I got a Dianese Smart Jacket LS (long sleeved) and it’s certainly nice to wear in hot weather. I haven’t had the ‘opportunity’ to check how safe it is…
From your replies (thanks all) I think I’m going to go Knox. As usual I’m in between sizes so will (at some point) order two different sizes and see which fits best. Typically it’s a lot cooler now but I think the Knox is a good investment regardless.
Don’t worry, it’s warming up next week, and people will be whinging that it’s too hot again in no time.
Tried the Knox this morning, medium and large. I’m right between them both so went large. Room for my chest protector. Just went for a spin. It’s about 20 degrees so leather would be fine. I have say I was amazed at the airflow in the jacket. My forearms and biceps actually felt a little too cool. So that bodes quite well. I have a 200 mile trip planned Thursday so will see how it goes then. Thank you all for your input.
For anything other than a few of hours out on the bike during the heat of the day you need to be prepared to go with layers for ultimate comfort and adapt accordingly. I have a Halvarssons merino wool top with windproof panels, this is ideal paired with my Klim Marrakesh. Add a breathable waterproof outer and that gives versatile clothing, if you do similar for the bottom half, that I'm happy to set off with onto the continent for a week or two in the summer. All three layers worn combined if riding at night or early morning as the waterproof layer is also ultimately windproof too.
I take one of these with me in my Kriega us5, folds up small for if I get caught out with rain. https://www.dainese.com/gb/en/motor...krnGCmC-n1MdKofOQdAmW7UMpcN4bgERoC0rYQAvD_BwE
I have a Knox Honister, great jacket, fit is tight but AAA rated so think its meant to be. That with AAA rated Hood jeans makes for good kit in the summer.
I did the 200 mile trip yesterday. Morning was about 19 degrees peak. I wore a merino long sleeve top under the jacket. Slightly chilly but easily bearable. Coming home it was cooler. About 17 degrees and forecast rain. I wore the same plus a wind proof top. That was perfect. I like the freedom of movement it gives especially noticeable when doing lifesavers. Much better than leathers. Happy with it overall.
I've been using a perforated Hideout 1 piece in the heat with a Pro-skins 1 piece underneath. Absolutely fine when moving. But sweaty as bollocks when you stop. I honestly don't really notice the heat that much, it's just when I have to do something physical OFF the bike, i.e. push it around that I realise how hot it is... Suppose it's probably good for keeping the weight off
+1. I’ve been using Hideout’s perforated kangaroo gear. It’s been very comfy in summer sunshine However, I don’t recommend perforated leathers in the rain
Hi GDS968, how well does the Honister jacket cope with temperatures in the high 20’s C and above? Also, when buying a jacket to go over the Honister, do you have to go up a size on your usual?
Well have only ridden with it in the UK, but this summer had a few high 20's and it was great, I think as soon as you stop moving in any jacket its going to heat up regardless, but overall really pleased with mine. Mine is a large size and i sometimes wear an Oxford Windstopper jacket over the top of it which is fine and i can then get an Oxford Rainseal Pro Jacket over both and still move around etc. The Rainseal jacket is a medium for reference (go figure!!) so it really depends on the individual jacket thats going over the top. I think generally over jackets are sized up accordingly.
Glad you sorted something out. Alpinestars Domino - mine seems to have lost any waterproofing that it might have had. Wear it with a T-Shirt underneath in the summer. For summer trips away to Europe - take this and a Gore-tex outer shell that packs down tiny. About £200.
