New Zealand-made bike gear?

[koba]

I'm planning on getting my next set of leathers from NZ.
Probably LEDA.

I would also like to get cordura sometime and would pay a premium for NZ made IF it is good enough.

I have been trying to get some new boots from an outfit in CHCH that used to supply the NZ Army "Paraflex" but no luck. My old pair were SOO strong, they were totally abused and lasted 4 years. Given similar abuse Dririders lasted a montha and a $350 pair of nice comfy Sidis a year or so.

[Gizzit]

I'm planning on getting my next set of leathers from NZ.
Probably LEDA.

Check out 1Tonne. They have some very nice leather gear now, at very good prices.

I would also like to get cordura sometime and would pay a premium for NZ made IF it is good enough.

Not sure if any cordura gear is actually made here ... ??? However, once again, I would steer you towards 1Tonne ... (or USBUSA ... when he has his available) 1Tonne have very good cordura gear at very reasonable prices.

I have been trying to get some new boots from an outfit in CHCH that used to supply the NZ Army "Paraflex" but no luck. My old pair were SOO strong, they were totally abused and lasted 4 years. Given similar abuse Dririders lasted a montha and a $350 pair of nice comfy Sidis a year or so.

If you like the army style boots, I can recommend Oliver AT's as very good boots. I'm using some myself and they are very comfortable.

[MaxB]

On my 2nd Kiwi made jacket. The first one saved my skin, literally. My current Natural Wear jacket is excellent if a little heavy.

I would definitely by locally made if the quality was there.

[Quasievil]

I think its a great thing to buy NZ made gear as it obviously supports the local economy to another extra degree as opposed to having it made overseas, however (dont go getting all anti on me) I just cant see a NZ business pumping out a quality garment with all the trimmings at a cost which will enable a successful venture. I wish it wasnt the case but it is unfortunetly, for example the cost of logo moulds and titanium and or TPU external armour moulds is prohibitive here in NZ.
I think also it might be a challenge to find a NZ constructed leather suit with 4 rows of stitching. Overseas its cheaper yes but its more efficent and the labour base is more skilled.
I would get our gear made here tomorrow if it was a viable option believe me I would !

Im hoping no one goes and gets all dum on me about the above, but having been in the business for some years now thats the way I see it.

I hope it all works out for you tho dude and good luck with it, its a tuff business (the bike one) and you dont get rich out of it but have a crack and you never know where you might end up.

And if you want some help on sourcing bits Im happy to give you a hand.

[200BUSA]

Thanks Quasi i appreiciate the input. I have found some very helpful people to help me that have been in the business for years and are willing to give it a crack so heres hoping all goes well.

[NZsarge]

I bought leather jeans from Celtic Leathers in Pahiatua. Not waterproof but made in NZ.

And bloody well made gear it is too.

[NZsarge]

So question:
Would you pay a bit more for good quality bike wear that is NZ made and waterproof?

Depends upon many things really, for starters sizing and spec.

[chanceyy]

Depends upon many things really, for starters sizing and spec.

your quite right there Sarge .. after all we are not all size 10's

I am really very happy with my Quasi gear .. had the jacket custom made & had it done so I could fit plenty of layers underneath & its perfect all the armour fits exactly where it should and quality is right up there

[1tonne]

I think its a great thing to buy NZ made gear as it obviously supports the local economy to another extra degree as opposed to having it made overseas, however (dont go getting all anti on me) I just cant see a NZ business pumping out a quality garment with all the trimmings at a cost which will enable a successful venture. I wish it wasnt the case but it is unfortunetly, for example the cost of logo moulds and titanium and or TPU external armour moulds is prohibitive here in NZ.
I think also it might be a challenge to find a NZ constructed leather suit with 4 rows of stitching. Overseas its cheaper yes but its more efficent and the labour base is more skilled.
I would get our gear made here tomorrow if it was a viable option believe me I would !

Im hoping no one goes and gets all dum on me about the above, but having been in the business for some years now thats the way I see it.

I hope it all works out for you tho dude and good luck with it, its a tuff business (the bike one) and you dont get rich out of it but have a crack and you never know where you might end up.

And if you want some help on sourcing bits Im happy to give you a hand.

I have to agree with you Quassi. (This feels a bit differant being on the same side)
Cheers.

[Quasievil]

I have to agree with you Quassi. (This feels a bit differant being on the same side)
Cheers.

lol, we are on the same side dude/dudette ....different but the same.

Nice upgrade on the website btw.

[200BUSA]

Depends upon many things really, for starters sizing and spec.

Sizing will be custom fitting, and specs to suit.

[bikemike]

Specs to suit?

I was just thinking, there's a lot of 'if the quality is good'...

To me the quality is not just the material, or the craftsmanship, but also the design, the functional design.

I have a cordura belstaff which is on its last legs. The velcro has pulled tags on the sleeves, and its looking a bit old, and it isn't completely waterproof etc... but functionally, to wear on the bike it's great. It fits well, the pockets are a decent size, in the right place, there's good storm flaps, comfy neck pieces, internal dry pocket, removal bum pocket, etc...

I've seen other jackets that I'm tempted on but they seem to be designed as fashion accessories rather than for use on the bloody bike.
E.g. pockets with no expansion in the design; you put your hand in and can't get it out without taking lumps out on the zip, no low pockets and top-access high pockets; using those gives you chicken wings, short length in the tail, short-shrift on the armour, zips with tiny pulls, too-tough popper studs, popper-stud sleeve adjustment (?&%@#) no snow-skirt, removable thermal linings that are so fat and chunky you can't get the jacket to fit in summer or winter gear, no zip for the trousers to connect to the jacket....

etc.

I quite like that new dayglo one that has been in the mags a wee while. Not bad, but falls down on quite a few of the above and so I soldier on with the 10yo Belstaff.

Just make sure they work bloody well, as well as being of good material, and construction.

I'd buy one :-)
Good luck.

[caseye]

Well said that man,bikemike that is.Bang for buck is important, but functionality and durability are paramonut.

[200BUSA]

Thanks bikemike for the comments, these are the reasons i am trying to do this- to supply good wearing and functional bike wear. Thanks.

[Quasievil]

Thanks Quasi i appreiciate the input. I have found some very helpful people to help me that have been in the business for years and are willing to give it a crack so heres hoping all goes well.

I guess it didnt go well and you went the importing route?