| Author | Message | ||
     Mcgiver |
Ive been shopping for a new one piece suit, the one from frank thomas seems pretty nice, and affordable $399. Has anyone had any experience with them? Thanks Brian | ||
| Martya |
hi, frank thomas is pretty robust stuff, it might not look like the latest dainese/alpine stars but it work's. heine gericke (not sure if you can get in the states?) is also damn good value too. | ||
| 12r |
V.popular in the UK. Mostly made in Pakistan but hey I have a Dainese suit made in Romania   The sizing is on the vertically-challenged horizontally-advantaged side and the leather isn't the greatest but if you like it and it fits you could do worse. BTW Frank Thomas didn't win the TT in 1953 - in fact he doesn't exist  | ||
| Lastcyclone |
He sure does exist. He is the DH for the White sox. I didn't know he was into racing, must be hanging out with Jordan.  | ||
| Mtnchld |
I have a friend who went down in his Frank Thomas suit and it held up great. He was really impressed. I have Frank Thomas boots and have been really impressed. Hope that helps. | ||
| Prez |
i have a frank thomas 2 piece that zips together into a one piece..i went down awhile back when a 16 yr old kid pulled in front of me..not one scratch or bruise on my body..the leathers held up extremely well..little bit of road rash,but nothin to bad..especially since i was going almost 50mph.. i have to disagree with the not so good leather comment..yes it was a little stiff when new,but after about 6 months of riding,and conditioning the leather twice,it fits great...oh..6 months of riding about 2-3 times a month that is..i say get em..they're value is not a reflection on the quality in my opinion..i payed about 600 for mine and i thought i got a good deal..go for it.. | ||
| Socalbueller |
I got the Strike jacket and pants. They were on sale, $400 for both at cycle gear. I just bought my Buell and needed gear, the jacket was the first affordable decent one I found. I'd say they are average. Better quality than the Joe Rocket gear I have seen but not big on features. The jacket has one pocket, the tabs on the velcro flaps on the sleeves pulled off. Zip out liner is kind of cheap. The neck doesn't have a snap on it so I get a huge draft down my neck. Something I didn't notice when it was in the 70s-100s but below that it gets a little cool. Also on the inside of the elbows the sleeves have strech material and air gets through there, not enough for the summer and too much in the winter. So it is not the jacket for cool weather. It does have CE armor in the shoulders and arms and I got a back protector for it. It's also perferated, so it makes decent summer jacket. I have a feeling it is going to look dated next year with its 3 color combo. But Whatever it was $400 for a suit that will allow me to do track days next year. | ||
| Mcgiver |
Thanks for all the replies, my current suit a two piece from BMW that i got in 83 with my rs is getting a little old, but than so am I. Brian  | ||
| Rocketman |
In the UK FT is a big name simply because it's high street mainstream. Its appeal is to Mr Average. Hein Gerike is leagues ahead. That's not to say that FT don't have some quality products. If I were looking to buy leathers and safety was a prime factor you need to look at the quality of the hide. It is graded according to abrasion testing if it is of a certain quality. The way the hide(s) are joined is another aspect to consider. For example, pants can be of one singular length of hide or they can be joined around the knee area. Obviously the single length is or should be more 'serious'. Consider where and how the sections of leather are joined to make the suit. Stitching is another factor. Kevlar double stitching is pretty common place and even triple stitching is out there. Anything less than Kevlar is old hat. Check the quality of the zips too. Lastly from me and my limited knowledge. The lining material in leathers is important. Cheap linings can / will burn your skin in a slide. Ask the questions on this topic. I don't know what you need to look for but the right person will. A quality lining should also cover the entire inside of the suit. Not finish halfway down the leg! Alpinestar make quality. Hein Gerike have a suit for everyones requirements. Truth is, there are so many choices research is important if you really want the best protection from your suit. Arlen Ness is becoming popular over here. It's very highly rated and last years stock in the UK is selling off at knock down prices at the moment. Rocket | ||
| Jon_s |
Actually Frank Thomas did exist. He was the tailor that made Geoff Duke's one piece leathers back in the fifties. Prior to that most riders wore loose fitting attire. | ||
| Jon |
Vanson. El Rockeeto Hombre, Do you folks use Vanson? | ||
| Martya |
yes vanson's gaining in the uk, very cool looking jacket's and very good quality, as well as they offer a made to measure service as well for the suit's etc, me, well i have a hein gericke suit which is good quality. arlen ness leathers and jackets are also gaining in europe. their's no doubt of the feelgood quality with alpinestars or dainese, but tests by Ride magazine in the uk showed that their alpinestars/dainese) suit's where really no better than the cheaper suits tested for abrasion or burst (seams) test's, and in a lot of cases a lot worse. | ||
| 12r |
Good point about the 'high-end' suits. Just because it has a great name on it doesn't mean it's a great suit. The less expensive Dainese/Alpinestars gear is no better than the equivalent from HG. However, once you start to get serious the quality kicks in and it shows. | ||
| Rocketman |
Yes what Martin said. I found some good info on safety aspects at Crowtree Leathers. Crowtree are very highly regarded and operate in the good old fashioned cottage industry mode. Based in Louth, Lincolnshire, they are local to some very serious motorcycle racing heavyweights. Rocket | ||
| Ricky |
Cycle Gear carries all the Frank Thomas stuff you'll ever need. |
