Advice on Clothing for commuting

[AndyPF04]

Hey Everyone,

Bit new to this, and only just got bike.

I am looking to get an armored oversuit for commuting everyday, something that doesn't look like a baggy sack tied in the middle and is really easy to put on and take off (while wearing jeans and t-shirt) and suitable for all weather (i.e. has removable insulation, etc).

I have been looking around on the net, and it feels like I'm trying to buy a unicorn horn, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Andy

p.s. also thinking of getting a helmet (well it's a necessity, so more than thinking about it) Looking at getting one where the full face lifts up, with built in bluetooth and mic/speakers for connection to phone for calls and music. Don't intend to skimp on price, as I only have one head, so I want the best, but I see some for £130 and others that look identical for £1000 and any price in between, any recommendations? Want a good one, but want to pay for quality, not a sticker if you get what I mean.

[fq-craigus]

the helmets that are around the 130 mark with the bluetooth will do the job, you will pay more for a better design lid and the name imo.

i commute on mine and just have a armr jacket and just some waterproof over trousers, as i just want ease. its what ever works for you the all in one suits are good for the rain, have you got a long commute?

[AndyPF04]

Thanks for reply FQ, Commute will be about 45 miles, but during rush hour both ways.

[littlecat]

fully armoured anything, that's big enough to go over 'proper' clothes will always look like a sack ....forget what it looks like and go for the safest/warmest/most weather/roadproof option you can get.

im thinking armoured textiles with removable liners for your requirements, and a waterproof over layer, which will also cut out wind, for really bad days.

[AndyPF04]

Thanks littlecat,

I was beginning to think as much, are them Kevlar lined jeans with padding in impact areas any good, in terms of safety and comfort wearing them all day? If it rains can just throw waterproof trousers over them. And wear a Rhino armored jacket, or something leather depending on budget

[Glorian]

If you're going to wear jeans i would get some kevlar jeans anyway, there is a company (i forgot name will try find out) That do some super strong jeans for £160, saw a video of the guy trying to cut through them with a saw and some form of sander and the jeans were fine (I'm sure anyone who went to excel saw this stand?) Otherwise some kevlar jeans are good slightly heavier than normal, and you can remove the armour if you want on most.

As for jacket shop around a little i got my RST jacket (http://www.rst-moto.com/rst-slice-textile-jacket Similar to this but with hi-vis where the white stuff is) And it's pretty decent, it keeps majority of rain off me, but when it thunders down i have to chuck my little £15 rain jacket over, and i'm good to go At the end of the day commuting on a bike you have a choice, Cool or comfortable. Only a few can manage both, i personally cba as i'm poor and to busy looking cool on the weekends anyway

Don't skimp on decent gloves and boots to! Nothing worse than a wet foot all day ugh.

[Mr Fro]

Don't skimp on decent gloves and boots to! Nothing worse than a wet foot all day ugh.

In which case make sure your jeans go over the top of your boots, not tuck in to them (lesson learned age 17)!

[Glorian]

Much agree =D

Only on nice days do they go inside the boot (bit more comfy)

[dispersion]

I used to wear Kevlar jacket and trousers, make was Richa. Really good and around £230 for the set I think. Still got them and will wear them on my new bike. Seen as I am no longer commuting I will probably use Kevlar jeans/jacket combo but for commuting was grateful for warm, dry kit.

Was easy to change when I got to work, slip it off, hang it up, work slip it back on. I didn't think it looked to baggy. I think anything with armour in it makes you look a bit....different....

but hey, you have a bike....so you are cool anyway, just safe!