Triumphrat

Whisperinsmith · 02-15-2008

I've ridden in the rain enough and don't mind it. As a matter of fact, I find it peaceful. I wear the Triumph rain gear and find it works fine.

Here is my question. I've recently purchased gear that I hope will allow me to ride in the rain without putting on extra rain gear. For those who've ridden with this type of gear, i.e. Aerostich suits, Triumph Sympatex, Olympia gear that claim to be waterproof; do you find it keeps you totally dry? Or do you sometimes wish you had proper rain gear over those jackets and pants?

I'm hoping for longer rides I can avoid carrying the extra gear.

Texican · 02-15-2008

I have worn an Aerostitch 2 piece Roadcrafter suit for 10 years. No, it is not totally waterproof, you get the notorious wet crotch if you are in a heavy rain for along period of time. The water pools in that area and finally soaks thru. Still, I do not carry other rain gear as the Aerostitch does an overall good job, just not perfect. I like the fact that I can ride in the Aerostitch everyday on a trip and take very minimal clothes. I change the layers under the Aerostitch to match the temperature. In the summer time, I ride in a t shirt and shorts under the Stitch, in the winter time, I can add an electric vest and polarfleece. In many cases, riders that have to stop and put on rain gear will postpone doing so until they are already wet and then they have to stop and put on rain gear over wet clothing and then somewhere down the road, they have to stop and take it off. Also, I don't understand the jackets and pants that have waterproof liners. To me, thats even worse, as you have to stop and take off your pants and jacket to put in a liner. The Stitch is not perfect, I don't think any gear is, but to me, the Stitch is good most of the time. And I have not even talked about the padding and protection of the Stitch compared to other riding gear.

HiDesert · 02-15-2008

Waterproof liners? I've never heard of that; that is a really dumb idea.

Have you tried useing some waterproofing spray where the water pools, Texican?

I figured we'd be getting these questions from the Aussies right now.

Whisperinsmith · 02-15-2008

Well, I guess I'll bring my rain gear just in case.

Old Scratcher · 02-15-2008

Since I fitted my screen, I've found that I only get wet on my arms & legs, & I often don't bother putting my wets on, unless the rain is really heavy.
But here in the tropics, wet arms & jeans are no discomfort, & usually dry within minutes of the rain ending.

LoVel · 02-15-2008

Whisper,
I have a two piece Olympia suit that has a liner. The liner is windproof, waterpoof, and for riding in cooler weather. I have never gotten wet when wearing it and the liner does a remarkable job of keeping you warm when needed. In the summer when it is raining it does a remarkable job of keeping you dry without overheating you. The liner also compresses to a very small size so it will not take up much space if you don't need it.

Brooksie · 02-15-2008

I have the Field Sheer touring stuff and it keeps me dry in the most heay downpour. It has the protection in all the right spots and lots of pockets as well. It has a waterproof membrane that works perfectly. The only place I got wet is a little spot on my left wrist where the glove folds over. Arai RX7 hlmet stays dry inside. Alpine Stars water proof boot.

mistermellow001 · 02-15-2008

Whisper, it's not going to rain on our trip.

Or...

It will rain everywhere in the United States for 20 straight days, in which case we will have a very peaceful experience.

Wombat · 02-15-2008

Here's what you need to stay dry:

steventhechef · 02-15-2008

I have never worried about a rainsuit myself. If I get wet I just hope that the drying time is roughly equal to the distance left to travel.