1 minute read
THE LAST WORD
Seeking Recommendations....
Cindy Bennett, Member #4170
It is a very common post on any moto FaceBook page or forum, “seeking recommendations on a new adventure helmet/riding jacket/tyres/etc etc etc”. As Franklin D Roosevelt wisely said “there are as many opinions as experts”, and it can be an exercise in frustration opening this can of worms unless you are very specific on what you are looking for. It can certainly be useful for a new model/style of product on the market to have that first hand experience from a user – but poster beware all opinions are not created equally. Would I take feedback on 70/30 tyres from a person who only rode on bitumen, well no. Same with riding gear - while I enjoy giving my opinion as much as any other keyboard warrior, it is very important to remember that we are all very individual in our shapes, sizes, riding styles and how often and far we ride. Targeting the correct group to seek advice is also very wise, the best advice I have gained on riding gear is from women’s riding groups such as the East Coast Female Riders which has a staggering 6,000 members. I found my excellent riding dungarees through a discussion on this group! On the Adventure Rider sites there is often a call out to see if someone has ridden a particular road/track and asking about the condition, always interesting that someone will post about riding that road a year ago – hello it might not even be there… As a shortlisting method, it can definitely be a useful tool, however nothing will beat the good old-fashioned “in person trying on” which I have found by trial and error ordering boots online and then having to return them. So my final opinion on asking for opinions, target the group of “experts” you are asking and be specific, take opinions/ recommendations with a grain of salt and the best advice - borrow any kit and bikes you can to test them out before buying!
