Leather vs. Textile

Message

macktruckturner · Fri Oct 21, 2005 1:05 am

I've got the kevlar reinforced jeans, but I don't honestly wear them all the time. I won't ride in shorts, and I know jeans aren't really going to protect squat. I guess in the long run, my legs aren't as important to me as my arms/hands are (guitar player). Maybe not a good answer, but it's my answer for now. I still plan to get a set of pants for my planned ride across Texas and to the Grand Canyon w/ my Grandfather and my Father. I imagine they'll be vastly more comfortable, both riding Goldwings, than I will on my SV.

kabob983 · #12 Unread post by **kabob983** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 2:30 am

Henriettaah,

I read on the post you started a while ago that most jackets have problems with the seams. Is there a website or anything that you (or anyone) saw that tests jackets and includes a stitching test?\

I'd rather not have my jacket come apart whilst I'm in it sliding for my life...

Itzamna · #13 Unread post by **Itzamna** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 7:35 am

kabob983 wrote:Henriettaah,

I read on the post you started a while ago that most jackets have problems with the seams. Is there a website or anything that you (or anyone) saw that tests jackets and includes a stitching test?\

I'd rather not have my jacket come apart whilst I'm in it sliding for my life...

When it comes to stitching, I've heard Joe Rocket is the worst, so maybe stay away from them. I like the quality of Alpinestars myself.

As someone stated, racers use leather. Kangaroo leather actually for the MotoGP suits. You can buy them too, for not too bad of a price really. I'll always buy leather personally. Except for the winter, where leather isn't worth a thing.

#14 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 7:34 pm

macktruckturner wrote:I've got the kevlar reinforced jeans, but I don't honestly wear them all the time. I won't ride in shorts, and I know jeans aren't really going to protect squat. I guess in the long run, my legs aren't as important to me as my arms/hands are (guitar player). Maybe not a good answer, but it's my answer for now. I still plan to get a set of pants for my planned ride across Texas and to the Grand Canyon w/ my Grandfather and my Father. I imagine they'll be vastly more comfortable, both riding Goldwings, than I will on my SV.

This is my knee the night I hit a patch of ice doing about 50km/h

I was wearing basically jeans. I'm now scarred(sp?) for life, literally. It happened back in April of '05 and it won't heal properly because if I sweat the friction of pants rubbing on it from me just walking around will cause a nice bloody blister to form. Which essentially keeps it opening up.

The black stuff is where I cooked.

This is what it looks like over 5 months later. And that's with me using some scar reducers. Wearing shorts is going to be interesting for the rest of my life.

I do find myself wishing that I'd taken pictures all the way through the healing process, simply for interests sake.

Anyways, since that happened I've put 7200km on my bike (after healing enough to get my cast off) and haven't done a single trip without chaps or those kevlar laced jeans. The healing process is just to long, and I'd hate to see what happens if I did damage to my knee again *shudder*

I'm not saying that you have to wear the gear, but if you're not going to please don't get in an accident

it's not worth it.

macktruckturner · Sat Oct 22, 2005 1:06 am

I'll do my damnedest to keep the rubber side down. I've had my fair share of pain, and have a few interesting scars myself. I will be buying tougher riding gear for long trips, and definitely spirited riding, but probably not for the slow ride downtown for coffee. If I'm ever up in Alberta I'll drop ya a PM - and be sure to ride my SV up there - you can show me some of them Canadian roads

Anthony

#16 Unread post by **Sev** » Sat Oct 22, 2005 4:00 am

Three words for Albertan Roads -

Long
Straight
Flat

kabob983 · #17 Unread post by **kabob983** » Sat Oct 22, 2005 5:41 am

Ouch, sorry 'bout the knee. But hey, at least you got a new keyboard to help you through the healing process!

Mag7C · #18 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Sat Oct 22, 2005 8:32 pm

My right knee looks almost exactly like that Sev, minus the yellow tinge around the edges. And mine was a year ago. It's done healing and doesn't bother me at all but when I straighten my leg it still looks raw. I was only doing 30 mph and it wore almost to the bone.

But hell that's life. Scars really aren't a bad thing.

Surprisingly I haven't taken any steps to prevent future injuries. I still ride in jeans or slacks or the same wool pants (now patched up) that I was wearing when I wrecked. I guess it's because unlike the other gear, I know even if I did have riding pants I wouldn't wear them every single day so I don't even bother with them in the first place. Bad logic but it's the truth.

Anyway, glad you're still riding!