Aerostich -- 2 Questions

[hschisler]

My wife and I are planning on "some day" going to Duluth to get measured for Aerostich suits (one- or two-piece, not sure yet).

1. Now that warmer weather is here I'm finding that my Fieldsheer windproof/rainproof overpants (non-Goretex) are way too hot in the groin area, if you know what I mean. As in, "highly uncomfortable" above 70 degrees and in the sun. As in, "like wearing a plastic bag around your body". I'm wondering how Aerostich's products handle this -- they are Goretex, correct? Any problems with heat in their suits or pants? Are the pants vented, or do they not need it? Can you wear an Aerostich suit year-round? (OK, that was actually several questions, but all on one topic!)

2. My goal is to get us one-piece suits so we can don them/doff them in 10 seconds. Right now, our "gearing up" process takes forever. My wife can't decide between the one-piece and two-piece Aerostich suit. I'm trying to show her that she will look just fine in a one-piece Aerostich suit. At 5'4", she thinks the bulkiness of the suit will be unflattering (geez, I hope she doesn't read this, but I think you know what I mean -- she's not a 6' anorexic model). This may sound odd.... but if anyone has a photo of your SO in an Aerostich suit (either one) would you mind posting it?

3. (bonus question) Can you put your Aerostich on in about 10 seconds? It has to be faster than anything two-piece, right? I saw an Aerostich demonstrated at my dealer last week and he did it very, very quickly. Impressive.

Any other experiences or comments in this area are greatly appreciated. TIA.

[KayGee]

Here is a link that I found regarding Aerostitch and hot weather.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motoport/

[pkpr1998]

A buddy of mine bought the Aerostitch one-piece suit, it goes off and on in a hurry!

As with you, I would take a trip to Minnesota just to buy the suit and have them tailor it.

Me and the wife both have two-piece suite; hers is Field Schier (?) and I have the First Gear Kilamanjaro, both are great suits with plenty of safety features but a pain to put on (mine is).

You won't go wrong with the Aerostitch.

[ranks]

I have been wearing the 1-piece roadcrafter for two years now.
Here are my impressions:

1) Easy on/ Easy off, just as advertised.

2) Takes about 2 -4 weeks of commuting (Daily wear) to loosen up. When new, feels like cardboard. After it breaks in, very comfortable.

3) With proper care, will keep you dry. Follow advice found on Aerostitch web site.

4) For ME (Very subjective), it is very comfortable in the 60-75 F Range with just jeans and shirt on. Below 60, I wear long johns OR fleecejacket. Below 45 I wear long johns and fleece. Below 35 I wear heated gear. 75-85 I open up the vents. 85-95 shorts/tshirt. Above 95 very uncomfortable.

5) Pockets everywhere, don't loose them keys/gloves/cameras/cell-phones

6) Reflective stripes work great

7) It takes ALOT of room to store one (especially if you have armour pads and back pads like I do)

8) you still need turtlefur, or something similar for neck in cool weather

Hope that helps.

[wcarter]

When I called Aerostich to place an order, the nice lady asked me lots of questions to help me decide between a Roadcrafter and Darien outfit. Since I live in the South, she recommended the Darien, which lacks the slippery taffeta lining that helps you slip in and out of the Roadcrafter in 10 seconds.

I ended up ordering a 2-pc Roadcrafter and a Darien pants/jacket combo, thinking I'd probably return the Darien. I ended up keeping it, and returning the Roadcrafter, largely because the Darien did seem cooler (with the optional fleece jacket liner out, of course). I could feel the difference even wearing them in my air conditioned house.

I wear my Darien pants year-round. They are not vented but I don't find them particularly uncomfortable in the summer. I usually wear shorts underneath in hot weather, understanding of course that Aerostich recommends long pants underneath for extra protection. Of course, when the heat and the humidity are high you are going to sweat, whatever you wear. I'm going to try some non-cotton underwear this Summer that should wick moisture better.

I do think the Roadcrafter looks better, and it has better abrasion protection, so if you like it, you can probably tough it out. How hot can it get in Ohio?

[hschisler]

Here is a link that I found regarding Aerostitch and hot weather.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motoport/ Thanks.

Wow -- that's a lot of reading, but I waded through it. He confirms my hot weather concerns. I'll check into Motoport.

[hschisler]

...Hope that helps.Thanks, James. Appreciate all the details.

So... it IS vented? Including the pants?

[hschisler]

How hot can it get in Ohio?Weyman, thanks for all those details.

Ohio summers can be in the 90s and very, very humid. Some summers (at least, here in central OH) we'll have just a couple of 90-degree days. Some summers we'll get 20+ of 'em in a row. Miserable hot and humid. Hot-weather comfort is a concern.

[ranks]

There are venting under the arms, on top of the back, and at the hip.

The legs snap at the bottom, and you can unzip them up from the bottom a bit to get some airflow up the legs.

If you're looking into mesh, the stitch isn't for you. Its not perfect for all conditions.

If you can ONLY have one suit, I think it is the best compromise. If you can can afford the space to pack two, definately get some mesh gear, rain protection, and cold gear.

Remember, on long trips, even in the summer, mountain passes can be VERY COLD and Cold Fronts can creep up and make for some very chilly mornings.

Good luck with your decision. Both motoport and roadcrafter are great suits.

[Ted]

Howard -

I have had my 1-piece Roadcrafter since Aug '03 and love it. My body temp runs a bit high (I like it cool), so in temps down to 33 degrees I have been fine with just wearing regular pants and a long sleeve shirt underneath (commuting 55 miles to work).

For me, it gets uncomfortable above 85 - 90, but as long as your moving it's not too bad because it is vented so well, but not so good in stop-and-go traffic.

My wife also did not want to look like a Power Ranger, so she bought leather Alpinestars jacket and pants. She looks great in them, but she freezes! Had to get an electric vest for our cooler temps. After 3 years, she is now considering a Roadcrafter, too.

They are very easy on and off, without "racing" they go on in less than 45 seconds and off in less than 30. I find you need to take a little extra care when putting them on, because it is possible to snag the lining near the inside of the zipper. This is by no means a design flaw or bad manufacturing - there is a little extra material there to seal the wind and water from the zipper when zipped.

One thing to consider is how to store it when you arrive at your destination. If you fold in half lengthwise, then roll it up, it will fit in 1/2 of the topcase. I put my helmet in the other half. However, if you both have them (1-piece), you will not be able to store both suits and both helmets (assuming you have the 6-cd changer in the right case). Not that this should be a deal-stopper but something to consider. (however, if your wife gets the 2-piece, then the jacket should fit in the right case, and she'd keep her pants on - storage problem solved!) And please excuse me for telling your wife to keep her pants on!

In short - the suit breathes and is very comfortable and for 90% - 95% of your riding will be the only gear you'll need.