Over the last couple of years I have increasingly found myself turning to the web and great enthusiast sites like TWTEX for real world advice. The process of discussion and sharing lends itself to a wealth of useful information. This process has genuinely benefited me in two particular areas: trip planning and motorcyle/gear/apparel research.
I consider it a community obligation to give back in form so I always provide a trip report when I return from an adventure. I have never returned the favor regarding gear so what follows is my humble attempt to reflect on the gear I am currently using. As always, remember that YMMV!
Olympia AST Jacket
I have used an Olympia Air Glide Jacket for the past 3 years and 30,000 or so miles. I like that jacket and it has served me well from freezing to 100+ degree days but I have been eyeing a 3/4 length jacket more appropriate for winter time use. I had exhaustively researched all the options and was debating between a Kilimanjaro and the Aerostich products when the Olympia AST came out.
The Hi-Viz color really caught my eye (pun intended!) as soon as I saw it. I recently took a trip to the mountains that served as the perfect excuse to buy a 'winter' jacket so I picked this one up at Lone Star Cycle. I won't go into a detailed review because this one at WBW is spot-on. Suffice it to say that the jacket performed flawlessly.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/olympia-ast/
The color really does show up and get people's attention. Several times folks who stopped to get gas mentioned how they noticed me from a great distance.
The collar, like the WBW review details, is the weak point for chicken necks like me. It is simply too big and there is too little velcro to tighten it up sufficiently. I almost didn't buy it because of this but I caved and plan to have an extra couple inches velcro sewn on to it.
That being said, I rode for several hours in a DRIVING rain and no (zero, zilch, nada, zip) water made it through the neck (as I had feared) or anywhere else for that matter. Consider this jacket - at least when brand new - to be completely watertight. After its maiden voyage it has 2,500 miles on it and is starting to break in. It was pretty (okay VERY) stiff at first but has softened up considerably.
It is warm. I rode in freezing, windy conditions all day with the jacket, liner and a single layer of long-sleeve polypro and was completely comfortable.
The only drawback I have noted so far, other than the collar issue, is the light Hi-Viz color really shows dirt and scuffs. I completely expected this and plan to be a bit less cavalier about how I toss this jacket around but it will end up getting dirty-looking sooner than later.
I have not tested the venting beyond the low 90's. At that temp, and 100% humidity, it was comfortable without the liner at speed but I expect I will not want to wear it in August in Austin for my daily commute. The back has two long zippered vents on either side and the front has vents on the inside of each arm and inside the breast pockets. They do move a good bit of air and, with the light color, should be serviceable at highway speeds in the heat but not likely during a commute. If I consider my Air Glide a 3-season jacket (spring, summer, fall) I would consider this one similar but opposite (fall, winter, spring).
It has pockets EVERYWHERE including a really handy one for my wife on the lower back. I stored lip balm, credit card and other stuff back there and she easily retrieved it while we were seated (still or in motion). Pretty cool.
It is armored in the shoulders/elbows (hard) and spine (soft) and the always meddlesome elbow armor really seems to stay in the proper place - on me, at least. The wrists can be really cinched down the jacket can be tightened at the elbow and waist. When properly fitted this jacket should stay put in a crash.
Final note: I vacillated between the large and medium sizes for quite some time. I am a bit of a 'tweener' at 5'11" and about 185 pounds with longer torso than legs. I usually buy large for comfort and flexibility of adding layers. The large in the AST was simply TOO MUCH MATERIAL. The arms were long, the chest bunched up in my face, the shoulders scrunched up and it felt, well, voluminous. I tried the medium with one shirt layer, my heated vest and the liner and it fit snugly. I could not add another layer and be comfortable. Luckily, after riding for 5+ hours in wet, near freezing conditions I think it is safe to say this jacket will not NEED another layer. I never even used my heated vest.
COMPLAINTS? Collar fit and tendency to show dirt (as noted above)
VERDICT? At less than $300 I recommend the AST.
Held Gloves
I resisted buying 'high end' gloves for years. In retrospect I could've bought a couple pairs after going through half a dozen $40 pairs that just didn't work out. Prior to the Held gloves my favorite pair were simple $15 tan elkskin roper work gloves from Callahan's Feed Store.
I wore those out after about 15,000 miles and was wandering around Lone Star Cycle one day when one of the Held gloves jumped to my neck and pinned me against the wall while the other one shimmied on to my hand.
Ohhhhh....I bought them instantly and have not regretted the decision. I never thought gloves could be worth this much money but, boy, was I wrong.
COMPLAINTS? Not a complaint but there is no hard armor on them - just layers of additional soft padding. Perhaps this is why they are so comfortable. I never considered hard armor on gloves until reading about Scott's recent crash but will consider it when/if these ever wear out.
