| Author | Message | ||
     Dr_greg |
Anyone here have experience with one of these? I wear custom two-piece leathers, but it's getting a little cold out (yes, even in New Mexico!) and I've been considering the Darien. | ||
| Jim_sb |
I've got the Darien pants that slip over a pair of blue jeans. They're a little too warm on hot days and a little too cool on cold days. In between they're great. I will get the full on Roadcrafter eventually. I think it is superior, many of my friends have them. Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Chadhargis |
I've got a pair of Darien pants that I wear with my vented gear, or leather jacket. I also have a Roadcrafter suit. It's BY FAR the better piece of gear. Just a bit bulky to carry around when you stop. | ||
| Jjg0324 |
I have both the Darien pants and jacket. I really love the pants and sometimes wear them as part of my Harley costume. This is one benefit of the two piece approach as you can mix and match the pieces. The Darien jacket is tough as nails but a little stiff to wear and bulky to store on the bike. The zip out liner is very warm and useful. I find the jacket too warm during hot weather, but great in the 40 - 75 range. Its got lots of pockets and will last forever. I could see me buying another lighter jacket for summer time use, but at this time of year, the Darien and me are getting along just fine. Jim | ||
| Brucen |
I have both the Darien pants & jacket. I can't recommend then highly enough. They are totally waterproof. I have spent hours riding through rain & stay completely dry. The jacket is loose fitting so I can layer under it. When it is hot I open all the zippers & stay pretty cool. Bruce | ||
| Ironbuttbill |
I have about 150k miles on my Darien jacket and pants, and they have seen 110+ degrees in Death Valley, and snow in Utah. Yes, I'd highly recommend them to anyone... | ||
| Biker_bob |
I had an unplanned get off at 65 onto wet pavement with my darien light pants and jacket. I slid quite a ways on the pavement then into the median. The armor saved my left elbow and arm and I did burn a hold through the outside of the pants pocket into my bill fold. I had on draggin jeans underneath so if I hadn't had the billfold it would have been fine. The reason it went through the pants was all the friction on that one point. I use the Aerostich electric fleece and the fleece pants with it and can go about anywhere. if it is above 80 I switch to a mesh jacket. IMHO they make great stuff. By the way my Ultra didn't fare as well, the estimate to fix was $19,500. | ||
| Court |
I have several Roadcrafters and a Hi-Viz Darien jacket. The jacket, as someone said, avoids some of the carrying around issues, and is typical Aerostcih top-quality. | ||
| Henrik |
I've used a Roadcrafter suit for awhile (thanks Court ...) and have only seen the Darien. Granted, I'm a belt & suspender type person, but I'd go with the Roadcrafter 2-piece rather than the Darien only because of the heavier fabric used. That said, Aerostitch doesn't offer the forward rotated sleeves on the Roadcrafter 2-piece, and without the sleeve rotation, I get a "binding fold" of fabric running across my upper arms when in riding position (S2 w/ touring bars). The pressure of that fold will actually cut blood supply and get quite uncomfortable on longer rides. Also, getting a jacket that fits along with pants that fit, and have it zip together without the Roadcrafter "belly" in front is quite dependent on your body shape  If you do get a 'Stitch, may I suggest adding a back protector as well. The one Aerostitch carries is kinda marginal. Other brands make 'Stitch specific protectors with better protection. On a general note Aerostitch gear is very well designed by people who obviously ride - a lot. But don't get me started on Andy G's color preferences - and this from a guy who's "color deficient"  Henrik | ||
| Dave |
You won't go wrong with the Darien or Roadcrafter from Aerostich. Quality and Customer Service (even after the sale) is #1. You can order stock sizes/colors or have one custom made. (Henrik... have you called them and explained you particular fit? I'd think they could rework it for you so it's 100% comfort) I've rode in mine since '99 in temps over 100 and under 10. Heated gear (Aerostich, Widder) compliment the suit nicely too. DAve (Message edited by dave on November 16, 2005) | ||
| Chadhargis |
That's the main reason I bought my Roadcrafter. I am 6'5", 220lbs, and buying off the rack seldom works for me. Both my Roadcrafter pants and Darien pants were extended 3" to fit my legs. I have worn my Roadcrafter from 18 degrees up to 98 degrees. Because it's not insulated, it's not all that warm, but blocks wind well. Layer up underneath and you'll stay warm. In the summer, keep moving and you'll stay decently comfortable. Stop at a light or in traffic, and you'll slowly bake inside the Gortex shell. Other than my track leathers (which have no reflectors, no venting, and would suck to tour in) my Roadcrafter is the most comfortable piece of gear I own. It's versitle too. I've ridden in downpours and it only leaked a tiny bit (right in the crotch area...looked like I peed my self ). Other than that, I was dry. I do take care of my Stich gear. I wash with Tech Wash twice a year, then use the wash in water proofer for Gortex fabric. After I remove it from the washing machine, I use the spray on water proofer on the entire garment concentrating on the areas most prone to get hit with high velocity water while riding. As for color choice...Loud suits save lives! http://www.chadhargis.com/fjr/images/deals_gap.jpg http://www.chadhargis.com/fjr/images/chad%20_04FJR.jpg (Message edited by chadhargis on November 16, 2005) | ||
| Homer |
Same here, I recently had an off on my Roadcrafter 2-piece and the jacket faired well but the paramedics cut the bottoms off of me. I had zero road rash and my only injury was from my 230 lbs going over the handlebar and landing on my head and shoulder. I wear mine year round and that includes as hot as upper 90's with high humidity and I tend to stop riding when it gets in the 30's simply because my hands get cold. I had my last suit for close to 15 years and just bought a new one-piece roadcrafter to replace it after the accident. I didn't go with another two piece simply because the suit is hardly fashionable and I never found myself wanting to walk around off the bike with just the jacket on. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I like my two piece suit. I do find that I'll wear my jacket with my Darien pants from time to time. Especially if I'm riding to eat somewhere or teaching and MSF class and don't want to wear the whole suit. | ||
| Dave |
Wow Chad that is bright! I bought a Roadcrafter off ebay for my Dad that are high visibility Yellow. Certified MSF instructors get a discount at Aerostich for either I believe.... DAve | ||
| Chadhargis |
Yes...they gave me a 10% discount. Cycle Gear also gives a discount to MSF instructors. I think they do 20%. | ||
| Henrik |
Roadcrafter fitting; Dave; I went through the whole ordeal with Aerostitch - Their customer service was extremely knowledgeable and helpful - nice. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of the fold across my upper arms would be rotating the sleeves forward, and that's available as an option for the one-piece Roadcrafter only. I enjoyed the one-piece I borrowed a lot (which may be why it took me so long to give it back ...  ), but I'd like the versatility of the 2-piece. Henrik |
