Protector

[Quickly]

Hi all,

Two summers ago I had a bit of a dodgy accident. A car pulled out in front of me, I smashed into it, bounced down the road and crushed my spine. Had I not damaged my spine I'd have been in hospital a couple of weeks, instead I was in for 10 weeks and developed all sorts of other problems.

I've ridden bikes since the accident and I feel okay, a bit nervous to begin with but that's to be expected. I'm now looking to get back into and wanted some advice on a back protector; had I been wearing one, I probably wouldn't have hurt my back last time.

I'll not be riding particularly hard or fast, on a track or anything like that. Just going to and from town, to and from work, and out for a bit of a jaunt at the weekend.

Therefore, I don't need anything 'race quality'. Just something simple, comparably cheap, comfortable and small enough that I can wear it beneath a hoodie without being restricted.

Any tips folks?

Cheers,

EDIT: I should add that my main reason for buying is that I could have a slow spill on ice or oil or something, hit the weak spot in my back and set it off.

[Ditto]

Hi,

The Forcefield back protectors are quite well known. They do inserts for jackets too if you don't want the whole strap on gubbins.
Might be worth checking out.
____________________
CG 125 > Bandit 600 > CBR 600 FY > Street Triple R

[Dr. DaveJPS]

+1 for forcefield they've just brought out an uber protection one too

(link is not the uber one but the one i have)
https://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/back_protector_sport.asp
____________________
"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[Ste]

Not wanting the thread to go in a safety nazi direction, but what were you wearing when you crashed?

[johnsmith222]

In my opinion, the knox contour tour is pretty much the best to go for. I have seen lots of back protector reviews and this is the one that seems to come out on top in terms of protection, comfort etc.

You can get them in different sizes so it is worthwhile to try them on in a shop before buying to make sure you get the perfect fit.

The forcefield protectors are also really good, but I do remember reviewers saying that although hi tech, they didn't provide the same amount of coverage the knox offered.

I think the most important thing would be to go for what you find most comfortable. A ?15 knox insert is going to be worth so much more than a ?100 contour if you aren't comfortable in the ?100 one and won't wear it most of the time. If it's not comfortable then there is no point so trying the protective gear on is important.

Also try and move about like you're riding a bike ducking under your fairing when you try it. If it's going to ride up to your neck then it will also annoy you and end up not using it.

In theory I would like to get a contour and knox chest protector, but i'd be unlikely to wear them often.

Protecting your back is very important. You can get new arms and legs, but you only get one back, so it's worth everything to do all you can to protect it.

This is kinda ironic as I'm not that disciplined when it comes to wearing safety gear, but I do have a knox ?15 insert in my rst jacket.

[Quickly]

[Quickly]

Thanks for the advice guys, will look into both of the recommended items.