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General Category => General Banter => Topic started by: vince on March 17, 2010, 11:32:50 PM
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I posted this before but I wasn't able to read any of the posts, so here it is again.
I'm tinking of getting a full body riding suit, either leather or textile. If I get leather should I get full leather so I stay a little warmer when it's cooler out. Or get a combo leather textile to stay cool all the time. And if I do this should I get this a little larger so I can put some under clothes on under neath to stay warm on cooler days.
I now a lot of you have an Areostich. If I go with this what should I be looking for here. Why do so many of you like this suit so much?
I don't know for sure when I'm going to get this I mean it took me 42 years of riding before I bought riding boots for the street.
Thanks.
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I just have to say it tickles me to see "newbie" under Vince's name. :)
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I'm considering the same thing Vince. I am leaning towards a Roadcrafter full suit from Aerostitch. Maybe we should do a ride to the Rider Warehouse & check them out. I hear if you go there you get a discount & may even find something on-hand that would work without having to special order. I'm up for it!!!
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I now a lot of you have an Aerostich. If I go with this what should I be looking for here. Why do so many of you like this suit so much?
Vince, I've bought two Aerostich Roadcrafter suits. They are a great all-purpose riding suit. If I could only have one piece of gear, this would be it. With all the pockets, it's like a suitcase that you wear. It can feel pretty warm when you're not moving, but there's just enough ventilation when you're moving. It's a compromise, but it's a pretty good one. I bought a two-piece mostly for fit. I bought the jacket in a larger size, too, so I could fit more stuff underneath in cold weather
I'm not as happy with Aerostich as I was, and here's why: My first Roadcrafter kept me absolutely dry in all kinds of weather. My second one has never kept me dry. It seemed to leak from the day it was new.
I really like the wide range of gear available these days. My newest piece is a Joe Rocket leather/textile jacket. It has mesh panels and the sleeves and sides that are covered with zip-out panels. Really comfortable in a wide range of temps, and it fits well.
Brent
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leather vs textile: IMO leather is great for sliding on the track, a little better for that than textile. But textile better in every other way, including in the wet.
I love my 'stich roadcrafter 1-piece. It's gore-tex, but not 100% waterproof unless: 1) learn the crotch fold trick (avoid it), 2) treat it w/ waterproofing. Waterproofing: I've sprayed Scotchgard, which worked perfect (do it in garage); and the wash-in stuff aerostich sells - also worked perfect (every couple years).
I've road tested it's sliding ability a couple times. impressive - no damages at low speeds. and we saw it at the 'crash event' on birch several years ago - impressive. Pads are great too.
Only time I don't wear it: over 90* F.
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Some of the newer textiles come with zip-off sleeves. The armor stays in, the sleeves come off, and what a difference it makes when the humidity is up. My riding time in the hot humid sticky stuff has increased because of it. I wasn't thinking about buying new gear (I had a 1-2 yr old 1 pc. Aerostich), but when I saw that feature I jumped in. I think it is my single best piece of motorcycle gear that I've ever bought. The leather jacket and britches sit unused.
Mines made by my motorcycle company and wouldn't work for you, but I think Rev-it makes the very same stuff.
http://www.revit.eu/catalogue/
Sanders
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I love my 'stich roadcrafter 1-piece. It's gore-tex, but not 100% waterproof unless: 1) learn the crotch fold trick (avoid it), 2) treat it w/ waterproofing.
Even Andy Goldfine doesn't claim his zippers are waterproof.
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Some of the newer textiles come with zip-off sleeves. The armor stays in, the sleeves come off
I didn't see anything right off at Revit's site, but I wonder if this is the same as my Joe Rocket. There's a zip-out panel on each side that runs from my hip to my underarm and down to my wrist. The outside of my arm is still covered, and my elbow pads are still in place. It really is a venting machine. I haven't crash-tested it yet, but the abrasion-prone areas are all leather.
Brent
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If you do get a 'stich 1-piece, for use on a sportbike, I'd Rx getting some of their customizations done, such as the back extension wedge, and maybe the rotated sleeves. When you try a suit one, be sure to do so while stting on a sportbike. Probably best to do that in Duluth.
