I agreed completely. As someone who is likely older than you and some of your viewers id also say buy quality even if it costs a lot extra. It will pay you back in dividends in years of wear and compliments
This is next-level thoughtfulness on gear! I am ATGATT for the reasons that she states in the 6-minute, 7-minute area of this video. It adds confidence for sure. I am very much on the functional end of the spectrum, wearing purpose-designed high-viz stuff as a motorcyclist and also even when on a bicycle. I definitely notice people seeing me more clearly, and it gives me more confidence on the road. On one hand, it is probably geeky looking (to other bikers). But I am OK with that for two reasons. 1) I may look geeky by motorcyclist standards, but still for the average person, I'm still a guy *on a motorcycle* so that's inherently, automatically cool. If I'm at the low-end of coolness, I am OK with that because I still feel cooler than everyone else in the streetscape. 2) I am riding in New York City, which I think people recognize as a chaotic streetscape with lots of variables. So I think people recognize that high-viz clothing is necessary in that environment, and has a purpose to it, and therefore might give it a pass if it looks a little geeky.
This is my second time to watch one of your videos and I am impressed all over. First, wearing a helmet says that you care about your own safety and that you want to be around for your family (however that works for you). It tells me that you are a smart rider. Second, pretty much the same applies to your other riding gear. If you're wearing shorts and flip flops, you're not a very smart rider. For SO MANY REASONS.
It does make sense in what you say. it's funny, cause I never thought about it like that. As a Dutchmen we are taught to ride in full gear top to bottom so I just took it over when I passed my exams and rode myself. It's more of confidence booster and makes you feel more comfortable because if there would be happening something on a ride, you most likely will come off better with gear then without. Therefore making you more vigilant while riding and making you more of a confident rider.
Form following function often ends up defining art. When car designers realized that the "horseless carriages" were slowed by their non-aerodynamic, boxy design, they turned to the smooth, flowing lines we see in the animal kingdom. And as a culture, we saw the cars LOOKED fast, and in rurn, beautiful.
Came here to say just that. Form from function, in my eyes, always looks the part. Design from function always just looks better, like a more thoughtful and efficient. Inversely, you can always tell when form takes a back seat. Quite often I think “did they actually ride in this?”
I completely agree with you. I have bought a couple of jackets that I end up never wearing or do so begrudgingly because I do not want to ride without protection. These garments are not at all in line with my personal style... However, the highest factor to me is being comfortable, since I ride my bike everywhere, to friends' parties, to the movies, outdoor events and everything else. I hate walking around, or sitting at the movie theater wearing a pair of pants that are too tight around the knees because of armors, or poor cut.... Funny enough, the gear I have bought so far does not satisfy that criterion either.
It can be so difficult! If gear is unattractive or doesn't align with your style, it should at least be comfortable. A lot of times we settle for "good enough" because we're tired of looking. But it's out there! Certainly the hardest to find great women's gear in person.
Meghan, I was watching a video called Ride to Heal which was really neat and the YT feed popped you up. My gosh, you are so intelligent and well spoken, you should be on National TV. I learned to ride at 55 years old (I’m 63) and trained by a friend who used to track race a Suzuki 750. He is AGATT because Karl used to ride at 130 mph. Duh. Over my 50,000 mileson first a Honda 750 and now a Harley Low Rider, I’ve had two crashes. I was geared up with leather jacket (fully armored), Bell or HJC race helmet, heavy riding boots and Kevlar gloves. Over the two incidents I broke 7 ribs but didn’t scratch myself. I always want to stop a rider with shorts and a tee shirt on and ask them “did you ever fall off your bicycle, moron”? Finally, everyone throwing a leg over a MC should buy Kevlar pants/jeans. I went into a turn very aggressively on my Harley, found the lean angle on the bike and went across a lane, low sided, and into a ditch at 38 mph. My top of the line $650 Harley jacket saved my arm, Kevlar gloves saved my knuckles and my amazing Kevlar lined jeans, tore up - but I didn’t get a scratch. I did break 4 ribs (oops) but after 3 dudes got my bike back on the road, I rode home, put on a tux and went to a gala. AGATT baby!!
There's companies like Knox who provide armoured shirts and pants, which allow riders to wear whatever outer garments they wish. That's great if you want to look stylish while riding, not so great for when you reach your destination, because when you take your jacket off, you're still wearing all the armour. Being a considerable older male biker, I've never considered myself as being super stylish, but I like to look and feel good. The introduction of single layer riding jeans/chinos and shirts over the last few years, for me have made a massive difference. They tend to be a little more expensive, but you get the look of regular gear, with that added protection.
There is so much stylish and protective clothing out there these days... I wear a John Doe Flight Jacket that has a CE AAA rating and looks like any other flight jacket. I wear GoGoGear LA kevlar leggings that fit under my everyday jeans. I've got armored hightops that I feel the protection but the casual observer doesn't notice are armored. Even when I'm in full kit, most people cant tell. Honestly, putting on the full kit is a nice psychological and symbolic ritual transitioning from Me The Pedestrian to Me The Motorcyclist. It puts me in the mindset to ride.
I've heard this "enclothed cognition" study for like the last 20 years. We really need an update. I've read there were only 58 undergrads used for the study. Yet I've heard countless people reference it to thousands.
Yep. Agree. The study was interesting p. I feel unprepared in less than good riding gear. Yes I want it to look good, I’m particular about colors and what matches, but I will pay for good functionality as well as a good look in a riding garment or helmet.
Your consideration of 'enclothed cognition', the thoroughness of your exploration and explanation of its value, and the quality of attention you've given to this video are noticed and appreciated. Thanks for sharing about the research. The concept affirms choices I have long intuitively made in clothing and fabrics, both on and off the bike. As a side note, watching this video has reminded me of the unique value that having other HSPs in my circle brings - and it's been missing for a long time. Mad respect for exquisitely attuned brains: They give us thoughtful humans.
This is 100% correct. As a chemist, you'll pay more for quality protective gear, nothing is going to be pretty or flattering, what you are purchasing is impermeability and contact time to prevent a substance from getting to your skin. Here it can truly mean life or death. The more your spend, the better the gear. In Alaska, the more your spend on quality cold weather gear, the better it is; it'll keep you warmer, longer, and won't degrade over time as quickly as inexpensive clothing. Same with camping gear. Hunting? The more you spend on glass, the better the optical clarity and acuity; you'll see more detail at greater distance. These have no affect on an outdoorswomans perception of themselves (it doesn't me), but it shows one values safety.
