Keeping cool... what do you wear?

[1/32 man]

24 degrees here this arvo, not that hot but after an hour on the Hawke’s Bay roads I noticed how hot I got...sweaty even.
Looking for suggestions on Summer riding clothing...or other tips to stay comfortable.

TIA

[HEsch]

Airflow jacket and pants

The wind blows straight through. Brilliant in summer.

[F5 Dave]

Train your body to absorb it back in.

Mmmmm.

[Blackbird]

Rev'it Tornado 2 mesh textile jacket. It has a zip-out waterproof liner which can be used as a casual jacket. Excellent in higher temperatures and good for high single figures with the liner in. I haven't found any downside in 12 months of ownership. Mind you, I've also got 2 piece leathers and full winter grade Cordura so there are plenty of options.

[caspernz]

Goretex.

Pick your brand.

[ellipsis]

...tee shirt and jandals ...

[onearmedbandit]

Every time I go over to Japan I pick up a new 'cool suit' (their words not mine) that is just an under layer that absorbs sweat and keeps you cool. They're in every bike store there and only around $20, no doubt you can get something similar here.

[Berries]

Ride faster.

[1/32 man]

Once again the combined wisdom of the group is helpful. Thanks, input appreciated.

But which T shirt and which Jandals?

[FJRider]

Once again the combined wisdom of the group is helpful. Thanks, input appreciated.

But which T shirt and which Jandals?

Skip the jandals ... slip on's are better. they don't split your toes when you put your feet down. The leather ones are good (More protection). Easier with most types to change gear with too.

Sleeveless t-shirts are better looking for those with muscles. Tuck them into your shorts ... otherwise a few bumblebee's will get inside your T-shirt.

[FJRider]

Every time I go over to Japan I pick up a new 'cool suit' (their words not mine) that is just an under layer that absorbs sweat and keeps you cool. They're in every bike store there and only around $20, no doubt you can get something similar here.

Polypropylene gear does the same thing. It evenly distributes your sweat over the entire garment.

[1/32 man]

You guys are good... would cutting off my mullet help me a bit more?

I only think of polypropylene for keeping warm...so that has me thinking.

[FJRider]

You guys are good... would cutting off my mullet help me a bit more?

I only think of polypropylene for keeping warm...so that has me thinking.

What you keep under your helmet is your business.

But those that believe Mullets are still fashionable ... are beyond help.

[ellipsis]

What you keep under your helmet is your business.

But those that believe Mullets are still fashionable ... are beyond help.


...only someone with a receding hairline would think that...

[F5 Dave]

Don't forget the pack of Durries under rolled Tshirt sleeve, because if you look cool you are cool and nothing is as cool as smoking , even though you never actually saw the Fonz sucking on a Camel..

[nzspokes]

I use one of these. Brilliant.

https://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/?channable=02099d696400313332383331373633382e&ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Macna-Cooling-Evo-Vest/SubProducts/Macna-Cooling-Evo-Vest-0002&Locale=en_NZ&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5bz-BRD-ARIsABjT4nhcpicJ_XmRHz2Czv0cMfOeKLfqoitDTHzhDMkL3Z b9PrDfe5Bc2r8aAnEGEALw_wcB

[1/32 man]

Interesting but too pricey for me at the moment....

Today on my city ride I left gloves at home, wore a light wind proof jacket, cotton trousers, Doc Martens....it was OK but the jacket flapped around too much.

[ellipsis]

...just get a sportster...you know you want to...

...no chaps and silly helmets needed...just a cool feeling and as much right to not park up by the big blocks or talk to them... the extra horses would be a COOL thing at times though...

[roogazza]

thinking about this for Summer (if it comes).
Usually never get on the bike without Full Suit with all the armour etc (Leda jobbie).

I have an oldish Orion nylon jacket with armour and zip out inner. Hate the thing actually! Blows up like the Michelin man at anything over 100kph.

I'll probably stay hot and feel safer with the Leda suit ,but also have my Belstaff jacket from 1970 ,which was brilliant for years....The lining is falling to bits and the main zip is fucked..

