Body armour

[Snoggin]

What model is your upper body protection? I've been wearing Leatt Body Protector 5.5 Evo for rock gardens. On the e-bike is fine, but a little heavy on the "acoustic".

It’s an Alpinestars Impact Plus . I have the lighter weight Leatt version also but tried this and its way better protection and comfortable as well. If it’s above 80 degrees at the start id probably opt for the leatt. But this has the built in elbows which actually run cooler as it’s all mesh on the front of the arm and has better cooling than elbows with straps. The elbows also cover almost the full forearm as well which has come in handy. It is heavier at 4 lbs but once im wearing it I dont notice .

 

[Ndanger]

How many layers do you wear. It must get very uncomfortable in the current temperatures.

The issue for my situation was putting priority on my body temperature rather that the "tit chaffing" potential Years ago, I had a layer of protection that cause some "uncomfortable tenderness after a ride" the current chest protector I have fortunately can be worn without a light base layer for protection and I can attest that my "tits" have never been better and my riding is cool as a cucumber

 

[calnearlyebike]

How many layers do you wear. It must get very uncomfortable in the current temperatures.

yea it can get hot but you get used to it. t-shirt and armour this week. you learn how to dress with it. I wear the poc one. you can unfasten the sides so it's open when really hot and hang your knee pads off of the straps . the compression on your stomach when your out of condition is worse. I honestly feel really naked and vulnerable without one now I wear it all the time.

 

[calnearlyebike]

the poc one is good its made of rubber and can be cleaned really easily and doesn't gather sweat. really easy to just wipe the stink off of

 

[Ndanger]

I ride areas that have a lot of downed trees from fires. Does the Poc have front armor to protect against being impaled by a branch.

 

[calnearlyebike]

I ride areas that have a lot of downed trees from fires. Does the Poc have front armor to protect against being impaled by a branch.

me too and yes. its more of an impact Flac jacket type feel. made of rubber type material its pretty thick . perfect for deflecting blows from chest and spin. iv had mine years and its still perfect. no plastic no cheap materials . 100 percent recommended

POC VPD System Tanktop | Biketart

Comprising a chest plate and a back plate, the VPD System Torso is constructed without a jacket or vest, giving a heightened level of comfort and freedom. However you wear it, the VPD System Torso gives lightweight, certified protection and versatility. Constructed using a 3D molding process...

www.biketart.com

 

[jeanmarc]

I’m 68, back from hip surgery. I wear:

• Troy Lee 7850 Ultra Armored Top (over a base layer for easier removal)
• Leatt 3DF 5.0 Impact Shorts
• Knee pads, Elbow pads and gloves
• Fox Full face helmet

Cheers!

 

[zizajaun]

I have the fox baseframe pro d3o vest chest and back protector, just done a week's riding in morzine above 30'c every day and it wasn't uncomfortable to wear or really noticeable at all.

It has a zip on one side to ease getting on and off, the pads are removable to wash the actual vest. Much nicer than wearing an over the top back protector like I used too

I have the same one, with the shoulder and elbow guards integrated as well, and find it gets very hot and sweaty, even in 20 degree heat. I have to wear it over a shirt (unless it's just been washed) because it feels gross next to the skin. But the thin mesh is also prone to damage so I usually wear a shirt over the top as well, which obviously makes the heat worse. Sometimes I forego the outer shirt but I get funny looks off people because it's meant to be worn under clothes. I still think it's pretty good (e.g. good protection and good range of movement), but not ideal for pedalling in hot weather. There is the option of removing some of the pads for better air flow.

You might want to look into the hard shells as they can go over the top of clothes and potentially allow better airflow (and less washing). The ones I've tried weren't compatible with a backpack though.

If you wear a pack, you could also look at packs with integrated back protection.

 

[Ndanger]

"You might want to look into the hard shells as they can go over the top of clothes and potentially allow better airflow (and less washing). The ones I've tried weren't compatible with a backpack though."

Yes plus one for Hard shell, interestingly when worn, counterintuitively under a jersey allows for air to circulate quite nicely, it allows for a chamber of air movement and it is a life saver for day that I would overheat otherwise. I wear a lightweight backpack over the jersey as well and works out great.