UTMC

It seems I could possibly may have a potential green light for New Gear! Helmet, boots, and pants in particular. Helmet is sorted as I'll buy locally (I really want to try a few on to make the right choice). Boots and pants I'd rather buy on the innermess just to save a few quid.

Boots first:

I want something that is rigid enough to offer good ankle protection, so I was thinking a semi-race boot like the Sidi B-2 or the Alpinestars S-MX 5. Other points I've been considering in my purchase:

*I want to be able to walk in them
*Preferably suitable for (or at least close to) year-round use (where I live gets hot and humid in summer, never below freezing in winter)
*Not much over $200
*My feet are pretty normal: US 10 size, possibly a tad wide, and once described as "beautiful" by a cute masseuse.

Any ideas, recommendations, suggestions?


Pants

I have a bit of a problem: my weight changes like the weather. Over the last year my weight has gone up and down by about 60 pounds. My weight always fluctuates by at least 10kgs over a 6 to 8 month period and is rarely stable (yeah, I know, exercise you lazy bastard). I fit into 34" Lee low cut jeans, but it's what is currently above that waistband that is concerning me.

I was first thinking about leather, but the only pants I've seen with a good, adjustable waistband were some Kushitani leathers at a local shop, 30% off (so maybe $300), but with no armour, just a little padding in the hips and knees. Didn't feel so hot about the lack of armour. I've seen the Alpinestars Track and Bat Leather pants on the New Enough site, and they seem to be good, but I'd hate to buy gear that fits ok now that I'm swimming in in a years time.

I just don't know. Any suggestions?

Also, what do people think about kevlar jeans, like the Draggin' stuff? I guess winter would be ok with layers underneath (and I do have a pair of knee guards) but I don't like that they only give protection to specific areas. Heaven forbid one was to have an accident somewhat out of the norm!

Thanks in advance.

I'm a gear whore. I like Sidi products, but their race boot is not worth walking around in. You may want to try their "Sport Rain" boot. Better sole for walking around and you can get a good price on them after the beginning of the year. Alpinestars makes a good boot too and can be had for a lot less money. If I had the Dinero, likely, I'd buy some Daytona Boots. But those things just plain cost too much money.

Given the weight fluctuation, you'll want to stay away from leather pants. Likely you can find some Rev-It or Olympia gear for a good price that has an elastic band. I think Draggin Jeans are crap. Just my opinion after seeing the results after a couple of get offs. Better than just jeans.... but not much. I believe the guy from Motorcyclist had a get off while wearing them testing the DRZ. He was pretty harsh in his review.

Sidi boots are the shit, I've never found a brand I like better, and the not super high spec race boots are walkable. I've been wearing a pair of the canyons for the last year and a half and they have lasted really well.

In terms of jeans I like Red Route, they make a pair with armor in the legs and while I have some doubts about great protection just given the cut and potential for them to move around they are certainly better than the normal jeans or cargos I sometimes ride in

/RM

Boots:

I've got a pair of Sidi B2's that I scored off of craigslist, super comfy. They don't seem as sturdy as other, newer and pricier sidis that I've seen around, but they have ankle protection, heel and shin protection and toe sliders. Good enough for me for the riding I do. Maybe i'm easy to please, but I've had no problem walking in them all day either, days at a time. For 3 seasons they are comfy, winter they are letting a bit too much air in for my tastes, but I'm going to take them to a shoe shop and see if they cant patch them up a bit for me.

Pants:

I've got Fieldsheer overpants, with a removable liner. Without the liner and with the vents open, they are bearable even in the summer. Definitely warmer, but, as has been said, more comfy than a skin graft. I think I paid $150 for them..So far in the winter, vents closed and liner in, they're super warm, without a bit of air getting in anywhere. I laid my CX down in them doing an obstacle course and they held up very well, my knee certainly would have been bloody if not dislocated without them.

Redwings????

I can't be bothered with buying the racing boots. I had a pair of Tecnics and I hated them. I am sure I would have liked the Sidi boots, but I am too cheap.


How about Aerostitch Combats? I think they will bust your budget.

I have a set of the not-very-racy Sidi's ("Way Rain") and they are all-day comfortable. I love Sidi products- they are expensive, but they prove their worth to you over time. I've gone through several sets of their cycling shoes- in fact the pair I wear now I bought used and they are still going strong.

check out new enough. They ship worldwide. Bought jackets, pants, boots, helmetses from them before, never a problem.

gazza wrote:Redwings????

That's what I wear, but I'd love to have a pair of Sidi Sport Rains. They're about the same price as Redwings too.

My next helmet will be a Shark.


Don't have anything to say about pants. My dumb ass still wears Levis.

I am wearing Sidi On-Road Gore Tex boots as I sit in here my cubicle. I have been wearing these boots almost every day for 2.5 years and they are still in excellent shape, though the soles are getting a little worn. They are so comfy that I often don't change out of them before walking the dog after work or other non-moto activities. I've ridden them in 100 degree desert heat and in the snow, and have made several water crossings in them. Never leaked a drop.