I notice English real Estate programmes on TV have guys getting around in Belstaffs.
What's that all about ? Fashion ??????? :rolleyes:

[old slider]

Like the Aussie bike cops wear, Dri-Rider mesh jacket etc.


https://www.bikebiz.com.au/apparel/mesh-material-jackets/dririder

[F5 Dave]

Interesting but too pricey for me at the moment....

Today on my city ride I left gloves at home, wore a light wind proof jacket, cotton trousers, Doc Martens....it was OK but the jacket flapped around too much.

C'mon are you trolling?

Imagine running as fast as you can on the pavement and tripping. Put you hands out to break your fall (just try thinking it isn't instict) and feel the damage to you hands.

Now try it on Chipseal.

Now try it at 40kph.

[1/32 man]

C'mon are you trolling?

Imagine running as fast as you can on the pavement and tripping. Put you hands out to break your fall (just try thinking it isn't instict) and feel the damage to you hands.

Now try it on Chipseal.

Now try it at 40kph.

troll?....not my style to do that.
What makes you think I am joshing?

[Banditbandit]

Open the throttle

I ride in black leathers - I find that more than 140klicks and I start to cool down

[Moi]

This, and some of the other pages, is worth reading...

https://www.rideforever.co.nz/news-and-reviews/give-it-a-tug-your-hands-deserve-it/?fbclid=IwAR228SMDJXLtEq791X0pAdHqwsvRO3QH-ESPsboTXhEx6iFPyjZQWrRUHLw

[1/32 man]

Thanks, that is helpful

[FJRider]

Thanks, that is helpful

When you you lose the skin off both your hands ... you find out who your friends are.

Even simple things like going for a pee ... makes your life difficult. Not to mention embarrassing ... :shifty:

So don't fall off ... :laugh:

[pritch]

I notice English real Estate programmes on TV have guys getting around in Belstaffs.
What's that all about ? Fashion ??????? :rolleyes:

Yeah, Belstaff clothing is made in Italy now. I even saw Richard Branson wearing a Belstaff jacket on TV. Being made in Italy the quality and fit is way higher than it ever was at Stoke On Trent. The price is way higher too. I have a full suit of Stoke made Belstaff hanging on the wash house door, been there for a decade or three. I have no idea what size it is other than it's way too small.

Current price of a Trialmaster jacket NZ$850. You can get a nice leather casual jacket for about $2,500. They currently have some "specials" though.

[pritch]

When you you lose the skin off both your hands ... you find out who your friends are.

Even simple things like going for a pee ... makes your life difficult. Not to mention embarrassing ... :shifty:

So don't fall off ... :laugh:

Having read Jamie Witham's book I'm up with the play on this. He broke both collarbones in a crash.
When I saw that ball of flame F1 driver with both hands bandaged, my first thought was. 'Who is he getting to wipe his arse?'

[FJRider]

troll?....not my style to do that.
What makes you think I am joshing?

We just assume (hope) you are.

If not ... you are one member of the group of motorcycle riders ... that give cause for ACC to believe their levies applied to motorcycle rego are fair and justified.

If you are in paid employment ... how well could you do your job with one (or both) hands bandaged up ... ??

[ellipsis]

...my hands generally look they have been through a mincer anyway...general wear and tear, and being a full on gardener...I have destroyed brand new gloves with all the armour and protection at relatively slow offs on the track, worn through knee padding and the skin of leathers to the point I have had blood seeping...wisdom must be learned not taught...alas...

[Berries]

Oh no, we are going down the ATGATT wormhole.

I always wear my helmet and my gloves when riding. Would never consider shorts but then I have only ever worn jeans when riding and lets face it they won't offer much protection. I always wear motorcycle boots but if I have to nip out from work the Hush Puppies can change gear just as well. Wouldn't want to fall off with them and my work trous but I wouldn't want to fall off with my proper boots and Levi's either. I decided long ago just not to fall off. Seems easier that way.

