Ideal Bike Jacket

[piguglyshandydrinker]

HELP!

I have been searching for an 'ideal' (to me) bike jacket & (trousers), can anyone point me in the right direction?

This is what I require from a (synthetic) Jacket;

* 100% Waterproof (not waterproof liner!)
* Lightish colour, predominantely not black (for hot climates).
* Plenty of large air vents front & rear, waterproof when closed.
* Mesh lining.
* Good selection of good sized pockets pockets, including inner & prefferably a rear one too.
* Must be comfy and a decent length.
* Not too lairy or looking like a noticeboard!
* If it has a thermal liner it must be removable.
* Usual armour.

Basically I'm after a true all season jacket that is comfy, dry, adaptable & won't break the bank.

Is there such a thing or am I expecting too much?

Opinions on a postcard please!

Phil

[Gregger]

Yeah, same here! And matching trousers! and breathable!

My FT Aqua Trousers are son unbreathable as to be inwearable!

[Xander]

If you find one let me know..
and I'll even take it in black..

[Mr NiceGuy]

Try Hein Gericke Cruise GTX.

• Goretex shell not a liner.
• Grey and black.
• Trousers have full length thigh zip to open mesh vents.
• Chest vents and shoulder vents
• Well made and very comfy.
• Not cheap but you get what you pay for.

[Austin]

I am after a new jacket as well. I tried on several Rev'it jackets last week, they are really nice but all have a zip out waterproof liner. Now, I just don't get this waterproof liner thing inside a jacket although I can see the benefits for hot days. What I want is the waterproof bit fixed and bonded to the outer, but it seems to me clothing technology is all going the way of removal liners. At the moment my £12 waterproof suit from Aldi is proving its worth

[piguglyshandydrinker]

Try Hein Gericke Cruise GTX.

• Goretex shell not a liner.
• Grey and black.
• Trousers have full length thigh zip to open mesh vents.
• Chest vents and shoulder vents
• Well made and very comfy.
• Not cheap but you get what you pay for.

Hmmm, seen these in the HG catalogue, may take a look this weekend, although they are not mesh lined, is this a problem when the temp rises above 30 deg - nylon inners get sweaty & sticky & horrible when it's hot.

I do have quite a psychological block when it comes to paying 500 notes for a bike jacket & trousers.......

(Unless they can be returned 'under warranty' for replacements after 4years 11 months for new ones )

Phil

[Mr NiceGuy]

Not too bad, the vents work well and flow plenty of air through them. Just remember that when you buy it make sure you get a size that lets air flow through it. You also get vents on the forearms too so you get the breeze up your arms.

I still use a mesh jacket in the summer because with any jacket as soon as you stop moving so does the air flow and the temperature rises.

Hein Gericke do a regular deal where you get the lower price item half priced. I was able to get the wifes jacket and trousers half price by putting them through as jacket/jacket and trousers/trousers.

[DaveS]

Hmmm, seen these in the HG catalogue, may take a look this weekend, although they are not mesh lined, is this a problem when the temp rises above 30 deg - nylon inners get sweaty & sticky & horrible when it's hot.

I do have quite a psychological block when it comes to paying 500 notes for a bike jacket & trousers.......

(Unless they can be returned 'under warranty' for replacements after 4years 11 months for new ones )

Phil

Phil this is the jacket that I had, Chad had, and I think Geoff had! If not other people there, so if that's not a recommendation I don't know what is!

[Wee Jack]

Phil,
When it comes to textiles I can't see past Hein Gericke.

I have the now discontinued Gore Voyager "jaikit 'n troosers".

Anything with the Goretex membrane has a 5 year "waterproofness" warranty.

When I come to replace it my first stop will be HG.

[Sharribee]

I've got an old Shoei jacket which my dad gave me when I first bought my bike. It is one of those bits of kit that you always use and when you wear something else you realise how good it is.

I will be gutted when I have worn it to destruction