Quick change suit - Leather vs. Textile

TurboDerek · 01-02-2007, 02:01 PM

I'm looking for something quick to change into. Getting ATGATT is tiresome for quick trips and would love to save time getting ready for work. The obvious choice is a Aerostich. After a bit of research I know I'll have to go with 2 suits one for winter and one for summer. I was looking at the Fieldsheer Highland II for winter (http://www.fieldsheer.com/2007web/we...highlandii.htm) and a perforated leather for summer. I can carry cloth to work in change if needed so going leather year around is OK. For those you wear 1-piece leathers how long does it take to get geared up? Also does any one ride in 30 degree weather in full leathers? And finally any recommendations for both suits under 1k total?

thewayofway · 01-02-2007, 05:23 PM

My one piece leather suit isn't that big a time saver in my opinion. You do end up doing the one legged dance. Some assume a two piece is faster, but I don't think so. All of my time savings are negated by having to do the attachment zip. Maybe if you practice it'll be faster, but with tight leather it can sometimes be frustratingly time consuming.

I would say it takes me around 10 minutes or so to gear up fully in the 'ready for the track' gear if I hurry. YMMV. Riding in cold weather with leather can be tricky. I recommend a scarf. Some may recommend balaclavas and stuff but with those you're just piling on the minutes to your gearup/geardown procedure. I can get by with a scarf and a long sleeve shirt under my jacket, though it does get very chilly. You'll be singing praises about suits with perfs in the summer and cursing it in the winter. Vice versa applies as well.

No experience with textile suits, though they do appear to be quicker. As far as I know, nobody has dethroned the aerostich yet. I guess the rev'it suit might come close. Combing closeouts can be a great way to find these suits. For example, my shift 1 piece cost me 250 and my a* v4 2 piece cost 180. Great deals are out there if you know your size and take a leap of faith.

g34343greg · 01-02-2007, 10:39 PM

i have 2 piece leathers, but wear hardly ever zip them apart. probably should've just got the one piec. as far as time i can be fully geared up in like 5 minutes if i'm rushing.
here's an idea: instead of buying two suits, just buy one pair of pants (probably perforated since i've never had my legs get cold) and just buy two jackets by the same manufacturer as the pants, one solid and one perforated.

e4gulf · 01-02-2007, 11:05 PM

I have had the Highland II for about a month now and I really like it. It's makes commuting to work a joy. It's been in the thirties and forties and I've been warm. I haven't used the included liner at all yet. I'm saving that for when it gets really cold.

thewayofway · 01-03-2007, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e4gulf

I have had the Highland II for about a month now and I really like it. It's makes commuting to work a joy. It's been in the thirties and forties and I've been warm. I haven't used the included liner at all yet. I'm saving that for when it gets really cold.

Do you think it'll be too hot in the summer? Sounds like something good for these NJ winters

e4gulf · 01-03-2007, 12:56 PM

Yea I'm definitely NOT planning on wearing this sucker in the summer.