Clothing... for a Fat Boy

[Dibble]

Following on from my "Which Bike for a Fat Boy?" threads, can anyone recommend clothing stores/manufacturers?

I've tried some of the textile/Gore Tex jackets on in Hein Gericke - they seem to have two size ranges - one in cms, and one in S, M, L etc. The biggest of the "cms" ranges don't fit, but the ones in the 2 and 3 XL ranges do.

And should I go textile or letaher? I'm planning to use the bike for commuting in all weathers, as well as a bit of touring. I'm in the North West, just outside Preston, if anyone can recommend any stores.

Or should I get Made to Measure leathers (assuming they don't charge per cow... )?

[ballon]

Dibble said:

Following on from my "Which Bike for a Fat Boy?" threads, can anyone recommend clothing stores/manufacturers? I've tried some of the textile/Gore Tex jackets on in Hein Gericke - they seem to have two size ranges - one in cms, and one in S, M, L etc. The biggest of the "cms" ranges don't fit, but the ones in the 2 and 3 XL ranges do. And should I go textile or letaher? I'm planning to use the bike for commuting in all weathers, as well as a bit of touring. I'm in the North West, just outside Preston, if anyone can recommend any stores. Or should I get Made to Measure leathers (assuming they don't charge per cow... )?

Hein Gericke is fine for the fuller figure and the quality is good I personally would not buy anything else as IMHO they represent very good value. I commute all year round and have been warm and dry throughout the winter.

I also have a set of leathers for track days and hooning about, but they are a hassle for touring as you need to take wet gear.

No man made material offers the abrasion resistance/protection that leather does but modern textiles pretty good though, must have inbuilt armour.

Made to measure leathers are spitefully expensive, BKS are north of a £1000, fab kit, but!! You should be able to find something off the peg to fit, the choice is endless. J & S bike stores, Frank Thomas etc

[shot2bits]

Do you have this months issue of Ride? Made to measure from Crowtree for £700 - obviously you can add options to this figure but £700 for a basic set of made to measure is a fantastic price...

www.crowtreeleathers.co.uk/

I went to be measured a few weeks back - excellent service as well...

Edit to say I tried all the retailers and couldn't get anything to fit 100%... I'm 6ft 2" and 13 and a bit stone, not a bean pole but don't quite fit the standard sizes so nothing gave me confidence...


>> Edited by shot2bits on Saturday 20th May 15:53

[DennisTheMenace]

I got for the gortex stuff these days Hien gereke (sp?) is excellent for the price and seems to get better ratings than the fashion victim stuff such as dianneasy wether its leather or fabric ,textile is also a damn site more comfy when it gets hot , but then it all depends on what sort of rider you are, you dont want a 1 piece gimp suit if your going touring . but then i tend to wear just a textile jacket and jeans a piss off a lot of the power ranger crew

Nearly all of my gear is Richa , good quality and pretty cheap , have noticed a lot more people wearing it in the last year or so .

[dern]

I've worn a hein-g textile jacket all winter and it's kept me totally dry and warm. Can't recommend it enough.

Mark

[Dibble]

dern said:

I've worn a hein-g textile jacket all winter and it's kept me totally dry and warm. Can't recommend it enough. Mark

Which model jacket?

I'm 5' 10" and 20ish stone...

[slim_boy_fat]

Dibble said:

dern said: I've worn a hein-g textile jacket all winter and it's kept me totally dry and warm. Can't recommend it enough. Mark I'm 5' 10" and 20ish stone...

uk me thats a james hunt of a size,

but seriously its something that really annoyed me since i started bikeing 10 yeas ago. 5' 6" and 12 stone back then 44" chest and 32" waist i could never find a a 1 piece suit to fit. Now 10 years on its even harder as my waist has started to catch up with my cheast size, shame my legs havent grow 6" !!!

I mainly ride with hood concept 9 jeans with knox armour and a belstaff textile jacket. Both fit perfectly and are great quality.

[jvaughan]

Try "Rave Leathers" of Birmingham. they usually display at Brands etc and other BIke shows. Not expensive, but reasonable if you dont want to break the bank.
They do clothes up to 6XL !!!

0121 682 2241

the guy is called "Sonnet" or Sonney or something

For Jackets, Buffalo do some big cheapie jackets that offer reasonable protection

[Davel]

Bill Smith's and HG both have stores in Chester and both shops are near to each other and have very helpful staff.

Worth a ride out!

[dern]

Dibble said:

dern said: I've worn a hein-g textile jacket all winter and it's kept me totally dry and warm. Can't recommend it enough. Mark Which model jacket?

Sorry, no idea... can't find the model name on it.

[MrsMiggins]

I think IXS do bigger sizes in their gear. For all weather riding I'd also go with the textile stuff.