Topic: Newbie in need of some Leather gear help...

[shaft9ii]

Hey folks,

New to the forums, but I've been absorbing information like a sieve!  I've got a question about leather gear that I haven't been able to answer through searching the forums...here's a couple jackets I've found that I like...

These two below are around 150-200 bucks American, but my question is...what the heck is the difference between 1.2mm, full-grain calf leather and 1.2mm soft cow leather hide?  I guess if I had to choose I'd rather a fullgrown cow's skin protecting me over a baby cow's, but that's about as far as my knowledge takes me   Any opinions on that, and actually on the overall quality of the jackets?  I am being too cheap?

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/product_info.php/cPath/1_15_19/products_id/4821

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/product_info.php/cPath/1_15_19/products_id/5099


Now I found this jacket too, which at 412 bucks is far more expensive, but how much of a difference is there in construction quality between a jacket like this and the Hein Gericke's above?

http://www.foxcreekleather.com/305.html


Thanks guys, I really do appreciate the knowledge base we have here, and I thank you for your help!


OH, I also have a question about what motor oil you think is best in a CB750....just kidding

Rock on all

[tramp]

a good jacket isn't cheap
get one with vents for the summertime
double padding on the elbows and shoulders
add in good boots,good helmet{not a half helmet} and gloves

[seven]

Have you tried Bikebandit.

http://www.bikebandit.com/product/3813

Firstly, I wouldn't go buying something, like a fitted leather jacket, until you have tried it on. Second, you get what you pay for.

I personally have an Icon Jacket purchased over the net from the US of A. But, I tried it on in my home town (melb, Australia) at a local agent first.

Cheers and good luck.

[andy750]

Ryan,

Both Hein Gericke jackets are excellent and I would have no hesitation in buying either one - Hein gericke make great gear no doubt about it (also check out Dutch company Rev`It - superb! MotoMkt in Acton, Ma carries their stuff -not cheap but great quality). The soft grain usually refers to how supple the leather is - both 1.2mm leathers will protect you in a crash and both HG jackets have CE armor so you are all set for protection.

However as Seven mentions you really need to try before you buy...I went home to Scotland sat Christmas with the intention of buying this very cool HG jacket Id seen a year ago...went into the shop, tried it on...arms too short :-(...I do have long arms so if you dont then it may not be an issue...point is Im glad I waited. Same thing for me with Tourmaster jackets - arms too short or waist too short...I already have a HG goretex textile jacket that fits like a glove but every jacket is different...really need to try it on.

Keep in mind that in summer it gets above 85F a good few times and dont even think about riding when its 90+% humidity - or if you do head for VT or NH  . Vents are good but all depends on you..

Great prices on the HG though!

good luck with it,
cheers
Andy

[shaft9ii]

many thanks for the replies, guys, and Andy, you seem to show up in every thread I post! haha

Yeah I knew HG was a great name, but at those prices I wasn't sure...only problem is, as you guys say, I need to try them on, and as I'm assuming, there isn't an HG dealer in the states

Thanks guys

[heffay]

i have the long arm syndrome as well so here's my best tip...

when trying on gear... get in a nice tight crouch as if you're in a riding posture. 
better to figure out that your new gear is uncomfortable in the dressing room than out on the road.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Are you pretty stuck on getting leather? There is some pretty nice textile stuff out there, can be cooler in the summer time than leather, plus one or two less dead cows for your riding enjoyment.

[Tim in Ohio]

Are you pretty stuck on getting leather? There is some pretty nice textile stuff out there, can be cooler in the summer time than leather, plus one or two less dead cows for your riding enjoyment.

Dukie... Those cows were already dead for our McDonald's enjoyment. Might as well not let all that good cow skin go to waste. 

Shaft9ii:  Leather jackets are out.  This season, the discriminating biker will be wearing this:

[Caaveman82]

It took me a long time to find the jacket I wanted. My suggestion is to try it on, you really don't want to buy one online and have it show up and not fit right then have to go back and deal with return/exchanging. I am a short guy but I have fairly broad shoulders, a lot of jackets would pinch in the armpit area when I would lean forward and put my arms out as if I was grabbing the handle bars. I was looking at these fairly expensive bike jackets and finally I found a $150 dollar River Road leather jacket, with the european style collar on it. Best jacket ever, fits right, comfey, and nice and heavy but does not restrict movement.

