Clothing

[twibs]

Looking for a bit of guidance on what biking clothing to purchase.
Got shut of all my mainly off road gear a few years back but I have almost completed a resto on my, always wanted one bike, NC30.
Plans are the odd bimble and maybe a few local shows.
Any suggestions on what kit might suit best for an aging rider, who's 6ft, slightly over weight body, might not even be up to a couple of hours on a pocket rocket ?
Don't want to spend a fortune but don't want to ride in work boots and jeans.
Thanks in advance.

[black-k1]

If you're not a slave to fashion then buying good quality second hand kit from eBay or vintented can be a really good approach. You can get some really good named brand kit in very good condition.

[PT1984]

You just cannot go wrong with RST. I like Merlin too.

[Bob_Defly]

Merlin jacket, armoured jeans, TCX boots, gloves, helmet, done.

[PT1984]

I have these and they are great!

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

[Fat Albert]

If you live close to J&S's Factory shop in Finedon, Northamptonshire, they have a huge clearance section where you can get top brands at great prices and you can spend hours trying stuff on.
I got 2 piece RST leathers, Alpinestars boots and some decent gloves for about £300 all-in

[Time4another]

Ebay or marketplace is a good shout. Have had some great deals when buying kit for my youngest, was never worth buying new the rate that she grew out of them. Will find someone having a clearout who's just wanting rid.

Big fan of the RST stuff. Think it's well priced for what it is.Did recently big up an Oxford armoured hoody for my short trip to work and was impressed with the quality.

[trickywoo]

Go on sportsbikeshop set the filter to AAA safety rated and pick what you like the look of.

I’m also a fan of RST and have the cheapest 2 piece leathers they do which I have found comfortable and good quality.

[PT1984]

Just clocked you have a sports bike. I’d go RST. Merlin is more Scrambler, urban, coffee shop hipster, which is my style!

[s p a c e m a n]

Sometimes I look like I'm sponsored by RST, waiting for someone to buy me the socks for a full set. Do they do pants?

[MDUBZ]

s p a c e m a n said:

Sometimes I look like I'm sponsored by RST, waiting for someone to buy me the socks for a full set. Do they do pants?

You're welcome: https://www.mandp.co.uk/products/rst-0199-mens-tru...

[FlopperV60]

Another RST & Merlin fan here.

I wear RST textiles for bad weather and longer journeys, but in fine weather and quick trips out wear armored jeans and Merlin waxed jacket.

Over the years I have had so many brands and different types of gear, but think that both RST and Merlin offer great 'bang for your buck'.

[VH02 AML]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I've recently had to return my Merlin jacket after 3 months of light use. The inner lining split along the seams. Inititally I thought it was good value, but won't be buying their kit again as it would appear the quality is actually aligned with the cost. I might have been unlucky, but not a good experience.

[VH02 AML]

Merlin Alton II - leather jacket.

The worst of it was in the sleeves and shoulders. When you tried to put it on you never knew if you were putting it on properly or between the lining and outer.

Edited by VH02 AML on Thursday 3rd April 10:19

[Biker 1]

I would suggest Weise kit & possibly Richa & Furygan. Any mid price AA rated or above is going to meet the OP's criteria.

[carrot99]

> what kit might suit best for an aging rider, who's 6ft, slightly over weight body,

You got me to a 'T'.

Whatever fits properly and (as Biker 1 and Trickywoo say) check the labels.
You're looking for AA or ideally AAA CE marks.

The Merlin has A only, and only on the shoulders and elbows -there's been no actual textile testing.
I wouldn't ride faster than 30-40mph in that - A is effectively for city use.

You don't need to break the bank, just be comfy and safe - everyone's gong to be looking at the bike, not you!

[SS427 Camaro]

For leathers then for me it’s Spidi or Dainese.

[twibs]

thanks all, Rst sounds a good start

[Gixer968CS]

I'm on my 3rd RST Ventilator jacket. It is a superb piece of kit, essentially a mesh jacket for summer but with waterproof/wind proof liners. I'm a London commuter with a 30 mile each way journey included M25 and M20 and this jacket is great in both hot summer and frosty winter. In the coldest or wet weather I just throw a Scott waterproof over it. Used it daily for many years as well as my long summer tours through Europe. Really comfy and very good quality, only single A rated though. Also, RST say it's waterproof. It's not.

[KobayashiMaru86]

I have a lot of RST kit and yeah, it doesn't stay waterproof for long but bang for buck it's good stuff.