made out of carbon fibre. This material is used mainly for weight savings. We like to recommend an advanced composite shell for the most bang for your buck in terms of safety and comfort.

Choosing The Right Dirt Bike Apparel

Choosing the right apparel isn’t as easy as choosing what “looks cool”. The right dirt bike apparel can make a huge difference in your safety and comfort while riding. It’s important to ensure your riding layers (jackets, pads, and jerseys/shirts) are the right fit and safety level for you.

You need to think about what kind of terrain you’ll be riding on and the weather conditions you’ll be riding your bike in. You should also consider the type of riding you do with your dirt bike. Do you ride casually, hard and fast in the mud or in competitive races? So, let’s explore what should go into choosing each piece of your dirt bike apparel.

Off-Road Jackets

Dirt bike jackets are designed to keep you protected while riding your bike on the ground or in the air.  Keep these tips in mind when looking for your perfect jacket:

• Look for a dirt bike jacket that fits you well and is comfortable—you'll be spending a lot of time in it, so make sure it’s a good fit.
• Ensure the jacket offers you enough protection—this will vary based on the type of dirt bike riding you do and the types of injuries you’ve had. If you’re looking for enhanced safety, look for a jacket that offers improved impact protection.
• Think about water protection. If you need a waterproof jacket, look for one with closable vents across the front and back to allow moisture to escape.

Armour

Choosing the proper armour is critical for your safety when riding your dirt bike. Body armour provides you with the protection you need in the event of a fall when riding, or when debris is flying at you on the trail or track. 

Look for these key features when selecting your dirt bike armour:

• A chest protector is one of the most critical pieces of body armour since they protect your main organs from impact and puncture wounds. There are many types of chest protectors. Some protectors only cover your chest and back, some include shoulder and elbow armour, and some even include kidney protection. 
• Knee armour is another key piece of protective gear. A basic knee protector covers your shin, knee, and the upper part of your quad. For additional protection, you can upgrade to a knee brace, which protects you from impact and possible ligament damage.  
• Elbow armour, shoulder braces, neck braces and rolls, impact shorts, and wrist braces are additional pieces of armour available but not always worn by every rider. Whether or not you choose to wear these can depend on the type of riding you’re doing and previous injuries you may have sustained. 

Jerseys and Pants

Jerseys and pants are a great way to show off your style, personality, and love of dirt biking. When choosing your dirt bike outfit, it's important to make sure it’s made of durable material that will stand up to frequent washing and wear. The last thing you want is your gear to start falling apart after just a few weeks of use! Jerseys and pants have varying features, from waterproofing to different ventilation levels. Choose what will work best for your riding situation. 

GP Bikes has a wide selection of unique, and stylish jerseys and pants for you to choose from, so you can show off your personality!