What do you wear and how do you like it?
- Thread starter Traxx
- Start date
Been through quite an assortment in the sixty years of roadwork. Currently for winter I wear an oversized Tourmaster Transition II coat in hi-viz, it allows plenty of room for layering when the temps below 0F, and I’ve noticed “ cagers giving me a bit more room than previously. My Aerostich Air-Vantage heated liner replaced the vest as running behind a small screen my arms are warmer. Am especially pleased with the inflatable bladder which gives slightly more wind resistance and holds the heating elements tighter to the body. AD1lightweight are the cats meow, totally waterproof and as tested on a previous pair very abrasion resistant. With their thick knee pads, over the calf “ Darn Tough”,(lifetime granted no questions asked), merino wool socks, and the accessory added waterproof boot pocket that simply pulls out the bottom of the leg opening in conjunction with my choice of base layers my lower half remains comfortable without electric heat. A pair of “Ken Phenix” modified snowmobile gloves give me way more hand heat than I’ve ever been able to use, 4 of 10 on the digital controller is good for many hours on the freeway at temps in the -20F range. That leaves my feet as my “Achilles heal”, and the “First Gear” heated socks have that well covered. These work better for me than heated insoles as they wrap the toes in heat not just the bottoms. Running mid controls I get a lot of wind movement over the top of the toes. When it warms up I change up to the “Alpinstars” textile and leather armored jacket, and higher heat I break out the “Joe Rocket “ mesh jacket. I now have two pair of Aerostich, one pair of “Lites” for warm weather and one pair of taller oversized for cold weather with proper layers underneath. An option for the lower body I have a pair of “Tourmaster Csliper” second generation, riding pants,(my gen1 gave me great service for near 20 years), added suspenders for lessened mid body constriction. The Gen II are waterproof, full leg zippers and armored hips and knees, absolute best $99.00 riding pants I’ve ever found.
For 12 years i have been a solid Aerostich roadcrafter classic one piece guy.
Under that is ld comfort longs. Boots have been bmw sourced. Gloves..i have a variety.
If i find its getting cold( thats an aussies version not a nth american one) i put gerbings heated gear on top of the ld comforts and if needed plug in socks and gloves.
Ive worn this combo all over the world, worn one stich out crashed hard enough to wreck one and am waiting on no.3 to arrive any day now
Under that is ld comfort longs. Boots have been bmw sourced. Gloves..i have a variety.
If i find its getting cold( thats an aussies version not a nth american one) i put gerbings heated gear on top of the ld comforts and if needed plug in socks and gloves.
Ive worn this combo all over the world, worn one stich out crashed hard enough to wreck one and am waiting on no.3 to arrive any day now
Aerostich R3 Lite is my go-to. I've had it repaired and was happy with how that service went, though it did cost money. One pit-zip failed, and one of the pant legs started to tear on the inside from putting my boots through it. They pressure tested it and said the Gore-Tex had technically failed in some areas, likely from dirt and sweat, but as long as I don't let water pool on those areas (armpits, back) it doesn't soak through and still works great for rain protection. I stand up occasionally in the rain anyway to make sure water isn't pooling on top of the crotch area. Have worn it through winter snow riding as well as hot summers in the south. Over 100 degrees it kind of rough, but all gear that is not actively cooled fairs about the same.
For a helmet I have an HJC F70 Carbon, the carbon wasn't necessary but it made it lighter which helps on longer rides or going over bumps, less neck strain. The field of view on that helmet is incredible. For anyone who feels claustrophobic in a full face helmet, I'd recommend they give it a try. I ditched my Shoei Neotech 2 for it after a crash and haven't missed the modular function too much.
For gloves I really liked the Aerostich Competition Elksin Roper but they've been out of stock for years now so I am using Held Rodney II Gloves. They are perforated but I still wear them in the winter because I run knuckle guards, heated grips, and Hippo Hands bar mitts for winter riding. Like most dyed leather gloves, they'll stain your hands in the rain! The visor squeegee is a favorite feature that I look for on most gloves.
For boots I have Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots. They're reasonably comfortable off the bike but wouldn't want to take a hike in them. They have some ankle protection on both sides, which is an upgrade from the Tour Master Solution 3.0 WP Boots I previously had which did okay in a crash but still left me with a sprained ankle. Being Gore-Tex, they're incredibly hot in the summer and I open them up and let my dogs breathe when possible even if it's just a 10 minute snack break and stretch at a fuel stop.
I almost always wear a buff or neck gaiter of some sort, and in hot weather I will soak it in water. Keeps the bugs from splattering on my neck and reduces wind noise into the helmet.
For a helmet I have an HJC F70 Carbon, the carbon wasn't necessary but it made it lighter which helps on longer rides or going over bumps, less neck strain. The field of view on that helmet is incredible. For anyone who feels claustrophobic in a full face helmet, I'd recommend they give it a try. I ditched my Shoei Neotech 2 for it after a crash and haven't missed the modular function too much.
For gloves I really liked the Aerostich Competition Elksin Roper but they've been out of stock for years now so I am using Held Rodney II Gloves. They are perforated but I still wear them in the winter because I run knuckle guards, heated grips, and Hippo Hands bar mitts for winter riding. Like most dyed leather gloves, they'll stain your hands in the rain! The visor squeegee is a favorite feature that I look for on most gloves.
For boots I have Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots. They're reasonably comfortable off the bike but wouldn't want to take a hike in them. They have some ankle protection on both sides, which is an upgrade from the Tour Master Solution 3.0 WP Boots I previously had which did okay in a crash but still left me with a sprained ankle. Being Gore-Tex, they're incredibly hot in the summer and I open them up and let my dogs breathe when possible even if it's just a 10 minute snack break and stretch at a fuel stop.
I almost always wear a buff or neck gaiter of some sort, and in hot weather I will soak it in water. Keeps the bugs from splattering on my neck and reduces wind noise into the helmet.