| Author | Message | ||
     Swordsman |
Here's the deal. Jacket, helmet, gloves... check. I have no problem with these. Pants and boots, however, are getting to be a PITA. I have a pair of overpants that I originally bought to wear over whatever clothing I'd need at work, but my Oxtar racing boots make overpants useless as such, since they need to be tucked in the boots. Tucking in 2 layers of clothing is not only tight, but makes an absolute mess of khakis. Even wearing the overpants with normal boots means pulling off my shoes to get out of them. Then I have to find a place to stash them, which is no fun when you're just out and about. It's just getting really annoying, and all the planning and hassle is starting to sap some enjoyment from the ride itself. So, does anyone have any other suggestions? Different gear? Different strategies? Thanks! ~SM | ||
| Bomber |
Aerostich road crafter -- get the two piece | ||
| Swordsman |
Whoa... considering I've payed less than that for both my cold weather AND warm weather outfits, that seems a little steep! ~SM | ||
| Kdan |
I ride to work with boots that look acceptable with my khakis and then just wear my khakis. It's an assumable risk I'm willing to take for the enjoyment of riding to work. You have to take risks sometimes. Other wise we'd all be driving big "nerf" cars with a top speed of about 8mph. | ||
| Ratyson |
Other wise we'd all be driving big "nerf" cars with a top speed of about 8mph. That actually sounds like a lot of fun! That would be awesome on 285!} I, as Kdan says, take a bit of a risk here. I am able to wear jeans to work, and I wear boots that cover my ankles. I do still wear my jacket, helmet, gloves. | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
might take ya awhile to get to work....bouncing off each other and all. | ||
| Roadrailer |
Why not just wear the boots under your khakis/overpants? I also second the idea of getting some boots that look acceptable for work. Ther's lots of options out there. ATGATT is only a pain in the ass until you go down. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I second the suggestion to get some more street-oriented boots. My wife got me some lace-up Oxtar boots a couple of years ago that are great. I don't know the model off the top of my head, but they're leather/cordura construction, very comfortable to walk in, provide decent protection, and are 100% waterproof (personally tested on way home from MBIV). | ||
| Rainman |
I have overpants that zip down the side, from thigh to foot and that makes getting out of them a lot easier, although you still have dance on one leg if your boots get hooked up. I wear a pair of Wellington-style boots with a high shank or a pair of Harley-brand (OK, the were given to me, but they work great) boots that lace up the front like jump boots but zip up the side. They look good enough for work. I admit that I often forego the pants for riding to work in my khakis or slacks, but I get really nervous and add a ridiculously yellow vest or my Joe Rocket race jacket with swirling white and red. | ||
| Eboos |
Usually, when I ride to work, my work uniform is jeans and shoes/boots. I wear my First Gear HT overpants with a full leg zipper over my jeans and wear my Harley boots all day. No taking boots on and off, this works out pretty good for me. The overpants have a zip out thermo lining, so they are great in the cold. | ||
| Sparky |
SM, I second the Aerostich 2-piece Roadcrafter. With this setup, 1) You don't need separate warm & cold & rainsuit gear, saving bucks there. 2) The best part is it's on or off in about 10 seconds, well maybe 15 seconds for me to work 3 zippers.  3) Your street clothes worn underneath look fresh and don't reek of exhaust fumes. 4) Your street clothes don't get dirty from riding. 5) You have many more pockets to carry stuff, like a lunch or magazine. 6) Its Space-Ranger styling with reflective panels may blind drivers who get too close behind you at night. That's a good thing (the panels that is; the styling is your call). Well, that's why it gets my vote. BTW, I bought and wore out a black Aerostich Darien suit before getting the Roadcrafter. It's a two-piece outfit too and it has even roomier pockets. I'll wear it on hot days because it does not have an inner liner like the Roadcrafter does, but it takes longer to put on and take off. For me and commuting though, I take the risk of wearing my every day shoes instead of boots and I'm cool with that. For rides though, I wear boots. Like always, YMMV, so do what is comfortable for you. Cheers! | ||
| Jaimec |
BMW makes a very nice pair of "Airflow" boots that I wear all summer, even in the office. Best piece of gear I own next to my Roadcrafter suit! | ||
| Firemanjim |
I bought both pieces of my Aerostich on eBay(at different times) and saved over half price on new.I love the pants,but suprisingly,don't like the jacket as much as my getting worn out Teknic. | ||
| Swordsman |
Thanks for all the input guys. Lots of options to think about. At the moment I'm thinking about a pair of icon street-look boots and a pair of kneepads. Has anyone had any experience with kneepads, like the Icon Field Armor knees or the Alpinestars Bionic Knee Guard? ~SM | ||
| Damnut |
I wear a pair of Sketchers black leather boots. They are really comfortable and look great. Comfort, style, protection....... what else could you ask for??? | ||
| Roadrailer |
At the moment I'm thinking about a pair of icon street-look boots and a pair of kneepads. Has anyone had any experience with kneepads, like the Icon Field Armor knees or the Alpinestars Bionic Knee Guard? Probably better than nothing, but will obviously offer no protection to the your thighs, hips and ass. I'd imagine they'd also be a pain to get on and off from under work clothes. I'd still find a way to make proper riding pants work. (Message edited by roadrailer on April 19, 2007) | ||