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Even Andy Goldfine doesn't claim his zippers are waterproof.
Does "Mr Subjective?" :) Mine has been 100% water-proof, as long as the crotch fold is pulled up, not pooling; and I've sprayed it and-or wash-in the waterproofing stuff. I've ridden through deluges for hours on end in the dang thing... YMMV.
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I'm considering the same thing Vince. I am leaning towards a Roadcrafter full suit from Aerostitch. Maybe we should do a ride to the Rider Warehouse & check them out. I hear if you go there you get a discount & may even find something on-hand that would work without having to special order. I'm up for it!!!
I see that the Revit catalogue that they have a lotof stuff. I will go check tham out.
When the weather gets nice again and I have my new bike we'll have to go up and try some on.
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Vince, give Bassett a call and see what he has to say about the Olympia synthetic suit. It is another alternative to the Stich.
Riderwarehouse now also has waterproof 2 piece leathers. Very pricey, but they look like lifetime garments.
Personally I think what you get depends on what you want the suit for.
If you want an all purpose suit good for multi day rides, a Stich is hard to beat. It versatility and utility really pay off on multi day trips eliminating the need to carry other pieces of riding gear.
For day rides in really hot weather nothing beats perforated leathers or mesh synthetics and for cold weather day rides leathers still seem the warmest and least drafty to me.
If you folks decide to go up to Duluth to visit the Riderwarehouse, let me know.
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+1 for this. I love my 1 piece
If you do get a 'stich 1-piece, for use on a sportbike, I'd Rx getting some of their customizations done, such as the back extension wedge, and maybe the rotated sleeves. When you try a suit one, be sure to do so while stting on a sportbike. Probably best to do that in Duluth.
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I have had my roadcrafter for a couple of years and except in really hot (90+) weather, it has been great for me. Rain, and snow (2+ inches in Kingman AZ Feb 2009) have not gotten through it yet. It was a little stiff in the first 1K miles or so, but now feels like a 2nd skin. I did "ride there" and get a discount. If you have not been to their store in Duluth you should go. The staff are very helpful and it is a unique setting. A big plus is the chance to ride the road through Jay Cooke state park on the way - both ways. If you aren't tempted to turn around and ride it again I think you are reading the wrong forum, it's that good.
Regarding your leaking suit, I am pretty sure that Aerostich does not want to let you suffer. I bet if you contact them directly they will find a way to fix the issue.
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If you want an all purpose suit good for multi day rides, a Stich is hard to beat. It versatility and utility really pay off on multi day trips eliminating the need to carry other pieces of riding gear.
I agree with Ray on this one. I have a one-piece 'Stich, a two-piece leather suit, and a two-piece mesh synthetic suit, and I grab my 'Stich more times than not. I love the super easy on-and-off feature, the multiple pockets, the gortex/waterproof feature (although it does pool in the crotch during heavy downpours), the numerous zippers and air vents, the roominess to add extra layers and/or electrics, the protective armor, the reflective strips - it's got it all. I love how I can ride in any weather and feel completely protected and comfortable. If I could have only one riding suit, it would be a 'Stich - even if it isn't very fashionable for women!
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I see that the Revit catalogue that they have a lotof stuff. I will go check tham out.
When the weather gets nice again and I have my new bike we'll have to go up and try some on.
I hear you there Vince....I think I may have to get down to Motoprimo & look at getting a pair of those gloves. I'm all in for a trip to Duluth...via Jay Cooke of course!! I'm gonna price some stuff out on their website so I have an idea of what I'm gonna spend. I'm thinking this could work for sometime in late May/early June.
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I know I am going against the MN "norm" (not getting an aerostich) but I just ordered some Motoport kevlar mesh pants. I have only heard good stuff about it. Has a liner you can buy that makes it good for cool/cold weather riding. If I like the pants, I may get a matching jacket, making it a two piece I can zip together. They have a long side zipper so they are easy to get in/out of like an aerostich.
