Too much bike clothing!

[Bikerjon]

I’ve just bought one of those proper bike clothing stands so I can keep all my gear in one place. It’s a very good thing and I highly recommend it, but with 4 jackets, 4 trousers, waterproofs, boots, gloves and 2 helmets it’s already at full capacity!

This made me realise that I need to reduce my stuff and stop faffing over what jacket to wear! I don't commute but I do ride all year, so all I want is a summer and winter setup of 2 jackets, 2 trousers maximum. Ideally I want clothing that still looks "normal" and not overly power ranger. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best overall setup? Is it even possible?!!

[Krikkit]

I would say one set of perforated leather top and bottoms, one set of textiles with zip-in warmer linings etc.

Might be a bit too power ranger for you though - I've just accepted that I'll look like a gimp.

[Alex@POD]

I generally dislike riding this time of year, not because of the conditions but because I'm back to wearing bulky jackets with waterproof and warm layers, and after a summer of wearing a light ventilated jacket I feel like the Michelin man on the bike... I haven't long bought a new jacket/trousers combo, but I am thinking about changing again for something that will feel less bulky...

[KTMsm]

So let me get this right...

You have too much clothing and your solution is to buy more !

Are you my wife ?

[ReverendCounter]

1) base layer, then
2) insulation, then
3) protection - something like a Knox Urbane Pro, then
4) lightweight performance waterproof shell in XXL/XXXL (10,000mm + hydrostatic head)

In the worst rain wear two waterproof jackets. Nothing gets through. Weighs less than a waterproof textile, doesn't soak rain up, dries faster, you get to choose which waterproof jacket looks and fits the best, plus during the summer, all you need is a t shirt plus the protection layer.

Edited by ReverendCounter on Tuesday 5th October 15:27

[bogie]

I had the same issue, then the girlfriend needed somewhere for her kit, so ended up with a 2nd bikertidy stand in a different configuration. So now I can store 5-6 jackets, 3-4 pairs trousers and 4 helmets, loads of gloves, 4 pairs of boots etc

so I would just get another stand

I think kit is a personal preference, depends where and what you ride, I dont think there is a perfect setup. Manufacturers have been trying for years to produce a suit you can wear all year in all weather, but I've not seen one yet thats warm enough for winter and cool enough for the hottest summer touring...there are some expensive laminated leather & goretex suits that are great 3 season wear but not in the heat of summer when you need mesh kit or highly perforated unlined leather.

[Bikerjon]

Yeah I realise this sounds like I'll be buying more kit to reduce what I have overall! It's a bit daft but apart from helmets I tend to keep things a while so a lot of it is due replacing and things seem to have evolved since the last time I looked. For example until recently I didn't know you can get waterproof denim jeans that are actually quite protective and have much thinner armour too. This with the mesh jacket that I already have could be the summer bit done.

[Dr Jekyll]

It's difficult enough finding something that's comfortable on a motorway blast on a crisp spring morning and also in a traffic jam on the Euston road at 5 PM that same afternoon.

[bogie]

Yes I wear those waterproof jeans with thinner D30 armour, Rokker Revolutions. They are great, been wearing them about 5 years now. They really are waterproof, at least for an hour or two. When ive had to do a day long trip in rain I wear a 1 piece rain suit over my jacket and trousers.

Those jeans can be worn year around, just need a thermal base layer in winter.

[hiccy18]

I think Krikkit nailed it in the second post, but I recently bought jeans for going to work and they're so comfy I've used them for touring.

[Bob_Defly]

I got a Klim Carlsbad jacket in 2019 and wish I'd bought one sooner. It vents like crazy in the Summer, and with a layer or two on underneath it does well in cold weather too. It has replaced a couple of my old jackets as it's so bloody useful.

I'd look for gear like this if I were you.

[stang65]

I'd agree with the set of leathers and set of textiles as suggested above. I'd add.....buy the same make for both. I have Richa stuff, not flash but does what it says, the waterproofs are waterproof, it's all comfortable, it lasts well, it's sensibly priced etc. The advantage of buying the same brand is that when the weather is turning (like now) you can use the leather trousers with the textile jacket for a "mid" set up and it all still zips together. In fact that's what I wear when touring as a default now.

I'd also suggest making sure it's a longer "touring" textile jacket rather than one of the shorter "trendier" ones. Then when you use a set of waterproof overtrousers over your leathers there's a decent overlap to keep water out.

I've also got a pair of Hood jeans, used with the leather jacket for riding classic bikes.

[BobSaunders]

Gore-tex pro/laminated for winter, perforated leathers top and bottom for summer with rain jacket, daniese airflow jacket and jeans for proper summer pub weather.

Wait... that's three. This is difficult.

Edited by BobSaunders on Tuesday 5th October 22:42

[Krikkit]

stang65 said:

I'd agree with the set of leathers and set of textiles as suggested above. I'd add.....buy the same make for both. I have Richa stuff, not flash but does what it says, the waterproofs are waterproof, it's all comfortable, it lasts well, it's sensibly priced etc. The advantage of buying the same brand is that when the weather is turning (like now) you can use the leather trousers with the textile jacket for a "mid" set up and it all still zips together. In fact that's what I wear when touring as a default now.

That's a very good point - without even thinking about it I realise that's exactly what I do. Usually the textile trousers as I can wear more layers and thick socks etc as the first thing for me to get cold is feet.

[TimmyMallett]

OP, what did you buy?

[RizzoTheRat]

BobSaunders said:

Gore-tex pro/laminated for winter, perforated leathers top and bottom for summer with rain jacket, daniese airflow jacket and jeans for proper summer pub weather.

Wait... that's three. This is difficult.

I just skip the leathers. Laminated Gore-Tex for winter, and with the linings out and vents open it's good in to reasonably warm weather. Then a vented jacket and Draggin's for hot weather.

[shoestring7]

RizzoTheRat said:

BobSaunders said:

Gore-tex pro/laminated for winter, perforated leathers top and bottom for summer with rain jacket, daniese airflow jacket and jeans for proper summer pub weather.

Wait... that's three. This is difficult.

I just skip the leathers. Laminated Gore-Tex for winter, and with the linings out and vents open it's good in to reasonably warm weather. Then a vented jacket and Draggin's for hot weather.

I'd go quality single layer jeans for summer use. Add a good breathable lightweight waterproof combo and that's by far the best summer touring solution.