riding gear

[Blackbird]

I bought a Teknics cordura jacket about 2 years ago and it leaks in heavy rain.  A friend bought one recently and that leaks too, so I'd say on balance that there is a problem with them. It's beautifully warm and very comfortable though, so just sling a plastic jacket over the top if the weather is really crap.

 

[Marmoot]

I still think Spidi NT is the best all-weather gear.
I just wished I got one.

[What?]

Originally posted by Blackbird
I bought a Teknics cordura jacket about 2 years ago and it leaks in heavy rain.  A friend bought one recently and that leaks too, ... so just sling a plastic jacket over the top if the weather is really crap.

Apparently this is considered to be conventional wisdom in Europe. Cordura is great stuff, but has its' limits.

[aff-man]

I just got the HJC sport cordura stuff jacket and pants it pissed on me on friday and i didn't even feel a drop of water. I really hope it doesn't leak after a while like your guys but for now i'm warm and dry.

[wkid_one]

As with any waterproof gear - looking after it is important.....how it has been cared for is going to determine how waterproof it remains.

[SPman]

I got some Nazram gear when it first came out and, while being reasonably w/proof for light rain etc,but when the heavens open and your're looking around for Noahs Ark, even with 2 pairs of Warehouse waterproofs underneath - youll get soaked. The only thing that keeps me dry on the bike (and everywhere else) is my Wilderness, triple layer Reflex, mountaineering jacket. Cost $500, 10 yrs ago - and worth it.

[Pickle]

Anyone else tried the new Spool gear?

My wife uses a Spool jacket whilst commuting, waterproof, warm good body armour & OK for adventure riding. Cost wise they are very competitive.

As Wkid says if you are going fast or doing track days then you cant beat leathers, i can swear by them as have crash tested leathers at more than 180ks & walked away.

[wkid_one]

Some advice - you want as many adjusters as possble - coz you want the armour to be hard up against your body (ie no gap), as not having this can actually increase the injuries in the case of a fall.....this is especially important in Auckland when you tend to ride WITHOUT the lining - so try the jacket on in the store without the lining and make sure it fits snug.  Also make sure the jacket fits snugly around the neck - it can be 100% waterproof - but you can still get water running off your helmet etc and running down your neck.

Leathers vary in price - consider looking to the UK - where their market can support lower prices through increased volume.  You can get custom made (eg www.tigerangel.com.au) but it is expensive.

Synthetic - Any gear needs to be looked after as I said before to maintain it water repellance (is that a word? is it now) - DON"T wash with detergents/soap - go to a Camping Store and get a sports wash designed especially for waterproof gear and a re-waterproofinh agent to apply after you have cleaned it...

If you are spending the money - leathers are the best - yes they look poncy - but there is a reason why the top riders trust their backsides to leather (other than aerodynamics) - you never see a cow with gravel rash do you?

Shit - that looks like I made some sense - I feel giddy now! better go lie down.

[SPman]

If you use the correct detergent, you shouldn't have to reproof it. The Cordura gear relies on a Gortex layer, normally,for its waterproofness.

Gortex and its ilk, rely on being clean for its effectiveness.As long as the pores of the fibre are clean and free of dirt, it will work as effectively as it can.....