Aerostich Transit Suit

[Oxblood]

Well, last week I bit the bullet and ordered a Transit suit from Aerostich. It arrived today. In a word: AWESOME! It fits well, the leather is not stiff, and will take little time to break in, and we are scheduled to get some rain tomorrow, so I can put it to the waterproof test.

The cut of the suit is more generous than a racing suit. It also lacks all the goofy panels, and none of the garish colour schemes so popular with most suits. It is black. That's it. Stitching is good, and fortunately there are ample pockets. My soft shell fits underneath nicely so I will not freeze in cooler weather.

I'll add more as I get it out for rides.

 

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

[Oxblood]

Soon. I just got the suit today! LOL.

[Lawn Dart]

Soon. I just got the suit today! LOL.

Fuck soon.  The masses demand NOW.  

[miles]

A whole lot of us  have been waiting for a real-world review of this suit.

[Rincewind]

 

 

[DNA]

That suit is pricey - is it really worth the substantial cash?


 

[MadOzodi]

Forget riding in the rain, just put the suit on and have someone take video while you're getting doused with a garden hose...and, of course, upload to ut00b immediately after...

 

[motormike]

Do you guys actually want to see him decked out in the suit?

I'm sure he'll look similar to this but with a head, hands and feet.

http://www.aerostich.com/transit-two-piece-suit.html

And here is a pic of an actual dude in it.

http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-suits?cat=31

[Oxblood]

That suit is pricey - is it really worth the substantial cash?


 

After Sunday's ride back from Olympia, 4.5 hours in the pouring rain, yes, it is worth the price. I am really impressed with this suit.

I had the new Transit suit out for a good ride this weekend. I went down to Olympia for the Lee Park's TCR course. Friday was a nice, warm day. I superslabbed it on the I5, averaging about 70mph the whole way.

The suit was awesome. I did not overheat, and the suit blocked the wind very well. The rear vent, when needed added a nice bit of circulation to keep the body temp down.

The fit of the suit is generous, and not like racing leathers at all. There is little to no binding or pressure points. The leather is heavy, but supple. It basically breaks in almost immediately. Overall, the suit is extremely comfortable, and 5 hours on the bike was not an issue in the Transit.

During the day of the course we had balmy weather, with mostly clear skies. Standing around got a bit warm, but with the main zip opened a bit, and riding the air flow was nice and things got a lot more comfortable.

By the end of the day we were hit with very heavy rain. A deluge, if you will. The Transit did not let the water pass! It did it's job well. I spent almost two hours all told exposed to heavy rain, and I was fine.

Finally, Sunday and I had to ride for almost 5 hours in a heavy rain storm, from Olympia back to Vancouver. Alas, I left the rear vent wide open, and my neck gaiter was not properly adjusted. Some water did seep in. In an effort to keep the gloves dry, I pulled the gauntlets inside the sleeves. this allowed water to migrate inside and up the sleeve. Mind you it took a long time (3 hours) for it to be noticeable. At that, there was very little.

All in all, the suit is worth the high price. I am happy with it.

Oh, and I hope to get around to some pics soon.

[cognosticator]

Nice write up and glad to see that it is waterproof.  I was wondering if it really was.

I probably won't ever be able to afford one, but it sounds nice.

Thanks

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Out of curiosity, would you be able to give it a fair assessment of how it compares to a standard stitch? Maybe some day you and a stitch owner can get together and compare them  

From what I read from Aerostitch, the Transit gives something like 2/3s of the protection of the standard suit. I'd be interested in how they calculated that

[cognosticator]

From what I read from Aerostitch, the Transit gives something like 2/3s of the protection of the standard suit. I'd be interested in how they calculated that

78% of all statistics are made up on the spot  

[Rincewind]

Do you guys actually want to see him decked out in the suit?

Yes, otherwise what's the point of asking for pictures?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Do you guys actually want to see him decked out in the suit?

