| Author | Message | ||
     Cadhopper |
The rain gear I bought from the local Harley dealer a few years ago is looking pretty ratty and I somehow managed to get a sizable hole in one sleeve  so I'm in the market for new stuff. Anyone have suggestions on a good 2 piece suit. Thanks | ||
| Cyclonedon |
I have the Buell rainsuit and it's worked out well for me. I've ridden in the rain several times and have stayed dry, that's what counts! | ||
| Us_uly |
I like Frogg Toggs the best. http://www.froggtoggs.com/ | ||
| Hughlysses |
+1 to Froggs Toggs. Search around, you may be able to find a deal on them at a hunting/camping supply outfit. | ||
| Froggy |
Aerostitch Roadcrafter. The best part about it, when it starts to rain you don't spend 15 minutes on the side of the road suiting up. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Froggy, how long can you ride wearing the Roadcrafter suit without water coming through the zipper? Why I ask that is I see that they have came out with a new improved waterproof zipper system. | ||
| Piotr12 |
Another +1 for Frogg Toggs. Bass Pro carries them. | ||
| Froggy |
It depends on the rain, my suit is due for a re-waterproofing, right now its half a hour before it leaks, back when I first got it was several hours. If you go nuts with the waterproofer you can go for days on end. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Froggy- I found that out about my "new" Aerostich too, the hard way on the trip to MBVI. It's a ~2000 model, but had only been worn (literally) once and looks like new. I got a re-waterproofing kit in the mail from Aerostich yesterday. The kit comes with stuff you wash into the suit and some stuff to put on the zippers to improve their sealing. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
My 'Stich (one-piece Roadcrafter) has been back and forth across the country several times and has never taken in water at the main zipper. Were I to invest in another 'Stich, it'd be the two-piece version, for ease of shedding a partial layer at quick stops such as fueling, etc. - I tend to overheat quickly. That said, it only takes a few seconds to get in/out of a one-piece Roadcrafter. The best part about it, when it starts to rain you don't spend 15 minutes on the side of the road suiting up. What Froggy said. Anyone have suggestions on a good 2 piece suit. See above. Bonus for the fact they're made in the USA. Another bonus for the fact Aerostich's sales and service folks are among the best in the business. FB PS: Based on my observations I would NOT recommend Olympia brand riding gear. | ||
| Fung |
Aerostich roadcrafter 2 piece works great for me. | ||
| Darthane |
I've had the older-style Buell rainsuit (2 piece red and black one) since I bought my Blast going on 8 years ago now. It's gotten some pretty heavy use over the years, including a day-long soak on the NE Adventure years back, and is still as dry as a bone. It was well worth the money, and goes with me everywhere 'just in case'. | ||
| Edgydrifter |
I wore my Frog Toggs to work in the driving rain this morning. The ride still sucked, but I did arrive dry, which is nice. I would say the FTs are a light-duty, keep-in-your-bag kind of item. I don't know how well they'd hold up to daily use over the long run. On the other hand, I usually take the cage in weather like today's, so these Toggs will probably last me several years of moderate use. (Message edited by edgydrifter on April 17, 2009) | ||
| Spatten1 |
I've had the two-piece 'Stitch for 11 years and never separated the two pieces, but the jacket does open up well with the zipper at stops. With the two-piece there are two zippers, rather than one, which is not a big deal at all. It takes 20 seconds instead of 12 seconds to put on. I love my 'Stitch, wear it all the time. RaymondT calls it my Cosmonaut suit, and nobody passes up an opportunity to ask me where my Beemer is. | ||
| Dynasport |
You guys have a lot better luck than me. I get wet every time it rains. Either water soaks up from one of my boots or it drips down my back off my helmet. I don't think either is the fault of my suit though. I have an overpriced HD suit I have had almost six years. It has held up well though. | ||
| Cruisin |
FYI - MSF instructors (sorry, RiderCoaches), get 50% off Frogg Togg stuff, up to $500 per order, I think it was. I saved a bundle on rain gear... | ||
| Hexangler |
I used to use two piece yellow slickers over my gear for years. I'd keep a roll of packing tape handy for sleeves, ankles (plastic bags over boots), and neck. Now I have a BMW riding suit, and when that is toast, I'll be getting an AeroStich. | ||