| Swordsman |
Actually, just some street-style boots would help tremendously... then I could wear my khakis under my overpants like they were intended (my race boots are a bit big to be fitting up inside pants). However, for times I'm going "out" and need to be casual, I could wear jeans w/ knee pads, so I could just yank 'em off and go in, or get some low profilers and wear them underneath. Dunno... just tossing ideas around here. ~SM | ||
| Roadrailer |
Wouldn't you still have to take your shoes off to get the leg armor off? I'd shop around for some different boots and stick with the overpants. | ||
| Damnut |
Here's what I wear when riding the bike into the office... http://www.skechers.com/catalog/browse.do?function =displayProductList&gender=M&catId=1&index=0&viewA ll=false&sort=popular&prodId=1221&styleCode=4473 They look pretty good with a pair of Khakis on. | ||
| Glitch |
http://www.newenough.com/boots/sport_street_tourin g_boots/set_up/urban_motorcycle_boot.html http://www.newenough.com/boots/sport_street_tourin g_boots/set_up/pegaso_vented_motorcycle_boot.html http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/boots/joe_rocke t/reactor_motorcycle_boots.html http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/boots/teknic/de fender_motorcycle_boots.html Right now I just leave a pair of shoes in my office, so I can change when I get there. I don't have any boots that are acceptable, or comfortable enough to wear all day at work. The best boots I had to wear to work and at work were my Buell boots. I'm thinking of getting one of the pairs I just listed for to and at work. | ||
| Diablobrian |
I've had friends that wore Sidi on-road boots with work clothes with no problems. I understand the temptation to ditch the gear given your current circumstances, but it looks as though some less bulky boots would solve the problem and still CYA if things were to get FUBAR on the ride  Believe me when I say you are very vulnerable during your commute. I should know, and wearing our gear saved both my, and my wife's lives | ||
| Josh_ |
Back when I had an office to go to I would keep a pair of dress shoes under my desk. 1pc 'Stich ($700) + FirstGear Mesh jacket ($80 on sale) = 8 years and 95,000+ miles of 3 season (add a Lectric Vest for 4) all-weather gear. | ||
| Jaimec |
For normal days (not scorchers) I wear my Cruiserworks touring boots. They look perfectly acceptable as office wear, they're comfortable for walking around all day, and they're 100% waterproof. For disgustingly hot days I wear my BMW Airflow boots and I don't care what anyone in the office thinks (but they really don't look that outlandish either). | ||
| Tattoodnscrewd |
Icon Field Leg Armor - designed to be worn under normal pants ... and there are plenty of motorcycle shoes/boots that also could pass as casual attire out there ... (I am also not an ATGATT ... I tend to just wear jeans .. even in winter .. with a jacket, helmet (usually), gloves and Puma motorcycle shoes/boots) (Message edited by tattoodnscrewd on April 20, 2007) | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
You might as well ride in shorts as ride in Khakis! They would be like tissue paper if you went down. I have JR Alter Ego pants with zips far enough up the sides that it took me longer to write this sentence than it takes to take them off! Work friendly boots or dress shoes under your desk and you are all set! | ||
| 12r |
Full-on MotoGP kit for my ride-to-work. I change my clothes when I get there, kindof like Superman in reverse lol | ||
| Swordsman |
Well, I tried something a little different today. Turns out my khakis are loose enough to fit over my race boots, so I basically dressed for work, then slapped all my gear over it and put on my race boots. That seems to work pretty well... all I had to take was an extra pair of shoes, whereas I've been having to take a full extra set of clothes to change into once I get there. For my casual destination trips, I've ordered a pair of the Icon Field Armor leg guards to wear under normal jeans, and a pair of Icon Field Armor Chukka boots. Maybe later I'll invest in some Icon jeans to go with it (though I'm a hard fit in jeans, so could be tricky via Internet). For my rides for the sake of riding, I'll go full gear like I have been.  Thanks again for all the helpful input!  ~SM | ||
| Hughlysses |
Swordsman- one other thought. Somebody (I haven't been able to find who) is/was making kevlar reinforced khakis, much like the "Draggin' Jeans" reinforced jeans. Maybe it was Icon? I have some of the Draggin' Jeans (with optional knee pads), and while they're probably not as protective as full armored cordura, they're a lot better than plain jeans. OTOH, they're significantly less comfortable than regular jeans too. I was just thinking that wearing semi-armored khakis would be another option for you, especially in hot weather. | ||
| Macbuell |
I wear these Joe Rocket boots for casual stuff and riding to work. They look and feel like Dr. Martins. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?sty le=9101&department=115&Division=1 I'm also going to be buying some of these soon. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?sty le=17410&department=113&division=1 | ||
| Brumbear |
I don't have much of a problem you see I am a "husky" fella they make so little that fits me I don't have a problem choosing You see old dean wormer was wrong Fat, Drunk, and stupid is the only way to go through life  |