If he's cute, he can post pictures of himself without the suit  

[Oxblood]

If he's cute, he can post pictures of himself without the suit  

Cheeky girl   Come to national and find out

As to the comment about 2/3rds the protection, I do not recall reading that on the site. But if they said it, I suppose it has to do more with the length of the jacket, as the Darien and Roadcrafter are proper 3/4 length jackets. The Tranist jacket does fit longer through the torso than a typical race jacket, or "bomber" style. It overlaps the top of the trousers and fits snug at the hip. There is an elastic drawsting to further cinch the fit. The jacket does zip to the trousers, and the trousers have a high back. Without having worn another Aerostich 2 piece suit I cannot definitively say one is better than the other. However, having ample experience with other 3/4 length textile jackets, and textile pants, I find the protection much more than adequate.

Plus, ya get that cool factor of black leather   You're on a bike, gotta look mean and cool, right?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Cheeky girl   Come to national and find out

   I'd love to! (well, come to the National. Not sure about the second half of your sentence    )

As to the comment about 2/3rds the protection, I do not recall reading that on the site.

Ahh - that'd be my fault. I wasn't thinking "Transit" as in "leather", but instead, I was thinking of the new "lightweight" aerostitch that they're offering. I'd have to say that yours is probably more protection than the standard stitch    My mistake....

[Oxblood]

   I'd love to! (well, come to the National. Not sure about the second half of your sentence    )




Ahh - that'd be my fault. I wasn't thinking "Transit" as in "leather", but instead, I was thinking of the new "lightweight" aerostitch that they're offering. I'd have to say that yours is probably more protection than the standard stitch    My mistake....

What? You don't want to know if I am cute or not? Oh pooh!  

I just checked the page, and yes, I think you might have been thinking of the Darien Light, which uses a lighter weight nylon than the Cordura used i the Darien and Roadcrafter. Though I can see how some could argue that, as the Transit is not a 3/4 length jacket it would not provide as much coverage. That said, after my prolonged ride in the downpour on Sunday, I'd say it performed very well. With the exception of a couple of configuration errors on my part (which allowed some water to migrate in), the leather itself stood up to the test.

When using this suit in heavt rain, use a neck gaiter, and do not tuck the gauntlets of your gloves inside the sleeves. That ought to keep you good and dry.

[Major 662]

When using this suit in heavt rain, use a neck gaiter, and do not tuck the gauntlets of your gloves inside the sleeves.

When the gauntlets are outside the sleeves, things are better when you're moving, but in a good downpour, the water'll come down your sleeves into the glove when you stop or slow.

Thx for the Transit review -- I was one of the legions of folks waiting for a review!

[Oxblood]

When the gauntlets are outside the sleeves, things are better when you're moving, but in a good downpour, the water'll come down your sleeves into the glove when you stop or slow.

Thx for the Transit review -- I was one of the legions of folks waiting for a review!

Its a conundrunm, to be sure. Reduce the water running down the sleeve into the glove, or have the water litereally wicked up from the sleeve cuff into your arms. I have heated grips, so damp gloves, unless it is brutally cold are not a huge issue for me.

And you're welcome regarding the review. I had the chance money wise to get one, and thought I would share my opinion on the suit's performance. I will be certain to update as time passes as well.

[Underdog]

Just came into some extra cash unexpectedly and am really close to pulling the trigger on this suit.

Do you have anymore input from real world experience with this suit?

Anyone?

[DrD]

I will join in:  Anyone?

The Transit suit is looking really nice.  

[miles]

It seems everyone is interested in this suit, but nobody wants to be the guinea pig and buy it first...



myself included.

[Justin]

It seems everyone is interested in this suit, but nobody wants to be the guinea pig and buy it first...



myself included.

Considering it's a $1600 risk if you don't like it, then I can't blame you.

[spd2918]

There is a pair of Transit pants in the gear section for sale....... if they fit.

