| Author | Message | ||
     Northernyankee |
I am looking to do my first track day this summer and am looking for some gear that I would be able to use on the street as well as the track. Right now I wear a FXRG Leather jacket and Tourmaster Textile Pants. I would like to get something textile since it gets pretty hot here in the summer and the FXRG is not comfortable above 80F. The problem is I can't seem to find any 2-piece textile that have at least a 50% zipper at the waist, everything I am finding is a 8" zipper. Any help would be appreciated. (Message edited by NorthernYankee on January 31, 2008) | ||
| Reepicheep |
If you are spending money anyway, the Aerostitch one piece suit (RoadCrafter?) is the one I have seen most often as the "also approved" list for novice and intermediate track day classes. For advanced, it seems like it has to be leather. You are probably stuck getting your own zipper added, I am sure any good seamstress could do it cheaply and would already have a zipper. For what it's worth, the Inside Pass track day instructions make it sound like novices need that 50% zip together, but in both email before the event, and while I was at the event, they did not require it. I had a good first gear armored jacket, and good first gear armored pants, and they did not zip together. They told me this would not be a problem before hand, and indeed it was not. Different tracks and organizers will no doubt differ... That requirement may be there so the organizers have something to lean on if somebody shows up in some thin fashion leather pants and a thin fashion leather jacket... | ||
| Northernyankee |
I just emailed the people running the InsidePass events and this is what they said. "For textile suits they must have at least 50% zipper contact for the novice group. In intermediate and advanced they must be full leather suits." | ||
| Blublak |
I have seen another suit, textile, I just wish I could remember who made it. One of TPM's coaches wears it all the time as it's competition approved, kevlar and all.. I'm assuming that he wears it for comfort since it's lighter then leather, he says he's raced in it and it's good to go in a get off (just remember to wear armour/back protector under it. All in all, if you get a pair of pants that zips to the FXRG, you will find that while moving it's not so bad. Once you stop between sessions, doff the jacket and back protector loosen the pants and use a little liquid cooling inside and out. After you pour cool water over your head, you'd be surprised how good a small fan feels, even in 100* temps. Just remember, you want to make sure your ready for the worst case, that way if you have a minor oops, your covered. Sorry for the unintentional pun. | ||
| Dhalen32 |
Yankee: I think Blublak is talking about either a Cycleport or Olympia suit. They both make competitors to the Aerostich. I have read good things about both of them but do not have any firsthand experience with either. Sorry. Inside Pass is being run by a different out fit this year and they may have a different requirement for protective gear. Don't dismiss a leather one piece suit. I found a set of AGV leathers for $300 at my local cycle supply dealer. They're toasty in July and August but hard to beat at the track should you need some abrasion protection in a get-off. Dave | ||
| Reepicheep |
Thats a pretty important detail. Lots of people in the Novice group at the Mid Ohio inside pass day last year had good solid textile gear, but did not have 50% zipper. | ||
| Spike |
Textile wins for versatility, but leather offers better durability for track use. If you shop around you can pick up a new set of leathers for around half the price of a new Aerostich Roadcrafter. You can find some really good deals from vendors at races and other motorcycle events. Newenough.com also has great deals on leather. You can also talk to the parts manager at your local dealer, they can sometimes order suits on closeout through Parts Unlimited and other warehouses. I picked up my perforated Alpinestars 2-pc suit for ~$600 a few years ago. I've seen Teknic suits at trackside vendors for as low as $350. | ||
| Packrat |
CYCLEGEAR stores also stock/sell one piece leathers....I saw brand new on the shelf for $400.00 and up...that is CHEAP!! My 1 pc. Teknic cost me $600.00, my 1 pc. factory Aprilia suit was $1099.00 I think CycleGear is pretty much nationwide, they're all up and down the east coast, for sure. |
