Help needed from experienced bikers....

[Olly]

"Don't bother with the comfy/padded shorts if you're just starting out, as the good ones cost at least £100, and the cheap ones will chafe the insides of your thighs to bits and be ripped off the first time you fall."

Errrrrrrr... in a word - rubbish!

These look like a good buy http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=11750 but if you search a bit there might be something else that looks like good bang for buck.

That site is also free postage.

You'll need some gloves too, I just got some cannondale ones from there around the 18quid mark and they're smashing.
I wear light board shorts without liners over the top if I don't plan on falling off. Stronger cotton shorts if an off looks more likely

[threaded]

Looks like this thread'll soon descend into a roadie vs MTB slag fest.

Those shorts won't last more than a couple of rides through the woods.

You're best off not bot bothering and save the money.

The best protection is not to fall off. Try practising driving round in figure 8s setting off on either foot (without kicking off, i.e. just lift your foot, then pedal) in either direction.

[TheRefactornator]

The best protection is not to fall off.

Wise words. If this is your first time off road, don't let more experienced rider's skills tempt you into letting go of your brakes on a rough rocky downhill..better to go steady / controlled and build your confidence over a number of rides. Over the years I've been lucky enough to never have a serious off but I've come close a couple of times and seen a couple of unfortunate casualty cases, my brother-in-law included when he snapped his bike in half (and most of his body) against a tree that was in the wrong place.

Make sure your bike is up to it - it doesn't have to cost the earth but you will definitely need brakes you can rely on, knobblies and toe clips for your pedals if you don't have clip in shoes.

[Durbs]

Experienced 'Cyclists' you mean.

I got all excited then expecting a lively debate about the merits of a V-twin vs IL4!

Bloody lycra fairies.

[Pogle]

Experienced 'Cyclists' you mean.

I got all excited then expecting a lively debate about the merits of a V-twin vs IL4!

Bloody lycra fairies.

You have no idea of the images that creates in my head

[Moscow Mule]

I buy of my kit from www.wiggle.co.uk these days. The DHB stuff is pretty good value.

[Board Game Geek]

I've every admiration for off-road cyclists, because they are not using the road which the rest of us vehicle drivers pay for. So kudos to them for being fair.

[threaded]

I've every admiration for off-road cyclists, because they are not using the road which the rest of us vehicle drivers pay for. So kudos to them for being fair.

Seeing as the average cyclist owns more cars than the average car driver, then one could say they've already paid more than you, and using your logic are therefore entitled to more of it...

[bobhope]

Plus how much wear & tear does a 10 kg bike do to your precious road versus a car or truck?

[EternalOptimist]

Plus how much wear & tear does a 10 kg bike do to your precious road versus a car or truck?

Probably the same amount of wear and tear that a truck suffers when it mows you b@stards down