I can't really recommend pants. I wear First Gear HT pants which are fine for winter use, but kind of a pain in warm weather. I used to have Joe Rocket Alter Ego, but the rain liner was super hot and I had problems with zippers.

I've been wearing a pair of Alpinestars Web gortex boots around for about a year and a half with good results. They're well armored for what they are as well as comfortable enough for day long use or trips, but don't really breath well(surprise). Plus, with jeans over them they aren't obviously bike boots.
There are some sections of stitching around the velcro that are a bit ragged but no complaints otherwise.

Sidi is amazing. I've walked around a decent bit in my Vortice Air's and been fine. I guess it depends on how much walking you are planning on doing. Just be aware if you buy any kind of boot that has mechanical flexing parts as you walk (as the Vortice boots have), they will eventually start squeaking as you walk like a motherfucker, so you have to keep that section of the boot lubricated.

thesoapster wrote:Just be aware if you buy any kind of boot that has mechanical flexing parts as you walk (as the Vortice boots have), they will eventually start squeaking as you walk like a motherfucker, so you have to keep that section of the boot lubricated or squeak like the dude from Kung Pow.

Fixed.

/RM

Shiny! a gear thread!

blackjoe wrote: Personally, I'm saving pennies for some motoport kevlar pants, but there's nothing inexpensive about those suckers, so it'll take a while to get there. Aerostich Darian pants look to be the shit as well, and are marginally cheaper, but still mad duckets. All of them are cheaper than a skin graft though...

I checked out motoport online as I too have been searching for riding pants ... yeah, pricey, but that price is for custom sized and that's what I've realized (after exhaustive searching) I need. Can't quite figure out the difference between the Ultra II and the Air Mesh (and what is with that weird belly flap?) ... Any other custom sized kevlar riding pant manufacturers out there worth checking out?

Would consider Sidi boots but they don't have much in women's. And unfortunately they don't make [the ones recommended] quite small enough in men's for me. Currently considering Gaerne's Black Rose (hey, I used to drink at a pub called the Black Rose - stupid name for boots) ... any thoughts on Gaerne?

thesoapster wrote: start squeaking as you walk like a motherfucker,.

how does one walk "like a motherfucker"?

dozerone wrote:

thesoapster wrote: start squeaking as you walk like a motherfucker,.

how does one walk "like a motherfucker"?

He probably has kids.

I have Sidi touring rain boots. Comfortable as hell right out of the box. Light enough to walk around in when off the bike. Typically, I'm not "brand loyal", but...I'd recommend Sidi.

Hey, thanks for all the input.

Waterproof boots sound good, really good, especially as some of you people are wearing them year 'round. I'd always imagined waterproof boots to be unbearable in hot weather. However, the sexy Sidi waterproof boots are just that much out of my price range. I think I'll end up with the Sidi B2 as it seems to have the best protection for price. Rainy days may see me with shopping bags on my feet.

Pants are a different dilemma. Less sure there. Textile seems to be the way to go, what with me ranging from svelte to fat-arse yearly. I've never really looked into textile before, but after a quick check of the Aerostich site I realised I can't afford their gear. Alpinestars have a 600 denier Edge Drystar or Street Cargo pants for less than $170 with what seems to be a decently adjustable waist band. But, what exactly is 600 denier fabric? It must be shithot being rated at 600.

Oh yeah, Rubber, I've been lusting over the newenough site for a while now. It can also be worth checking out extremesupply as they sometimes have even better deals (mind you, forget about email correspondence).

Watch this space for new purchase glory.

Jonny wrote:However, the sexy Sidi waterproof boots are just that much out of my price range. I think I'll end up with the Sidi B2 as it seems to have the best protection for price.

The Way Rain and Sport Rain boots are cheaper than the B2 and will be a lot more comfortable. I damn sure wouldn't wear B2s all day!

Jonny wrote:Hey, thanks for all the input.
But, what exactly is 600 denier fabric? It must be shithot being rated at 600.

According to Wikipedia:
Denier is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers. It is defined as the mass in grams per 9,000 meters.
And
Denier is used as the measure of density of weave in tights and pantyhose, which defines their opaqueness.
So 600 Denier is super-girly.

I have the Way boots, picked them up for $75 at a local dealership who had a sale going on. If I remember correctly, they had them marked at $245.

As far as pants: I have a pair of Draggin' jeans, hot as hell in the summer, they feel "heavy". Since that purchase, I snagged a pair of Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0 pants. I just wear them over my jeans...very warm in cold weather.

Sidi Sport Rain on sale for $140!!

http://www.extremesupply.com/sidi/sidib ... ttepor.htm

motorpsycho67 wrote:

Jonny wrote:However, the sexy Sidi waterproof boots are just that much out of my price range. I think I'll end up with the Sidi B2 as it seems to have the best protection for price.

The Way Rain and Sport Rain boots are cheaper than the B2 and will be a lot more comfortable. I damn sure wouldn't wear B2s all day!

