Back protectors

Well they day that experience is something you get after you need it. However, in this case I intend to use someone elses to compensate for my lack (thanks Joe). Therefore, the first time I need a back protector hopefully I'll already be wearing one

So, does anyone have any recommendations? I'm willing to spend a little more than the entry level for extra comfort. Spending any money on something you don't wear very often because of discomfort seems like a big waste of time/money to me. Ideally I would want to use it everytime I go out.

Thanks!

eh up
I've got a Knox KC2000 - see http://www.planet-knox.com/Knox/index.asp
They come in 3 sizes, so you might want to try one to see what fits best
It looks like it's come down in price since I bought it, from J&S Accessories in New Malden

The downside is that it makes you look like a Ninja Turtle
Apart from that, its very comfortable - I never feel it when I'm on the bike
I chose my leather jacket by trying on over the back protector to make sure it would fit. I use it every time I go on the bike as I feel a bit exposed without it.
Bigape would be in 2 pieces if it wasn't for his

Quite a number of people have the Knox Stowaway which rolls up, and if you have a Knox rucksack, it fits between the loops on the shoulder straps

If you're strapped for cash, I notice that LIDL (the cheap supermarket people) are running special offers on biking gear from this Thursday (14th) & have a back protector for £20.
On the basis that it's better than nothing, I was planning to get one for Mrs Toad

Mmmm, very interesting! I need a new bag too!

Thanks a lot...

Yes I use a Knox Stowaway which has been tested on two separate ocassions and I can tell you they work. I simply wouldn't ride without one.


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Originally Posted by jonboy

I simply wouldn't slide without one.


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Likewise

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[embee]

one of these

http://www.tprobodyarmour.co.uk/ff_back.html

a very nice piece of kit, absolute top quality manufacture. No hard bits to cause possible problems in the event you use it in anger. I couldn't get their on-line shop to work so ordered by phone. I believe they're stocked at Infinity m/cycle shops but very few other retail outlets (listed as Davies Odell back protector).

Totally comfy, at first it feels just like you're leaning up against a wall but it soon becomes natural. It adapts to your body shape as it warms up, so when you put it on it's not moulded to you, judge it after 10mins.

I'm 5' 11", and use the medium size which turned out to be exactly right for me. I reckon it'd be suitable for a normal shape 5' 9" to 6' 1", beyond that there's small and large.

As others say, you soon feel exposed without one.

It remains to be seen how hot it gets in summer/abroad.

have just bought a knox stowaway, as yet untested and long may it stay that way.

knox have just updated the stowaway range - the 2005 one has thicker armour and some climate control stuff on the non armour side to prevent overheating in the summer. some shops still stock the 2004 at the same price (59-99) so make sure you get the 05 one if you're buying. not all shops (eg some infinity branches) have the 05 in yet either so dont be passed off with an old one if things like that are important to you!

the only down side is that i can no longer zip my jacket to my trousers as then the protector rides up to high and sticks in to the back of my neck. small issue, but thought i'd mention it.

will.

Yes if you wear a back protector and are buying new gear, always take it with you and try them on together.


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just stuff it down your trousers - I do *
makes things a bit tight, but works OK

* que for smutty inuendos, fnar fnar, etc