$1000 Question - What would STN do?

[Rincewind]

I have about $1000 allocated to spend on bike stuff and it's burning a hole through my pocket.  There's a list of things I could use, but I haven't been able to sit down and do the math and weigh my choices.  

$1000 is super easy to spend when it comes to bike stuff, so I want to do it intelligently.  I could easily blow the whole thing on an exhaust can - but that's very low on my list - ok, it's not really on my list at all.  



Here's my list -

1. New Sargent Seat for my Triumph Street 3R.  This is a $410 item, plus shipping.  

2. Pillion peg 2" extensions with new pegs.  This is a $140 item, plus shipping.  I might ask my wife to buy these as a gift for me because they are for her comfort.

3. WATERPROOF winter gloves.  My gauntlet gloves are shot and they are as waterproof as a dish rag.  I figure these will run me $75 on the low end (Icon Patrol) to $150+ for Held's or something nice.  It's important that they last, are warm, durable, and WATERPROOF.

4. My 1-piece rain gear is from 1994, when I was about 80lbs lighter.  I will attach a pic for comedy's sake.  I can still fit in it, but it's a royal PITA and takes up way too much of precious cargo space.  Budgeting $70 for Froggs Toggs or similar.



5. Add to this that my Firstgear HT overpants have split at the crotch.  These are great pants, I should just repair them, but they aren't quite as waterproof as I had hoped (not helped by the crotch hole, of course!).

6. My touring boots are old, the soles are worn down, and they aren't very waterproof.  My commuting boots are 1-year old, but already have started ripping apart at the seams from shifting - doh - and at another spot just from putting them on.  I need boots that LAST and are waterproof.  These would be $130-$250 probably.

7.  My helmet is 3-years old and starting to fit poorly.  Gah, there's another few hundred bucks.  Maybe I can make do with just a new visor, but damn it I'd like a HJC Is-Max with the sun visor.

8.  Stuff most of this stuff and buy an Aerostitch Roadcrafter or Darrien suit, or another X brand that would negate the need for #4 & 5.  Budget $875-$900.    I've never had a stitch, and this would be a chance to get one, but it would strike off most of the rest of the list.  The thing is that I have a real nice Triumph textile jacket that I don't mind continuing to wear, even though it isn't completely waterproof.  And I don't know if the Stitch is worth its big price tag - I'd hate to be disappointed if I spent that much.




I could use some advice.  This is about $2200+ worth of gear and hard parts on my list.  

My biggest question is whether the Stitch is worth taking the majority of my budget.  For less than the price of a Stitch, I can get the all-weather Icon Patrol jacket, pants, gloves, AND boots.   Or get the seat, the pegs, and new rain suit, gloves and boots, and save the new textile gear for another time.

[kendenton]

Truly waterproof gloves?  I don't think they exist.  Get a pair of the Aerostich lobster claws, and throw them over whatever glove suits the ride.

[Scratch33]

I'd get the new rain suit.  You look like you sell hamburgers in that thing, fer chrissakes.

[chornbe]

Truly waterproof gloves?  I don't think they exist.  Get a pair of the Aerostich lobster claws, and throw them over whatever glove suits the ride.

Agreed... I bought then sold and pitched more gloves than I care to think about.

I do have a set of Joe Rocket gloves that I got on closeout that *seem* to be *mostly* waterproof (they lasted all day at ESTN this year), but I have no idea what model they are. I'll take some pics and see if I can figure out which they are.

[bomber]

I bought a 10-year-old two-piece stich al,ost 6 years ago (actually my wife bought it for me) . . . ..

I know this next serious of statements will bring the anti-stich drum and bugle corps outa the woodwork, so I stae up front that YOU EXPERIENCE MAY VARY!

- it took about 3 months for the right size to come up on ebay (also search Advrider, as there is a constant stream of them for sale there)

- I spent some time working on the old dear to make it highly water resistant (6 hours in a frog strangler, I was driza bone)

- the suit I got was an 8 outa ten (a little fading on the old-style gray color), ,annd has many years left in it, and my wife paid less that 50% of new retail for it.

