Bout to have a few dollars... Stressing over what to buy

[BRad704]

So I sold 2 of my old smart phone back to Gazelle and am about to have $126 in my Paypal acct. Combine that with what's left of my tax return, and I'm looking to upgrade my gear for the summer.

Right now, I'm good on helmets (2 Bilt helmets that fit me very well) and gloves (new Joe Rocket's that are like the SM2.0, but without the gauntlet).

Jacket, I'm wearing a Bilt textile (notice the pattern already? that vents pretty well with the liner out, but is now really baggy on me. No liner and no fleece under it anymore. Problem is that I'm 6'2" and 175lbs with a 41" chest and long arms. Tall and skinny-ish. I'm thinking Medium-Tall.

Pants, my only pants are Bilt Ironworker Kevlar cargo pants. Usually with jeans or trackpants underneath. I have worn these with nothing under them, and they aren't too hot at all, just not very good protection.

Boots, again, Bilt Typhoon waterproof. Comfy but zero breathability. Won't do well much longer in the Memphis heat.

If you've read this far, I value your opinion. What would YOU spend your next $200 on?

[Trailerboy531]

New gloves. Stop buying Bilt.....anything. The craftsmanship is shoddy at best. Look in to Alpinestars Sp-2 gloves or Cortech etc gauntlet style gloves. Then i'd work on Alpinestars SMX-5 boots and a new jacket.

[BRad704]

I hope I don't have to "test" my Bilt gear, but I certainly am trying to upgrade as I am able. Gloves are the same deal... I know these JR gloves are not what I want to end up with in the long run, but for half the price of the Cortech's (which I really really want), the Joe Rocket's will do for now.

I base most of my opinions on the Revzilla reviews. Cortech boots got a great review over there for the price.

I know you are going to say "save a little while and buy it right the first time"... but good gear is better than no gear (or Bilt gear).

[Lychee]

The money you spent on the bilt gear could have bought you quality used gear.

Craigslist. Used gear. Go.

[rojoracing53]

Boots are never going to breath if their worth a damn. Gloves are second only to helmets so some good gauntlets would be nice Helimots are great but Helds are much easier to find local. As for legs and torso I'm still unsure myself since I've only had my real street gear(two piece textile daniese suit) since October so I'm unsure if this waterproof setup will get me through the summer or not. I maybe be looking for some more breathable gear in the near future like yourself.

Just remember good gear is never cheap and sometime cheap gear is overpriced so the saying "you get what you pay for" isn't always going to work. When you look for gear remember simple is best because if gear is genuinely good it won't need a bunch of stupid plastic and metal bits to distract you from its quality.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Lychee

The money you spent on the bilt gear could have bought you quality used gear.

Craigslist. Used gear. Go.

.........or here:

http://advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=54

Tons of quality used gear.

Being slender and tall, you may want to look at a tall size (I would say Large-Tall for you) from Firstgear or Tourmaster, which are the only manufacturers that offer one extra inch length for inseam and arms.

I believe that textile is much better for summer than any mesh.
Maybe a personal preference or just the humid-hot summer of Florida, but I have found mesh not good at all.

[BRad704]

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out next. And very interesting observation on textile vs. mesh. Any ideas on why the textile works better? I am thinking a bit more sweat, and then more evaporative cooling once moving. ?

As for Craigslist... I check it daily (not an exaggeration). Around here, you see 2 types of gear/bikes: Harleys and stretched/lowered Hyabusa's. I still check daily.

Was the "boots not breathing" comment about something like the Cortech? I'm curious there because it looks like a HUGE step up from what I have now.

Current (I misspoke about Typhoon): http://www.cyclegear.com/CycleGear/S...44030_59409_10

Latigo Air: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/c...o-air-rr-boots

[ninjamunky85]

I just bought these boots last week

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com...l.bok?no=10133

They seem to breath pretty well. My feet were cold on my last ride, but it was only around 50 degrees.

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by BRad704

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out next. And very interesting observation on textile vs. mesh. Any ideas on why the textile works better? I am thinking a bit more sweat, and then more evaporative cooling once moving. ?

As for Craigslist... I check it daily (not an exaggeration). Around here, you see 2 types of gear/bikes: Harleys and stretched/lowered Hyabusa's. I still check daily.

Was the "boots not breathing" comment about something like the Cortech? I'm curious there because it looks like a HUGE step up from what I have now.

Current (I misspoke about Typhoon): http://www.cyclegear.com/CycleGear/S...44030_59409_10

Latigo Air: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/c...o-air-rr-boots

I glanced at the memphis craigslist and was distracted by Leonardo, the ninja turtle chick magnet: http://memphis.craigslist.org/mcy/3625746981.html

To filter out the harley stuff preface all your searches with "-harley"
http://memphis.craigslist.org/search/mca?zoomToPosting=&query=-harley&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk="

Edit: Oh and for the textile / mesh question, what you want to do is create a micro-climate around your body. The mesh allows a lot of air through that will mess this up if the ambient temperature is far enough away from the ideal. If it is really hot outside, a textile will keep your cooler body heat next to your body. If it is really cold, it will keep the warmer body heat next to you. The "ideal temperature" varies for everyone but I find about 75 degrees is mild enough that the difference between mesh and textile is negligible. Textile cloth should generally have more abrasion resistance than a netted mesh.