I remember having stitches in my chin and losing a lot of teeth after going over the handlebars on a pushbike once. Rode in to the back of a stationary car at full tit as well. Don't see much difference between riding a bicycle and a motorcycle in urban areas to be honest. If you fall off it will hurt, and there is always the potential it will kill you.

With jandals though it must hurt changing up a gear?

[SPman]

Over about 36C it's irelevant what you wear - the air is a blast furnace coming at you, and I found full leathers were actually cooler than vented jacket/ jeans - until you stopped.....

[Blackbird]

Over about 36C it's irelevant what you wear - the air is a blast furnace coming at you, and I found full leathers were actually cooler than vented jacket/ jeans - until you stopped.....

A couple of years ago, I copped a touch of heat stroke whilst held up at road works in full summer sun for about 30 minutes whilst in full leathers. Had a violent headache come on and felt sick, fortunately not far from home. Dehydration played a part too. I now have a mesh jacket for hot summer days and it's been great.

[roogazza]

Yeah, Belstaff clothing is made in Italy now. I even saw Richard Branson wearing a Belstaff jacket on TV. Being made in Italy the quality and fit is way higher than it ever was at Stoke On Trent. The price is way higher too. I have a full suit of Stoke made Belstaff hanging on the wash house door, been there for a decade or three. I have no idea what size it is other than it's way too small.

Current price of a Trialmaster jacket NZ$850. You can get a nice leather casual jacket for about $2,500. They currently have some "specials" though.

A ha ! noticed they didn't look like the old oil skin stuff. Some different materials used . And the italian slim fit huh !!! ???
Dusty from Leda laughed the other day when I said I should re build mine,(or rather he should) .
Still fits mate ! :rolleyes:

[pritch]

until you stopped.....

Which I long ago found to be the key. Keep moving. If you stop you warm up very quickly.

I do have one jacket Spidi described as "light tan". They overdid the "light" though, other people have decribed it as white. It's good on a hot day.

[pete376403]

A ha ! noticed they didn't look like the old oil skin stuff. Some different materials used . And the italian slim fit huh !!! ???
Dusty from Leda laughed the other day when I said I should re build mine,(or rather he should) .
Still fits mate ! :rolleyes:
Dusty is still around? Still in Stokes Valley?

[roogazza]

Dusty is still around? Still in Stokes Valley?

Yeah still there in Thomas St. We caught up this week,he's not doin much on the work front.
His mum needs a bit of time with age/dementia etc .

[Moi]

Oh no, we are going down the ATGATT wormhole...

Not sure we got that close to the edge of that hole. The OP did ask what others did and he's been given answers - some more in-jest than others.

I don't really care what someone wears when riding a bike - though I do wonder what some are thinking when I see someone with no gloves on a sports-bike or shorts on anything with two wheels and a motor - as long as that someone has made a decision that is based on evidence/research and is informed and that someone is aware of the consequences of the decision. The "informed decision/choice" scenario...

You say you wear jeans. However, you also say you wear gloves and bike boots and a bike jacket and, of course, a helmet. You have also said you are aware of the consequences of wearing jeans, so it is probably safe to say you have made an informed decision, aware of the consequences and you are prepared to accept that level of risk.

Around town I wear kevlar lined jeans and often kelvar leggings as well, plus gloves, bike boots and appropriate jacket and helmet. I know that kevlar jeans will lessen the damage of a slide on the tarmac but they won't lessen the chances of any broken bones. I accept that risk. However, on the open road I'm extremely hesitant to wear kevlar jeans - the possible 'damage' to me is too high a risk for me to take, so it's leather pants.

I just hope the OP makes an informed decision after doing some research on what is available and is ready to accept the risks of what he does.

[1/32 man]

Thanks Moi, I have only had a bike for a month and have tried to assemble a riding outfit as best I can for what money I have.
Yesterday on a two hour country road loop it was helmet, gloves, leather jacket with elbow, shoulder and back armour, Kevlar jeans and some thick woolly socks under Forza road boots.