[ray916mn]

I swung by Aerostich on my way around Lake Superior a couple of weeks ago and the suit is fantastic. Unfortunately the standard sizing of the pants didn't work out for me. I take a 34S pants and while the waist, butt and legs fit well, they were too long (31" inseam ?!? - I need a 29"). No alterations, so no Transit suit for me until they fix their standard sizing.

10% off when you take delivery in Duluth and no sales tax on clothing in MN so ~$1440. Worth it in my opinion. Very very nice and high quality.

[lolife]

I'd love to have the Transit suit.  I don't have $1500 to buy one.  

[falcofred]

I was considering the transit suit a while ago. Magazine write ups were very positive. Where I found the most negative comments was on the Aerostich site from customers.
Customers complained that the wrist closures were so big that glove gauntlets wouldn't fit over them, they also complained that the neck was too tall (although that probably wouldn't be a problem for me). They also complained that taking a piss was quite a bit of work as the pants zip to the jacket, and there is a large very tall gauntlet behind the zipper (fly). Customers say that it's impossible to pee with out taking off the jacket.
Another complaint was that even though the wearer of the suit stays dry inside, the suit itself absorbs a lot of water and gets extremely heavy and takes days to dry out.
I spoke with Aerostich customer service on these items and there no denial of these complaints or indication that any redesign (cuffs or collar) in the future.
The fact that it's made overseas prohibiting custom sizing or the options that are available with the Road Crafter suit, I've decided to stick with my Road Crafter, and just do a better job of seam sealing and waterproofing after it's washed.  

[atadaskew]

Another complaint was that even though the wearer of the suit stays dry inside, the suit itself absorbs a lot of water and gets extremely heavy and takes days to dry out.
I spoke with Aerostich customer service on these items and there no denial of these complaints  

 Aerostich claims it does not do that on their site, which obviously is bogus.  
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-suits/transit-suit/transit-two-piece-suit.html

An Aerostich Transit suit will last longer than normal leathers and doesn’t soak up moisture so it never gets heavy. Always dries immediately after riding through severe rain.

[falcofred]

I just visited the Aerostich site and all the negative reviews on water retention and too large cuffs and collar are gone. Either they made improvements or just removed the negative reviews.

[atadaskew]

I just visited the Aerostich site and all the negative reviews on water retention and too large cuffs and collar are gone. Either they made improvements or just removed the negative reviews.

Ain't that cute?  You drop $1800 and find out the claims are, umm, inflated.

I'd prefer a regular much nicer 2 piece leather suit and a rainsuit to go over.  All for a lot less.  Which is how I roll right now - Dainese made in Europe for $1000.
As opposed to made in Pakistan for $800 more, uglier, and apparently does not work as intended.

[JonS]

Ain't that cute?  You drop $1800 and find out the claims are, umm, inflated.

I'd prefer a regular much nicer 2 piece leather suit and a rainsuit to go over.  All for a lot less.  Which is how I roll right now - Dainese made in Europe for $1000.
As opposed to made in Pakistan for $800 more, uglier, and apparently does not work as intended.

I have always thought that Areostich stuff was over priced and this suit takes that to a higher level. Your solution is what I have done for a while. No need to have the extra weight of "waterproof leather" when rain gear is so cheap and effective.
Aerostich deteeting the negative reviews seals my feelings about them.

[Joey Stalin]

Ain't that cute?  You drop $1800 and find out the claims are, umm, inflated.

I'd prefer a regular much nicer 2 piece leather suit and a rainsuit to go over.  All for a lot less.  Which is how I roll right now - Dainese made in Europe for $1000.
As opposed to made in Pakistan for $800 more, uglier, and apparently does not work as intended.

I always thought Stichs were made in USA? Are they making a more expensive suit in a less expensive country, now?

[falcofred]

I always thought Stichs were made in USA? Are they making a more expensive suit in a less expensive country, now?

