Bought a new set of wet weather riding gear from Hein Gerick earlier this year. £220 for a pair of the Cruise trousers to replace a pair I went for 5 years back. After a few weeks I noticed above the right knee roll a hole had appeared probably the result of a burn (but I'm not sure how and when) - it has got worse. Probably to the extent that there is no use in me wearing these trousers any more. Anyone had any problems with burns on similar trousers?

The material looks completely lightweight and there is nothing underneath other than the Goretex. The rest of the trousers look to be fairly hefty I cannot believe there can be such a weak pooint? Anyone else got any experience with anything similar? I reckon the rest of the trousers would not burn through like this if they come into contact with the exhaust - surely the only explanation for this.

Anyone else had any grief with similar riding gear? I had some bother with a jacket from Hein Gerick some years back and they replaced it just like that. I spent £700 on that particular visit to HG and after taking them back (Farnborough store) to discuss the problem they were incredibly unhelpful. I asked them to send them back and I have just heard they are not interested in fixing them (I did not even ask for a replacement - I realise I have worn them for some distance).

Question is, who to contact next? I reckon these trousers are crap. There is a serious design/build flaw. I will post a picture when I get home. £200+ is a lot to pay for trousers that are no use to man nor beast after just a few weeks of use. The last pair saw me through all manner of bother in South America with no trouble at all. Trips down the road caused less trouble than riding my bike with these.

Any suggestions most welcome. A simple claim in the county courts might be the way forward - anyone any experience there for such matters? Done it for other matters but never on a bike issue.

Funny thing is I ordered some new gear from the buggers. I look forward to canceling it next time I call in to pick up the trousers. Bunch of tuaregs, I mean toerags.....

Not best pleased.

Matt

I've used the HG Cruise suit for the length of the Americas and recently from Singapore back to Scotland. Mine was ok generally as far as keeping me warm in the cold (as long as it was dry) but it is about as waterproof as a sponge now. Every time it rained (which was a fair bit in Asia), it entire suit would get soaked through very quickly. In North America, I re-proofed it with Tek-Wash or something but it didn't seem to make any difference.

My HG gear is only about 2 1/2 years old now but I seem to remember seeing something saying they had a 5 year guarantee? I'd be very interested to find out if I could make a complaint about the Cruise suit being pretty lame in the waterproof department.

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Mike


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I had a Dri-Rider suit. Burnt a hole in the end of the sleeve. The material was quite thick and I don't even know when and where it happened, but it's only plastic, so the exhaust has no trouble melting it.

Forget about getting anything repaired, all their stuff is made in Far East, so it can't be repaired.

My Jacket was quite good, nice and warm and waterproof for a long time. The trousers, however, leaked badly in the crutch from the first time I rode in rain. Unfortunately for this, on the Riviera I never rode much in wet weather (the sun almost always shines), so it was 1 1/2 years until I had the second ride in the pouring rain and took them back. Warranty in Germany is 2 years, but in France you pay more and get only 1 year warranty. The store owner replaced them on his own nickel, but the replacement leaked exactly the same, so I always had to wear plastic over them.

My take on HG stuff: not the cheapest and not the worst, but overall not very good quality.

Another example: I've been on the road for two years now with HG trousers and a BMW jacket. The HG stuff has faded, the fly zipper never stayed up and they aren't cut symmetrically, so the right knee protector is never where it should be. On the BMW jacket only minor issues, except the elbow protectors are both broken where they hinge.

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Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10

If I'm correct and the Cruise are the Goretex trousers then that is what I have. Last year when riding off I got flung over the bars and the knee caught the GPS mount on the way over. It tore the outer layer but did not damage the Goretex layer. To this day they still have the hole and have never let any water in and I wear them every day..
So if the Goretex layer is undamaged they will be fine.

A lot of good outdoor pursuit shops have contacts with repairers who can mend goretex, so give one of them a try.

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The electric monk always has faith.

Thanks there guys.

There is no damage to the goretex as far as I can tell and the recent weekend weather proved a good test.



I guess I am just disappointed that I have spent £200+ on a pair of trousers that has mysteriously developed a hole and the shop that sold them does not want to know. My main question is whether this gear is fit for purpose? Is it worth pursuing this with the OFT?

Life is hectic and I don't need this sort of crap. That said I don't like anyone cheating me and would rather fight them than forget it.

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers.

Matt

Hi Guy's, Most of my riding kit leathers and fabric suites inc boots and gloves etc are all from HG in Norwich Norfolk, had a few small issues but all sorted by the shop staff, excellent customer service, i would go back and take it up with the store manager and go further if necessary, just make sure you have your receipt with you, good luck.
TDMalcolm