I had a 1 piece aerostich, I it was good, but pretty dang warm on warm days, and not that warm on cool days.
Just wanted to try something different, we shall see.....
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Well going against the masses here but Lithium Motorsport has Teknic Violators for $410.00. Mine is being shipped.
http://www.lithiummotorsports.net/productdetail.htm?browse=-22497&productId=-160695&shopBy=-4290&catalogId=-1091 (http://www.lithiummotorsports.net/productdetail.htm?browse=-22497&productId=-160695&shopBy=-4290&catalogId=-1091)
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I appreciate everyones advice. Thank you and keep it coming.
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+1 for one piece Roadcrafter, great man purse as well and very comfortable, I 'm a conceal carry and it holds my Glock nicely. Truly feels like a go anywhere ride anything all purpose riding suit. I do all sorts of on road riding, sport bike, touring, endurance, never think twice about what I will wear, just grab my stich and go.
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I own a bunch of Motoport stuff. Don't bother. It's nice, but nowhere as nice as the price. The life span is poor.
I have a strong bias towards leather after spending a number of years with textiles. I want my leather back!
I've had the opportunity to spend some time with the Aerostich waterproof leathers. I find them to be very, very nice, but don't expect to put anything in the pockets.
The Aerostich waterproof leathers are the least expensive waterproof leathers on the market by at least 50%. They made it for 6 hours in light drizzle and heavy rain. They don't quite flex/stretch as much as normal leathers, but they are 90% there. I slightly noticed a difference.
Considering your size and ability, a waterproof leather would seem to be best. You know how to use your bike and adjust your body position to get the best out of it. The problem with textiles is that they don't stretch as easily as leathers to adjust to body position. The Roadcrafter doesn't stretch at all, so you have to rely on it being larger that leathers. The tradeoff is that the pads will not stay in place during a crash. The slide away.
I figure if you ever crash, it's going to be big and by something beyond your control. If I were you, I'd want the Aerostich waterproof leathers with custom T-pro armor.
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Teiz?
http://www.teizms.com/
I've heard great things so far. They are very reasonably priced, and I am fond of the "Hi Viz" looking stuff. Has anyone had first hand experience?
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Love the Aerostich Roadcrafter. I also have a 2 pc vented suit, but will still grab the Stich as the arms will scoop the air with the zippers open thereby making it more comfortable on my fully faired bike, whereas the mesh just aren't as cool. On a non-faired bike, on a hot day, the mesh suit is definately the choice.
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I posted this before but I wasn't able to read any of the posts, so here it is again.
I'm tinking of getting a full body riding suit, either leather or textile. If I get leather should I get full leather so I stay a little warmer when it's cooler out. Or get a combo leather textile to stay cool all the time. And if I do this should I get this a little larger so I can put some under clothes on under neath to stay warm on cooler days.
I now a lot of you have an Areostich. If I go with this what should I be looking for here. Why do so many of you like this suit so much?
I don't know for sure when I'm going to get this I mean it took me 42 years of riding before I bought riding boots for the street.
Thanks.
I have th eFieldSheer i piece Radar suit. It's preforated..so if it's a little cool out...I can't wear it. Unless I stuff newspaper in the front for a wind break. It's very cool while riding..even in teh summer. But..in teh summer..when you stop and sit for a while...your ready to peel it off. JMO
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Well I'm saving up my money and I 'm think of going with leather. Just got to pick the right suit for me. I have put on a few pounds but the old race suit still fits.
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My new Aerostich suit came in the mail yesterday!! Picked it up this morning & wore it to work. So far I LOVE IT!! Now I have to get it broke in before next weekends ride around Lake Superior.
I know some others wanted to go up to Duluth & get fitted & such but Jon P & I happened to be up there so we stopped in. I appreciated his patience as I spent some time getting fitted!!
I would still be up for a ride to Duluth for others though. I have some days off to burn before the end of September so if anyone wants to plan a weekday to go up thats cool with me.
We could do Jay Cook & Hwy 1 to Ely & back as well as catch lunch at Canal Park or something. I just need a weeks notice or so to get it approved.