Triumphrat

Thatch · 06-08-2009, 01:09 PM

I'm putting together my gear for an pending tbird delivery and have come to a bit of an impasse on what to do for warm weather gear. I'm in southern North Carolina which means in August it get's like a fat man's crotch down here. I've never had a mesh or perf leather jacket before (always road stupid before) but I'd like to get one so I've got some protection during the heat. I've ordered in the Triumph Hawk for my full leather jacket (52) but haven't found a warm weather jacket. I tried on the mil spec Joe Rocket (which would be nice since I'll be riding on base for my job) but the XL was like putting on a wet suit. I also didn't care much for the liner which was a rain material. I'm 6' 6" but athletic build so the sizing issue is sleeve and shoulders, not circumnavigation of the gut.

So, I guess I have multiple questions. One, what is the advantages / disadvantages of a mesh vs perf jacket? What if any jacket would you suggest? Which jackets might fit a slightly larger than average frame? And do you have any other gear suggestions for warm weather riding?

skiTTles · 06-08-2009, 01:46 PM

Perforated leather all the way IMHO. There is a “retro” looking Teknic jacket at Newenough.com on closeout for $75 that is fully perf leather with CE armour (if they have your size you can’t go wrong). You get the “cruiser” look with “race” protection.

I’ve got really broad shoulders as well and have found that 3XL fits me well across all the gear makers I’ve tried to date, but I’m a 48L so YMMV.

kendall1 · 06-08-2009, 04:18 PM

I would suggest taking a look at Olympia jackets. I live in Richmond, Va so I know what mean about heat. I have the the GT Air All Seasons Transition Jacket and it works well in the heat. They do have a new jacket they call the Bonneville.

http://www.olympiamotosports.com/home.htm

mglemans86 · 06-08-2009, 04:41 PM

I have a Cortech GX Air. It's vented textile but has leather with CE armor where it counts.. It comes with a water/wind proof liner and a thermal liner I rode up to Americade last Wednesday and had to put in the wind liner for the early morning. Later in the day it came out. It works on hot days. I also have Triumph raptor vented riding pants that zip to the jacket.. It's a nice ATGATT combo

baileym76 · 06-08-2009, 05:51 PM

Check out the mesh armor that is designed to go under a longsleeve shirt. Alpinestars makes a version for around 220. I got one from six six one that is on clearance at cyclegear for 50 bucks. It fits under my ACU top when I am riding on post.

jimballard · 06-08-2009, 07:39 PM

Im using a First Gear mesh jacket which comes with shoulder and elbow armor; let's plenty of air through it and if it's a cool morning, I wear a golfer's windshirt underneath it.

Been very happy with the setup: Jim

Lee · 06-08-2009, 07:55 PM

I have two joe rockets...one for cold weather and the other which you mentioned. With out the liner it is very cool and airy. The liner as you suggested good for rain. I really like the quality of the Joe Rocket products I also have their gloves.

oldmanjob · 06-08-2009, 10:02 PM

I live in Western NC, and when it is 70 or over I wear this without the bones. Vanson mesh shirt with back, shoulder, and elbow armor. Like wearing a tee shirt but it is a skin saver

Pics:

RT · 06-08-2009, 11:03 PM

pref leather in the summer heat of central Florida. No way. That jacket gets put away in April.

Olympia or the Vanson mesh are both good choices for mesh. Also Rider mag. this month has a review of quite a few mesh jackets. Have seen the Vanson and don't think you can get much more airflow with a decent level of protection. No experience with Joe Rocket.

Just remember the more hot airflow over your body the more water loss you will experience. Got to keep drinking LOTS of water. Would suggest a camelbak or something similar to keep away the dehydration. Don't want the "bear to grab you" while you riding.

Also shirt like underarmour are good choice, long sleeve will acutally keep you comfortable.

Also this is a good read for other suggestions
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...ight=mesh+gear

Thatch · 06-08-2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiTTles

Perforated leather all the way IMHO. There is a “retro” looking Teknic jacket at Newenough.com on closeout for $75

OK, that's just too cheap not to at least try out. I ordered the Teknic Legend right after reading your post. I figure there is little way for me to go wrong with that purchase. The Legend is a good looking retro style jacket to boot, so I'm happy with it. (so far) I did do the XXXL as well as I'm concerned any bigger and it's going to be like wearing a hefty bag. Worst case is a burned some shipping costs. Thanks for the lead.

I like that Olympian Bonneville as well. Depending on how the Teknic works out I'll look into that one next.

J