Sorry, by "sexy" I meant race/sport style. I just want the added protection that they have. I'm not planning to walk all day in them, apart from the odd event. They'll mainly be commuting and day/weekend tripping boots.

rolly wrote:600 Denier is super-girly.

So, you'd like to see me in 600 Denier, big boy? Grrrrowlllll!


Will it save much of my arse?

@ jonny: keep an eye on the sale items page at aerostich


@ geekgrl: check out the Rev'It products. several women on the local BMW board have been quite happy with them.


@ all of the dealers on the board (and you know who you are):
any deals ? sure, it may be better to post them on the commerce board, but a word or two here would not be inappropriate.

One more recommendation for Aerostitch right here.

Also I' have a pair of Alpinestars SMX-Plus w/Goretex that I have been wearing for the last 5 years. very comfy and have never leaked a drop. Although the last time that I was out, I returned to find that one of my toe sliders had gone AWOL.

Edit: I have just discovered that I can buy a set of magnesuim toe sliders for 20 bucks. This strikes me as a bad idea.

Although... you could probably set a new record for charred foot if things went badly.

Don't overlook the domestic market. You have access to gear over there that we don't get, or is very uncommon here. I have an RS-Taichi summer jacket that I like a lot more than any other mesh jacket I've seen (only worn in OMG HEAT! of course. Not even worn once this year) and I was seriously looking at getting a leather from them as well until I got my current skin. Kushitani is also well regarded, and I'm sure there's much, much more.

rolly wrote:Don't overlook the domestic market. You have access to gear over there that we don't get, or is very uncommon here. I have an RS-Taichi summer jacket that I like a lot more than any other mesh jacket I've seen (only worn in OMG HEAT! of course. Not even worn once this year) and I was seriously looking at getting a leather from them as well until I got my current skin. Kushitani is also well regarded, and I'm sure there's much, much more.

True, Rolly.

To be honest I'd much prefer buying locally and buying Japanese brands, particularly Kushitani. Kushitani, Hyod, and RS Taichi make world class gear, but they're just too expensive for my pocket. I haven't yet found the Japanese equivalent website of New Enough, and I live 3 or 4 hours away from the closest mega-bike shop that would stock a decent range of (more than likely not discounted) gear to peruse. The good Japanese gear seems to be too pricey for me right now.

It's funny, because when I wear my Alpinestars jacket here I feel so exotic. People stop me and say "Where did you get THAT?!?!?".

Jonny wrote:

rolly wrote:Don't overlook the domestic market. You have access to gear over there that we don't get, or is very uncommon here. I have an RS-Taichi summer jacket that I like a lot more than any other mesh jacket I've seen (only worn in OMG HEAT! of course. Not even worn once this year) and I was seriously looking at getting a leather from them as well until I got my current skin. Kushitani is also well regarded, and I'm sure there's much, much more.

True, Rolly.

To be honest I'd much prefer buying locally and buying Japanese brands, particularly Kushitani. Kushitani, Hyod, and RS Taichi make world class gear, but they're just too expensive for my pocket. I haven't yet found the Japanese equivalent website of New Enough, and I live 3 or 4 hours away from the closest mega-bike shop that would stock a decent range of (more than likely not discounted) gear to peruse. The good Japanese gear seems to be too pricey for me right now.

It's funny, because when I wear my Alpinestars jacket here I feel so exotic. People stop me and say "Where did you get THAT?!?!?".

The stuff is mad expensive here, if you can find it, but I assumed that was largely because of exoticness. I thought maybe the prices would be more reasonable in Japan. Guess I was wrong.

And just to add a voice to the choir, I've got a pair of Sidi's that I just love. Mine are more a touring boot not race style. All day comfortable, waterproof, really actually waterproof, and damn sexy too! Had them for 6+ years and they're still in great shape.

12ci wrote:@ jonny: keep an eye on the sale items page at aerostich


@ geekgrl: check out the Rev'It products. several women on the local BMW board have been quite happy with them.


@ all of the dealers on the board (and you know who you are):
any deals ? sure, it may be better to post them on the commerce board, but a word or two here would not be inappropriate.

I'll second the Rev'it stuff, but then again I'm a bit biased.(disclosure: I'm a Rev'it dealer,But I've been wearing it,6 days/500 miles per week for the past 6 months, and love it) As far as 12ci calling us out on deals, there are some to be had. Not that I try to use this board as an advertising outlet anyway.
Though believe you me, I wouldn't be upset if I could become the gear supplier to the local cell, no sir, not at all

TV200 wrote:I'll second the Rev'it stuff, but then again I'm a bit biased.

They had at least one jacket I really liked, but sizing was iffy for me as a big guy, need to find a local dealer or something...

/RM

new boots new boots new boots!

Yesterday I was gifted with the Gaerne Black Rose riding boots I had been wanting (and couldn't afford just now). A totally unexpected pressie for which I am very grateful. Still a bit floored by it ...

... and cannae wait to try them out! Weather and work schedule, please get along and make a ride happen ASAP!


@12ci & TV200: have checked out the Rev'it, thanks for the suggestion, hadn't realized they made "short" sizes. Now to figure out which one I want and start saving up!