The Roadcrafter suit is made in the USA, right in Minnesota, but the Transit suit I believe is made in Vietnam. Therefore the customization, custom sizing and repair that comes with purchasing Aerostich is not available in the Transit suit.
I believe that BMW and Triumph both offer suits manufactured from the same treated leather bonded to Gortex material as the Transit suit and I believe that they too are manufactured overseas.
I wish that Aerostich would just incorporate the new zipper technology in the Roadcrafter suit. I'm waiting for some significant improvement in the Roadcrafter line before ordering a new one. Until then I'll just keep my 10 0r 11 year old suit. I do think I'll send in my suit this winter for a overhaul, cleaning, zipper pull  and Velcro replacement.

[atadaskew]

This 'test' claims it hardly holds any water.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/mc_tested/122_1005_aerostich_transit_leathers/index.html

Butt then again this is the same magazine that got a Wing through the 1/4 mile at 120mph...

 

[Doug Just Doug]

The "negative" reviews are still on Aerostich's site, and as far as I can tell, always have been. There are separate reviews for the jacket and the jacket/pants combo, so perhaps there was some confusion.  http://www.aerostich.com/review/product/list/id/6764/category/31/  and http://www.aerostich.com/review/product/list/id/6081/category/31/

AFAIK, all Goretex Pro Shell leather laminate gear is assembled in Asia, probably on the same line; I understand its due to Gore's requirements, and that as soon as Aerostich's manufacturing line can meet Gore's requirements it plans to begin making Transits in Duluth.

As far a pricing, the Transit is mucho expensive no doubt, but it's by far the cheapest of the Goretex Pro Shell leather I've seen (not that I've seen it all). Check out Rukka or Alpinestars and the Transit then seems like a bargain. OK, relative bargain.

[Oxblood]

Well, as I started the thread, I think it is fine if I resurrect it from the dead.

It has been almost a year now since I picked up the Transit. I wear it every time I ride. That was daily up until the end of October (I bought a car after 4 years wtihout). Since October, I have tried to ride as often as weather and motivation permit (about 1/3 the time). So, time for the true long term review of the Transit, as this thread seemed to generate a lot of interest.

Firts, I am still very happy with the suit. it is one of the best pieces of kit I have ever owned. Well made, durable, and does the job it is advertised to. I have no regrets having purchased it at all.

It is waterproof. Shortly after this thread was originally started, I went to the STN National at Custer, SD. The ride through Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming was plagued with rain. Some days it felt like it was going to snow. The suit kept me warm, and dry.

It is also good at protecting the meatsack we are born with. I low sided on US 93 at a pretty good clip. Ohter than some abrasions to the leather, the suit is fine, and still maintains its waterproofness, and windproofness. No injury was suffered by the ijit riding the bike when I went down. The suit did its job, and is still usable, if somewhat beat up looking.

Someone mentioned users at Aerostich complaining of comfort. I disagree about taking a pee being difficult. There is a large gusset behind the zip (this keeps water and wind out), but it is not that tough to unzip, pull the front down and take care of business. AThis complain strikes me as trivial indeed. The collar is hardly too tall, and is nicely lined with a supple, lightly padded fleece I find very comfortable. The cuffs are bulky, but meant to be (zip and velcro closure and adjustment). I really have not had that many problems getting guantlet gloves on. Again, this is pretty trivial.

Overall comfort is great. I can ride for 8 or more hours in a day in sthis suit, and not find it in any way uncomfortable, binding, or cause of any misery. I have worn it in ouring, cold rain, and searing, near desert like conditions, and found it nice to wear.

Its up to you how much you wish to spend. I do not regret spending the cash this suit calls for.

Cheers,

Kai

[Oxblood]

And finally, me in the suit:

[miles]

Kai, what's the comfortable upper temperature range for the suit?

[Underdog]

I have experienced upper 80s with the suit and been warm but not sweltering. I find the suit cooler than my Olympia airglide with the liners in. I open the collar a bit and leave the sleeves unzipped.

The Airglide always left me feeling clammy when the temps got up there. Not so with the Transit. It seems to breathe well.