First time buying real riding gear, nervous about comfort

[anm89]

I'm going to be riding for a couple months around South America starting in January and I am gearing up right now. I have probably logged 10k two wheel miles in my life but all local, and I have never had any real riding gear.

I am interested in buying something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Olympia-Moto-...ng%2Bsuit&th=1

Just a basic full body suit but I am really worried that any kind of full body suit is going to miserably hot in the summer near the equator. Are these suits really wearable in 80 and 90 degree weather?

I also have someone near me selling a more racing style suit at a really good price: https://www.amazon.com/Perrini-Gener...ywords=Perrini

Is there any reason that a suit like this which is marketed as being for racing is going to perform poorly in an adventure / touring scenario. Is leather going to be miserable in the heat?

Would very much appreciate hearing from someone who has logged some hours in this kind of gear

[ChrisFS]

Definitely wouldn't be my choice. A one piece suit is way too restrictive. Get yourself a jacket and trousers. Many can zip together, most will have removable liners for when it's too hot but should be warm enough for when it's cold. Plus they tend to be reasonably waterproof too.

[Gipper]

Yeah, I totally agree with Chris, get separate trousers and jacket, a one piece suit will not only be hot on the bike, but as soon as you stop you want to take your jacket off and you will have to clamber out of a one piece, not much fun for border crossings, lunch breaks, food shopping, sight seeing etc.

Due to wrecking all my riding gear in an accident (its a long story, but our insurance company paid for new gear and all I could get was BMW clobber in Winter), I ended up wearing BMW City trousers and a Rallye Jacket for our SAmerica trip The trousers were to be honest, very good, they are a heavy denim with good knee/hip armour and lots of handy pockets, I would recommend them or something similar (Draggin Jeans) with a pair of waterproof over trousers when required. The Rallye jacket was good, but heavy- a lighter mesh jacket combined with a windproof/waterproof jacket would have been better for all but Patagonia - where it got bloody cold at times. For the most part in SAmerica it was hot.

I would generally avoid leather, unless it is punched for ventilation, not too heavy and you are carrying the windproof/waterproof layer, it will normally be a lot warmer than a textile jacket, BUT it will offer the best protection and abrasion resistance to sliding on asphalt.


Accept that just like riding in the UK and Europe, that sometimes you will be hot and sometimes cold - it is all a compromise.

[mark manley]

I would also say get separate trousers and jacket, I prefer armoured jeans and lightweight waterproof overtrousers and a textile jacket with removable lining.

[anm89]

Well, I'm convinced. I really expected to get the opposite response but I will definitely get seperate pants and jacket after hearing this!