Graphic content warning for the squeamish.
http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2012/10/why-wearing-jeans-on-a-motorcycle-is-a-really-bad-idea/
holy crap :sad:
That is what happens when you don't tuck and roll and try to turn your ass into a brake pad... If you put any 1 part on the ground it will wear through anything like sand paper...
Levis aren't what they used to be but even then they were not made for riding.
I have a pair of Sartso and Draggin jeans and they are MUCH heavier denim, better made and have the Kevlar in them.
Draggins are nice but I almost always wear my Sartso over the Draggins
Blue jeans never were much protection. People think they are, but you know they will shred after about three feet.
Quote from: john on December 20, 2012, 08:51:38 AM
Blue jeans never were much protection. People think they are, but you know they will shred after about three feet.
People wear them because they think they cant go down or are uneducated.
In general I agree with weedahoe. I wear Lee's because they've always fit well, but I've seen their quality really drop in the last few pairs while the price is the same. It now takes months or weeks for my wallet to wear through the rear pocket instead of years. I wrote them a letter and they swapped out my pair that ripped at the back pocket after only a few months, but the replacement pair is just as bad.
I should definitely look at getting some sturdier pants for riding.
ATGATT, cause you just never know when it will happen. Even if going out down the road for milk, just wear the kevlar jeans, if its formal take dress pants/shoes in the top box so you can look nice. I just counted and I have 2 x jeans (RedMax & Draggins), 3 x Textiles and 1 x leather, LOL pants for most occasions. One of the textiles is over pants so you can wear nice pants underneath and be fully protected. Four jackets, 3 x gloves, 2 x helmets and 2 x boots. I can mix N match for any occasion, I'm such a fashion whore. :D
The problem I have always had with 'riding pants' and overpants is that they are uncomfortable hot, and it's a hassle to take them on and off if you are trying to go somewhere that is only a short distance. A lot of times I would just rather wear shorts and drive the car.
I'd rather wear gear, ride, and sweat than take a car or go without gear... that's a decision I made quite a long time ago.
So far (touch wood) I've only had one off at very low speed and there's not a mark on any of my gear except for one scratch on my helmet. I was wearing Draggin' jeans, Dr Martin Case boots (leather almost to the knee, unfortunately no ankle armour though), RST textile jacket that has elbow and shoulder armour and a back protector, Drift gloves, and of course my AGV helmet.
The only damage to me was a couple of nasty bruises on my left bicep and left side where there was no armour and where my body actually came into contact with the ute that changed lanes on top of me. I don't think any amount of gear would've avoided those bruises and they were gone in a couple of weeks and weren't too painful.
I will continue to wear my gear all the time... :thumb:
In the article the guy says he going to continue wearing jeans so it must not have hurt that bad haha. Also it said he crashed in a pile of windshield glass, that probably added to alot of that.
Quote from: peteGS on December 20, 2012, 02:30:28 PM
I'd rather wear gear, ride, and sweat than take a car or go without gear... that's a decision I made quite a long time ago.
I will continue to wear my gear all the time... :thumb:
Exactly, and when I see someone who goes down and KNEW they should have had gear on but rather wanted to look "cool", after I see they are ok I will laugh at them and point my finger.
We get it a lot in Queensland.Aus, much like Florida's weather I imagine, hot and muggy. The only time I really dislike ATGATT is when commuting and sitting still, when you're moving if you have the right gear its not actually that bad. Even full leathers are okay if you keep moving enough and they are vented properly.
True that, peak hour can be a sweat bath even in the cooler months...
yeah I actually choose to start early at work unpaid just to avoid traffic and heat, does mean early finish in the afternoon which is warmish, but traffic is less so you tend to move more.
Now that it's Summer here in Oz it's a blast watching the hot chicks riding their scooters down George Street in Sydney wearing shorts, a skinny top, and a helmet...at the same time, you're thinking "JC, what a mess if you come off that little bike in that gear." Fashion v. Friction and the latter usually wins.
(http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=252472&d=1246309499)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/Oldskool-03/image2.jpg)
Quote from: xunedeinx on December 20, 2012, 11:32:39 PM
(http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=252472&d=1246309499)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/Oldskool-03/image2.jpg)
FUKK ME...............I bet that hurt
Quote from: ThatOtherGuy on December 20, 2012, 07:11:31 PM
yeah I actually choose to start early at work unpaid just to avoid traffic and heat, does mean early finish in the afternoon which is warmish, but traffic is less so you tend to move more.
