Leather or Fabric

**Jantar** · 2nd January 2005, 00:04

So which do you prefer and why?

**Jantar** · 2nd January 2005, 00:08

I personally prefer leather. It is waterproof, breathes well, looks good, and offers maximum protection. On a recent ride through 2 hours of west coast rain those riders who were in leather arrived reasonably dry, while those in gortex and similar gear were almost all soaked through.

**Mr Skid** · 2nd January 2005, 01:47

Originally Posted by Jantar

So which do you prefer and why?

I prefer rubber or latex personally.

Hasn't this topic been done to death before? Leather is more durable but is cold and hot, and cordura craps out after a bin, but keeps you warm and cool. Is there really anything more to add to the discussion? :unsure:

**moko** · 2nd January 2005, 02:30

I wear both,got a lightweight leather Jacket that I wear in Summer,until recently was leather all year round.Recently picked myself up a Yoko fabric jacket.These are made in Finland and go for £400 new,got mine for 50 from a guy giving up biking and it`s the best bit of kit I`ve ever had,warm,waterproof and lightweight armour where it counts.These jackets are acknowledged as the best you can get in the U.k. and with good reason,when it`s below zero I stick my leather on underneath and no cold at all.I`ve always been pretty slack(being "old school")about protection but now I`ve finally got some body armour will be up-rating my kit.Yoko has zip-out liner as well so probably stick with it in Summer as well and keep the leather for underneath in winter.

**Sensei** · 2nd January 2005, 15:32

those in gortex and similar gear were almost all soaked through.[/QUOTE]
?? It most have been Some cheap stuff . Mine is not the best & has never leaked or been wet after riding in rain
SENSEI

**Sensei** · 2nd January 2005, 15:32

Haven't seen any Leather with Armour in it as yet is there any out there being made ?? SENSEI

**Bonez** · 2nd January 2005, 15:43

Combo of all the above. Oh and will have fries with it thanks.

**James Deuce** · 2nd January 2005, 15:52

For sport riding, day trips and commuting I'll wear leather because the chance of an accident in those conditions seems to be higher for me.

For touring I prefer a modern Cordura/Kevlar fabric suit. I have yet to find any of the above waterproof. I have tried Orina, Spyke, and Spool, and of all those the Orina had the best weather protection. However it had foam rather than hard armour with a kevlar outer patch, so I'm not quite convinced that it would stand up to a highway speed accident very well.

**James Deuce** · 2nd January 2005, 15:54

Originally Posted by paparazzi

I prefer rubber or latex personally.

Hasn't this topic been done to death before? Leather is more durable but is cold and hot, and cordura craps out after a bin, but keeps you warm and cool. Is there really anything more to add to the discussion? :unsure:

So be nice and give Jantar some help!

Jantar - try doing a site search and you'll find a truck load of subjective literature on this site in regard to the leather vs fabric question.

You could just take the teen god approach and wear a 20 year old helmet, jeans with the knees worn out, a hoodie, trainers, and some skiing gloves. Or no gloves at all.

**Hitcher** · 2nd January 2005, 19:15

I hate these "black or white" surveys. I wear either leather or cordura depending largely on the weather. I prefer leather when it's fine and warm. When it's cold or wet, then it's time for the Gore-tex!

**Wonko** · 2nd January 2005, 20:23

I wear my PVC pants and singlet, or my full rubber gimp outfit. Makes me feel worthy of riding my bike

**Hitcher** · 2nd January 2005, 20:27

Originally Posted by Wonko

I wear my PVC pants and singlet, or my full rubber gimp outfit. Makes me feel worthy of riding my bike

Please note the now missing apostrophes...

**Mongoose** · 2nd January 2005, 20:27

Originally Posted by Sensei 509

those in gortex and similar gear were almost all soaked through.

?? It most have been Some cheap stuff . Mine is not the best & has never leaked or been wet after riding in rain
SENSEI[/QUOTE]

You obviously have not riden in the West Coast rain, it soaks ducks right thru!!