Clothing - What I wear, what I will tell you about...

 

 

 

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Nthegruv@comcast.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

FirstGear Mesh-Tex 2.0 Pants

Ballistic mesh with 500 denier Hypertex, EVA foam knee armor with pockets for optional hip armor, Powerstretch knees, Padded hip panels, ZIPS jacket attachment system (10")

I bought a pair of the cycling tights which are the polypropylene version, ((91% polypro/ 9% Lycra, or close), which are winter rated. I wear them under my jeans and they have worked well for temperatures down in the mid 30's. I want to check out some Duofold long underware as I have heard that is a really good product. I haven't tried 2 pairs of them under my jeans, but that is an idea. I am not relying on these Firstgear pants for any type of warmth but I want protection all season long. I came to the conclusion that layers is the only way to accomplish this task. I may pick up some heated pants lines, maybe.

These mesh pants are a great complement to any of the FirstGear hot weather jackets.  They are styled much like other sport pants, but the majority of the pant is the same breathable mesh material used in the jackets.  The pants are lined with a nylon mesh liner, which lets the air through but makes it where you can't see through them.  The pants have some small, built-in foam pieces on the hips (which you can see in the close-up pictures) along with removable hip armor pieces.  The knees have EVA foam pieces as well.  These standard armor pieces are lightweight and flexible but not real substantial.  To upgrade the crash protection, you can add optional Hiprotech armor in the hips and CE Core-Comp armor in the knees (see below to order).  Choose the same size mesh pants you would for jeans or slacks.  Inseam lengths are cut for the "average" height.  Like other sport type pants, these are tapered at the ankle and close with a zipper.  The zipper has a gusset so that when the zipper is open, the pant legs are larger and can be worn over boots (much like jeans).  ver boots (much like jeans).  Take the "View Larger Pictures" link above to see this pant's features up close.

 

Cortech GX Air Jacket

With Liner Included

Performance cut, Armor-Link 3 mesh shell incorporates Brazilian leather elbow, shoulder and back impact panels,External Brazilian leather padded back panels provide additional protection, Removable CE approved elbow and shoulder armor with an articulated triple density back protector,Includes Cortech's removable, Two-Stage Aqua-Therm liner; first stage is a waterproof/windproof liner and the insulated second stage can be easily added for increased warmth, Mandarin-style collar features a soft, microfiber trim,Pre-curved and rotated sleeves with adjustable take-up straps at the forearm and biceps to help secure elbow armor,360° Phoslite® reflective piping and Cortech's signature reflective rear triangle help to increase nighttime visibility,Zippered and gusseted sleeve cuff, zippered hand pockets, internal mobile phone and pouch pockets,Adjustable waist belts with TPR pulls help fine tune the fit, Includes a jacket/pant zipper attachment with the pant side included.

 

This is the quest for the one jacket for all season saga. This jacket coupled with the heated jacket liner I bought, ought to do the trick. We shall see as time goes on. The GX Air is much like other "free air" jacket designs, but this version improves upon the armor and windproof liner as compared to others.  Most manufacturers include a windproof liner with mesh jackets these days which helps extend the jacket's usable temperature range.  This is helpful on cool mornings or with riders who pass through temperature extremes on their daily rides (like those in the mountains).  This jacket's liner though is "two stage" since it comes with a removable thermal liner which helps extend the comfort range even more.  Another well thought out aspect of the 2 stage liner:  the waterproof liner is constructed so that you can wear it separately from the coat.  This a very convenient feature for those who travel on their bike and wish to pack lightly.  The liner can be worn as a wind breaker, or even as a coat with the thermal liner inside.  Neat!  The armor supplied is a hard-plastic-over-foam GP type armor that is CE rated.  No upgrades necessary here!  And to improve the abrasion resistance of this jacket, the shoulders, elbows and spine area have leather overlays.  These overlays have some raised padding to give this jacket a sport look.  Take the "View Larger Pictures" link above to see some great close-up photos of all these features.

This is a nice jacket I personally am comfortable into the upper 30's in this jacket with just a normal shirt on under it. Around 35 degrees and under and I am probably going to put on the heated vest for a little more heat support. With the jacket and vest we are easily talking about be comfortable into the teens range.

 

 

Shoei Multitec Flip Up Helmet

 

The MultiTec is a significant system helmet redesigned! The flip-up face cover and shell join to form an aerodynamic streamline shape that provides all the protection of a full-face helmet with the convenience of an open face model.