:thumb:
Yep, normally in at work by 7:15 at the latest and head out just before 4pm. I use the T2 lane on Waterworks Rd and if you hit it any earlier than 4pm there's still parked cars and idiots in there... takes me longer to get home if I leave at 3:30 than if I leave about 3:55... and definitely less sweaty!
Today was a killer though, constant drops without really spitting all the way back from Tranzac at Carbrook into the city and home. I was saturated... and no rain... ha
Quote from: peteGS on December 21, 2012, 03:49:24 AM
Quote from: ThatOtherGuy on December 20, 2012, 07:11:31 PM
yeah I actually choose to start early at work unpaid just to avoid traffic and heat, does mean early finish in the afternoon which is warmish, but traffic is less so you tend to move more.
:thumb:
Yep, normally in at work by 7:15 at the latest and head out just before 4pm. I use the T2 lane on Waterworks Rd and if you hit it any earlier than 4pm there's still parked cars and idiots in there... takes me longer to get home if I leave at 3:30 than if I leave about 3:55... and definitely less sweaty!
Today was a killer though, constant drops without really spitting all the way back from Tranzac at Carbrook into the city and home. I was saturated... and no rain... ha
I'll have to keep an eye out for you in the new year, I use Waterworks Rd too around that time (the yellow naked will be a black naked by then I hope). Today we finished early and I had the Bandit, so it was the long way home over Nebo, back to Samford, Mailmans, Bunya and Jinker Track. Only trouble is it rained on all the twistie bits so it was slow going.
Quote from: ThatOtherGuy on December 21, 2012, 05:09:06 AM
I'll have to keep an eye out for you in the new year, I use Waterworks Rd too around that time (the yellow naked will be a black naked by then I hope). Today we finished early and I had the Bandit, so it was the long way home over Nebo, back to Samford, Mailmans, Bunya and Jinker Track. Only trouble is it rained on all the twistie bits so it was slow going.
Cool, will keep my eye out too! Let me know when the colour change happens...
I've yet to have time in the avo' to do that detoure but I'll be hitting Bunya Rd and Clear Mountain Rd this morning on the way to join the Kat boys.
I'm hoping we have another ride in the New Year too while I'm on holidays.
If we do I'll stick details up for the rest of us locals too...
I have 5 crashes under my belt now, including a track get off at 80MPH. I can show you a bunch of ruined gloves, torn leather, and tossed textiles. I don't have a spot of road rash to show for it, however.
Quote from: ThatOtherGuy on December 20, 2012, 06:54:09 PM
We get it a lot in Queensland.Aus, much like Florida's weather I imagine, hot and muggy. The only time I really dislike ATGATT is when commuting and sitting still, when you're moving if you have the right gear its not actually that bad. Even full leathers are okay if you keep moving enough and they are vented properly.
Hot and muggy real bad. Like 90 degrees and 150% humidity for 8 months out of the year! I didn't even wear a jacket until 3 months ago because I would have gotten heat stroke. I've got a nice Vanson leather jacket, no pads though. I do have a summer jacket now so I'll be alright! I want to get a better one in the "off "season (Florida doesn't have one of those either lol) but I do have something at least right now
That is exactly my point ~ unless you are riding somewhere worth riding to in the first place, getting all your gear on so you can be uncomfortable takes a great deal of the enjoyment out of riding.
Quote from: SAFE-T on December 21, 2012, 08:12:49 PM
That is exactly my point ~ unless you are riding somewhere worth riding to in the first place, getting all your gear on so you can be uncomfortable takes a great deal of the enjoyment out of riding.
so make every ride worthwhile :thumb:
Maybe its just me but then only thing that gets hot on me when Im done riding is my boots. My kevlar pants are bad. My jacket has vents and I take it off when Im done riding anyway. My helmet has vents and even it that isnt enough, i crack the visor. Im in south GA and its always blazin hot here in the summer. I might pick up a lighter jacket but then again I can just pull out the lining in the one I have now.
Quote from: ThatOtherGuy on December 21, 2012, 08:41:38 PM
Quote from: SAFE-T on December 21, 2012, 08:12:49 PM
That is exactly my point ~ unless you are riding somewhere worth riding to in the first place, getting all your gear on so you can be uncomfortable takes a great deal of the enjoyment out of riding.
so make every ride worthwhile :thumb:
Kind of a pain when you're just going to work and coming home. I work at a bamboo nursery and a drag strip 8-12 miles into the country from my house. I throw a jacket on and that's about it. It's a real pain to spend the extra time to gear up everything, to get off the bike 10-15 minutes later to take it all off again, go to work, leave sweaty as hell, put it all back on and go home 10 minutes away.
