Been riding motorcycles for a little more than 10 years now. I’ve evolved from the skull and cross bones ware of being a Harley rider to the more technical and modern cuts of Rev’it to suit my sport touring needs. As my free time became more fleeting , I had to find fewer excuses to keep me from riding. So my vanity has to be shelved to make way to form and function.
The struggle is real! The issues I’ve encountered is finding riding gear that can suit multiple seasons, unplanned climate changes and a comfortable fit. I’ve tired of the days of hauling multiple inner or outer liners that seem to be the solution – after the fact. As a lazy, 40-something, I needed something that was a bit more practical.
Onesie anyone? I’ve always been curious about a one piece riding suit. Something I can just jump into and out of when needed. The appeal of being able to just wind up in street cloths at a moments notice was amazing to me. And like a one piece racing suit, the armor and suit stays in place when you’re tumbling. Aerostich was on my radar but their prices were just outside of my budget. So I decided to try a competitor to start. I purchased a Joe Rocket one piece called the Survivor Suit that sold for about a third of the cost of a Aerostich Roadcrafter. As I used the Survivor suit I soon started to find it’s limitations.
I own a ‘Stich! So I finally purchased my Roadcrafter Classic. As with quality hiking and camping gear, the use of Gore-Tex is king. Especially when paired with other materials that can produce a riding garment that is weather proof, breathable, abrasion resistant and comfortable. Some manufacturers have their in-house versions but in my humble opinion, there’s nothing quite like Gore-Tex. Stitching is another important subject. A few companies use a more industrial approach to their stitching (double or triple seams) vs the more simpler pedestrian approach of a single stitched seam. Lastly the armor. Most riding gear will come with some kind of entry level protective armor at the shoulders, elbows and knees or CE level 1. Aerostich gives you a few options. The suit has hook & loop fasteners where you can easily attach different densities of armor or none depending on your needs.
As of today (May 2018) I’m about 1.5 years into owning my ‘Stich and have been very satisfied. I have upgraded my armor to the TF6 Hardshell pads including hip pads and a back/chest protectors. I also purchased a suit carry strap that allows me to roll my suit into a strap for easy carry. I get asked about the comfort of the suit. You really need to understand the notion of creating a micro-climate to keep you comfortable while wearing the suit. During the colder seasons, zipping up the vents and using an electric vest and gloves to keep your body warm. During the warmer rides, wearing wicking base layers and opening the vents as much as needed to enjoy the evaporative cooling. Adding a cooling vest under the suit also prolongs the cooling effect.
I’ve rolled with friends that wear the latest Rev’it and Klim gear. They look at me and make that comment – “The suit has to be good to look that bad.”
I don’t mind.
