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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | So, I know Saturday was the official beginning of Spring, so this may seem a little wierd to be asking this question so late. However, I just started using the Vision as a commuter vehicle, and may need to do so for some time since I cut almost an hour off my commute time because of riding the bike, plus the gas mileage is better (HOV lanes near D.C). The mornings are still pretty cold when I leave (34F is cold for me anyways) and I've been wearing some layers and then changing when I get to work. I am hoping that I might find some good end-of-season deals on one-piece suits. I am considering a heated suit for those really cold times, however, I know those aren't cheap, and I still have a budget to work with. But, I know some people have one piece insulated suits that they have said are great. So, just looking for suggestions. It doesn't have to be a specific model, but I'd really like to hear if someone has had great luck with one and why.
My reason is that I'd like to be able to wear a business suit underneath the one piece riding suit. And if it is going to rain, I don't want that to get wet on the ride up. It would free up some room in my trunk, as well as make it more practical time wise.
The only other thing that would be nice (if it even exisits) is a one-piece suit that had a zip-out liner so I could use it for those rain days without buring up. I realize those suits probably wouldn't be electric heated.
So, if you all can help, suggestions are appreciated. If you can remember how much it costs, that would also help a lot! Thanks in advance.
Marc
Edited by divesharc 2010-03-23 9:24 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | The wife and I have been using our Firstgear brand Thermogear 1 piece riding suits for several years with good results. They are very warm and waterproof, and ours have held up well. The suit is easily stuffed into your saddlebag or trunk when not needed.
http://www.firstgear-usa.com/fgweb2.nsf/Products/D98A4D6D2D34292F86...
Do some online shopping and you may find a better price than factory direct. I bought ours for $130 each shipped, but that was a few years ago.
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2010-03-23 11:36 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I have First Gear TPG
http://www.firstgear-usa.com/fgweb2.nsf/home?openform
I purposely went with two-piece because the temp is much warmer when I leave work at 5pm vs morning at 7am. Many times I only need the jacket for the ride home. The pants zip to the jacket for those cold days. I rode most of the winter to work (30 mins one way on freeway). The coldest I rode was 22 degrees and only added a sweat shirt over my work clothes. The vision blocks so much wind I don't have a need for a heated suit.
Both the jacket and pants have insulating liners that can be removed giving the suit more versatility when the temp gets above 50. The jacket liner can be worn separately and has a real nice look to it. In fact, I wear it around the office frequently and get many compliments.
The suit is not 100 percent water PROOF, but it is very water resistant. I stay dry within my 30 minute commute. On longer rides a small amount of water eventually seeps in around the collar. However, when I wear a fullface helmet seepage is not a problem.
With the liners installed, this suit does take up some room. The jacket will almost fill one saddle bag and the pants the other. Without the liners it all fits in one bag.
If you are looking for suit to wear when it's above 85 degress, this is probably not the one. It will be too hot. Up to that temp, however, it is fabulous.
Hope this helps your search for a dry and warm ride. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | Thanks for the suggestions. Has anyone used "Aerostitch" suits? Had a friend recommend them. Warned me they weren't cheap but said it was the best suit he had ever worn. Any compliments/complaints? Most interested in how warm for winter and how cool for rain in warmer climates. They make some hi-viz which would be good for the idiot drivers in the D.C. area as well. Just a little scared about spending that much on a suit. $800 for an off the rack model, more for a custom one!!! Whew. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
okc. | I have the Aerostich two piece suit ( jacket pants zip together) also have 2 other aerostich jackets. I have tryed other brands but keep coming back to aerostich! well made gear. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
okc. | call 1-800-222-1994 ask for the aerostich catalog. Its free. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Stockton, Ca. | I have the Firstgear 1 piece for both the wife and I. It has great thermal qualities,water proof and easy to get on and off with zippers all the way down the leg velcro closures over the zippers. Great in icy cold weather and or rain. Since using those suits the electric liners have been gathering dust. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 62
ESCALON CA. | MY WIFE & I LIKE OUR ROTHCO " PUFFER SUITS" I FOUND ON THE INTERNET FOR ABOUT $50., I WAS ADDING SOME LEG EXTENSIONS WHEN MY SEWING MACHINE BROKE. 5'-10" 195 LBS 32 INSEAM, THE LEGS WHEN SEATED ARE JUST A LITTLE SHORT. I ALSO WEAR A COTTON VERSION OF THESE COVERALLS AT WORK. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | I know these are more designed for crotch rockets, but has anyone ever used Alpinestar 360 R Drystar? I was searching for reviews on aerostich and other 1 pc suits, and this came up. Claims to be waterproof, and it costs a few hundred less than a stitch. Any opinions, besides the fact that it may not look good, would be grealy appreciated. This one seems to be gore-tex as well, which I like since it breathes a little. Thanks guys. |
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New user
Posts: 3
Kansas City, MO | I am looking to buy a rain suit too, my brother has a frogtog, any comments or imput on those? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
West Knoxville TN | Chewy dont let the Toggs touch the pipes. Other than that they are OK. Just colored tyvek more or less. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | My best friend is an airline captain and commutes on his Bandit in an Olympia Phantom suit. Really likes it. Bang for the buck is almost impossible to beat at $400 MSRP. Zip out liner. Website here: http://www.olympiamotosports.com/phantom/phantom.htm weBikeWorld review here: http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/olympia-moto-sports/phantom/ Made in Texas, a very nice company that has a real person to answer questions over the phone. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | Songfan, thanks, I hadn't seen these before and that sure looks like a good deal. Have you used these? If so, or you know someone who has, are they waterproof? Thinking of those cold days. For commuting, I like the idea of the bright yellow one. That way the crazy D.C. drivers can't say I wasn't visible when the cops pick my body out from under their car. (Just kidding, morbid I know) Any impressions you can give would be great, or if you know someone who uses them, what they think. It's half the price of the stitch, so that helps a lot. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Reston, Virginia | divesharc,
I also commute into DC and previously had an Olympia Phantom one piece. Worked great and got it at Coleman Powersport for about $400. I recently sold it to a guy in CA for about $200 and bought an Aerostich Roadcrafter. The Olympia was nice and warm but the Aerostich is quicker and easier to get on and off. I wear business clothes under them every work day. You cannot go wrong either way but my preference is the Aerostich. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | gcarroll, I am doing the same thing, most likely wearing business suits. I can see how the stitch might be quicker, but was that the only reason you changed, or was there some other reason. I hate shelling out the extra bucks, but want to get feedback to spend once instead of twice. Having used both, it'd be nice to hear your impressions. I do like the fact though that I can go to Coleman and try it on. If speed of getting it on was the only thing, I could probably sacrifice that for $400 extra dollars though. I appreciate the feedback.
Incidentally, I haven't seen another Vision on the HOV yet, where are you coming from? I am in Fredericksburg area. |
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One Piece Suits, suggestions