For me, two-piece stich is the best gear I've ever owned.

[Rincewind]

Good thinking with the Lobster Claws, Kendenton.  My gauntlets are ripped, so I do need a new pair, but the claws would be a good thing to own.  Equally I could get rubber over-boots and stuff buying new boots for now.

Thanks Scratch - though I feel more like this when I wear it:



I appreciate the Stitch comments, bomber.  Again and again I read about long-lasting Stitch suits, and more often than not they seem to hold the waters at bay pretty well.

[bomber]

I can't speak for the one-piece, stiches, but the two-piece, with seam-sealed, well, seams (zippers and such) has been great -- I could easily survive with just the stich (and mesh gear for August).

[scottzilla]

I do not understand why you people have such a problem with waterproof gloves.  I own 3 pair that are absolutely, 100% waterproof.

Rince-you have experience with what works and what doesn't.  I say go Goretex on the gloves and if you can swing it-the pants.  Goretex is the most awesome fabric ever, short of that nomex stuff that lets you walk around on fire (That's pretty cool).  Good goretex pants and gloves can cost some $$ so that may blow your wad, BUT- you will be dry and comfortable.

[slowduc]

I could use some advice.  This is about $2200+ worth of gear and hard parts on my list.  

my advice:
increase your allocation to $2000  

[sammyseaman]

Keep the suit. That thing is the mostest awesomest thing EVER!!!  

[Justin]

Truly waterproof gloves?  I don't think they exist.  Get a pair of the Aerostich lobster claws, and throw them over whatever glove suits the ride.

Well, my old style Gerbings gloves have seemed to be as waterproof as gloves can get. And worst case, they are heated, so hot wet hands sure beat cold wet hands  

[ConPilot1]

I'd +1 on Bombers' comment on the 'Stich. I bought a Darien jacket, Darien pants, and a Roadcrafter jacket. All 2nd hand and in great shape. The RC jacket was damn near brand new.
I see nearly new/light use 'Stich stuff on ADV flea market all the time.

You can get into a lightly used full 2pc Darien suit for $400 if you're patient and peruse the sales forum regularly.

And it is all, hands down, without a doubt, the best gear I've ever owned. The Darien jacket is the most versatile jacket I've ever had and the pants rock too. There's no 10 mile long strips of velcro to get wadded up and the zippers are smooth and just the right size, lots of pockets, waterproof, etc. etc.

I did drink the Aero kool-aid and I'm glad I did. I wouldn't pay full retail for new however unless you've just got a thing for new stuff or have some special fitting needs.

So figure 4-500 bucks for a Darien suit, get your gloves of choice and your new helmet, you'll probably have cash left to spare.


PS EDIT: The BEST thing I've found with the 'Stich stuff is that you don't need to stop and futz around with raingear. If it's going to come down suddenly hard and fast enough you're soaked by the time you get your rain suit on. DAMHIK. With the 'Stich stuff, when it starts raining, you look up at the sky, say "oh well", and keep going.  
Plus you'll have that extra spare room in your luggage that would otherwise be occupied by a rolled up rainsuit.

[crispiegee1]

A few thoughts:

1) My Fieldsheer Aqua gloves were $33 bucks and warm. WebBikeWorld reported that they found them to be waterproof, though I have my doubts. I've ridden them in the rain and my hands stayed mostly dry and mostly warm. With some Lobster Claws, though, they would be fine.

2) I don't understand why your helmet doesn't fit - has your head gotten fatter or the lining smushed down? If it's squished lining, I suggest growing your hair a bit longer or wearing a balaclava. Or try one of these:



3) As for boots, if you're patient enough, I believe you can find some for $100 on clearance, but definitely under $150. This is the time of year for it.

4) Rain suits, though inconvenient, still make a lot of sense. Rather than a Roadcrafter suit, how about that 1-piece suit they've talked about elsewhere in this forum for about $350? If you're not assured of it being waterproof, get the most basic, thin PVC rain jacket and pants, which shouldn't take up a lot of room in your luggage.