VERDICT? Recommended. Oh, yeah....
Oxtar Matrix Boots
I bought these boots on clearance at New Enough (best m/c apparel web site in the known universe!) b/c I wanted something waterproof and now wish I had bought 3 pair. I scored them for under 70 bucks and see them going for $150+ now.
These boots have about 30,000 miles on them and have certainly seen better days. The lower velcro enclosure gave out after about a year and 10,000 miles and they are looking sort of soft and droopy but they are still comfortable, safe, warm and waterproof. at <$100 I would buy a pair today. At closer to $200 I am consider replacing them with the Aeorstich (by Sidi) Combat Touring Boots.
COMPLAINTS? Velcro wore out pretty quickly, IMHO.
VERDICT? HIGHLY recommended (at right price) and recommended regardless at MSRP.
FirstGear HT Overpants
I need to thank a buddy of mine who happened into the store while I was trying these on over a pair of jeans. He told me to view them as stand-alone pants and not overpants. I took his advice and have found myself dispensing it to others. In extreme summer heat you can vent them by pulling the zipper down a few inches from the top although I suspect this will diminish their protective value quite a bit. These pants come with an insulated liner but I threw mine out long ago. In all but the coldest weather (>50 degrees) I find the pants alone with nothing - well ALMOST nothing (see below) - underneath are perfectly comfortable. The liner is bulky, cannot be worn independently of the overpants and is simply not as warm as wearing a pair of loose-fitting synthetic running 'tights' under the pants.
In addition, you can shed the overpants and kick around in the running tights when you are at a destination for a bit.
I really like how the legs zip completely up and down on the sides. This is great for putting them on and taking them off but also for airing them out after a ride.
During monsoon rains in British Columbia, Mexico and, recently, NM, these pants have stayed completely watertight even in the crotch area. Of course, I have the barn door-esque Aeroflow windshield and only get moderate rain on my legs above the knees when I am moving at speed. Still, they have been completely drenched and never leaked a drop.
The baggy, riding breeches style DO tend to make you look like a Colonel in the German Luftwaffe, IMHO, but that's probably why they are comfortable sitting in the saddle.
COMPLAINTS? The integrated belt is virtually non-adjustable and the snap at the fly does not like to stay closed. I would also like to see a handy thigh pocket like my wife's Joe Rocket pants
VERDICT? Recommended but my guess is there are several brands/models out there that perform as well with similar features for a similar price (e.g., Joe Rocket). I would likely buy the one that fits me the best and is being offered at the best current price.
HJC Sy-Max Modular (Flip-Front) Helmet
At ~$150 I have no REAL complaints about this helmet. It rarely fogs, it is ventilated well enough, the chin bar flips up and locks down easily and it is comfortable (after breaking in) on my largish, egg-shaped melon-head. It has great little pockets in the ear pads to secure the speakers for my intercom. It is getting a bit beat up and long in the tooth so I have been eyeing replacements.
COMPLAINTS? It is a bit noisy, particularly in cross wind conditions but not dramatically more so than other helmets I have worn.
VERDICT? There are plenty out there that grab my attention (like the Caberg with the way-cool built in tinted visor just like a fighter pilot!) but I likely will buy another one exactly like this one.
Other Gear/Apparel:
Crocs
I love them. Don't laugh. You will, too, once you try them. They are a bit bulkier than my flip-flops and a buddy of mine warned they would get me beat up when I wore them into a bar but I love them. You can wear them bare foot or with socks. I use them as shower shoes and they can be cleaned by hosing them off. They are light and do not retain odor. Best of all, they have little massage bumps on the bottom that feel GREAT after a long, hot run!
Yes, mine are orange. The color really goes well with the Hi-Viz jacket!!!
Ex-Oficio Wicking Underwear
(Sorry, no actual photos of me modeling this apparel. You will thank me for this.)
I backpack quite a bit and usually travel 2-up on the m/c. Consequently, I have learned to travel light. This means I usually bring 2 pairs of basics like shorts, T-shirts, socks and underwear. I ALWAYS bring synthetic fabrics.
Synthetics wick moisture to keep you cooler when it is hot and warmer when it is cold. They don't wrinkle when squashed in a bag and tend to resist dirt better than natural fabrics. When traveling I wash the previous day's clothes while wearing the other set. Synthetic fabrics are perfect for this and wicking underwear is a prime example.
They pack down to nothing, wick moisture to prevented dreaded MBS and air dry in a matter of hours after washing them in camp or a hotel sink. They are not cheap (~$15/pair) but you only need a couple pairs and are really worth the expense.
If it seems I recommend all my gear, well, I guess that is true but is a reflection of the value of the internet motorcycling community and not my own shopping prowess. Everything I use I have bought after careful review and recommendation from folks like you all. For that I am grateful - and dry and warm and safe!
