kidney belts

[stoketim]

who uses a kidney belt and could recommend a good one, (for the large gentleman) they vary a lot in price 

[mecki]

I've used kidney belts as long as I have been riding bikes.
Depending on what you wear they can make all the difference.
Even though they are called kidney belts they not only protect the kidneys from draught and keep them warm but they also support your lower back, which is quite helpful especially on longer trips.
At the moment I have a really cheap one from Lidl and it does a good job as far as lower back support is concerned.
And since I have a very good textile jacket and trousers that can be zipped together and keep me warm and cosy I don't need a belt to protect the kidneys from draught and keep them warm, because in that regard it isn't very good.
The advantage is that I can wear it all year round.
When I was more into 'fashionable' leather jackets and jeans type pants, where you run the risk of more or less exposing the lower back while riding, I used to wear wider belts made of leather with detachable lining. And those usually cost quite a bit more.

[Trotters]

I've used a kidney belt for about five years now, only a cheepo one from Aldi. Think I paid about £3:50 for it & from what I remember they came in three sizes & also a thermal liner which I've never used. I agree with mecki as they do provide some support to the lower back, keep your kidneys warm which helps keep the rest of you warm. Try & find a cheap one to try before spending to much.