Hi guys, I'm going to the NEC show in February and hoping to pick up a whole new wardrobe of kit. So jacket, trousers, boots. Maybe gloves and MAYBE a nice shiny Shoei XR1100 lid... My gloves are some very nice Alpinestars leather gortex ones. Not cheap and pretty much brand new. So anyway, I've only ever worn 1 piece leathers on bikes. My boots and lid are over 4 years old with thousands of miles in them. The boots have zip ties for the zip holders, there are holes in the bottom through to the protective plastic. They are a state. I don't know what to wear, I have something cheap for the winter... Mens Waterproof Motorcycle Biker Racing Jacket: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B5D1JV0/?tag=ducatiforum-21 But I will want something decent when February comes. Something that again, will last several years of constant wear. Any suggestions? I don't get that cold and my worry is, if I go for textile gear, I will just be sat in a bag of sweat. I have no idea what kit is best! Thanks!
To be honest, i used to fork out and buy brand new Dianese stuff all the time. £1200 for 1 pieces leathers etc... £200 for boots, £120 for gloves etc... Then I got some common sense, and the last lot of leathers I bought I got 2nd hand off ebay. I already knew what size I wanted and so I ended up paying £100 for a full dianese 1 piece set of leathers which looked as new and £25 for virtually new pair of the same dianese boots id paid £200 for a few years earlier. There's loads of people who get the biking bug, buy all the gear then get bored within a few months. Now adays there is no way id buy anything like that new, except for my crash helmets. As for show "bargains".... I find most of the stuff sold at shows with a "special show price" is in fact more expensive than you can get it online for these days, so do your research before you go to any shows so you know what sort of price stuff normally is.
I'm really not worried about price, I will indeed look for the best bargain (thanks for the advice Rabbit, will take a list with me if I have not found something decent before hand). My first set of leathers was given to me haha. Then I bought my second set of leathers from a mate. I've bought boots, gloves and helmets from shows heavily reduced previously. What I'm looking for in terms of advice is what type of kit... Leather, leather goretex, textile goretex etc etc. I really don't know
I've got Daines goretex kit - can't remember what is is, but it was expensive. I commute in it through the winter and sometimes in the summer (leathers). On the mutley, it's almost too warm above 6 degrees. It's completely waterproof and uses the same protection as their leathers. THe jacket I have has a high neck with it's own removable lining and neck armour. I haven't really felt the need to look at anything else tbh, but I guess Rukka or goretex lined leathers would be something to look at.
No bargains to be had. ! Shop online . Or go try on then buy online . Some of the stuff at NEC this year was more like a boot sale !
If you are looking for textiles Hein Gerike still make a good quality product. Rukka and Halvassons are also well worth a look. I find for winter riding a good goretex textile jacket is much more comfortable and warmer than a leather jacket. I still like leather on my legs though.
I tried to look at the Scando stand No prices No body to ask anything . Looked like great kit just wish I could have checked prices and tried some stuff on as none the wiser the euro sizes are so confusing
I always used to wear leather jacket/trousers until a few years ago when I got textile jacket. Haven't worn a leather jacket since. I like the comfort, style and protection of leather trousers and the lightness and adaptability of tex jackets. The jacket, being fairly waterproof means I only need to carry overtrousers and overmitts if the weathers iffy and less roadside faffing about getting togged up. Tex jackets are cooler than leather in hot weather as most have more vents and lining options and so much lighter to carry around. I've been wearing waterproof hiking boots for years, they're sturdy enough, light and comfy all day on and off the bike and keep feet dry for up to an hour in the wet. My last 2 pairs came from sports direct reduced from £80 to £30.
