Newby riding in cooler weather clothing question.

 

I feel so overwhelmed when looking to purchase jackets, gloves, chaps, etc.
for cooler/cold weather riding.

There is so much stuff out there- so many brands - so expensive - so many
choices.

Where do I start or where do I get good information?

TIA

 


Here's a start. Buy overpants, not chaps. Consider installing
heated grips on the motorcycle. Buy a rainsuit of some kind,
even if it's a $25 one from the hardware store and polypro
long johns. Avoid cotton or you'll freeze your ass off if you
get wet.

I've been pretty happy with a Firstgear Kilimanjaro jacket
and pants. Not all that expensive and really surprisingly
waterproof. Make sure you get the liners too. I think the
fabric is called "Sheltex".

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=firstgear+kilimanjaro&btnG=Google+Search

Also happy with my Sidi boots.

 



http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=firstgear+kilimanjaro&btnG=Google+Search

Thanks for the advice.  I understand about cotton not being warm when wet,
but it seems i need some clothing that can breathe a little.  I sweat badly
in the nylon stuff even in cooler weather.

Leather seems to be the best option I guess, but man it is all so confusing.

 

That One wrote:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=firstgear+kilimanjaro&btnG=Google+Search

Leather is a poor option for rainy conditions.  You have to stop
and put on rain gear over your leathers.  Any decent textile
motorcycle gear will have Gore-Tex or something similar to it
as part of the lining.  Gore-Tex and its clones (like the
aforementioned Sheltex) lets water vapor pass through but not
liquid water, so you don't get sweaty, yet you also don't get
soaked.

Rob is right about woven polypropylene underwear (AKA long johns)
being far superior to cotton, for its moisture wicking properties.
Don't confuse that type of man-made fabric with non-permeable
barrier materials like cheap vinyl oversuits for short term rain
use.  If you insist on wearing leathers, get Frogg Toggs or
something like them. IIRC they are made of a Tyvek-like material
(non-woven polypropylene), which behaves similar to Gore-Tex in
how it handles liquid water/water vapor.

http://www.froggtoggsraingear.com/Motorcycle.shtm

 



http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=firstgear+kilimanjaro&btnG=Google+Search

My riding is casually- never more than 50 miles or so.  I don't ride in the
rain unless it is a very unusual surprise.  That is why I thought leather
jacket and jeans (and chaps?) might be a good idea for my kind of riding.

Basically I am a weekend rider on my cruiser with small windshield and I am
trying to figure out how I can keep comfortably riding when the temperature
goes below 60 degrees.  I don't think I will be interested in riding much
below freezing.  My truck's heated leather seats have spoiled me.