Aerostich Transit Suit

[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.