One-piece or pants and jacket?

[superman]

Looking to get my first set of gear. I do plan to be riding a lot, and I've been tossing between getting a hard to take on and off one piece or a two piece.

I've been reading that the one pieces are safer and more comfortable just a bitch to get on and off? Anyone got any recommendations for rides of 40+ mins on which would be better?

[crazzed]

Looking to get my first set of gear. I do plan to be riding a lot, and I've been tossing between getting a hard to take on and off one piece or a two piece.

I've been reading that the one pieces are safer and more comfortable just a bitch to get on and off? Anyone got any recommendations for rides of 40+ mins on which would be better?

depends on the riding? road or track?
track one piece safety first
road two piece think of sitting down at that cafe having a coffee.
my two cents worth
cheers

[superman]

I think I'd always have a change of clothes with me. Would be doing road riding to university. So the practicality outweighs the safety benefits?

[ducatilover]

I'd say a zip together two piece. Will do everything, plus look good.

[Rincewind]

In my opinion a two piece textile wins every time,you can wear the jacket anyime,you can take out the lining in the summer and you can (mix an match)wear different pants at different times eg leather,Draggins etc

I have a two piece set of Technics gear and a two piece set of black Lewis leathers.
I paid about 2 Months salary 30 Years ago for my Lewis Leathers and they still look good today,I've looked after them and they have looked after me on two occasions.

A one piece is great for racing though,keeps all your bits in one place when you come off at high speed,they don't have to go searching the track for the rest of you,its all in the leather bag.

Buy the best you can afford and hopefuly all it will have to do is keep you comfy and dry,but if it all goes pear shaped then you will find it was a well spent money !!!

[Gremlin]

Zip together two piece. Ideally, a joining zip that goes all the way around. As you say, a 1-piece is the most protection, but more of a hassle, while a 2-piece is more convenient but a bit less protection.

You haven't asked whether textile or leather, but being your first gear, I would suggest textile, as it will also be relatively waterproof and warmer, for winter time.

[SPP]

Yeah, get a jacket and pant that zip together. Way more practical if you're scooting around.

IMO go for a jacket/pant rather than a two-piece suit if you plan on using just the jacket sometimes. The jackets from two piece suits are usually cut shorter (like a suit) so can leave a gap at the back when hunched over.

[superman]

Na I'd always be using full gear. Don't need to feed the hawks. Yeah I wasn't sure about textile vs. leather yet. Will have to do some more research.

[Okey Dokey]

I wear a 2piece leather suit that has a full zip around the waist (can be seen in my profile pic). I think it would be nearly as safe as a one piece suit (I guess it could burst at the zip but have never actually heard any facts of this occurring) I wear it for all my road riding, and have also used it at track based training. Comfort wise, it is fine, but I guess if you have a fat stomach the waistband could be constricting?

I never ride for less than an hour, and like being able to slip the jacket off easily when I stop for coffee, lunch, or the toilet. I used to commute to work in it, and carried my clothes in a small pack on the bike.

Good luck with your decision

[superman]

I guess I'll just go to the store and try everything on and make a decision from there.

[Gremlin]

I guess I'll just go to the store and try everything on and make a decision from there.

ah... what you need to do is make sure it fits you well. Once the gear is on, make sure the armour in elbows/knees etc cannot rotate right around your arm/leg. If it can, it means it won't protect you properly, as it will move when you hit the ground.

Make sure you also sit on the bike with the gear on, to make sure it fits right on the bike and nothing digs into you etc.

[Nat]

I have both. One piece is waaay better than 2 for riding (more comfy), but I do conceed that 2 piece is better for stopping to eat lunch, and going to the toilet and things like that. However, I find I wear my 1 piece far more often than my 2. Also, make sure you don't get a suit or jacket that's got a racing hump - they're rubbish!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Looking to get my first set of gear. I do plan to be riding a lot, and I've been tossing between getting a hard to take on and off one piece or a two piece.

I've been reading that the one pieces are safer and more comfortable just a bitch to get on and off? Anyone got any recommendations for rides of 40+ mins on which would be better?

where are you riding? and what is your comfort zone with gear?

One pieces are a PITA round town or anywhere there is a possiblitly of having to get off and walk anywhere. two piece is much more practical (have pockets even!) and a good set will offer near the same protection (I am thinking full circumference zip).

[HenryDorsetCase]

ah... what you need to do is make sure it fits you well. Once the gear is on, make sure the armour in elbows/knees etc cannot rotate right around your arm/leg. If it can, it means it won't protect you properly, as it will move when you hit the ground.

Make sure you also sit on the bike with the gear on, to make sure it fits right on the bike and nothing digs into you etc.

and that your gentlemans area isn't getting all squashed up and uncomfortable.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I think I'd always have a change of clothes with me. Would be doing road riding to university. So the practicality outweighs the safety benefits?

if its for that, two piece textile.