Leather Jacket

[craig]

Since I'll be going to the Aug. 11th trackday, I figured it was about time I "upgraded" my riding wardrobe to more than just the mesh textile Phoenix. After shopping around for a bit, and only having $200 or less to spend, it looked like I was going to get another textile jacket. Then I saw a closeout on New Enough for the Teknic Lightning - $139 for a full leather jacket?? I read what reviews I could find and after much deliberation placed my order.

It came yesterday, and oh man am I shocked. Sure it's no Dainese or Vanson, and I don't have much to compare to, but this feels like a very capable jacket. The fit, as warned on the website, is very tight - I have a chest measurement of 39 but the 42 I got fits snug (as I assume it's supposed to?) Riding around, things are a little stiff as the stuff gets broken in, but it really feels totally different. The Phoenix I had was a little big and moved around on me, but this is like wearing a second (much thicker) skin and somehow has added to my confidence level.

I thought the Phoenix would be adequate protection (And it still may be - I haven't had to test it yet *knock on wood*), but the difference in the weight alone makes me a lot more confident that this jacket would protect me better in a get off (Book of Duh, Chapter One). So I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here, but just felt like informing of a great deal and sharing my excitement

[Half Squid]

Originally posted by craig
The Phoenix I had was a little big and moved around on me, but this is like wearing a second (much thicker) skin and somehow has added to my confidence level.

Imagine your confidence level with a full suit and riding boots. I notice a huge difference in the way I ride when wearing my full gear as compaired to only a leather jacket and jeans..
Ussually If I know I will be doing some nice roads and not just cruising around I will ride in full gear. But I always have the leather jacket on ALWAYS... Save up and complete your suit! You really should ride in full gear for the track. If not I think it is allowable to wear two pairs of jeans. Suggestion if not alredy given, is to wear some sort of knee pads as well, like roller blading pads!

[craig]

Forgot to mention I do have textile pants (icon timax) and boots, that don't really match but i'm not trying to make a fashion statement

But yeah, I'd like to at some point complete the leather suit with pants, but figure for now the textiles I have are alright. the only time I don't wear pants is on my daily commute.

edit: whoops - I meant don't wear the textile pants...I really do wear SOME pants to work...

[beet]

he's in full Teknic leather .
& you sure feel safer

[KB]

Originally posted by Half Squid
Imagine your confidence level with a full suit and riding boots. I notice a huge difference in the way I ride when wearing my full gear as compaired to only a leather jacket and jeans..
Ussually If I know I will be doing some nice roads and not just cruising around I will ride in full gear. But I always have the leather jacket on ALWAYS... Save up and complete your suit! You really should ride in full gear for the track. If not I think it is allowable to wear two pairs of jeans. Suggestion if not alredy given, is to wear some sort of knee pads as well, like roller blading pads!

If that's the case I'm going to get a full leather, riding boots, a full team sponsorship and I'm going after Caparosi, Haga and the likes

[Half Squid]

Originally posted by rmbbikes
If that's the case I'm going to get a full leather, riding boots, a full team sponsorship and I'm going after Caparosi, Haga and the likes

I would love to see that KB ! You would be excellent on a track! First lets convince you to try a track day.. I think you'll get hooked easily!

[tooks954]

Congrats on your new skins. Leather conditioner will expedite the break in period.
I have to agree with Half Squid, you will feel an increase in confidence when you wear full leather. I wouldn't suggest riding over an hour without them.

[craig]

Originally posted by tooks954
Congrats on your new skins. Leather conditioner will expedite the break in period.
I have to agree with Half Squid, you will feel an increase in confidence when you wear full leather. I wouldn't suggest riding over an hour without them.

Any recommendation on a particular brand of conditioner?

[OreoGaborio]

glad to hear you're happy w/ the jacket... i'm in the market for a full two-piece suit myself... gotta start my own thread & get some input on that

[Rice-rocket1]

Originally posted by craig
Any recommendation on a particular brand of conditioner?

I use Vanson leather Balm.
at the bottom of the link
http://www.vansonleathers.com/produc...ccessories.htm

[Rice-rocket1]

Originally posted by OreoGaborio
i'm in the market for a full two-piece suit myself... gotta start my own thread & get some input on that

Vanson leathers in Fall River, Ma.

The have off the rack 2 peice suits that you can get or go for the extra and get the Road and Track 2 piece suit. Cost a little more but it is custom fit and made, so you can have any colors you want.

street and track combo

[KB]

Originally posted by Half Squid
I would love to see that KB ! You would be excellent on a track! First lets convince you to try a track day.. I think you'll get hooked easily!

I am afraid that once I try one I will be hooked and my bank account will dwindle to zero very quickly!!!

KB

[beet]

[tooks954]

I used "Coach" leather conditioner when I first purchased the jacket. That worked out pretty well for the '03 season. I used a different brand this season, I will have to post the name after work.