[heffay]

i can attest to caveman's river road suggestion... i have a pair of river road boots.  they look like doc martens only w/ shoelace catches instead of eyelets.  i like the industrial look and as much as i've worn them... i should be pleased w/ the piss poor state that they are in now... still not the #$%*ty piss poor shape my friend's velcro moon/motorcycle boots are in after similar abuse. 

they are affordable and comfortable... i buy for comfort and protection... this differs from many members here, who buy for exorbitant price and name brand.

[Caaveman82]

this differs from many members here, who buy for exorbitant price and name brand.

lmao

man you sure give people a hard time.

for the most part I am a FIRM believer in you get what you pay for. If it's leather, it's thick, and it fits comfortably, it will probably work.

on my jacket the two front pockets unzip and have vented pockets inside and then you can unzip a zipper that runs across the racing stripe on the back for ventilation.

you can spend uber bucks on these jackets with air holes and super breathable technology and run around looking like a ninja turtle, but if you hit the ground hard enough you'll break something wether you are wearing a five thousand dollar jacket or a two hundred buckaroo jacket. the idea is to prevent road rash, if i'm not mistaken.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Tim: Whoa, ze Germans are riding Hondaz zese daze?!

Heffay: I agree, sometimes ya gotta pay to get quality though. I definitely don't pay much anymore for the brand unless it is a brand I know makes QUALITY stuff.

[heffay]

agreed dook...


here's a secret, if you didn't already know it...



Cortech IS Tourmaster!

[KARamsay]

Had nice Vanson stuff... currently have a custom Schott.

Like Cortech a lot for the price point. 

Biggest though or input HG is great- you loose a lot of $$ in the exchange rate and if shipping is $$$ you can't easily exchange for a different soze without spending a lot of $$$.

Many have said you get what you pay for - I agree 100%.

Sierria Trading post sometime has nice HG stuff at killer prices:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1165E_Hein-Gericke-Craig-Motorcycle-Jacket-Sheltex-Waterproof-For-Men.html

Go textile see how you like it and sell it as you move upward?
 
   

[shaft9ii]

Thanks guys, I greatly appreciate the tips, and umm...full body latex? suit suggestions

[CaféElite]

I like this one..
http://www.foxcreekleather.com/114.html

[547]

you really don't want to buy one online and have it show up and not fit right then have to go back and deal with return/exchanging.

if you do buy online be sure of your size. i wear a 42 but didn't know that until i had to return a 38 and a 40 that i got on ebay.
also don't be afraid to spend some cash on a good quality jacket that has a classic design. as long as it is not trendy then you can wear it for many years.
good luck

[547]

a little off topic but what happened to those pointy missile bras? gotta love 'em

[shaft9ii]

Are you pretty stuck on getting leather? There is some pretty nice textile stuff out there, can be cooler in the summer time than leather, plus one or two less dead cows for your riding enjoyment.

I do really like the look of leather, but I'm looking at some textiles ones too, for exactly that, the hotter days..

Thanks

[shaft9ii]

http://www.brocktoncycle.com/eshopprod_cat_755-17059-17063-20790_product_529500.Tour_Master_Coaster_Series_II_.htm#

Any opinions on this? seems a similar style to the Hein Gericke ones I liked, has 1.2mm leather, and armor at elbows, shoulders and back.  Never heard of Tourmaster though, any opinions on the brand name?
Also, for you Boston locals, what are your opinions of Brockton Cycles?

Thanks guys!

[brett_bike]

Fox Creek seems to have some pretty quality stuff, but I found what I think is a knock off brand (Unik) or seconds or something at my local Army surplus store at half the price.  Still researching to see if the same union that makes Fox Creek sells off their seconds. 

[mrbreeze]

a little off topic but what happened to those pointy missile bras? gotta love 'em

I could see it on the chic but the dude is sporting heels....WTF?

[shaft9ii]

Hmmm, maybe the heels are why he has that Mona-Lisa-esque smirk on...

[KARamsay]

Tourmaster is good stuff.  They also make a brand that is getting phased out called "Cortech"  I have inherited one of those old TM corsair jackets from a Ducati friend that upgraded to the perfed Vanson.  I love it. 

Textile, good armor, and leather where it counts.  He picked that up from New Enough. 

[shaft9ii]

Ok so I ended up going with a river road hoodlum jacket for it's sexiness and that tourmaster for protection on long rides etc...  Got a shoei rf 1000 helmet too!