 

MULTITEC FEATURES

 

Sculpted Aerodynamic “Bag-Molded” Fiberglass Shell, Designed to minimize wind noise and drag, Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus (AIM+) shell Flip-Up Chin Bar and Face Shield, Single-button release allows chin bar/face shield to be opened with one hand, Central locking mechanism can easily be operated with either hand, Flip-up chin bar makes communicating with your helmet on easier and wearing glasses more comfortable, Adjustable Flow-Through Ventilation, Upper “Air-Scoop” ensures maximum air intake and excellent aerodynamics, Lower vent directs airflow upward across the inside of the face shield reducing fogging and turbulence, 3-D Interior Liner, Removable interior cheek pads and chin strap cover, Interior design reduces wind noise and provides a comfortable fit, Communication system compatible, Anti-Fog System, The lower air intake provides air flow that helps to diminish shield fogging, CX-1V Face Shield, Q.R.B.P. (Quick-Release Base Plate) - allows tool-less shield removal and eliminates side covers for a flush, quiet fit, 3-Dimensionally curved face shield for optical clarity, Scratch-resistant coating, Adjustable Base Plates ensure an “Air-Tight” fit, 100% protection from harmful UV A & B Rays, One-piece injection-molded for consistent fit, Standards DOT 218

Thoughts so far:

Everyone else who has one claims to have discoverd a new religion while they wore theirs so, with any luck, I to will be pleased with mine. Most people are reporting a better balanced and quieter helmet. The good old ST1300 seems to create a good bit of wind turbulence over the windshield and of course a 2 piece helmet is going to be more noisy, but I have my fingers crossed on this one. (Hint- go get you some of the hunting variety moldable ear plugs in the hunting section at Wal-mart. You get a bunch for a few dollars)

Open face HJC, forget it. What were you thinking? Better yet, what was I thinking? lol

HJC CL-15: one piece, visor comes right off if needed, nice fit but they are really noisy and the venting is lame. XXL

Nolan N100E: 2 piece helmet, they are run really small for the listed sizes, geared to a round head which is not good for a semi oval head like mine, good construction and venting, pretty noisy, visor is apt to close when your riding if you open it for more air. XXL

Shoei Multitec Flip Up Helmet: I'll let you know. XL

 

 

 

Tour Master Solution
Waterproof Road Boots

Constructed with durable 1.8mm to 2.0mm waterproof leather, A King Tex® waterproof and breathable membrane combines with sealed seams and gusset to provide comfortable waterproofing, Molded rubber cup sole is extremely durable and offers high levels of performance on and off the motorcycle, Waterproof thread stitching throughout the boot, Leather toe guard on left boot, Boot collar is lined with Air Mesh material to increase airflow and comfort, Boot interior is lined with a soft and comfortable K-315 material, Easy entrance side opening with YKK zipper and full length hook and loop flap closures, Articulated leather panels at the front and rear of boot increase flexibility and performance

Wow, a great waterproof street boot at a great price!  Tourmaster continues to offer good products at reasonable prices.  This boot offers leather construction and a waterproof/breathable membrane for comfortable and dry street and touring riding.  I like the mid-height of this boot (take the "View Larger Pictures" link above to see).  It's tall enough to provide coverage of the ankle and lower shin, but not so tall as to be uncomfortable.  The opening at the top is fairly roomy, so it should work for most calf sizes and should be big enough to tuck in sport pants if desired, but I had no problem wearing them under normal jeans.  The sole is sturdy but comfortable with an "average" amount of thickness:  enough to be comfortable for walking but not too thick for shifting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MJ130
MSRP $229.99

Black w/Blue,Yellow,Red
Sizes S – 2XL
Silver/Pewter, Black/Pewter, Neon
Yellow/Black
Sizes S – 4XL

  • Outer shell constructed in 500 denier Dupont Cordura® with ballistic airflow mesh panels
  • Waterproof, Thermolite® insulated liner jacket
    Removable CE approved Motion Flex armor at elbows and shoulders
  • Removable CE approved Motion Flex articulated back protector
  • Cool mesh airflow lining
  • Custom Fit detailing at collar, cuffs, elbows and waist
  • Comfort neoprene collar and neck inserts
  • 3M Scotchlite® reflective piping at front, sides and back
  • 8” connecting zipper for pants
  • Five storage pockets

 

MJ131
MSRP $299.99
Sizes S - 4XL

  • Outer shell constructed in coated 500 and 2000 denier Dupont Cordura®
  • Waterproof/breathable membrane adds double waterproof protection

  • Thermolite® insulated liner jacket
  • Airflow Ventilation System at chest arms and back

  • Slide buckle straps at chest pocket vents create adjustable air flow

  • Double storm placket front closure
  • Removable CE Motion Flex armor at elbows and shoulders
  • Removable CE approved Motion Flex articulated back protector

  • Cool mesh airflow lining
  • Custom Fit detailing at collar, cuffs, elbows and waist

  • Comfort neoprene collar and neck inserts

  • 3M Scotchlite® reflective piping at front, sides and back
  •  Eight storage pockets

 

 

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