So, you’ve taken your bike out of winter hibernation and prepped it for the first ride of spring, but what about your kit?
After the last blast of the season most of us will just chuck our kit in the garage or the bottom of the wardrobe and forget about it but, just like your bike, you should take a bit of time to properly inspect and prep it before you get back on it again in spring. Nothing dampens an exciting first outing of the year like a smelly, musty helmet or a leaky pair of boots. Here’s how to make sure your kit is tip top:
Helmet
Check it still fits snugly, that the chin strap and fastener are working properly; the visor goes up and down smoothly and closes correctly, and that all vents etc. are functioning too.
Speaking of the visor; inspect it for scratches, chips and other damage that may affect your vision and replace if necessary. If you have one fitted, check the anti-fog shield is also in good condition and still seals properly.
Next, clean it inside and out. Leave the kitchen cleaner and scrubbing brush under the sink and only use specialist products and cloths that won’t cause any damage to the shell or inner materials. Something like the MucOff Helmet Care Kit contains everything you need for a lid refresh.
Know how old your lid is? Helmets should be replaced every five years, because the protective materials can degrade and become less effective over time. If you can’t remember when you bought it, the date of manufacture is usually printed on the strap.
Textiles / Leather Suits
Again the first job with jackets and trousers is to try them on and make sure they still fit properly. Ill-fitting riding gear is not only uncomfortable, but might not offer full protection, so don’t be afraid to admit you’ve put on a few pounds and go up a size – or down, if you happen to have lost a few.
Check all the zips, poppers and other fasteners are working and will stay secured. A little bit of Vaseline will help free up stiff zips and if you’re unlucky enough to break one, you can buy Replacement Zipper Pullers that will fit most garments.
Wash textile kit to get rid of smells/bacteria that may have developed during storage. This also helps make sure waterproof and breathable layers like Gore-Tex work properly too – they rely on tiny holes to let perspiration out, which can get clogged up over time. It’s best to hand-wash in warm water using a mild detergent – spinning around in a washing machine in hot water can wreck waterproof seams and liners.
Leather can also be washed using specialist products, and should be treated with a leather feed afterwards, to keep it soft and supple.
Boots and Gloves
Treat boots and gloves the same as above, with a try-on session – walk about first and then sit on your bike to make sure you can operate controls comfortably.
Check the condition of boot soles – and the join between them and the upper. Make sure all stitching in gloves is present and correct too.
While you’re at it, inspect all straps, buckles, fasteners etc. and replace any worn-out parts like toe sliders; wash and treat the textile bits, clean and feed leather and make sure everything is tip-top.
Extras
Don’t forget about base layers and neck warmers. They sit next to your skin, so you want them to be clean and fresh. If you’re still wearing that old T-shirt from the 2009 Isle of Man TT under your kit, take the opportunity to get a proper set of base layers – they make a massive difference to your comfort and help regulate your body temperature.
A little bit of preparation goes a long way to make your riding more comfortable and extending the life of your kit. And when something does need replacing, you’ll find an unrivalled selection in Fowlers’ spectacular Bristol showrooms.