| Author | Message | ||
     Rainman |
OK, folks I just read Midnightrider's post and admit that, after 20 years of commuting every day in city driving I'm getting leery of just slacks/jeans and jacket. I'm thinking of going ATGATT but I need gear that will be good in city commuting with shirt-tie and slacks and an occasional run down the freeway to go to an interview. I have full race leathers but that ain't gonna work in a professional workplace. I have leather overpants for the winter, but it gets to be 100 degrees in the summer. What do you wear? Recommendations? Aerostitch? | ||
| Mikej |
If you're in an office environment with ties and slacks then Aerostich is your option. Supposedly very quick to get in and out of, supposedly very easy on the clothing, supposedly works well when kissing pavement, and supposedly doesn't look overly scarey for the suit&tie folks who see you walking down the hallway on the way in or out. Get on their email list as they have regular sales. Or better yet contact them and plan a trip up to Duluth to see them in person, nice people. I don't have a 'stich currently, but have been to their store a few years ago, and eventually I will have some of their gear to wear beyond the lobster rain over-gloves. | ||
| Hootowl |
There's no getting around the 100 degree heat. You're going to sweat out your work clothes. I commuted for several years 60 miles each way in Houston year round. I just packed my work clothes in my tank bag. On the ride in, it's still cool enough that I didn't get all stinky. The ride home is another matter. Unless you want to launder your slacks/shirt every day, changing clothes is probably your best option in the summer. | ||
| Diablobrian |
There is always the option of wearing gear in and changing into work clothes when you get there. Short of that there are over-pants you can buy in mesh, textile, or even leather that will work with your current jacket. Unfortunately most over-suits that are loose enough to not trash your work clothes are also loose enough to be miserable riding gear. They will flap in the wind, bunch up at the joints, and fell generally clumsy. I am a very vocal ATGATT supporter, but I think that carrying your work clothes in a tank bag/backpack/messenger bag is the best option. No sweat on the clothes, no wrinkles, and your riding gear will fit properly. YMMV | ||
| Rainman |
Thanks for the ideas. I really appreciate it. Now let me throw a wrench in the works and see if you guys can offer advice. As a news reporter, I'm in and out of the office three or four times a day to go to the city hall or a court case or nursing home, what have you. Are there overpants that would work or the 'stitch suit? My leathers I've left at home because the need to carry clothes to every interview won't fly. That's why I've been riding in slacks or jeans so much for so long. It sounds like the suit or overpants are the best idea. Any others? | ||
| Hootowl |
I'd go with mesh. You'll sweat less. "http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=armor+mesh+mo torcycle" | ||
| Mikej |
Court should be jumping in here any second now ... maybe ... "Court?????" I've heard claims from him and others that getting into and out of an Aerostich suit takes less than 30 seconds. A bigger concern would be with helmet hair, assuming you have hair.   Personally, I do well in the jacket department, the helmet department, and the glove department. Sometimes I do better than others with footwear. Usually don't use myself as an example when it comes to pants. I get bad helmet hair, what's remaining on my head anyway, and get wet shirt syndrome even though I have a perforated leather jacket (Buell Vanson model). A quick trip to the restroom and wipedown with a paper towel works for the hair until about the second or third helmet removal, then I become a greaser of sorts. The wet shirt takes a few minutes to dry, came into the R.E. office this afternoon (part time agent, so I have to dress the part sometimes) and it took about 15 minutes today to dry the shirt on the back and shoulders walking around the office in back semi-hiding while drying out. Sorry for the graphical imagery, but probably what you are looking for due to your business needs. One thing you might try is to jump down to the BadweB exchange section (whatever it's called) and post up a "wanted - riding gear" request. See what you can get, try it out, and once you find something that works then go ahead and buy some and put the interim stuff back into the community. That way you won't have to worry so much about color or style and might get to try out a few things to see what works for you. | ||
| Mikej |
Just found a link I was looking for in the background, how to put on a Roadcrafter in 10 seconds or less. http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Roadcrafter-Fe atures-sp-17.html And, no, I'm not getting any commission from Aerostich.  | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
I have been wearing JR Alter Ego pants over my slacks for 3 years now - easy on easy off with zippers 3/4 the way up the side, rain liner when you need it, zip out panel lets in some air when it is hot. They also help keep the rear cylinder heat off my legs... Top it off with the appropriate jacket for the weather (I have mesh, leather and textile touring) and you are good to go... | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Rainman, I've got an Aerostich Roadcrafter suit in the classifieds. Sounds like what you need..........Charlie | ||
| Reepicheep |
Jackets are really easy, pants are only a little bit hard (it doesen't really take long to take off your boots, put on the pants, and put the boots back on). And as evidenced from the video, the Aerostitch will pop right on and off. My bigger problem is protective foot wear. I have big heavy motorcycle boots, and I keep an extra set of dress shoes at work. That works fine except when I am biking to some sort of offsite something or other... I have to either pack along an extra set of shoes, or wear something that is less safe but more fashionable. Hard to go wrong with the aerostitch, aside from initial price. My first gear jacket is starting to look fairly worn after 3 years of heavy use... if the stitch would last for 10 to 15 years, its actually a cheaper solution. | ||
| Etennuly |
I have a pair of the Buell race pants that are too warm for summer and cannot be worn over much. I also have a pair of Alpinestar mesh pants that are the coolest and easiest to get on and off riding pants I have seen. The Alpinestar pants are light, double mesh, insulating, stretchy and comfortable. They have leg zippers that go from the ankle up across the thigh and into the inner leg. They easily go on over my high riding boots or any other shoe that I might be riding with. I haven't tested the padding in them, but then I really don't want to. I got them at a Honda shop on sale a few years ago and I must say that I really like them. | ||