I am thinking some quality touring pants next... dont think I am ready for the airbag suit yet.

[Oakie]

We use these for work. Most effective around the neck but I also wear it as a headband. https://www.tradestaffworkwear.co.nz/products/cooling-neck-scarf?variant=35547517124758&currency=NZD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkYPf4prP7QIVvp1LBR3R5A4HEAQYAiAB EgL3t_D_BwE

[PrincessBandit]

Interesting but too pricey for me at the moment....

Today on my city ride I left gloves at home, wore a light wind proof jacket, cotton trousers, Doc Martens....it was OK but the jacket flapped around too much.

May as well ride nakey :eek5:

Oh and don’t forget to take your winter lining out of your jacket. (Wondered why I felt so sweaty the other day until I realised it was still zipped in...)

[1/32 man]

Point made and taken

[ellipsis]

...I was so hot when I was out riding yesterday I had my leather jacket and my shirt flapping in the breeze, wishing I had left the tee shirt at home...was contemplating unbuckling my pants and pulling my fly down too, but I would have only been fucked off that I didn't leave my underpants at home too...and the cold cans I bought were tepid by the time I got home...thank fuck for freezers...I heard something about freezing your socks before putting them on recently...there's an idea...freeze your tee shirt and underpants and socks before venturing out...hmmmm...

:cold:

[F5 Dave]

Sorry. You live in Christchurch. What fantasy are you in? :sunny:

[ellipsis]

Sorry. You live in Christchurch. What fantasy are you in? :sunny:

...i live a long way from Chch, in a valley on the peninsula...generally far hotter when its hot and far fucking colder when it's cold...31+ yesterday when I thought a cool breeze on the bike would be good...it wasn't that much less in the city...had to traverse the city to get to where I wanted to be...

...51 degrees reported in a sun locked part of one valley around here last year...we have and have started having even more extreme heat down here than most could imagine... we have been in drought conditions in Canterbury for 50 years...

[F5 Dave]

Oh. Ok:shutup:

[Mehwish21]

Not sure we got that close to the edge of that hole. The OP did ask what others did and he's been given answers - some more in-jest than others.

I don't really care what someone wears when riding a bike - though I do wonder what some are thinking when I see someone with no gloves on a sports-bike or shorts on anything with two wheels and a motor - as long as that someone has made a decision that is based on evidence/research and is informed and that someone is aware of the consequences of the decision. The "informed decision/choice" scenario...

You say you wear jeans. However, you also say you wear gloves and bike boots and a bike jacket and, of course, a helmet. You have also said you are aware of the consequences of wearing jeans, so it is probably safe to say you have made an informed decision, aware of the consequences and you are prepared to accept that level of risk.

Around town I wear kevlar lined jeans and and graphic hoodies men (https://lilpeepmerch.net/product-category/3d-graphic-hoodie/) as well, plus gloves, bike boots and appropriate jacket and helmet. I know that kevlar jeans will lessen the damage of a slide on the tarmac but they won't lessen the chances of any broken bones. I accept that risk. However, on the open road I'm extremely hesitant to wear kevlar jeans - the possible 'damage' to me is too high a risk for me to take, so it's leather pants.

I just hope the OP makes an informed decision after doing some research on what is available and is ready to accept the risks of what he does.
I notice that wearing bibs and a jersey provides benefits. I'm sure that others are culture, but you get a third bottle pocket at the backside of a jersey (as long as you have two on your bike in the cages). The bibs help your butt magically stop being wrathed. I tried bibs after years of only cycling shorts and won't go back again. They're not allowed to slip around on ya. And they're 'making you quicker.' Theoretically, the wind blows less shit. I'm sure the advantages are miniscule tho to a Joe Schmoe. This is my 02-02

[Flip]

Racing gloves, dragin jacket and jeans and my normal shit kicker steel caps.

[Berries]

Keeping cool wasn't on my mind today.

[1/32 man]

Keeping cool wasn't on my mind today.

Agree, had a few rides lately with my full kit....havent been cold but have felt that wind chill here and there