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Dynasport
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2008 - 07:23 pm: | 
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In my limited experience (which is not as limited as I'd like) textile gear is just like what has been stated, a one use item. Apparently Stiches can be repaired. I have an inexpensive Tourmaster mesh jacket because it is about all I can stand in the heat of the summer here in Florida. I have wrecked in them twice and replaced once. Both were SLOW speed wrecks. I am sure higher speeds would have trashed the jacket badly, but I too think of the jack like my helmet, crash and replace.
If I commuted, I might try the Stich, but I understand it is very hot. It is doggone convenient though, just slip over your regular clothes then take off. Track days and commuting are very different and different gear works best for each is my thought. |
Mbsween
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2008 - 10:28 pm: |
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I have both a one-piece roadcrafter and a two piece teknic chicane suit.
Like XR1200r said, leather pretty much wrap you into limited motion. They're great on the bike, off the bike it's a different story. You might be able to wrench in them, but you'd at least need to take the jacket off. Then again, you shouldn't be doing that much wrenching at a track day, you only have 40 minutes between sessions. Also you're going to lose some weight from sweating ,stick to vented if you can.
The stitch is a great piece of utilitarian gear. You get in and out of it in seconds, you can get you wallet (or cell phone) out after you put the suit on (and then remember you need to pay for gas). Also it's very comfortable on the bike. You can lose stuff in the suit, it has that many pockets.
Temp wise the stitch topped out at mid 80s to 90s for me, otherwise it was fine. I live near Buffalo NY. Waterproof wise I've only made a 30 minute ride in heavy rain and was dry with the exception of the bottom of my pants (I didn't know to tighten up the leg cuff on the stitch, problem went away after that). Haven't had a chance to "road test" the stitch, I'll take Court's (and the many other accounts you can find online or in magazines)
I use mine to ride to work, no more oil on the leg. The money I save in dockers will quickly pay for the stitch  |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 08:22 am: |
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>>>Apparently Stiches can be repaired.
Easily and they feature that in the catalog with a "small wreck". . . "big crash" sort of system for estimating costs.
The last time I ended up with a new left sleeve.
One thing I REALLY like about Aerostich is that they are THERE and TRUE ENTHUSIASTS. If you need something you call and they are super.
Try calling Vanson and telling them you have an event coming up in 5 months and would like to have your order by then.
I'd agree with the leathers if you are buying a suit for the track and a suit for the street. But I see many test riders (we made a group purchase) using the Aerostich with complete confidence. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 08:56 am: |
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Aerostich Roadcrafter suits are made right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. I think that's one of the reasons it's one of the FEW textile suits you can get easily repaired. They also take great pride in their work.
I had one of the very first Aerostich suits (the original Roadcrafter) back in 1986. I had an accident in it, and sent it back for repair.
Surprisingly, I got a call in the office from Andy Goldfine himself who wanted to first make sure I was okay and after being assured of that, asked me lots of questions on how I thought the suit could be improved, what I liked about it, what I didn't like, etc.
Sounds like the good ol' days of the Buell Rider's Advisory Group, doesn't it? |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 10:17 am: |
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It does . . . I am amazed at the times I hear from Andy. I, in fat, need to write him back after getting the nicest letter from him about the book.
They are nice folks. . . . "Leather v. Textile" aside . . Aerostich is one of those firms I look for reasons to deal with. |
Rfischer
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 01:05 pm: |
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I agree that Vanson can be a little exasperating to deal with, but the fact is they make the finest, most durable leather sport/racing gear available. And charge accordingly. However, since buying one of their suits/jackets/pants is a lifetime purchase, a little patience in getting delivery isn't amiss.
For more touring oriented leathers, check out Stone Lake Leatherworks. I had them make me a pair of bib pants for cold-weather riding. Outstanding quality and you'll have your pants or jacket in a week or so. Fairly priced too. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 02:42 pm: |
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Rfischer: One caveat regarding Vanson leathers -- what you say does NOT apply to their perforated leather. See my earlier post regarding that subject in this same thread (may be archived by now). |
Rfischer
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 03:45 pm: |
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Jaime,
My race suit is a perforated Vanson, albeit a one-piece. I've had it forever and nary a stitch has come adrift. It does get aired after every use, hanging under a vent in my trailer which circulates fresh air nicely. I expect it will do me well into my next life, whatever I come back as.... |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 04:38 pm: |
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It wasn't the stitches... it was the leather itself. All them little holes punched in the leather weakened the material so that the flexing caused the leather to tear near the joints.
(Message edited by Jaimec on October 28, 2008) |
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