Hot weather biking gear

[armstrongracer]

Hi, I'm looking for advice on hot weather biking gear. Planning a tour around southern Spain and possibly a visit to the Aragon Motogp this summer.

Now, my idea of touring is more Fireblade +Kriega rucksack than full dress tourer, avoid morways and head for the twisties. I'm fairly particular about riding gear, even when I was a piss-poor racer I had the best gear I could afford, probably the only reason I'm still here to write this. So, is it possible to combine the safety of leathers with the comfort of vented textile or should I just dremel a hole in my Alpinestars to let the sweat pour out. Advice/Recommendations gratefully accepted.

[PHlL]

I personally struggle with this. I'm quite a hot person in general which doesn't help.

I've got very bad as of late and riding in jeans, even when abroad and I've got too used to it now. My initial logical was when I'm too hot on the bike I'm not concentrating as well, so better to be cool and comfortable which will help me rider safer in the first place.

Spain not too bad as not too much stop start, but if you get stuck at a stop for more than 10 seconds in full leathers at 30+ degree heat, it's not nice.

[vonhosen]

Rukka Airall (called Rukka Forsair in some countries).
And have some light fold away waterproofs with you in the Kriega.

[CoolHands]

I always wore a shirt abroad, to make sure I didn’t get sunburnt

[bogie]

When ive toured Spain and USA before in 35-45 deg c heat, then kevlar jeans and mesh jacket, with a base layer t-shirt. On really hot days in the 40s then a cooling vest over the base layer really helps. You can get textile trousers with mesh vent panels too which are probably cooler than the lightest kevlar jeans.

I have a Vanson mesh cordura jacket with armour. Also has a light nylon liner you can put in on chilly mornings then pack away later. Most of the big bike brands have some kind of mesh vented summer outfit to choose from.

[creampuff]

Mesh. Full of little holes. Obv this is not waterproof at all. I've biked a number of places well over 30 deg and mesh is the only thing I find suitable and which will not make me overheat. Being too hot will lead to poor decision making.

Beware some mesh will melt, some won't. The reason it might melt is friction as you go sliding down the road.

[Andy XRV]

I've been using the Rev'it Ignition 2 Jacket and trousers now for a number of years and I can't recommend them enough. It's my normal choice for 95% of my riding now, both in Europe and at home. The Rev'it Ignition 3 is now out but essentially it's the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwrg86g_STY

[SteelerSE]

I have an Alpinestar mesh jacket and kevlar jeans and it's still too hot above 30-32 degrees.

I don't think there's a good answer without compromising safety. If I did enough riding in those temperatures I'd get a vented set of white/light coloured leathers but I live in England so... no.

[Dr Jekyll]

I've just got back from a ride around the Chilterns in about 25dec C wearing kevlar jeans and a mesh jacket with a T shirt underneath. Legs were OK, but I really should have taken the lining out of the jacket.

[bogie]

These cooling vests really work if its really hot - like 35 deg C upwards http://www.thinksport.co.uk/techniche-hyperkewl-ev...

Bought one similar in the US a couple of years back, was only $25 there, never had to wear it in the UK though

[armstrongracer]

Cheers all,

Mesh always worried me because of the thought that stone chips in the could catch the open weave and rip it open. Maybe I'm over sensitive about that, I live in Ireland and the roads are rough as f***. I've opened up some RS Tachi leathers on the road that laughed at a high speed Craner Curve get off with barely a scuff. Having said that my memory of Spain, apart from the crucifying heat in the aforementioned (black!!) leathers was the tarmac being a lot more smoother than Irish roads.

[techguyone]

Just don't be like Ron

He's the one in a helmet with shorts and flip flops on, nothing else. I cringe just from the memory.

[armstrongracer]

Yup, I was joking with a workmate on Friday about holiday bikers who rent scooters having no previous bike experience then throw alcohol and beachwear into the mix. He then told me about his mate who ended a planned month long Thai trip on the second day. He also mentioned the skid marks on the road that started white then went red....

[jamiehamy]

Came across a boy last night who had a spill on his 125 after catching the front wheel on gravel. The wrist area above the thumb was shredded - I said I'm glad he has proper protection on in the heat and he confessed he was just going to wear his hoodie but changed his mind at last minute. He was only doing about 15mph. Lucky escape! I saw 3 bikers with t-shirts on yesterday. Bonkers!

[anonymous-user]

I ride in the tropics, I have one piece leathers hanging up from my days of LTR sports bike and track days, but Kevlar jeans and mesh jacket for the road, not perfect protection but a workable compromise, I've sseen loads if people argue with the tarmac in Thailand they all lost.

[bongtom]

^ How’s rainy season for ya!

I’m at that age now where I will wear at least Kevlar jeans/jacket but draw the line at full leathers as it is just too hot, unless you’re local.

That’s if I ever get a big bike but where I am there’s just no point. The place is a construction site and the Chinese are nutty drivers.

If we move to Kampot then I’ll get suited up. (Plus a big bike please Santa)

[martyn850]

I have a Dainese Hydra Flux D-Dry mesh jacket. However it has a removable waterproof liner. The liner folds up small and is easy to stash should you get caught in any rain. Also keeps the chill off when the temp drops a bit. Cooling and waterproof.