Leathers vs. textile

Okay. I've got a list with what a rookie needs to get for riding comfort.. now, what about leathers vs. textile? am still riding in street clothes and I'd like to take my looks to a more "am into serious biking" level? (could not find a catwoman costume on my liken..) :-D

[preachp]

Hi Diona,
Textiles are lighter and cooler in hot weather, but they are not as a brasion resistant as leather. Both can be had with good armor in the right places. Most really serious riders still stick with leather. One piece suits are better. If you get get a riding suit you need to determine if you want perforated oor solid. Perforated is obviously cooler in the hot weather.

Preachp

Get two jackets: one of each.

Start with a good textile for summer, and when it starts cooling down (September ?) get a cowhide leather one.

Textile ones can be had for around $200. Good leather jackets are $250 +.

[NROWLEY]

To the contary

I wear a Cordura/ Gortex jacket and trousers in the winter with zip in linner for warmth, body armour for protection and the gortex membrian for water proofness.

Leather two piece in the summer with built in armour and a seperate back proctector, leather won't keep you warm or dry in the winter, also consider heated grips if your going through the colder stuff.

hope this helps

[boxsky]

I bought BMW summer pants that zip the lower leg off. Very nice, comfortable. BMW knows how to make clothes probably the nicest i've seen even make leather that relects sun instead of absorbing it.

[kann]

I used to ride in a leather jacket (Alpinestars Dyno) and Joe Rocket Ballistic pants. Since I bought the Aerostich Roadcrafter, though, I haven't worn either of them. I bought it and told myself the Aerostich was for commuting and longer rides, and I'd wear the jacket and jeans or JR pants around town, but I put on the obnoxious yellow suit anytime I get on now.

I'm comfortable with the protection offered by it. It's not leather, but I think it will hold up well at a highway speed get off. It's got outstanding reviews, and there are even a few tracks that will let you wear a Roadcrafter in lieu of leather. That says something to me right there....although I don't think I'd care to try it at the track

[dolson]

IMHO
although leathers have a bit better abrasion resistance. Better overall protection, comfort and weather resistance can be had with the textiles. There is nothing hotter, smellier, colder or wetter than leathers. I wouldn't even think of using leather in the winter. A riding buddie of mine who has been a dedicated leather wearer just bought he and his wife new textile kit for the above reasons.

If you get a set of perforated leathers for the summer the perfs will weaken the entire structure and you'll be loosing your abrasion resistance.

Leathers are also finicky to clean and dry when wet whereas you can toss the textiles into a cool wash, gentle and let them air dry.

Since in Oregon it rains about 8-9 months out of the year rain repellent is an issue here. I ride year round and my textiles have proven themselves to be dry and warm. I'll layer up as the temps drop. Also I was riding the other day and it got up to 104. I got a little toasty at a couple of constructions I had to stop at but while moving all was fine.

If you are thinking of track day most outfits allow armored textiles in the "C" group with leathers in the B+A groups all with back protection so you can still start with textiles and get a set of leathers if you want to go up scale.

Since most manufactures have high quality stuff get what fits the best and has approved armor at all your hard points and fits well enough that it doesn't roll on you.

Get the highest quality full face helmet that fits you, gloves and boots without laces.

But the best advice I can give is that no matter what you decide on for protection....Use it every time you get on a bike. No excuses.

Don

[preachp]

On 2004-07-25 16:46, dolson wrote:
But the best advice I can give is that no matter what you decide on for protection....Use it every time you get on a bike. No excuses.

Don

Hi Don,
Absolutely!!! The best gear in the world will offer you no protection if it's hanging up in a closet when that deer jumps out in front of you three blocks from your house.

Preachp

[ This message was edited by: preachp on 2004-07-25 18:44 ]

[Jafo]

Can't say it enough !!!
Find protective clothing that you like, is comfortable, and that you will wear every time !
A long-time riding buddy went down yesterday. Re-arranged the guardrail and flew like a super-hero into the "100 acre wood". He will be OK because he was wearing boots, leather riding jacket & gloves, and helmet. The only pain is where he was wearing denim jeans; now he is an actual pain in the a$$. Be safe and enjoy ! At least you ask questions and seek advice. Smart woman !
Personally, I would like to see the :leather, CE-95 protection approved Cat Woman suit with ears & cape myself.
Jafo.

[AAA]

I'm impressed. so far noone has said anything about a general liking for dressing up in leather.

And neither will I.

The most important thing is to find kit that you will - as dolson points out - actually wear each time you go on the bike.

I myself am happy with leather, but I do have a pair of lined winter trousers, and a one piece rain suit in addition to help make up for the leathers shortcomings.

My leather kit is not high spec (i.e. not much armour and the like), but have survived a medium speed crash well (helping me survive it even better), and are still inuse, with only one knee panel of the trousers changed to remove the...hole.

Ride safely