I'm having a hard time deciding between a decent set of leathers and an Aerostich for touring. I can see a number of advantages for both, and also some downsides to each.
Leather has the obvious advantage that it slides better. If I'm feeling particularly froggy, hanging off the seat and dragging a knee is a non issue. I am also considering a few trackdays this year and obviously leather is required. Perfed leather is probably going to be cooler during the summer. Now leather has the obvious disadvantage in weather protection, since I have a couple 3000+ mile trips planned this summer, I can't see that I will make it through all of them without encountering some type of rain. And I am not really the type to stop and pull out a rainsuit before it starts raining. The other distinct disadvantage is that I can't wear street clothes underneath it, so if I want to stop somewhere and not look like a biker, that is just not an option.
The 'Stich option is nice because it is pretty much waterproof so getting stuck in the rain is less of an issue as I should stay fairly dry during the rain, and not have to worry about the suit taking multiple days to dry out. The ventilation on the Roadcrafter is also supposed to do a very nice job. Velcro patches for knee sliders are an option, although I'm not sure how comfortable I would be with putting a knee down in a textile suit. The ability to wear it year round as well as comuting also appeals to me although I do already have that covered with a jacket and overpants, it is just easier to get in and out of a 1 piece. The final benifit of the 'Stich over the leather is that I wouldn't look quite as much like I was breaking the law.
I guess I'm just mulling over ideas and looking for others' insight. I'm sure I will end up with both, but which one to buy first.
Leather has the obvious advantage that it slides better. If I'm feeling particularly froggy, hanging off the seat and dragging a knee is a non issue. I am also considering a few trackdays this year and obviously leather is required. Perfed leather is probably going to be cooler during the summer. Now leather has the obvious disadvantage in weather protection, since I have a couple 3000+ mile trips planned this summer, I can't see that I will make it through all of them without encountering some type of rain. And I am not really the type to stop and pull out a rainsuit before it starts raining. The other distinct disadvantage is that I can't wear street clothes underneath it, so if I want to stop somewhere and not look like a biker, that is just not an option.
The 'Stich option is nice because it is pretty much waterproof so getting stuck in the rain is less of an issue as I should stay fairly dry during the rain, and not have to worry about the suit taking multiple days to dry out. The ventilation on the Roadcrafter is also supposed to do a very nice job. Velcro patches for knee sliders are an option, although I'm not sure how comfortable I would be with putting a knee down in a textile suit. The ability to wear it year round as well as comuting also appeals to me although I do already have that covered with a jacket and overpants, it is just easier to get in and out of a 1 piece. The final benifit of the 'Stich over the leather is that I wouldn't look quite as much like I was breaking the law.
I guess I'm just mulling over ideas and looking for others' insight. I'm sure I will end up with both, but which one to buy first.
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