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Re: Moto-Clothing



Vioscaltd@xxxxxxx wrote:
> 
> Am considering purchase of riding clothes.
> Criteria:  Allweather- somewhat  {waterproof would be nice}
>               Versitle - removable liners, venting etc...
>               Protection - removable pads or reinforcing
>               Comfort - and looks  not to baggy to much flappage!

I'm surprised folks haven't mentioned the Aerostitch garments more. I
ride as long as there isn't frozen stuff on the ground, and last year I
was doing a weekly 100-mile (each way) commute on my bike October thru
December. My two-piece Darien was perfect for the task, although in
retrospect I think I'd go for the one-piece suit since it's a little
more form-fitting than my two-piece.

Aerostitch's garments are heavy-duty cordura with top-quality GoreTex
fused to the fabric. That makes them pretty breatheable as well as
waterproof. The Darien jacket has six external pockets and two internal
ones, and there are three pockets in the pants. There are vent zippers
under each arm, at the sleeve cuffs, and across the back (to prevent the
sailcloth effect).

It comes with TF2 foam impact pads in the shoulders, elbows, and knees,
plus optional back and hip pads (which I also got). Oh, and you can get
foam pads with hard plastic caps for even more protection, but at the
cost of a little less flexibility. And, there are two different fleece
liners you can get for the jacket; one's electrically heated, the
other's just regular fleece.

I've been quite comfortable cycling at 80 MPH for over an hour in
40-degree temperatures with the addition of the regular fleece vest.
Conversely, the gear is pretty comfortable up to about 75-degrees
without the fleece; after that it gets pretty warm if you're stuck in
traffic. But, if you can keep moving the airflow through the suit is
pretty good and it keeps you cool.

Lastly, Aerostitch offers repair services on all their garments --
something most other manufacturers don't offer. That can be a big $$
savings if you do end up crashing. (I've also heard that if Aerostitch
thinks your garment is too shredded, they'll give you a nice discount on
a new one.) Oh, and they'll do special tailoring for you if you have
special measurements, and they can add things to the suits like extra
fabric in the back of the one-piece suits if you ride a sport bike and
are leaned-forward more, etc.

The only downsides I've found to the Aerostitch are 1) initial price,
and 2) the crotch seam will start to leak a tiny bit if you're in a
heavy downpour for about a 1/2-hour or more. As for #1, I regarded it as
cheaper and less painful than having to deal with road rash. Since it's
all-weather gear, there wouldn't be any excuses for me not to wear it.
As for #2, some extra seam sealant is recommended to prevent some
embarrassment. (No, don't ask how I know! :-)

OK, OK, one more comment, but this time on gloves: I bought a pair of
Alpinestars GX-1 all-weather gloves, and I have to say they stink.
They're nylon/scholler/kevlar outers with separate GoreTex and fleece
liners. While they did keep my hands warm and dry, they're very thick,
which really reduced my dexterity. Also, the GoreTex and fleece liners
tend to pull out of the gloves when you try to remove your hands and
it's a real hassle to put the gloves back together again every time.

	Aerostitch: <http://www.aerostitch.com/> (Wow, new site!)
	Alpinestars: <http://www.alpinestars.com/> (Gloves aren't shown.)

- --
Blake Sobiloff <sobiloff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Higher Education Consulting
KPMG LLP
Washington, DC

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