But when I ride to my 3rd job at the pier 25 miles west of here on the gulf, it's all the gear I have, all the time. That's a lot of city driving! Same with going to class, 20 miles to the west of home, again through the city.
I wear it all when I feel it will be worth it. I just can't bring myself to do it for evey
Man I need to find some pants somewhere in between my leather race pants and the jeans (yeah, like this guy was wearing) I wear when I ride to work.
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 22, 2012, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: ThatOtherGuy on December 21, 2012, 08:41:38 PM
Quote from: SAFE-T on December 21, 2012, 08:12:49 PM
That is exactly my point ~ unless you are riding somewhere worth riding to in the first place, getting all your gear on so you can be uncomfortable takes a great deal of the enjoyment out of riding.
so make every ride worthwhile :thumb:
Kind of a pain when you're just going to work and coming home. I work at a bamboo nursery and a drag strip 8-12 miles into the country from my house. I throw a jacket on and that's about it. It's a real pain to spend the extra time to gear up everything, to get off the bike 10-15 minutes later to take it all off again, go to work, leave sweaty as hell, put it all back on and go home 10 minutes away.
But when I ride to my 3rd job at the pier 25 miles west of here on the gulf, it's all the gear I have, all the time. That's a lot of city driving! Same with going to class, 20 miles to the west of home, again through the city.
I wear it all when I feel it will be worth it. I just can't bring myself to do it for evey
That's why I have a variety of gear, for instance today just did a nice 250kms twistie ride, so it was leathers. riding to work is a 20 minute ride at best, I have to wear pants, so may as well be crappy kevlar jeans (always wear a jacket). Always wear shoes, so may as well don the boots, though I am going to get some nice casual riding boots. Long social rides I wear either the textiles or the Redmax Kevlar Jeans. Like I said earlier a fashion tragic. If I came of without the gear I would regret it, so best to wear it. Oh yeah I always wear a helmet and gloves.
I'm working on getting some armored gloves, as I always wear gloves. Have an Icon Alliance helmet. Vanson leather jacket, and that about does it for real gear. Got that summer jacket but it's too chilly for it right now.
I'm just kind of curious what the world of overpants looks like? 'Cause then I can wear my shorts but still be protected
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 22, 2012, 07:06:13 PM...
I'm just kind of curious what the world of overpants looks like? 'Cause then I can wear my shorts but still be protected
the overpants I have are a textile construction that are basically baggy in most places except the waist and have velcro at the ankles to make them tight around your footwear, assuming you wear boots. brand is Thor.
Yeah, overpants I have but never wear. They are nice and waterproof but very baggy and useless in most cases. If I HAD to go somewhere and KNEW I was going to get rained on or IF it were extremely cold outside I would wear them.
Do they look or feel overly bulky? And do they offer good protection in case of a crash?
Aside from that concern, they seem like the best option for me. I need to be in my work clothes when I get there. My jobs are kind of like the "You're here.... why aren't you working" kind of deals. Starting time is just a suggestion lol
Mince are FirstGear HT 2.0 overpants. They are very nice, heavy heavy, waterproof although breathable and very durable. They also have an inner liner you can pull out
But they are very baggy. You can wear nice clothes under them and easily unzip down the legs and get in and out with ease
Quote from: weedahoe on December 22, 2012, 08:42:32 PM
Mine are FirstGear HT 2.0 overpants.
Cant find it at the moment, but there was some information that I thought was on the Aerostich website that talked about durability of textile gear ~ the basic point being that less than 500Denier was pretty much useless at any speed.
The FirstGear HT 2.0 Overpant is 330Denier, so pretty lightweight construction although it probably feels substantial with the weight of the liner.
Various anecdotal evidence about gear like this either says it worked great for some people and shredded like paper towel for others ~ my guess is that at speeds under 40km/h it would help a bit ~ kinda like an extra pair of jeans ~ but above that speed they would not hold together for very long.
Years ago before I knew this stuff I had a First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket (300Denier) that I went skidding off the road at 100km/h in after hitting a deer that had ran directly in front of me from down in a ditch. It lasted about 10 ft, and thankfully I skidded off the road into the gravel/grass. I still have an abrasion mark on my right shoulder that is about the size of my hand. The Kilimanjaro pants didn't take much abuse, but were still finished.
