Need a different jacket

[BabyBaluga]

Hey guys, I just recently started riding and decked myself out in gear. Nobody wants to be the one to buy a bike and get hurt right away. Looked around on Amazon, eBay, checked out reviews and reviews. Wound up buying this guy:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o07_s00

The place I live is hot and gridlocked. I love this jacket, it feels safe, but it's just too damn hot to ride around mid-day in in the Summer.

Anyone got any suggestions? I'm looking to stay as close to ATGATT as I can

[csmith12]

Welcome to riding!

Staying hydrated ahead of your ride will go a long way but your just gunna have to learn to love the heat and sweat. If you were naked it will still be hot, gear isn't gunna make you much cooler.

Now, there are cooling vests that can be worn under the gear to help but ymmv on the value vs cost.

Gridlock traffic? Planning ahead may allow you to avoid the traffic and take an alternate route that is either more fun or slightly longer but will keep you moving air through your gear.

The head/helmet traps heat, what kind of helmet do you have? Does it breathe well?

[dcj13]

Some folks on this forum insist on full leathers. I would recommend going to CycleGear and trying on end-of-the-season mesh jackets that are on sale. If you go mesh, make sure it fits you snugly so the pads don't move around. Mesh clothing will only hold up for one crash, but that is enough.

DOT-spec'd motocross helmets are cooler than full face helmets. But you'll want decent plastic lens glasses or goggles for the bugs, rocks, etc.

[BabyBaluga]

The one I posted is mostly mesh, it fits pretty snugly and the armor covers the arms, shoulders, and spine. That's partially why it's so hot, I think, there just isn't any airflow. Do you guys have opinions on the not-really-jacket stuff?

Not this model exactly, just the example of it.

http://www.amazon.com/Titan-Sport-Ja...9068219&sr=1-6

[BabyBaluga]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Welcome to riding!

The head/helmet traps heat, what kind of helmet do you have? Does it breathe well?

I picked up this one, it's got vents at the top.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o09_s00

My arms and torso get soaked in the jacket, is the only reason I'm asking. At speed there's enough airflow in the helmet, and with the jacket open () it's fine, but obviously that's not a great solution.

[Ghostt]

My 2¢ worth,

Either perforated leather, or textile mesh are the two choices, of which I own both. I have found that wearing Under Armour Heat Gear garments is a major plus. I have even found myself feeling a little cold sometimes.

Keep in mind the colors of the gear, lighter colors will be cooler, this goes for the helmet as well, I own several helmets, and my go-to one in the summer is a Fulmer M1 in silver, with an IRIDIUM BLACK SHEILD, it vents extremely well.

Strangely enough it's hard to find mesh gear in light colors. As always make sure with no matter what you get, it has CE ARMOUR, especially the back protection, some jackets don't come with it, they use only a piece of foam, which is not CE armour.

Hydration is important, so be sure to stay that way. Watch the color of your urine

[capt_bugaloo]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Keep in mind the colors of the gear, lighter colors will be cooler, this goes for the helmet as well

You'd think that... but the exterior color of a helmet actually makes little or no difference to the interior temperature.

From http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/to...TOPIC_ID=14149

Helmet Temperature Testing
May 18.2005

Conditions: Outside Air Temp 90 degrees
Wind: Calm
Sunny/Clear
Pavement Temp: 123 degrees

TEST HELMET :Schuberth Concept White vs. Black

Method: Place two helmets on sidewalk 6 inches apart facing same direction in direct sunlight. Measure outer shell and interior periodically with digital infrared thermometer.

Time:______Black Helmet Temp_____White Helmet Temp

2:45PM______Outer Shell: 81.5________Outer Shell: 81.5
2:50PM______Outer Shell: 144.0_______Outer Shell: 107.0
3:00PM______Outer Shell: 154.0_______Outer Shell: 106.5
3:20PM______Outer Shell: 149.0_______Outer Shell: 108.5
3:40PM______Outer Shell: 155.0_______Outer Shell: 113.0
4:00PM______Outer Shell: 155.0_______Outer Shell: 114.0

Time:______Black Helmet Temp_____White Helmet Temp

2:45PM______Inner Shell: 90.0_________Inner Shell: 85.0
2:50PM______Inner Shell: 101.0________Inner Shell: 101.5
3:00PM______Inner Shell: 96.0_________Inner Shell: 95.5
3:20PM______Inner Shell: 108.0________Inner Shell: 108.0
3:40PM______Inner Shell: 110.0________Inner Shell: 109.5
4:00PM______Inner Shell: 111.0________Inner Shell: 110.5

Test Summary:
The black helmet measured considerably higher temperature readings on the outer shell as compared to the white helmet. As high as 47.5 degrees higher. However, the interior temperature readings were much closer. Variance was very slim and never more than 1 full degree. At times, the Black interior was slightly cooler than the white.

Conclusion:
Many customers believe that a lighter helmet makes for a cooler head. As you see above, this doesn't hold water. Granted, a darker helmet will be hotter to pick up off the seat of your bike, but once on your head the difference isn't noticeable. Also, for those out there that feel wearing a helmet is hotter than not wearing one at all, you're incorrect. The helmet, due to the insulating factors of Styrofoam, will shield your head from the sun/heat. A well vented helmet is always cooler than a naked head in direct sunlight.

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Watch the color of your urine.

I recommend against watching urine and riding. A worse distraction than riding and texting.