| Edgydrifter |
I should amend my previous statement that I arrived at work dry this morning. MOST of me was dry. I stepped in an ankle deep puddle when I stopped at the bottom of the offramp by my office. The Chippewas, they are not so waterproof, and so my left foot has been stewing in sock juices all day. | ||
| Ourdee |
I have an Alpinestars, Dristar jacket that works pretty good. I've been using a pair of nike jogging pants. I have a cheap 30 dollar rain suit in my bags with rubber booties. | ||
| Brettx1 |
30 dollar 2-piece from Wal-Mart "suits" me just fine! It's been tested several times. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Another happy Aerostich owner here. I usually treat the suit x2 a year. I have found amazon is the best place to order the Nikwax set (cleaner/waterproofing) Just an FYI, if using Nikwax, seek out a laundry mat. DO NOT USE YOUR OWN WASHING MACHINE The stuff will contaminate your machine, it takes at least 3 loads to rinse the residue. My cleaning method: 1) carefully remove all armor 2) zip up the main zipper 3) unzip all pockets 4) wash warm with a 1/2 amount of "clear" laundry soap (no dyes, or fragrances). This takes care of the road oil, the Nikwax cleaner does not remove it. 5) wash with Nikwax cleaner 6) wash again without any soap (serious rinse cycle) 7) wash with Nikwax protectant 8) Machine dry 15 minutes low temp 9) hang to finish drying. 10) replace armor (a real chore  ) By doing this I have found the Goretex pores are kept clean and by doing that they suit stays significantly more water proof. Including Nikwax cleaners I figure it costs me nearly $30 to clean my suit at the laundry mat. | ||
| Cadhopper |
Thanks for the replies I'll look into the Frog Togs and the Aerostich suit. | ||
| Blake |
Excellent thread. I too need some new riding and rain gear, but I'm still undecided on which approach to take. My choices are... a nice set of two piece leathers plus rain outerwear, or a Roadcrafter two piece. I like leathers so much more for dry riding, but not having to stop to put on rain jacket and pants is a big plus. Time for some shopping, after a ride. The bellering old Cyclone is calling.  Opinions? | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Roadcrafter two piece. Make it a one piece and call it good. With a 2 piece it is too tempting to skip the pants. If you have extra coin to spend get an aerostich Transit suit. It is waterproof leather. It looks cool to boot. http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Transit-p-1-c-602.html (Message edited by CorporateMonkey on April 26, 2009) | ||
| Blake |
I couldn't tolerate a one piece. I want to be able to shed the jacket when stopping to eat lunch or for a break, etc. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
couldn't tolerate a one piece. I want to be able to shed the jacket when stopping to eat lunch or for a break, etc. Blake if ease of use is your concern, than you are thinking about this backwards. The one piece is easier (quicker) to remove than the two piece. I can easily step out my suit while wearing boots in less than 15 seconds. There are 2 zippers, one from the neck down to your ankle, and another from the other ankle to your crotch. Aerostich has an animation on how it works.  If I am taking a break I can hop out of my suit, flop it over the bike, if I need to I can run a simple security wire with lock through a sleeve. Works very well. Also Aerostich can custom fit a one piece very easily. I had them slightly lengthen the lower half as I have long legs, short torso. The two piece is more complex. you need to don on riding pants, then jacket, then zip them together. | ||
| Blake |
Good info, thanks. If I so choose, I'd like to be able to wear a set of draggin jeans or my perforated leather pants or just plain jeans. And I typically leave the pants gear on to avoid alarming the general public. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
And I typically leave the pants gear on to avoid alarming the general public. I will be polite and avoid making any comment  | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
FYI - MSF instructors (sorry, RiderCoaches), get 50% off Frogg Togg stuff That'll get me in a Frogg Toggs Elite Highway Rain Suit http://www.froggtoggsraingear.com/EliteHwy.shtm Thanks for posting that info. | ||
| Xl1200r |
PS: Based on my observations I would NOT recommend Olympia brand riding gear. Based on my observations, I would, but that's only after talking to folks who have used it and not having used it myself. Jerry - I was considering Olympia stuff - what makes you say "nay"? |