So it's either wear heavier (ie. hotter and/or more restrictive) gear all the time :nono: , or ride less and save the proper gear for the days when you can actually ride for a couple of hours and have fun, rather than going 20min to work in a straight line stopping for traffic lights, making (dangerous) left turns and otherwise watching for vehicles that might completely ruin my day.
By the way, no amount of gear will guarantee your protection in a collision with something solid at road speed. Most fatalities are the result of internal injury and trauma, not road rash. This is as good as a reason to pick when and where you ride carefully as any other.
LinkyDinks: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199209
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 22, 2012, 02:47:22 PMI wear it all when I feel it will be worth it.
That is why I love my car :thumb:, and when I'm not in a hurry or have far to go I love to ride my bicycle.
I wear jeans when I ride. I also wear armored shorts and knee/shin armor under said jeans. Walked away from a ~30mph lowside with a few holes in my jeans, but not a scratch on me.
Link posted is exactly what got me to grab these.
http://www.leatherup.com/p/Xelement-Mens-Pants-and-Chaps/Xelement-Mens-Armored-Cowhide-Leather-Racing-Pants/96085.html
First time seeing what happens to the rider in jeans, even at Slow speeds!
I didnt think it would be That bad.
Also never bothered to look it up before.
So im guilty of Always wearing jeans since day 1 of riding until these arrive :thumb:
Been somewhat planning on getting padded riding pants sometime but never got around to it until now.
Come summer I'll just grab a pair of armored mesh pants to go over jeans.
IDK about the 330 denier but their website says 600
http://www.firstgear-usa.com/ht_overpants.html
HT OVERPANTS
$249.95
• Includes a removable, zip-out liner that is a standalone pant. Sized to fit over your clothes; simply buy the size you normally wear.
• Hypertex™ waterproof/ breathable 600-denier polyester outer shell
• Adjustable CE armor in the knees
• Padded hip protectors
• Articulated knee and seat for maximum riding comfort
• 2 front thigh air intake vents with YKK® rubberized zippers to keep moisture out
• 2 front pass-through pocket openings for gaining access to internal pockets with hook-and- loop closure
• Right thigh patch pocket with YKK® rubberized zipper closure for your stuff
• 2/3 length side zip for easy on/off; protected by exterior double storm flap to keep out the elements
• Internal storm cuff with silicone grip and elasticized for a snug fit to seal out moisture
• Adjustable side waist tabs for a custom fit
• 10" conjunction zipper for jacket connection
• 2-year limited warranty
• Inner Pant: A standalone pant that can be worn as a
destination pant
• Made of water-resistant taffeta
• 2/3 length side zip for easy on/off
• Adjustable waist using hook-and- loop tab
• Articulated knee and seat for maximum comfort
• Insulated from the cold with 2- ounce fiberfill
• Easily connect to the outer pant by a full circumference waist zipper and leg snaps
Plus, from what I remember when I bought them, if you do go down in them and file a police/insurance report, send them the report and the pants and they will replace them
When off to work, I wear my Draggin' cargo pants rather than my jeans. The jeans get a touch warm in traffic whereas the cargo's are a little lighter but still kevlar lined so are a little better in traffic.
My RST jacket has removable liners so I can adjust it to suit the weather.
I can count on one hand the days I was actually too hot in my gear in traffic on the way to/from work. It's about a 20 minute trip each direction.
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 22, 2012, 08:40:14 PM
Do they look or feel overly bulky? And do they offer good protection in case of a crash?
What kind of protection do you want?
The looser the pants the more they can move around on your skin. You'll get rash but it will be fabric rash instead of road rash.
Michael
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 22, 2012, 02:47:22 PMI wear it all when I feel it will be worth it.
Do you have some sort of system to let other road users know this feeling? Whether its a 2 minute, 2 hour, 2 day or 2 week ride other road users will be dicks and care not for whether you are geared up or not. I have been nearly cleaned up less than 50 metres from home from a woman just shooting through the roundabout, she even just waved me off when I drew next to her. She regretted that at the next red light (700 metres away) as she had nowhere to go when I lectured her about my lack of tin shell to protect me from her stupidity (I had ATGATT on). These are the people you need to account for, so for me it is always worth it to wear ATGATT no matter how short the ride.
Quote from: SAFE-T on December 24, 2012, 12:52:09 PM
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 22, 2012, 02:47:22 PMI wear it all when I feel it will be worth it.
That is why I love my car :thumb:, and when I'm not in a hurry or have far to go I love to ride my bicycle.
