Wind Shell

[Bandera]

All,

On this Spring's trip to the Big Bend I found that wearing a Wind Shell designed for cycling over my perfed' leathers provided an excellent inexpensive and functional upgrade for my gear.

Since cycling garments are already cut for a "riding postion" with longer sleeves and back than a runner's jacket and are designed for good aerodynamics/minimal flapping with moisture management they can be an excellent choice for slipping on over perfed' or mesh gear to ward morning chill. High visibility colors and lots of reflective doodads are also a convergence for motorcyclists.

Wearing a wind shell over my leathers was much more comfortable and convenient than using a rainsuit jacket, although no substitute since this shell is not water resistant. It packs away very small and now resides tucked away in a nook with other "just in case" gear.

Watch closeouts from cycling retailers, I got mine for $29, since summer is not the time cyclists are buying this type of kit.

Regards,

Bandera

[SeriousGeorge]

I'm debating on whether to go with something like that over the leathers or something thinner designed to go underneath. Over the leathers would definitely be easier to add or remove if the temperature changes and should provide a little more insulation, but I'm worried about it flapping. I just switched from a textile jacket to perfed leather for the summer and I can really feel a difference. No flapping and the wind seems to affect me a lot less. I'm not sure I want to add a jacket over the top.

Does anyone have any experience with the EDZ windshirt from Aerostitch? I haven't found anyone else in the US that carries them, they seem to be mostly just sold in the UK. Seems a bit expensive, but it does look like it would work well.

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/UltraLight-Windproof-Innershell-p-19021.html

[Dr. Zorko]

You are right about cycling gear being a nice addition to the world of motorcycling, Bandera. Lately I've been running a similar set up with a waterproof shell over my perfed' leathers. I tried my cycling jacket but it was a bit too snug. However, I have a Viking brand waterproof shell that works just great. In conjunction I have a thin windproof insulated jacket that I can wear under the leather jacket. Between the three items I can be pretty comfy no matter what's happening weather wise.

I also have a set of waterproof rain shell cycling pants that work great over my leather pants. Just the thing to block the wind when it's chilly out. I've had them out in torrential downpours at highway speeds and I stay nice and dry.

[Bandera]

I'm debating on whether to go with something like that over the leathers or something thinner designed to go underneath.

SeriousGeorge,

Both is the right answer for me.
My Cortech perfed' leather jacket came w/ a liner. The cycling windshell adds versatility. On a cool morning I slide the shell on and stash it when it warms up, in colder temps I wear both until it's 'stich and e-vest time. This Summer I'll keep the windshell stashed and wear mesh gear.

As to "flapping", I wear a Medium/42 jacket and find that a well cut cycling shell in Large slips snugly over my jacket, see pic in 1st post. Cyclists don't want to waste energy with loose/flappy kit, go to a cycle shop w/ your moto-jacket and find a proper fit, add a closeout 100G fleece top and you are good to go in a variety of conditions for ~$50.

Regards,

Bandera

[jim williams]

I also have a set of waterproof rain shell cycling pants that work great over my leather pants. Just the thing to block the wind when it's chilly out. I've had them out in torrential downpours at highway speeds and I stay nice and dry.

this sounds really interesting. Do you have a brand/model name?

[Dr. Zorko]

Mine are a few years old now, but they would be similar to these, the same brand at least:

http://www.activagear.com/pantsandtights/product.php?id=9

I got them in tall sizing so they are plenty long and there is no problem with them riding up over the top of the boots.

I see MEC has something that looks promising:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442618429&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692411&bmUID=1182899947844

[swimmer]

I was just going to post a question asking if anyone had any good suggestions for shell overpants that are waterproof/breathable and not too pricey.  The activa ones look like a great choice considering they have also got some reflective action going on.  A little more money than I was hoping to spend though.  Any other suggestions?

[traveler]

I bought a North Face Windwall zip-up shell at REI a few months ago. It appears to have fleece outer.

It wasn't cheap, but I got it on sale, and it really does work. Thin enough to wear under my 1-pc leathers (tight fit though), and I also use it regularly under the 'stich.

There's all kinds of stuff (damn, I love that word) out there. Lots of good suggestions so far.

[HipGnosis]

Frogg Togg jackets are good as a 'wind shell' and pack nice and small.  Just cut the hood out of the collar so the collar is less bulky.

I'm thinking of having mine altered so it doesn't flap as much.  As long as the alterations are on the back, I don't think much water will get through (and if so I'll use camping seam sealer).

I've seen them at sporting goods stores now, so you can try em on to get the best fit over your riding jacket.

My riding jacket has a liner, but I only use it when I need the added warmth.  I like the convenience of putting the Frogg Togg over the jacket (and taking it off).

[Dr. Zorko]

I was just going to post a question asking if anyone had any good suggestions for shell overpants that are waterproof/breathable and not too pricey.  The activa ones look like a great choice considering they have also got some reflective action going on.  A little more money than I was hoping to spend though.  Any other suggestions?

These look interesting:
http://www.newenough.com/raingear/jackets_and_pants/tour_master/sentinel_motorcycle_rain_pants.html

http://www.newenough.com/raingear/jackets_and_pants/first_gear/sierra_motorcycle_rain_pants.html

[swimmer]

These look interesting:
http://www.newenough.com/raingear/jackets_and_pants/tour_master/sentinel_motorcycle_rain_pants.html

http://www.newenough.com/raingear/jackets_and_pants/first_gear/sierra_motorcycle_rain_pants.html

Yep, those tour masters don't look too bad.  The price is right.  I am a little skeptical when they say breathable nylon but they may just do the trick.  I don't ride a lot in the rain so just something for the odd commute in rain and when getting caught out on a trip.

[jim williams]

this appears to be good stuff and the price is right!
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&partNumber=666124&cm_mmc=cse_msn-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:referralID=068d74d2-3644-46e2-9c9f-f0a93798d5a8