2 Part Question about Hill Climbing and Protective Gear

[martinact420]

What up everybody. So I took my 350x out in the pole lines today, crazy steep hills that you have to be a little nutz to climb. Before that we had been riding sand pits and my bike goes up everything with minimal wheelieing but when we went to the pole lines I couldn't keep my front end down when I get to the tops of the hills, usually the steepest parts.

Anyone have advice for how to handle a trike going up straight up and down hills to keep the front tire down.

I took some major falls today and did a bunch of endo's down these hills. Of course I think I am superman and do not own any protective gear beside a helmet and goggles. I took some scary falls and jacked my ribs pretty bad and almost broke my ankle as it got caught in the forks rolling down the hill once. I toughed it out but that is not the point. I need some killer protective gear before I get hurt bad.

My second question is what type of chest protector to buy as I need rib, kidney, spine, clavicle, ect.. protection. I looked at a ton of stuff today but none of them seem to offer the full suite of upper body protection.

I like the flak jacket types but they dont seem heavy duty enough. The hard plastic roost deflectors dont seem to offer the close to body protection I think I need and seem to have many holes where ugly things could get through.

These are what I am currently looking at:

http://www.skeletools.com/motocross_impact_skele_vest_bmx_chest_protector_s/1.htm

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=CGC_G5-UBK-M

Also I am needing some decent riding boots. I like the shorty styles but cant seem to find any shortys that will stop my ankle from twisting and breaking for certain. My buddy recommended to get leather boots so you can move your foot but I dont want to be rolling my ankles. And 3 wheelers sometimes put you in unbalanced situations where its easy to run over your legs if you are not paying close attention.

Any advice from all you wonderful people here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
:TrikesOwn

[martinact420]

Nobody wears any protective gear around here? I thought maybe other members would like to add their input as to what types of protective gear they wear, use often, and like.

[mohadib]

I dont hill climb really. I only wear a helmet and gloves.

[martinact420]

Well Mahdib, are you the guy who puts 3-wheeler fix-it vids on YouTube?

Also I'm thinking that we all probably wear helmets but none of us can ride without out spines and ribs just flat out hurt for weeks.

I've had 2 weeks sitting on my latest rib injury which started this post... 2 weeks of no riding... and I thinking it's time to start wearing good protection and getting into shape.

Please add your input about good core protective gear people. Thanks.

[AtcFactoryRacer]

Dont ride past your ability... if you think you cant make it dont try it.... like honda says "Stupid Hurts"

[martinact420]

AtcFactoryRacer: All Good Advice

If you're gonna be stupid, you better be tough...

[Mr_RPM]

woulden't an extended swinger help here?

it would help both up and down hills.
every hill climb i see all the big dogs are running extended swing arms.

[wisconsinite]

^^ if you wanna get into serious hill climbing, i would say a longer swingarm is the way to go.
as far as gear, i wear a skullbucket, goggles, and gloves, and try really really hard not to crash:)

[atc007]

Practice wheelieing Sitting down,the right way. 350X is the simplest bike in the world for that! That will get you much better balanced IN A HURRY : ) Yes,the more gear the better,when you started this post,I would have told you,,,the more gear someone like you wears ,the stupider you're gonna be! My brother in law was Airborne Ranger,he used to come rde,and tell everyone,when my Ass hits the seat,my brain disconnects! I can tell after a cpl weeks off,you're already learning what most of us know. The older we get,the longer it hurts! No matter how tough we are! Anyhow,def get a great chest protector,w spine,a wheelchair just doesn't look like fun,too many wheels. And boots,,just be careful,,your leg bone tends to snap where the boot ends,rather it's shorties or conventionals,NASTY breaks! And they are stiff as heii,they take a LOT of getting used to! Good luck

[TheFamer]

I would say be safe, helment and boots are the most important to me. i been riding for 14 years, dirt bikes, atcs, street bikes. and whenever i go for a ride i like to have my boots on.

wanna see why?
124070


that was from a 85 250sx. wearing shorts in summer, had a high idle and i thought "screw it just ride" it wheelied right up, stuck my leg out, rear tire caught the back of my leg and torn it open. 70 stitches and one month out of work i was better...

[Dirtcrasher]

I wear boots, knee pads, riding pants/shirt, chest protector, gloves and a helmet.

If you want to climb hills, you better have your head in front of the handlbars, thighs against the handlebars and your head above the front fender - all your weight forwards. Momentum will get you there and as soon as you hit the lip you can lean back and level it out. If your not making these hills you may wanna start off on some less steep hills and get your technique down.....

[pipeline triker]

for me motocross boots are a must, When I go sport riding I wear boots, racing pants, jersey, helmet and googles. I am not a fan of gloves just personal perfance.