Thanks for watching and I hope someone out there finds this as useful as I found the advice of others, -
FLETCH
I consider it a community obligation to give back in form so I always provide a trip report when I return from an adventure. I have never returned the favor regarding gear so what follows is my humble attempt to reflect on the gear I am currently using. As always, remember that YMMV!
Olympia AST Jacket
I have used an Olympia Air Glide Jacket for the past 3 years and 30,000 or so miles. I like that jacket and it has served me well from freezing to 100+ degree days but I have been eyeing a 3/4 length jacket more appropriate for winter time use. I had exhaustively researched all the options and was debating between a Kilimanjaro and the Aerostich products when the Olympia AST came out.
The Hi-Viz color really caught my eye (pun intended!) as soon as I saw it. I recently took a trip to the mountains that served as the perfect excuse to buy a 'winter' jacket so I picked this one up at Lone Star Cycle. I won't go into a detailed review because this one at WBW is spot-on. Suffice it to say that the jacket performed flawlessly.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/olympia-ast/
The color really does show up and get people's attention. Several times folks who stopped to get gas mentioned how they noticed me from a great distance.
The collar, like the WBW review details, is the weak point for chicken necks like me. It is simply too big and there is too little velcro to tighten it up sufficiently. I almost didn't buy it because of this but I caved and plan to have an extra couple inches velcro sewn on to it.
That being said, I rode for several hours in a DRIVING rain and no (zero, zilch, nada, zip) water made it through the neck (as I had feared) or anywhere else for that matter. Consider this jacket - at least when brand new - to be completely watertight. After its maiden voyage it has 2,500 miles on it and is starting to break in. It was pretty (okay VERY) stiff at first but has softened up considerably.
It is warm. I rode in freezing, windy conditions all day with the jacket, liner and a single layer of long-sleeve polypro and was completely comfortable.
The only drawback I have noted so far, other than the collar issue, is the light Hi-Viz color really shows dirt and scuffs. I completely expected this and plan to be a bit less cavalier about how I toss this jacket around but it will end up getting dirty-looking sooner than later.
I have not tested the venting beyond the low 90's. At that temp, and 100% humidity, it was comfortable without the liner at speed but I expect I will not want to wear it in August in Austin for my daily commute. The back has two long zippered vents on either side and the front has vents on the inside of each arm and inside the breast pockets. They do move a good bit of air and, with the light color, should be serviceable at highway speeds in the heat but not likely during a commute. If I consider my Air Glide a 3-season jacket (spring, summer, fall) I would consider this one similar but opposite (fall, winter, spring).
It has pockets EVERYWHERE including a really handy one for my wife on the lower back. I stored lip balm, credit card and other stuff back there and she easily retrieved it while we were seated (still or in motion). Pretty cool.
It is armored in the shoulders/elbows (hard) and spine (soft) and the always meddlesome elbow armor really seems to stay in the proper place - on me, at least. The wrists can be really cinched down the jacket can be tightened at the elbow and waist. When properly fitted this jacket should stay put in a crash.
Final note: I vacillated between the large and medium sizes for quite some time. I am a bit of a 'tweener' at 5'11" and about 185 pounds with longer torso than legs. I usually buy large for comfort and flexibility of adding layers. The large in the AST was simply TOO MUCH MATERIAL. The arms were long, the chest bunched up in my face, the shoulders scrunched up and it felt, well, voluminous. I tried the medium with one shirt layer, my heated vest and the liner and it fit snugly. I could not add another layer and be comfortable. Luckily, after riding for 5+ hours in wet, near freezing conditions I think it is safe to say this jacket will not NEED another layer. I never even used my heated vest.
COMPLAINTS? Collar fit and tendency to show dirt (as noted above)
VERDICT? At less than $300 I recommend the AST.
Held Gloves
I resisted buying 'high end' gloves for years. In retrospect I could've bought a couple pairs after going through half a dozen $40 pairs that just didn't work out. Prior to the Held gloves my favorite pair were simple $15 tan elkskin roper work gloves from Callahan's Feed Store.
I wore those out after about 15,000 miles and was wandering around Lone Star Cycle one day when one of the Held gloves jumped to my neck and pinned me against the wall while the other one shimmied on to my hand.
Ohhhhh....I bought them instantly and have not regretted the decision. I never thought gloves could be worth this much money but, boy, was I wrong.
COMPLAINTS? Not a complaint but there is no hard armor on them - just layers of additional soft padding. Perhaps this is why they are so comfortable. I never considered hard armor on gloves until reading about Scott's recent crash but will consider it when/if these ever wear out.
VERDICT? Recommended. Oh, yeah....
