Prior to riding your bicycle, it is important that you put on special gear designed to protect your body's vital areas; regardless of your skill or confidence level, accidents beyond your control may still occur. For most riders, a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads are sufficient; however, BMX and mountain bicyclists require additional gear because of the jumps involved and the rough terrain traveled. These products often consist of molded plastic attached to fabric garments, and are designed to balance mobility with protection.
Step 1
Put on your protective undergarments, then step into the legs of the lower body armor. Pull the body armor up until the waist band rests snugly over your waist. Pull the upper body armor over your chest as you would a shirt or jacket, depending on the model of body armor. Pull on the upper body armor's adjustment straps until the armor is snug against your body.
Step 2
Loosen the fasteners securing the straps on the knee pads in place. Pass your left foot through the straps on the left knee pad, then pull the knee pad upwards until the upper end of the pad fits over your knee. Adjust the pad to a comfortable fit, then pull on the loose end of the pad's straps until the pad is secure; use the pad's fasteners to secure the loose end of the straps. Repeat with the right knee pad.
Step 3
Insert one foot into the upper end of one of the ankle guards. Push your foot into the ankle guard until your toes protrude from the opening at the bottom of the guard. Adjust the strap located at the bottom of the guard until it is positioned under the arch of your foot. Repeat with the opposite foot.
Step 4
Insert your left hand under the strap attached to the rear of the left elbow pad. Pull the pad up your arm until the depression in the pad fits over your left elbow. Loosen the fasteners securing the pad's straps in place, if present, then pull the straps tight and refasten. Repeat with the right elbow pad.
Step 5
Disconnect the ends of the straps attached to the bottom of your bicycle helmet, if present. Fit the helmet over your head and pull it into place. Adjust the helmet until it rests comfortably and securely over your head; make sure that the helmet rests flat on your head, not tilted at an angle. Reconnect the ends of the straps, if present; adjust the tightness of the straps to ensure a secure fit.
Step 6
Insert your left hand into the left bicycle glove. Pull the glove completely onto your hand; adjust the fabric until the glove fits properly. Repeat with the other glove.
Things You'll Need
- Protective undergarments
- Upper body armor
- Lower body armor
- Knee pads
- Ankle guards
- Elbow pads
- Bicycle helmets
- Bicycle gloves
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