|
Quote:
|
Quote:
ahhhh mark, I know you're right !! :thumbup1: It doesn't really matter, and nothing will be perfect !! If i didn't waste my time worring about insignificant things like this, i'd only have to watch crap TV or do gardning, DIY etc ! lol |
For what it's worth....
I travelled for 7 months in Africa with a denim jacket and some forcefield shoulder and elbow pads, all worked well for me.
When it comes to Africa, keep it simple.. Safe trip. |
Ed, I can't believe you asked this question. I've told you over and over, whatever shows your g-string/thong off best, I'm not going to be looking at your shoulders from behind. :scooter: :scooter:
Seems like you've been THINKING too much. doh |
Quote:
Yep, same situation for me Mangochi after my leather jacket got stolen whilst boarding the river barge in Lisala. Ted, you are being TERRIBLY anal about this and I do believe Mark has you well sussed. :cool4: |
Well I went with the body Armour..
I wore a football shirt under it, an MX jersey over it along with my windproof over jacket. It was actually very comfortable but FREEZING cold !! I left at 6am, just as the sun was coming out and didnt really warm up at all even though it was a very sunny, clear day !! Since as I was chilly in the UK in Summer, it should be just right for Africa !! hmmm.. I don't think im being THAT anal. I'll be stuck in this gear for 6 months and won't have the oppurtinity to economically change it so I think it was a good idea to think it through and gather opinions !! :thumbup1: |
Interesting...I've often thought about body armour with a trekking jacket rather than a bike jacket, which are often ridiculously priced anyway. And a trekking jacket is useful; saves weight too, in avoiding having two jkts, for on bike and off bike. A trekking jkt won't have any abrasion resistance of course, which is a problem. But on uncertain unmetalled roads, maybe this is less of a problem.
In my findings on this, I'm told that most biker back injuries are caused by a torsional movement, which makes back protectors pretty useless, as they don't resist a twisting movement. There is some protection from impact with a back protector, but a bit of camping mat might serve just as well for that. Additionally, back protectors are sweaty, unhygienic things, and can spoil your travels. If these findings prove correct, then back protectors are mostly a waste of time, comfort and money. But body armour is a real option. Most of all, Markharf is right. |
I'm surprised you went with the Acerbis. Sounded like you were set on the Wolf jacket. Either way, its all good.
I think you'll adapt to the Pressure suit once you've lived in it for a few days, make a few adjustments. I think your take is correct ... things are gonna warm up. Once they do you should be fine. In the meantime ... add layers. I hope your wind breaker is WATER PROOF too. :mchappy: |
Quote:
As for the shell, its my 10 year old Shimano MTB jacket. :biggrin3: |
Another 2 bits
I'd go with the armour. I've been riding through Africa since late Dec. and while I'm okay with my BMW Rally 2Pro gear my big complaints are (that relate directly to your question):
-The armour shifts since it isn't strapped to me, but to the jacket/pants. -You can't just hose down the armour and wash the jacket/pants, you have to go through the annoying task of removing the armour from the everything. -Even with all the vents (2 side,2 back,2 full arm length,2 top chest) it still gets hot and I can't take the jacket off. Straight armour would be hot, but wouldn't have the all-round coverage of a textile suit. -If I want to be waterproof I have to add the gortex insert, but I can't remove the rest of the jacket because it contains the armour. So, look at that, then add the fact that your other jacket is leather and most likely not as breathable as a textile suit and.... On a side note, what I'd like to have right now is my same jacket with all the armour removed and then wear an armour suit under that. That way I could wear the best mix for what I was doing without it being all or nothing. |
Ive been on the road for 10 days and im already thinking about sending the armour home and buying a jacket in Barcelona.
Reasons.... It takes too long put on and take off. Loads of zips, straps, adjustments etc etc. People end up waiting for me to get ready and sort out my "layers" Its too bulky on small bike with roll bags on the back seat (prob my fault). Im constantly wriggling around trying to get comfortable. I cant just jump off the bike, sit down and have a coffee without everyone looking at me like a total S&M fetish wierdo. I really miss just dropping my jacket on the back of a chair and being instantly unwrapped. I find it difficult to get the right "layers". Its too cold on the highway but too hot when not moving. I haven't even left Spain yet and im panting in the sun with only a single thin base layer. Anyway, I don't regret buying it. I'll use it for green laning and Enduro holidays. I don't think its really working for me on a long trip like this. It's just too "fussy" !! Live n learn eh !!!! |
On longer trips I normally use a light rally jacket without lining but lot of vents, some protection and a camel-back. I Find it important that I can open and close the front vents when I drive.
Off course mine is with an expensive badge you don't like to much, but if you find something good please let us know. I'm looking for a new jacket, my old one has 230kkm.... :thumbup1: |
Quote:
Howdy Ted, riding all "on road" thus far? Maybe leave the armor strapped on the back for road riding? Most guys I know who pressure suits do so only off road. Obviously, your trip will involve lots of both, so makes it tough. This is a hard thing to get just right and weather is changeable and hard to predict. My buddies leave the thing on a rest stops unless more than half hour. I certainly get the "Fussy" part. I am not of fan of Fussy gear either. Once you get into Africa and your buddies start getting spit off and Augering in hard ... you may then appreciate the armor a bit more? :helpsmilie: I bring my Gerbing jacket even on hot weather trips. Instant warmth, only takes the space of a wind breaker, yet performs like 3 layers. Useful but not sure your DRZ's elec. output is up to producing the required 77 watts. Spain has fantastic gear. When I was there gear was much cheaper than UK. Andorra was even cheaper. No idea on current prices but the shops are outstanding and sometimes grouped in clusters (like Japan) for easy shopping. Suerte y suave caminos ! |
I have the same body armour and wore it for my Morocco adventure. Would not have beenwithout it, though I never fell off so didn't need it!
Over the top I wore a Joe Rocket mesh jacket - other's wore an MX jersey. When it's 36 degrees you'll be glad of it and the venting it provides, rather than a leather jacket all clogged with dust and flies. Never bothered taking it off at rest stops, just kept the mesh jacket on and undid the zips / waist belt. It's fussy for a reason: to keep the armour in the right places sould you execute some gymnastic performance before making contact with terra-firma. A suit with the armour attached is never guarantee'd to do that. Stick with it, and I hope you never have to rely on it, but if you do you'll be glad you were wearing it! I don't think it looks too wacky: http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...00GS/th_23.jpg And even it if does, I certainly didn't care! |
Body Armour or Rally Jacket
I would have said body armour until rode around in an Dri-rider rally X jacket for 3 months.
It has armour in all the normal spots, a camel back style hydration pack, removable layers (thermal, water proof) and of course lots of pockets. The armour will give better protection but the jacket is easier to live with. |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:13. |