Oxtar Matrix Boots
I bought these boots on clearance at New Enough (best m/c apparel web site in the known universe!) b/c I wanted something waterproof and now wish I had bought 3 pair. I scored them for under 70 bucks and see them going for $150+ now.
These boots have about 30,000 miles on them and have certainly seen better days. The lower velcro enclosure gave out after about a year and 10,000 miles and they are looking sort of soft and droopy but they are still comfortable, safe, warm and waterproof. at <$100 I would buy a pair today. At closer to $200 I am consider replacing them with the Aeorstich (by Sidi) Combat Touring Boots.
COMPLAINTS? Velcro wore out pretty quickly, IMHO.
VERDICT? HIGHLY recommended (at right price) and recommended regardless at MSRP.
FirstGear HT Overpants
I need to thank a buddy of mine who happened into the store while I was trying these on over a pair of jeans. He told me to view them as stand-alone pants and not overpants. I took his advice and have found myself dispensing it to others. In extreme summer heat you can vent them by pulling the zipper down a few inches from the top although I suspect this will diminish their protective value quite a bit. These pants come with an insulated liner but I threw mine out long ago. In all but the coldest weather (>50 degrees) I find the pants alone with nothing - well ALMOST nothing (see below) - underneath are perfectly comfortable. The liner is bulky, cannot be worn independently of the overpants and is simply not as warm as wearing a pair of loose-fitting synthetic running 'tights' under the pants.
In addition, you can shed the overpants and kick around in the running tights when you are at a destination for a bit.
I really like how the legs zip completely up and down on the sides. This is great for putting them on and taking them off but also for airing them out after a ride.
During monsoon rains in British Columbia, Mexico and, recently, NM, these pants have stayed completely watertight even in the crotch area. Of course, I have the barn door-esque Aeroflow windshield and only get moderate rain on my legs above the knees when I am moving at speed. Still, they have been completely drenched and never leaked a drop.
The baggy, riding breeches style DO tend to make you look like a Colonel in the German Luftwaffe, IMHO, but that's probably why they are comfortable sitting in the saddle.
COMPLAINTS? The integrated belt is virtually non-adjustable and the snap at the fly does not like to stay closed. I would also like to see a handy thigh pocket like my wife's Joe Rocket pants
VERDICT? Recommended but my guess is there are several brands/models out there that perform as well with similar features for a similar price (e.g., Joe Rocket). I would likely buy the one that fits me the best and is being offered at the best current price.
HJC Sy-Max Modular (Flip-Front) Helmet
At ~$150 I have no REAL complaints about this helmet. It rarely fogs, it is ventilated well enough, the chin bar flips up and locks down easily and it is comfortable (after breaking in) on my largish, egg-shaped melon-head. It has great little pockets in the ear pads to secure the speakers for my intercom. It is getting a bit beat up and long in the tooth so I have been eyeing replacements.
COMPLAINTS? It is a bit noisy, particularly in cross wind conditions but not dramatically more so than other helmets I have worn.
VERDICT? There are plenty out there that grab my attention (like the Caberg with the way-cool built in tinted visor just like a fighter pilot!) but I likely will buy another one exactly like this one.
Other Gear/Apparel:
Crocs
I love them. Don't laugh. You will, too, once you try them. They are a bit bulkier than my flip-flops and a buddy of mine warned they would get me beat up when I wore them into a bar but I love them. You can wear them bare foot or with socks. I use them as shower shoes and they can be cleaned by hosing them off. They are light and do not retain odor. Best of all, they have little massage bumps on the bottom that feel GREAT after a long, hot run!
Yes, mine are orange. The color really goes well with the Hi-Viz jacket!!!
Ex-Oficio Wicking Underwear
(Sorry, no actual photos of me modeling this apparel. You will thank me for this.)
I backpack quite a bit and usually travel 2-up on the m/c. Consequently, I have learned to travel light. This means I usually bring 2 pairs of basics like shorts, T-shirts, socks and underwear. I ALWAYS bring synthetic fabrics.
Synthetics wick moisture to keep you cooler when it is hot and warmer when it is cold. They don't wrinkle when squashed in a bag and tend to resist dirt better than natural fabrics. When traveling I wash the previous day's clothes while wearing the other set. Synthetic fabrics are perfect for this and wicking underwear is a prime example.
They pack down to nothing, wick moisture to prevented dreaded MBS and air dry in a matter of hours after washing them in camp or a hotel sink. They are not cheap (~$15/pair) but you only need a couple pairs and are really worth the expense.
If it seems I recommend all my gear, well, I guess that is true but is a reflection of the value of the internet motorcycling community and not my own shopping prowess. Everything I use I have bought after careful review and recommendation from folks like you all. For that I am grateful - and dry and warm and safe!
Thanks for watching and I hope someone out there finds this as useful as I found the advice of others, -
FLETCH