| Csg_inc |
Here is another idea http://www.olympiamotosports.com/recontransformer/ recontransformer.htm (Message edited by csg_inc on September 21, 2007) | ||
| Rainman |
Hey, CycChar, sent you a pm about the suit. I think the bottom half will be too big.  Mikej: I don't have to worry about helmet hair, but sometimes my scalp gets a bit wrinkled.  Thanks everyone. I'll look around and see what's up. If anyone has experience using the gear for its intended purpose (sorry about that) let me know how it held up, especially the mesh pants. I have jackets for every weather but usually wear jeans until the most recent dress code was established. | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Rainman, Tried to PM you but it was returned.Got yours.Got a different address?? Charlie PS... May be going to Va.(Roanoke) in a few weeks. | ||
| Jaimec |
I've had the same Aerostich Roadcrafter Suit since 1989. I'll part with it when they cut it off my cold, dead body. Since the Gore-Tex laminate was getting rather old and tired I purchased a new suit two years ago. If I get the same number of years of service out of that, I'll be a happy man. When you consider how long they last and how versatile they are, there is NO better buy in motorcycle apparel available. PERIOD. | ||
| Midnightrider |
Never had a 'stich but obviously those who do really stand by them. I considered the Motoport line http://motoport.com/ but decided to stay with the leather. My concern with a textile suit is that I've read where, if you have a long slide, the stuff will actually melt. I understand that the heat with leathers is a show-stopper for you. I went over my gear today and although they are a little scuffed in places, it's still hard for me to believe how well they held up when I decided to do some 60 mph body-surfing on asphalt. I have one small abrasion - on my wrist where there was a gap between my glove and the cuff of the jacket | ||
| Metalstorm |
My Aerostich Roadcrafter one piece suit is the fastest easiest piece of gear I've ever had the pleasure of using. Now that I'm experienced with it, I have it down to 12-15 seconds on and 10 seconds off. ATGATT is what made me opt for the one piece over the two piece. I can't cop out and wear just the jacket. It truly is ATGATT with that thing. | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
icon has some new over pants that look pretty decent...they have good knee armor in em...first gear makes decent overpants...and i saw some motoboss pants that looked ok..no exp with those though....icon makes good field armor for under ur pants same with the stuff midknight was wearing (bohn i think) or alpinestars makes a good bionic under jacket...just look around u will find what u need...if u need any help just ask im a gear ho' ive worn most of the stuff out there....marsee makes nice stuff i hear he was a partner of eriks way back in the day..... | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
All very good info, thankyou all for posting. I was asking about it too. (gear) I have narrowed my choice to the stich but need more dough. Very nice. I did look at the Buell stuff for the Uly riders. Its real nice but just dont do it for me. The stich suit has ventilation and can be had in a myriad of colors. BTW Rainman, I didnt mean to hijack your thread but after doing my research, I think the Aerostich is the way to go. Felt that since I did some leg work maybe it would help you out too. Best of luck. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
If your budget is like mine, you may want to check out Rooster Performance. It's a hell of a jacket for $180. I've been using one since springtime and am very happy with it. It's got a list of features that can't be beat at any price. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
I've got a Stich suit, I don't use it often. Seems over the years it's shrunk a bit....... I can't recommend the First Gear HT II pants enough. They are GREAT! They are available in an "air" version for the warm weather folks. I have the non-air version. A real big plus is they are waterproof. I proved this with absolutly no doubt on Wednesday this week. I rode through the Mother Of All Thunderstorms on the way home from work. I had on my HT II's, and my Vanson jacket with the Buell rain jacket. My feet were soaked as were my hands but everything else was bone dry. The First Gear pants also have a liner for cold weather. I've used mine in 15-20 degree rides. Knees stay nice and toasty! For $165.00 or so, they are tough to beat. www.newenough.com has both versions available. Brad | ||
| Rainman |
Thanks everyone. I was looking at the First Gear pants and the Stitch but there's more options. I just get on and off the bike about 4 or 5 times a day on short trips. CycCharlie, I've been trying to reset my email but I'm a computer idiot. I hope it's good to go now. PS, Thanks Blake. Sorry to be a cyber pain. (Message edited by Rainman on September 22, 2007) | ||
| Diablobrian |
First gear is Hein Gerrick <sp?> and I have been very happy with their gear in the past, as well as my current 2-piece perforated leather suit. Also Newenough.com is great! they should be a sponsor on here...Their service makes even that grade! Despite the name everything they sell is brand new. It is just usually a buy-out of last-year's model or colors. | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
i belive hein gierke means first gear in german...and yes they make nice stuff ..gave mine away to a friend..kinda miss that jacket now... www.motorcyclecloseouts.com had some on fire sale a while ago..and some motogp jackets... nice stuff the motogp is. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
I'll part with it when they cut it off my cold, dead body. Jaimec nailed it. I have used my aerostich in everything from 20 degrees, to a humid 104, rain, sleet, snow, I even crashed in mine. At this point I honestly like my suit more than my Buell. For those of you who are scared away from the price. Why? Any real rider is going to end up with one at some point (unless you track day). For all the money you will spend monkeying around with lesser gear you will end up spending more in the long run. If you look at Jaimec as an example he has had 2 suits in the last 18 years. I think then they were ~$450, now they are ~$750. So in 20 years he spent ~$1200. Add it up, what have you spent in the same 18 years? (Message edited by corporatemonkey on September 23, 2007) |
