November 29, 2025, 11:10 AM
Honestly, it's a personal calculus, but my rule is if I'm going faster than I can run or farther than I'd want to limp home from, I gear up. That means every real ride starts with a full-face MTB helmet, wrist guards, and knee/shin pads which are my non negotiables. Most of my spills have been at low speeds anyway. For longer or faster rides over 40km/h, I add a padded hoodie or motorcycle jacket with armor and hip protection. As for tools, I always ride with a sling bag carrying a mini first aid kit (used it more than once), a dynaplug tire repair kit, a small electric pump that runs off the wheel, and the specific hex keys for my EUC. I'd rather deal with the minor hassle of gearing up than the major hassle of an injury. The pavement is not forgiving, whether you are two miles from home or twenty.