My 15mpg truck, soon to be a 12mpg truck with the next step in the lift + 33x12.50 tires, is a blast to ride in, but not as often as I want to! At 300-400 miles a week my bike is the main form of commute now, truck only comes out when it's raining or I want to drive it. It's a toy now :)
Sorry about the double post guys
Quote from: mister on December 24, 2012, 01:36:34 PM
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 22, 2012, 08:40:14 PM
Do they look or feel overly bulky? And do they offer good protection in case of a crash?
What kind of protection do you want?
The looser the pants the more they can move around on your skin. You'll get rash but it will be fabric rash instead of road rash.
Michael
I want something I can move in, while not feeling like I'm wearing a snow suit! Fabric burn is alright, I just don't want the road taking my skin off. I've been thrown over the handle bars of a bmx bike above 20mph and that's enough to know I don't want it. The butt of my left hand is all scar tissue, and I'm scarred up my lift thumb, knuckle, wrist, and on my shoulder where I rolled. So road rash... gotta avoid that
Quote from: ThatOtherGuy on December 24, 2012, 03:29:54 PM
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 22, 2012, 02:47:22 PMI wear it all when I feel it will be worth it.
Do you have some sort of system to let other road users know this feeling? Whether its a 2 minute, 2 hour, 2 day or 2 week ride other road users will be dicks and care not for whether you are geared up or not. I have been nearly cleaned up less than 50 metres from home from a woman just shooting through the roundabout, she even just waved me off when I drew next to her. She regretted that at the next red light (700 metres away) as she had nowhere to go when I lectured her about my lack of tin shell to protect me from her stupidity (I had ATGATT on). These are the people you need to account for, so for me it is always worth it to wear ATGATT no matter how short the ride.
That's where I get away easy. When I ride through town to class or my job on the pier, I have to worry. When I ride out to one of my other jobs out in the country, if I see 2 cars on the road between my house and there, it must be a busy day. I feel you completely though, you can't account for the idiots on the roads. I live in Florida, we get the entire country's old retirees that can barely walk but still think they can drive and see what's happening around them. I've almost been taken out, crushed, rear ended, curbed, etc all on one ride.
I guess I can just explain myself as loving to ride, but not wanting to have to put on a bunch of stuff to do so. OF course if I had all the gear I could make a full judgement. As of this christmas I've now got armored Joe Rocket gloves and some good boots to go with my Vanson jacket and brand spankin new Icon Alliance helmet. The pants are all that I have left to cover, I wear the rest of the stuff all the time
Only going by what we see in TV shows, but living in Florida, you're insane riding a motorbike with those old people around. :icon_mrgreen:
It's a matter of what you are used to. Grow a set and man up to the discomfort of the heat! You can aclimate. And do you care what you look like? I look like a freaking dork because I go ATGATT. Don't care.
I did explain it to a coworker who asked: I love to ride. And if I go down, I want to get back to riding ASAP. The best way to do that is to wear all the gear!
I work outside... Going from 90 degrees and 150% humidity in gym shorts and a wife beater, then getting all the gear on after work to ride home, I might not make it. It's absolutely awful out here
Quote from: ThatOtherGuy on December 25, 2012, 12:41:08 PM
Only going by what we see in TV shows, but living in Florida, you're insane riding a motorbike with those old people around. :icon_mrgreen:
The craziest part about it all... TV makes their driving look better!
Mustang is absolutely right it is a balance. Yes, I am a proponent of ATGATT when it is safe. Unfortunately, some days ATGATT is not safe due to the weather. I have days of multiple errands in stop and go traffic on 192 or forget the I-4 parking lot. I used to wear the pants all the time but both of my textiles are just too hot. On an average day I lose about 6lbs of water weight and that is with a camel back on. I had one day where I forgot it. I lost 13lbs of water and barely made it to my doctor. I had heat exhaustion and was close to stroke. So, I believe a little less gear and no dehydration is a risk I have to take in my situation. Now that I have a reliable car if it is over 90 and humidity above 85% I won't risk it I'll take the car. I did pick these up at Cycle gear a couple of months ago and they are a nice compromise!
http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/Charger_Off-Road_Knee_Guards/web1008837
I still always wear a jacket, ff helmet, boots and, gauntlet gloves. But, I've got a pair of Riggs jeans that I wear and can get the knee guards off relatively easily. Now I need some hip protection and I'll be content. But, I'm happy with the trade off for now.
Mary
Sitting anywhere sucks really. My truck is a '91 with non-functional AC. Wanna cool down? Open them vent windows and hope you're doing at least 30 all the time!