Recommendations on Hot Weather Riding Gear ?

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Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:06 am

Now that I have the green light on getting my learning bike in April, I need to start looking for a jacket and pants (or a one-piece suit?) for riding in those hot, humid, Missouri summers.

For now, for other reasons, leather is out. Mostly to do with cost, and the fact that I expect to lose another 50 pounds in the next year.

Does anyone recommend particular jackets, pants, whatever, that have some impact armor, yet have a lot of ventilation?

I am looking for decent protection (I am the newest of newbies, after all) but I feel that it has to be as cool as possible for me to use it every ride in our nasty summers.

Luckily http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com is on the North side of town, so I can get a price break.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
This web site is really helping me a lot.

scan · #2 Unread post by **scan** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:01 am

All last summer I rode in full-gear at all times. On the hottest days I was still not overheated. My answer was Joe Rocket Phoenix. This is text-mesh with CF armour in the back, elbows, shoulders, and knees. The butt is reinforced with cordura like fabric. It breathes very well, and on those hottest days I could get away with riding in short and a t-shirt under my Phoenix jacket and pants. I think this is the coolest option you will find if you want to remain in your gear in the heat of the summer.

Here is another review I need to post in the product review section. Anyway, the quality of the product is good, but I've heard complaints about zipper problems. Make sure you check them well before you put down the cash.

TechTMW · #3 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:15 am

Dude , you are very lucky to live near such an awesome place!!! I'd spend my paycheck there if I was so close!!!

Check this out:
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/deta ... ID=57-6543

That's a GREAT Deal!!!! I purchased a similar jacket (Arlen Ness Mesh) Trust me, On hot day's it's a blessing. I now feel protected and cool with my mesh jacket. Good news is, I've two friends who had mild 'incidents' - one with the Gericke Mesh, and one with the First gear mesh. Both came out unharmed (Blows to the ego notwithstanding). The mesh held up very well, and the armor did its job. Just make sure that it fits snugly!

Sidenote - These mesh jackets are really effective at cooling - as long as there is a breeze or you are moving. If you live in an area with traffic, I would avoid BLACK because it does get a bit hot on a sunny day while you are sitting in traffic.

poppygene · #4 Unread post by **poppygene** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:24 am

Wow! They do have some excellent prices there. I'm bookmarking this site right now.

Gadjet · #5 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:30 am

I'll second Scan's reccomendation of the JR Phoenix Jacket. One of the really nice things about the Phoenix is that it comes with a zip in waterproof liner, so even if it is raining out, you still have the protection from getting wet without having to resort to a full on rainsuit. also allows you to wear the mesh on slightly cooler days.

Keyoke · #6 Unread post by **Keyoke** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:02 am

That place is CHEAP!!

pity the shipping would cost me a small fortune.....

Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:07 pm

Thanks for the recommendations so far.
I had already bokmarked two models from Gericke and one from FirstGear.

Joe Rocket tends not to have size: "big fat tub of goo".

I need to buy it very snug, as I am also in a weight loss program - my wife is holding the purchase of a new bike over my head until I lose the rest. So, I'd like the gear to fit for a year.....

Mer · #8 Unread post by **Mer** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:40 pm

I've got the First Gear Mesh Tex jacket and I love it. It keeps me cool (as possible) in the summer. It's held up well over 2 years and not showing any sign of wear and tear. I've even washed it and it held up well. (Removed the armor and hung it to dry).