|
Great rant Stormboy! Couldn't agree more. Having said that, around here in the U.S.A. I'm often the most geared up. Harley folks are the majority and they mainly wear jeans, a T shirt, and a pudding bowl helmet even if they're off across the country.
|
Mate, amongst the people that I usually ride with I am probably a little more gear conscious than they are too.
My contention is not that safety gear should not be worn, nor is it that people should stop promoting it. The point is that some people carry things to extremes, it's all about balance, there was a previous post in this thread in which the respondent alluded to the fact that MC racers wear ATGATT, but that their time in the saddle is limited compared to the ADV/LDR section of the riding community. It was a point well made. The best piece of safety gear that I have personally ever owned is a fully functioning brain, if I am comfortable, not hot/cold, not uncomfortable or restricted I can make better riding decisions and provide better riding input. I, as do most have a predetermined acceptable level of risk, and it is higher than some, lower than others, and it has been determined by me over 39 years behind the bars, the observations and evidence are all anecdotal, and that is acceptable to my mind, for me. Wear whatever you want, be a safe rider, listen to the wee small voices, and let people make their own decisions without the browbeating. That was the point of my rant, (written as it was after a week worth of nightshift I might add). Chris. |
One for sale on ebay number 320579714655
end's this sunday |
I was actually thinking about getting a waxed cotton jacket, too. Not necessarily Belstaff, there's a bunch of other waxed cotton jackets available that are not ricidulously overpriced. I'm guessing that's because of Belstaff's LWR/LWD affiliation.
I'm wondering though not only how durable they are but also what their (dis)advantages are? Like do you boil inside when it gets hot? How waterproof are they really? What about funky smell after several hot days in the saddle? Are they easy to wash (aka do they have to be hand-washed or machine-washed, do they need special detergent, etc.) and how long do they dry? I'm currently using a Pharao textile jacket that I really like - it has several big pockets, it's comfortable albeit quite heavy, but it's neither waterproof nor usable when it gets really hot due to lack of vents. |
Quote:
On very hot days you will find a waxed cotton jacket very warm ,they are usually black and will soak up the sun and they don't have much ventilation . You can leave the cuffs open and partially open the zip to get some air in them .But on a 20c day they will be comfortable when you are moving on the bike , I find textile jackets warm too if they don't have ventilation flaps as well ,so not much difference really. Hand wash only in mild soapy warm water , definitely no hot machine washing ! They usually don't have much of a lining so they dry fairly quickly ,--overnight maybe ? I can't remember washing mine ,I just leave it out in the rain and the mud rinses off . They are waterproof if you look after them and reproof them occasionally . If you decide to buy a cheaper one ,have a hard look at the quality of the manufacturing .See previous posts about the Vincent jacket . Stitching may not be up to the standard of Belstaff or Barbour and the fit may not be correct for riding on a motorcycle . I've picked up nearly new Barbour Internationals on eBay for 50 pounds ,so they don't have to be expensive . Waxed cotton is a natural product and is not as convenient as modern textiles as regards washing etc . Funky smell ? Never noticed , buy a large size that will allow you to wear several layers underneath and wash the under layers ,not the jacket . If you put the jacket away wet it may get mouldy , but then so would any other kind of jacket . You either love 'em or you hate 'em . |
Thank you Dodger. What do you use to reproof them? I'd guess some sort of wax but that'd be too easy.
I've actually taken a look at the Barbour jackets. They look pretty decent but also pretty expensive. Haven't found out where to get them in Germany though, I'd like to try one on first. |
You can buy tins of wax from Belstaff ,Barbour and others.
Spray or brush on . |
Quote:
But as you yourself say, they are very hot, clammy, very difficult to clean/wash, poorly lined, and are best left out in the rain. You also say they are inconvenient, smelly and mouldy. Expensive too. We know that lumps of the wax grease go onto other peoples clothes unfortunately, especially in hot weather. It doesnt totally add up to a great product, does it? But great in its time. I dont think they have even basic crash protection. They look good though, at vintage rallies etc:cool4:. |
The Drizabone factory outlet is only a few K's from home, I'm going down there soon, to check these out.
[url=http://www.drizabone.com.au/store.asp?pr=15&ban=M&store=Mens-p-1-c-1250]Driza-Bone |
|
|
Thanks Dod for the pics; yes, spot on - the McQueen pic is old enough to be in black and white, giving the authentic vintage look. That jacket looks perfect.
The colour pic is of an ancient Enfield (55years old:thumbup1:) on a great trip (I must get that book) , so Gordon May dresses to suit the bike. As I said, and I think you agree, it's perfect for the time. So wax up!:mchappy: |
It certainly looks good. Thanks for the pics Dodger, and the explanation, too. I'll keep my current jacket until at least February and see if I can find a decent jacket at IMOT, a huge motorcycle and equipment trade show in town. I'll need riding pants too, since my old ones have magically shrunk for no obvious reason :innocent:
|
It's all about the tear resistance...
Quote:
When contemplating how well a garment will keep your skin intact the most important factor to consider is the tear resistance. I don't have the numbers for the tear resistance of "waxed cotton" but, denim jeans are cotton and while i'd expect a cotton motorcycle jacket to have a higher tear resistance than jeans it's not going to be significantly higher because it's still the same material and one that's really not designed for that application. Additionally, with the heat that is imparted from even a quick slide on the road I'd expect the wax to melt instantaneously and thus provide no real additional help, so you're essentially talking about slightly thicker cotton. Related anecdote: I watched my girlfriend lowside on asphalt at about 25 mph. She hit and immediately started rolling I didn't see her sliding at all. Her 500 dennier cordura has non-trivial melting on the side of the arm near the bicep. Do NOT underestimate how quickly friction is converted into heat energy. From the section on garment materials in a post I did a while ago ( So you want to ride a motorcycle… and not die | weblog.masukomi.org ) Quote:
|
An excellent and thoughtful post, thanks.
The evidence shows that waxed cotton is no good at all for bike riding. It was designed in the 19th century for fishermen in the North Sea, and to use it in the 21st century when riding is just plain :thumbdown:. Even those who like the "old look" admit that it's rubbish. |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:39. |