5) I thought you were cooler before I saw your picture.



 

[Rincewind]

PS EDIT: The BEST thing I've found with the 'Stich stuff is that you don't need to stop and futz around with raingear. If it's going to come down suddenly hard and fast enough you're soaked by the time you get your rain suit on. DAMHIK. With the 'Stich stuff, when it starts raining, you look up at the sky, say "oh well", and keep going.  
Plus you'll have that extra spare room in your luggage that would otherwise be occupied by a rolled up rainsuit.

Those are my main reasons to become a Stitch-Bitch, yes.  

Crispie - it's the liner.  Over-time I find helmets tend to loosen up.  I am working on growing my hair, too, thanks.  I hope somehow I can regain my lost coolness with you, my heart is now like Charlie Brown's face above.    

[ConPilot1]

Here ya go. Brand new XL 46 Darien, worn twice. $250. Can't beat that with a stick.  

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638297


I'd jump on that like it was a $20 blonde eurohooker if I needed one.

[crispiegee1]

Here ya go. Brand new XL 46 Darien, worn twice. $250. Can't beat that with a stick.  

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638297


I'd jump on that like it was a $20 blonde eurohooker if I needed one.

As long as I had it in writing that the guy never road naked inside of it or sweated too much.  

[sammyseaman]

1) My Fieldsheer Aqua gloves were $33 bucks and warm. WebBikeWorld reported that they found them to be waterproof, though I have my doubts. I've ridden them in the rain and my hands stayed mostly dry and mostly warm. With some Lobster Claws, though, they would be fine.

My Aqua gloves were fine until I hit a heavy downpour and when I took my hands out of them the liner came out with it. It was no easy task getting it back in and the pinky on one of the hands is still a littl "off".

I'd jump on that like it was a $20 blonde eurohooker if I needed one.

 

[bomber]

As long as I had it in writing that the guy never road naked inside of it or sweated too much.  

That's extra.

[Rincewind]

Here ya go. Brand new XL 46 Darien, worn twice. $250. Can't beat that with a stick.  

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638297


I'd jump on that like it was a $20 blonde eurohooker if I needed one.

Isn't there a way for me to check his negative rep points before buying???   

Riding in it naked? - Well it does say he lives in "The Junk."      

I appreciate the feedback and laughs, thanks all, it does help.

[cognosticator]

Schuberth C3 will burn $700 of that for you  

Mine will arrive next Tuesday  

[bomber]

Schuberth C3 will burn $700 of that for you  

Mine will arrive next Tuesday  

Please post up when you get it that it is awful, not worth the dough, gives you headaches and piles, and you don't recommend it.

Deep sixed my aged C2 a couple of months ago, and just can't convince myself that I should buy a C3 . . . .

[crispiegee1]

Schuberth C3 will burn $700 of that for you  

Mine will arrive next Tuesday  

Yes, make sure you post a review, both first day impressions, one-week impressions and long term review.

Sorry for the threadjack, Rince.

[Mastros2]

New enough has some nice sales going on now on the IS and Sy-max helmets for under $160.

I'd say invest in the rain suit with the lobster claws.  It's hard to find wapterproof textile clothing.  With a rainsuit, you know that you will be dry.

Also, I would recommend buying the seat.  

All together you are looking at $700 give or take.  

[Rincewind]

Thanks guys, the deed is done!  I came in with $12.90 to spare of my $1k budget.  I did not get everything off of my list, but managed a new rear tire out of it.  I did not pull the trigger on a Stitch - maybe when my current jacket wears out.  For now I will repair my HT overpants.

[ConPilot1]

Well that must have been fun placing all those orders.  

[Rincewind]

Well that must have been fun placing all those orders.  

The credit card is smoking!    

[bomber]

well done!

virtual rep points for avoiding analysis paralysis!

[Rincewind]

Just got an e-mail that they gave me a $41 discount on the Sargent seat, plus free shipping = $61 saved!  

"Fall Frenzy" promotion.      Woot! Thank you Sargent!

[bomber]

That's a serious weekend's worth of fuel!

