gear - I can barely choose my own clothes, this is hard

[mjn12]

So I usually bring a chick to the mall to pick out my clothes for me becuase I'm fashion handicapped.  Picking out gear is even worse since its an investment.  I got an alpinestar tz-1 jacket in black/gray but it has to go back becuase its small, I was thinking for exchanging it for something with a little more ventilation. Right now I'm considering the A* black ice jacket

http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/113

In either all black or black/white.  The bike is black/white/silver 2000 scheme and the helmet is metallic gray.  I'm worried that the white will get dirty easy and or not match the rest of the setup (squidly, I know) but the all black version wont do much for visibility.  Any opinions/thoughts?

[jimbo1]

WHAT??   Stuff is supposed to match your bike?  I guess its official, I'm not cool anymore.

[RVertigo]

A couple things about gear...  These are based on my experiences and opinions...  So, take-it-or-leave-it.

About gear color...  Color is a lot less important than you think.  I have several different jackets that I've warn in various conditions...  My first jacket was, what I can only describe as "HOLY shaZam! Green."  Pic

1)  The bright HOLY shaZam! GREEN did make the people that noticed me REALLY see me.  (In a double-take sort of way).
2)  The HOLY shaZam! GREEN did NOT make people see me...  If they weren't going to see me before, they're weren't going to see me no matter what color I wore.
3)  When I was wearing that jacket, I had a buddy spot me on the freeway 2 miles ahead of him...  And he caught up to say hi.   ...  I also had neighbors wave to me on the freeway... And anyone else that knew me and my jacket would wave to me...  So...  You Can't hide with that thing on.

Matching only matters to "fashion" riders and grrls.  But, if you want to match, don't let "anti-fashion" riders hassle you...  I have an affinity for yellow, but my bike it blue...  My helmet, Jacket, and gloves are yellow...     I match myself, but not my bike...  Unless it's raining, then I wear my black/gray jacket and black gloves.   So, I kinda match... Or something...   


As far as getting dirty...  Isn't gear better when it's covered in road-grime and bugs?     Light colors WILL look dirty faster than dark colors, but you can wipe your gear down with a slightly damp cloth to get the dirt, bugs, and grime off...  If you treat your leather with an approved coating (water-proofing of some kind approved by the manufacturer) it'll be easier to keep it clean...


But...  What you REALLY want to think about with gear is Protection, Fit, and Comfort.  If it doesn't protect you, don't get it.  If it doesn't fit right, don't get it.  If it isn't relatively comfortable while you're riding, you're not going to want to wear it, so don't get it.

Style and color should come last.

[foobar]

I think matching your bike is fine as long as the gear is going to do what it's supposed to in a get-off. Check out http://motorcyclegearreview.com/ The reviews are not always the latest and greatest but many of the reviewers have reviewed the gear after their get-offs with eye-opening results. Another thing you can do to increase visibility is wear one of those reflective vests. I actually got some sew-on reflective stuff from this place: http://reflectivelyyours.com/ and sewed some strips onto my Icon 'Recon' jacket. I'll be doing the same when my Cortech 'GX Sport' comes in. If you're handy with a needle and thread (or know someone that is), its a good option. I'm way more noticeable now and it looks cool too.

[mjn12]

Someone already started a thread about whether or not color co-ordinating is ok. 

Safety is #1, thats why I'm dropping serious loot on a jacket with all the right features from a manufacturer with a good reputation.  Looks are secondary but I've picket the safety features, time to pick the look.

I totally gave up on that style anyways and went ahead and got the A* one o one in all black, not great for visibility, but if they miss the flashing lights, silver helmet, and reflective piping I don't think jacket color is gonna make a big difference.  Defensive riding will.

I went ahead and went for the medium, I measure just over a 38 and according to the alpinestars conversion chart they link to on newenough I should be a medium, however they newenough chart listed on the product page says small.  I'm gonna go with the official alpinestar one. 

Should be here by weds.

[ledfingers]

i would suggest going to your local MC shop and trying on different jackets AND PANTS AND BOOTS. Different brands fit better on different bodies, find something that you feel #1 is safe, #2 is comfortable and fills all your daily use needs, and #3 looks good. Then go back to newenough and buy away. But try stuff on first, know what brands feel more comfortable for you, know what size you are in those brands, then shop around for what you need/want. I was a 44 in tour master jackets, but a 42 in firstgear. Medium shoei helmet, small icon. I have wierd feet so i couldn't find any boots that fit me correctly all over and gave me the protection i wanted so i went for Setups, which run wide so i have to wear two pairs of socks, but it's not a big deal. And pants, well, my legs are too long for my height and weight so don't even get me started. Shop around, don't buy on impulse.

[mjn12]

Got the alpinestar one-o-one, love it so far. Full write up when classes are out and I get some riding in in temperatures above freezing.