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by Lychee

I glanced at the memphis craigslist and was distracted by Leonardo, the ninja turtle chick magnet: http://memphis.craigslist.org/mcy/3625746981.html

To filter out the harley stuff preface all your searches with "-harley"
http://memphis.craigslist.org/search/mca?zoomToPosting=&query=-harley&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk="

That ad gets renewed about every 3 days. My gf thinks it's only an ad for the "test ride".

I did not know CL could do that. Thanks Lychee, I learned something today.

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by ninjamunky85

I just bought these boots last week

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com...l.bok?no=10133

They seem to breath pretty well. My feet were cold on my last ride, but it was only around 50 degrees.

Breathability is a must for me. I have the waterproof boots for cold days, but once it's Summer, it is SUMMER.

Awesome boot, but about double what I'm able to spend right now.

[xSean13]

A nice leather jacket. Got my alpinestars tstunt for $200 at cyclegear, it breathes well in these hot, humid, crappy TN summers

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by xSean13

A nice leather jacket. Got my alpinestars tstunt for $200 at cyclegear, it breathes well in these hot, humid, crappy TN summers

Hot, humid, crappy TN summers are what is driving this push for more gear. Well... that and not wanting to be a Bilt posterboy anymore.

[toddblue68]

I would suggest the boots first. Those Bilt don't look like they'd stay on in a get-off. They look like slip-on boots. If that's not the case, they're leather and high enough to protect. Next would be the gloves. Something with a gauntlet would be better and again, ensure they can't be pulled off.

The jacket and pants will probably be okay for slow accidents (< 30mph) but will not be up to a higher speed get off. So if you're a fan of backroads with lots of curves and highway speeds, those need upgrading too. Around town, they'll be ok for a minor spill. Pants first, contrary to popular actions. Read just about any medical research on motorcycle accidents and there are more lower body injuries in upper body, but more people buy jackets and wear jeans.

Best advice has been given. Buy good quality products the first (or second) time and you'll save more money over time. It doesn't have to be A* or Dainese but quality is important. Look for barely used items and last years product. I've bought two race suits that new are $800-$900 suits for $300 each, never down, and one never even worn. Boots, $40 brand new but several years old, again, race quality. People buy things, never wear it like they planned (or never), and sell them. You'll have to be patient to find stuff you like (enough) and that fits but craigslist, ebay, racing associations, this forum, are all places to watch. OR buy new and never look back.

[psych0hans]

I would make a donation to the "I love psych0hans" fund

[tfkrocks]

I would definitely try to get something leather.

[BRad704]

I'm going to cruise the used-markets for a while to see of I can find some of these great deals y'all are getting.

The boots have a full zip, but I'm not sure they would stay on...
New gloves are good size, but are shortys...

[BRad704]

I found some A*s SMX boots for $115 in my actual size! Euro 50. Sucks having big feet sometimes...

I think I'm gonna jump on those as the best value for my $$ right now.

[tnr4]

Originally Posted by BRad704

I found some A*s SMX boots for $115 in my actual size! Euro 50. Sucks having big feet sometimes...

I think I'm gonna jump on those as the best value for my $$ right now.

Yup. DO IT. With your leftover money, you may want to consider AGV Sport Laguna Gloves. You can usually get them under $100, and they were chosen by Sport Rider magazine as the best racing gauntlet, because they have most of what you get in the top end gloves for a very reasonable price. I love mine.

After helmet, my priorities are: extremities (feet and hands, the things that hit hardest and most often, and get trapped and twisted); then jacket and pants. None of it is unimportant, for sure; but I would wear cheaper jacket/pants before I would wear crappy boots/gloves.

Also: constantly shop closeouts on sportbiketrackgear.com and motorcyclecloseout.com. Lots of ridiculous deals to build up a set of quality gear.

[nycsteve]

Originally Posted by Trailerboy531

New gloves. Stop buying Bilt.....anything. The craftsmanship is shoddy at best. Look in to Alpinestars Sp-2 gloves or Cortech etc gauntlet style gloves. Then i'd work on Alpinestars SMX-5 boots and a new jacket.

This.

[lgk]

Gauntlets and pants are what i would concentrate on.

[BRad704]

Well... the money is pretty much gone now.

Through the power of ebay and advrider.com, I bought my gf a pair of Teknic Venom pants and myself an older model teknic Chicane 2 piece suit. Both together for less than my $126 phone rebate. Suit has been down once, but pics of damage are superficial or very repairable. It is non-vented, but I couldn't pass on this deal.

