Are leather suits worth the money?

[Statler]

point A to point A via the most curves.   


going to the store is why they build pickups.

[Howie]

Two adults, no kids, urban living means bikes are perfect for going to the store, plus the bike makes errands fun  

Most of us compromise somewhere when it comes to riding gear, particularly if we use use our bikes for regular transportation.  I consider anything between legal requirement and full gear personal choice and don't preach.  On the other hand, as I get older I wear more gear, even for local errands.

[Triple J]

I just wear Aerostich overpants over my jeans.  They have full-length side zippers and knee and hip padding and provide abrasion resistance.  When I get to the bar (or whereever), I just fold them up and put them in my messenger bag.  They're quicker to put on than knee armor and provide much more protection.  They're also my rain pants.  The downsides are that they are warmer and that they take up more space in my bag than knee armor.  Other companies make less expensive textile overpants including Tourmaster and Alpinestars. 

Spidey and I have similar taste in gear. For commuting duty I also wear A'Stitch Darien overpants over my jeans or khakis. Leather jacket if it's nice weather, A'stitch jacket if it isn't.

I also have a pair of Teknic leather pants that I'll wear instead of the A'stitch ones for all day fun rides. They're more comfortable in warm weather.

I always leather gloves and motorcycle boots with armor. No exceptions.

The only time I ride in jeans is if I am going somewhere quick on surface streets, like to dinner or a jaunt to the store...and I accept the added risk.

I only wear a full leather suit on the track...they're a pain to get on and off.

[Spidey]

Thanks.  It's good to be back.

With those Aerostich overpants and oversuits - when you're wearing the pants - what jacket do you run? You have jeans underneath and then a textile jacket on top?

Like Triple J, I either wear my Aerostich jacket over the pants (I have the Darien 2 piece--I think the same color as him too  ) or a leather jacket.  Generally, I'll wear the Aerostich when it's cold and rainy and I'm just staying in town.  All other times, it's leather.

[Spider]

If you and Triple J ride together people must think "aw, what a cute couple!" 

[Spidey]

If you and Triple J ride together people must think "aw, what a cute couple!" 

Prolly would, but I don't think I've ever met him.  He lives 1000 miles away.

[Statler]

nicely put, Howie.   

I tend to prefer pro gear and pro riding skills work (trackdays).  Rather have newbies think it's cool to wear gear than not.

But it's a good reminder that there's a line between showing it's ok and not dorky to wear lots of stuff versus being preachy and annoying about it.

It's funny because we're riding bikes that cross the spectrum.   It can be a sprtbike and it can be a relaxed cruiser/commuter.  Not many bikes that do both so well so it's unusual to get track guys who race, guys in the middle who sprt ride and occassionally track, and cruiser folks who like to enjoy the scenery and relax on the bike more casually and/or use it for social events.

For the most part we all get along too.   

[Spider]

good point Statler....

last week I; commuted to the gym, did a 2 day trip across the state and booked in a track/lesson day. All on the same bike - without mods - they really are special!

and to keep it on topic...

a 2 piece leather suit did the commute, sports touring and track day. Value for money I'd say! 

[Henecton]

I wear textiles almost exclusively due to their price and level of comfort for everyday riding. Leather provides the most protection but it is also more expensive and much hotter in warmer weather. If you want to wear a leather suit go for it, if you want to wear shorts and sandals that is your choice as well(not a good one but it's a free country, skin grafts are not). I have crashed in textiles and can say first hand they will hold up at posted speed limits.

[GLantern]

I am also looking for a nice mesh jacket

Heres a smoking deal on a mesh jacket i have the same one and it flows a ridiculous amount of air its like standing in front of a refrigerator!!  Someone has actually crashed in this jacket too and it held up great, i forget who it was though!

[kinetic3]

Heres a smoking deal on a mesh jacket i have the same one and it flows a ridiculous amount of air its like standing in front of a refrigerator!!  Someone has actually crashed in this jacket too and it held up great, i forget who it was though!

Which jacket? make model? etc?

[GLantern]

Which jacket? make model? etc?

Lol sorry i forgot the link in my early morning stupor here it is!!

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/bargain_basement/teknic/supervent_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

[scduc]

I agree with the leather. I went down 4 years ago with a textile jacket and had 50 stitches in my armpit. still not much feeling. Doc said it looked like hamburger. I still dont wear full leather, but my jacket is 80%. And riding boots/gloves. 

[superjohn]

I'd like to get a leather suit for my recreational riding. For commuting, I wear an Alpinestars leather jacket and FirstGear HT overpants. For most of my weekend errand running I will wear Alpinestars aramid lined jeans and forego the overpants, though I know this isn't an ideal solution.

As with anything, especially motorcycle riding, it's all about risk mitigation and preparation. There is no gear out there that's going to be 100% effective, so it's a matter of how much extra risk you want to accept in order to gain some amount of extra comfort or convenience. Naturally, a 1 piece full leather suit is going to provide the most protection, and I would never look down on someone who always went that route, but for many reasons it is not always practical or desirable. In which case, any gear is better than no gear, and you should dress according to how much risk you're willing to accept.

[Statler]

 

I don't think that was the point of Nate's thread.

But with all that typing you could have at least answered when the last time you fell off was. 


It's good to know what kind of riding people do and what their experiences have been when determining how to take their thoughts on gear.