YAKQ- Yet another Kit Question

[Graham]

well actually two.

The first one is for the commuters... what sort of kit do you guys that commute to work and have to wear a whistle and flute when you get there use? do you have something that goes over your suit, if so what and how does the suit look when you get to the office?


the second is to do with more casual wear... now the majority of the kit i've seen makes you look a bit like robo cop... just for bimbling around i'd prefer something a bit more casual to suit the naked bike that i fancy.... Frank thomas kit is in the local bike shop and they do some nice fabric jackets that include some armour in the shoulders and elbows but look like normal jackets. I was quite surprised to see them selling jeans to, on closer inspection they include kevlar in the abrasion points and armour at the knees too. Are they actually any use if you come off the bike or would I be better in shorts and flip flops? ( also not sure what an examiner would think if i turned up in what look like jeans !!!)

cheers Guys

[jezzaaa]

Hi Graham - I'm no expert, but have read many threads on here to do with clothing...and the consensus seems to be that the bulky robocop features of the clothing is what holds it together when you have a spill. There's another thread running re the Denim/Kevlar trousers...and most of the contributors seemed to think it wouldn't be much cop in a spill. I guess it's a choice between looking cool and being comfy....and skin grafts etc if you come off.

[Chilli]

jezzaaa said:

Hi Graham - I'm no expert, but have read many threads on here to do with clothing...and the consensus seems to be that the bulky robocop features of the clothing is what holds it together when you have a spill. There's another thread running re the Denim/Kevlar trousers...and most of the contributors seemed to think it wouldn't be much cop in a spill. I guess it's a choice between looking cool and being comfy....and skin grafts etc if you come off.

[Glade]

I'm trying to find a pic from a KTM superduke advert where the rider is wearing a black textile dainese jacket/trousers. Looks pretty cool. Hein gericke also do some nice textile gear.

I have a set of frank thomas bulky textiles that I use to go over my work clothes (fortunately my work clothes are industrial work wear so I don't worry about them getting creased). The important thing is to get a big jacket that comes down over the trousers. Getting a tight leather-jacket-in-textile looks better, but i find it impracticle for the commute. I like to have mobile x2, wallet, house keys, car-park and door passes, iPod etc stashed in my jacket.

In the summer I sometimes wear the top half of my leathers with textile trousers. However this means if I stop at the petrol station I have to get my bag-off and fish about for debit card etc. (interupting my routine for a quick pay-at-pump splash and dash!)

[robstvr]

I wear this jacket:

http://www.rukka.com/lfashion/rukka/rukkawww.nsf/v...

and these trousers:

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/product_info.ph...

They have both done me proud through blizzards - no kidding - and South of France 35 degree heat.

Saying that, i think in hindsight the Rukka may be overkill, and the top line HG kit would be better value, perhaps. The Rukka is almost too good, if that makes sense?

[Graham]

Well I popped into the Ducati shop to have a quick butchers at my bike, sat there waiting for me. I got chatting with the guys there, and mentioned I'd sorted all of the kit apart from a jacket, and I should probably sort it before I start my DAS next week...

after a cracking deal came home with one of these :-)



basically a Ducati Branded dainese textile and leather jobby. It feels nice and comfy, has a couple of pockets, Plenty of armour including forearms, but doenst feel like its there and doesnt look too robo cop like.. its also got a removable liner so should be good in summer and mild winter...

G

Edited by Graham on Friday 23 May 20:08

[hiccy]

Personally I wouldn't compromise on protection simply for style, and I don't think there is any need to: I've got a nice Alpinestars leather jacket that is well ventilated and actually looks very stylish, yet has proven its abrasion resistance and stood up well, well enough for me to continue using it in fact. Have a good look around and see what you like, there's bound to be a good compromise somewhere.

For commuting I use either the above jacket or my textile one along with textile over-trousers. I keep belt and shoes at work, and wear shirt and trousers underneath my kit. Takes two minutes to change.

[m3psm]

I wear the HG Cruise trousers and jacket all year round and just remove the liners in the hot months.

You can wear the suit underneath and just keep shoes at work.

As mentioned above, putting fashion above protection could turn out to be very painfull exersise and one that most wouldn't chance.

[Graham]

You dont rate Dainese stuff as being protective then? I thought it had a good rep

[AndyDRZ]

I crashed at 30ish mph in HG textile trousers (Sorry can't remember the type) and it ripped through them.

If I go for some old "Classic" then I might go with textiles again, anything faster and I'll be in 2 piece. That does mean the commute to work will be a bh though.

[Sossige]

Graham said:

You dont rate Dainese stuff as being protective then? I thought it had a good rep

Hi Graham -

A problem with a lot of the big name brands and the cheaper versions of their products is that they are made in China etc, where the quality isn't up to the version made elsewhere. I've been warned off the cheaper Alpine Stars gear for this reason.

I've got Teknic clothing and it's comfortable, reasonably priced. I don't think Ride etc have done a group test yet featuring any of their gear.

[Graham]

Label says made in Tunisia !!! No idea if thats better or worse than China, quality seems fine though..

[Spam]

Graham said:

Label says made in Tunisia !!! No idea if thats better or worse than China, quality seems fine though..

Can't deny the style though