[cognosticator]

Please post up when you get it that it is awful, not worth the dough, gives you headaches and piles, and you don't recommend it.

Deep sixed my aged C2 a couple of months ago, and just can't convince myself that I should buy a C3 . . . .

   I will post up my first and long term impressions in a separate thread.  First impression will be next Tuesday, helmet coming to my work  

[cultureslayer]

Those are my main reasons to become a Stitch-Bitch, yes.  

Crispie - it's the liner.  Over-time I find helmets tend to loosen up.  I am working on growing my hair, too, thanks.  I hope somehow I can regain my lost coolness with you, my heart is now like Charlie Brown's face above.    

Removable liner?  I find that washing makes it fit like new again.  And if you can remove it and have not taken the time to wash it, that's just disgusting.

[2wTraveler]

I have a 2pc Rainsuit you can have...been sitting in a closet somewhere collecting dust ever since I bought my 'stich.

[Mastros2]

I have a 2pc Rainsuit you can have...been sitting in a closet somewhere collecting dust ever since I bought my 'stich.

STOP THE PAYMENT!!!  

Rince, what items did you get?

[Rincewind]

Mastros, I got the seat and 2" adjustable peg extensions for the passenger.  These should really help with my and my wife's comfort.  As well I got some Froggs Toggs, Icon Patrol gloves and boots, and another rear Angel ST tire from Competition Accessories.

I'm going to ask my wife for the HJC IS Max for my birthday next month, I think.  I'm giving my liner a good wash per Cultureslayer.  I am indeed disgusting.  But I don't know that the wash will help the helmet fit as snug again, and 3-years is my normal helmet replacement cycle.   The rest of my gear is in too good of condition to justify the Stitch or other new suits at this time.  I just need to figure how to repair the HT overpants where the outer shell ripped out an inch at the crotch.

[Mastros2]

I agree with the comfort mods.  For the last few rides, I added the seat beads to the vfr.  The wider angle for the knees really did help.  Good stuff!  

As for the helmet liner, it gets cruddy really quick.  Not just you man, me too!

[crispiegee1]

Rince, if the helmet liner doesn't fluff up, you might want to get a perm.  






That will be incentive for your wife to buy you a new helmet.

[sammyseaman]

Rince, if the helmet liner doesn't fluff up, you might want to get a perm.  






That will be incentive for your wife to buy you a new helmet.

 

[Marin Phil]

First-you are a truely a brave man for posting your pic-lol.  Keep that really cool rain suit- lose 50lbs and have your arms extended.  (  ).
Gloves,  agreed with one poster. Waterproof gloves are out there-just not cheep.  My 5 yrs old bmw Atlantis gloves are still %100 waterproof and warm down to 45 f.  Held Hawks still waterproof and good down to 35f.   My new First Gear heated gloves with CF knuckle guards are h20 proof-tested yesterday in heavy rain.  At MC show up here yesterday and tried on new Shoei Quest.  I have a Shoei head so it fit nicely.  First reports say really light, quiet and well made-might be my next helmet.  Any of the newer 3/4 touring jackets are really waterproof with G/T bonded to shell+breathable.  Many waterproof touring pants also.  Just do your reasearch and get what your can afford with the caveat that in MC gear-your usually get what you pay for...

[Rincewind]

Luckily my liner was fluffed from washing, so I won't have to fluff my hair with a perm!    

Remind me not to take any advice from Crispie on fashion.     

[cultureslayer]

Luckily my liner was fluffed from washing, so I won't have to fluff my hair with a perm!    

Remind me not to take any advice from Crispie on fashion.     

   Whenever I try on helmets I get told to buy it too tight, the liner will compress.  I then have to explain that all you have to do is wash it, and the bike shop employees look at me with awe.  I started washing mine because of allergies, but I like the new helmet fit and nice smell so much I bought an extra liner to make washing easier.  

[Rincewind]

   Thanks again, CS.  Washing the liner has made me realize how much my balaclava really stinks!  

[ConPilot1]

Let me know how the Icon Patrols are, especially in a good wet-down.