I'll tackle more summer gear on the next paycheck. Thanks for all yalls help!

[tnr4]

Originally Posted by BRad704

Well... the money is pretty much gone now.

Through the power of ebay and advrider.com, I bought my gf a pair of Teknic Venom pants and myself an older model teknic Chicane 2 piece suit. Both together for less than my $126 phone rebate. Suit has been down once, but pics of damage are superficial or very repairable. It is non-vented, but I couldn't pass on this deal.

I'll tackle more summer gear on the next paycheck. Thanks for all yalls help!

Nicely done, sir!

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by tnr4

Nicely done, sir!

Thank you, Thank you... I will most likely get/borrow a perforating tool from Tandy (unless I can borrow) and do some systematic perforations along the inner arms, chest and back.

[alex.s]

gloves or real leather jacket... i'd say both

[Jono]

Originally Posted by Lychee

To filter out the harley stuff preface all your searches with "-harley"
http://memphis.craigslist.org/search/mca?zoomToPosting=&query=-harley&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk="

Wow! This is going to save me so much time. Thank you!



@BRad704 I noticed this thread is a little old and your money is all gone now. But if you ever want a one-piece suit? I bought a Sedici suit in November and only wore it once. It doesn't fit me well, as a matter of fact I doubt it fits anyone well. It's just weird. Haha. But you are more than welcome to see if it fits you.

[BRad704]

How did it "not fit" you? Too tall? too big around? I'm 6'2" 175lb (or so) and you are a bit thinner than I am.

I am currently riding in Cortech Latigo Air boots, Cortech Latigo RR full gauntlet gloves, Teknic leather jacket (upper from 2 piece suit), and my Bilt kevlar cargo pants. My next upgrades will be some type of mesh overpants and maybe a mesh jacket for quick trips to the store/lunch...

[Jono]

Originally Posted by BRad704

How did it "not fit" you? Too tall? too big around? I'm 6'2" 175lb (or so) and you are a bit thinner than I am.

I am currently riding in Cortech Latigo Air boots, Cortech Latigo RR full gauntlet gloves, Teknic leather jacket (upper from 2 piece suit), and my Bilt kevlar cargo pants. My next upgrades will be some type of mesh overpants and maybe a mesh jacket for quick trips to the store/lunch...

It's a US 42. The upper-body is too baggy and the calf area is too big. It is a strange fitting suit. The thigh area is pretty tight though. I doubt it would fit you. I'll probably just put it up on ebay for cheap. It was on clearance so I got a sweet deal on it.


I got a friend with those same Cortech boots and gloves. He seems to like them. I am hoping to get a nice two-piece suit once I get my tax refund.

[BRad704]

Since I've got the 2 piece Teknic, I'm not really looking for more leather yet anyway. GL with selling on fleabay or Classifieds... I've got a pair of Teknic Women's 6 leather pants that I can't seem to sell. Bought for gf and they are too small.

right now I'm having the internal debate over Icon mesh overpants, or Draggin Liners. I want to be able to stay cool this summer, but still stay safe. Totally unsure of which way to go....

[Jono]

Yeah, hopefully I can get rid of it. Haha.

It's impossible to stay cool here in the summer. Especially during the daytime. I'll probably get some mesh pants this summer for riding around town. I will also try some heat out gear. http://www.cyclegear.com/nav/brand/heat-out/0

[caps]

I haven't read half this thread, but just FYI you can return the bilt gear for a full refund.

[BRad704]

My Bilt stuff is not within the 30day return, unless it is 'defective', which it has not been...

[Jono]

Originally Posted by caps

I haven't read half this thread, but just FYI you can return the bilt gear for a full refund.

I think they recently changed their return policy.http://www.cyclegear.com/exchangesreturns

I thought that you could get a full refund with a year of the original purchase date. Maybe note. But I swear I read that somewhere when I got a Sedici one-piece suit back in Nov. But now I can't find that anywhere.

Anyone know if they did in fact change their return policy?

[Reyno2ac]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

Boots are never going to breath if their worth a damn.

This is not true at all. My SIDI ST Air boots are worth a damn, and they move a ton of air over my feet.

[caps]

Originally Posted by Jono

I think they recently changed their return policy.http://www.cyclegear.com/exchangesreturns

I thought that you could get a full refund with a year of the original purchase date. Maybe note. But I swear I read that somewhere when I got a Sedici one-piece suit back in Nov. But now I can't find that anywhere.

Anyone know if they did in fact change their return policy?

It has a 5 year warranty, find something wrong. Exchange it. Then you have a year from that day. If you run into problems ask for a manager or district manager.

[BRad704]

In my winter/waterproof Bilt textile jacket, one of the snaps in the sleeve that holds the liner came off. Maybe I'll take it back...