All the time, thecroad surface and other vehickes are just as hard wherever you hit them.
It took me a while to figure it out, but I finally realized that it meant "All The Gear, All The Time." However, is that a mantra (it sounds cool to say), exaggeration (read most of the gear most of the time) or the code (always have all the gear all the time)?
Reason I ask is that my bike is my commuter most days. But my "trip" to work consists of 1.2 miles, 2 turns, 3 school zones, and 5 stop signs (unless heading home...same route is 7 stop signs). It is all on residential roads and takes about 4 minutes at a max speed of about 30mph. Many days this is the extent of my riding. Am I being lazy or just realistic?
I wear a full face helmet 100% of the time, and a heavy motorcycle jacket. Did that ride warrant the addition of pants, boss, etc?
With that quoted, I'll add my two cents.We're all adults here, and all of us have an internal "Risk Manager." Do whatever he tells you.
Don't base your personal safety on the opinions of knuckleheads like us.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***ATGATT--Because if you crash, the world is your belt sander.***
We've become a society of sheep who actually think what is good for one should be required by all. There is NO SUCH THING as all the gear in the first place!IMHO, ATGATT.....
+1 (and I live in Texas......HOT!!)I laugh when I see people mention the heat. I've worn my 'stich in triple digit temps several times, and I would rather have it on. Ever turned a hair dryer on yourself? Trust me, you want a layer protecting you from hot air. Good gear has built in ventilation that actually makes it more comfortable to have it on, than not. The only exception is when sitting parked in traffic in the sun. But if that happens, you would be burning to a crisp if you were wearing a T-shirt and shorts, so really you are still better off.
Emphasis on good there... like GoreTex, proper venting zippers, etc...Good gear has built in ventilation that actually makes it more comfortable to have it on, than not.
I believe that the only piece of gear that will save our lives is our helmets.
Personal choice...
FWIW, and at the risk of being condemned/ostracized as a heretic, I totally agree with you. If I was that convinced that I was going to crash every time I get on the bike, I probably wouldn't get on the bike.I"m a sinner in this regard, I always wear a helmet, ear plugs and boots. Jacket and riding pants depend on weather.
I used to be a bicyclist so I've had my fair share of road rash. You get used to it.
A few years ago, I had an off on the motorcycle wearing jeans and a long sleeve T shirt.
I ruined my helmet, my boots and the skin on forearms. When I was picking the gravel out of my arms that night, it hurt
so bad I could only wash one arm at a time. Did I learn my lesson? Nope
I would rather be uncomfortable for a few weeks after a wreck than 100+ days per year.
I believe that the only piece of gear that will save our lives is our helmets.
Personal choice...
The great advantage of the STich Roadcrafter suit is it removes any choice about ATTGAT. I have a Hi-Viz Olympia Mesh jacket I love but it allows me then to make a decision on what pants to wear; the Olympia pants or maybe just jeans ! No option with the Roadcrafter suit!As my wife pointed out, "You don't plan on an accident." But in our case, we do, at least are very alert to our surroundings. All the gear I have, all the time. STill saving for the STich!