New year, New gear! Canada's James '66' Palmer has the Answers.

Mar 20, 2018

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 6317 times

Canadians, just like Australians, are some tough mofo's. Actually most BMX SX racers are tough, but what do they have hidden under their jersey and race pants? These New Year, New Gear interviews on FATBMX give you an idea what the pros think about their racing kit, protection gear and helmet. Safety first!

Name: James Palmer
Country: Canada
Sponsors: Factory Clayborn/Answer Bmx

Helmet: 6D - ATB 1
Goggles: 100%
Gloves: Deft Family
Jersey: Clayborn/Answer Bmx
Racing pants: Answer
Shoes: Shimano or Vans

Safety pads:

Elbow/Knee: Whatever I can get my hands on that feels comfortable at the time

How many racing kits do you normally have during one season of BMX racing?
James Palmer: Well the more the better, but currently starting with 4 full kits for the season season, 2 Clayborn/Answer Bmx kits, and 2 National Team kits. Personally I like to have a fresh kit for each day I’m racing plus an extra one in case I go down and rip one, so whether it's my Canadian Team kit or Clayborn Bmx kit, I always like to have a couple of each colour that I’m wearing that day on hand.

What career number is printed on the back?
James Palmer: 66! It was my number for my first ever bmx race and I’ve ran it every chance I’ve had since!

What do you look for in protection gear? Comfort? Weight? Quality? Pricing?
James Palmer: When I’m choosing a helmet, I first go for safety and quality of the helmet. I make sure it fits comfortably and of course looks good too, but when it comes to my head, pricing is the last thing I’m worried about. I’m lucky enough to ride in what I believe to be the safest Bmx helmet on the market in 6D’s ATB-1 Omni Direction suspension helmet, and my reason for doing so was really based on its level safety and quality, the comfort and good looks were the bonus!

How does it feel showing up at a race with brand new gear?
James Palmer: You feel like a superstar showing up to a race with fresh gear haha. I’m a huge fan of moto and I love to see the guys roll out with a sick new set of gear, so in my head I like to try and feel almost as cool as they are when I show up with a fresh kit.

What happens to your old gear at the end of the season?
James Palmer: Well most of the time my gear isn’t looking too fresh by the end of the season haha, but I try to give some of my jerseys away to kids or supporters of mine, but also I give some to my family to take to our cabin to use when we go dirt biking.

Do you change lenses much in your goggles?
James Palmer: I try not to because I normally don’t have many available, but I hate riding with scratched lenses so my ocd kicks in and I have to change them periodically.

You ripped your gloves. What do you do with them?
James Palmer: Throw them into the crowd, or give them to a kid after the race. Deft Family makes some super comfy and stylish gloves, and I’m lucky enough to get new ones if needed, so I love to make a kids day by giving them away because I know just how excited I was back in the day to receive the same!

Do you save a jersey yourself from each season?
James Palmer: Yes I’ve tried to keep at least one jersey from each year or that I’ve raced or team that I’ve been on. Those little jerseys are just priceless memorabilia to me.

What’s a product you can advise every rider to use?
James Palmer: Well every rider has a preference in what products they like best, especially myself lol, but the Answer Bmx carbon forks I will always suggest to anyone looking for a new racing fork, and the Shimano Bmx product line, they’re best on the market by far in my opinion!

Do you think certain protection gear should be mandatory or do you leave that up to the rider himself/herself to decide?
James Palmer: I leave that up to the rider to decide. We all have our own preferences, so let us be comfortable in what we choose to wear.

Any advice to the BMX racers out there?
James Palmer: Make sure you work hard, but enjoy the daily process! Have fun riding, work hard to achieve your own goals, and those skills and speed will come naturally!