jack17

Either everyone is pushing much harder than I am, or they just don'e have any skills on a bike (based on people's comments of their injuries). My guess is that people are pushing harder than me. That being said, however, I rode 3+ times a week at a bike park in BC this summer and never wore upper body protection at all. Strictly wore full face with goggles, gloves, and knee pads. Sure my elbows got messed up once and a while, but to me, the added falls from discomfort in too much protective gear don't make sense. When you crash more, you're liable to end up with more injuries, regardless of whether or not you have armour on. But, thats just my opinion: my wearing of extensive protection makes me crash more frequently, which I would rather not have happen. Ultimately I guess it does come down to personal preferences, perceptions, and a brief 'risk-cost-benefit analysis'.