Kit for riding in heat

DanF

DanF

DanF

Soldato
Joined
16 Feb 2004
Posts
4,923
Location
London
Hey,

I've got another bike holiday coming up, 2 weeks touring over the Pyrenees. Last year I did the alps mid summer and the heat was crazy, hitting 30-35c some days. I simply couldn't wear much protective gear and ended up riding most of the holiday in trainers and normal jeans.

Anyone got recommendations for hot summer kit? the only think I currently have that works is a light jacket with mesh patches in it and light summer gloves.
 
SPG said:
Other than that man up and enjoy the holiday :)
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aha yeah the biker police out there where just riding around with open helments and short sleeve shirts on, zero protective clothing. Other brits where just sweating buckets in their leathers and looking like they where hating it.
 
Frank Thomas armoured leathers with perforated panels work just fine for me. Bit of a heat trap when you're stopped, but the moment you get above 20mph, it's like you're not wearing anything!!

Reeeeeeeeeally weird feeling the first few times you experience this, though... !
 
DanF said:
aha yeah the biker police out there where just riding around with open helments and short sleeve shirts on, zero protective clothing. Other brits where just sweating buckets in their leathers and looking like they where hating it.
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Carefull dont open the "YOU MUST RIDE IN FULL PROTECTION" biker army can of worms open. Ride in what you want and what makes you feel comfortable and safe.
 
textiles for me all year round,you soon cool down once moving

sometimes i skip wearing the gloves,just put em in the rucksack,most textile jackets you can remove the liner for summer
 
4T5 said:
Ride Faster.
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fu, beat me to it :p

I have a 2 piece RST suite which, when the thermals and waterproofs are removed, you can feel the breeze through it. Love it :).

Saying that though, I've never ridden with kit in 30°C+, must be a nightmare, especially with gloves. I rode in Bali, but was a bit naughty and didn't even wear a helmet :eek:. Shorts, t-shirt and cap all the way, such an amazing place on a little KX 125.

[Edit]
Check out the RST Ventilator jacket/pants. I have the series III and I think IV is out now. Amazing ventilation. Also check out the Shoei XR-1100, vents open on that is like air conditioning. Having a cool head will make a difference all over as I'm sure you know.
 
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SPG said:
Carefull dont open the "YOU MUST RIDE IN FULL PROTECTION" biker army can of worms open. Ride in what you want and what makes you feel comfortable and safe.
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You are an idiot if you ride without any protection.

A minimum is proper abrasion resistant clothing, even if you don't want the added weight of armour.

I am an idiot, I wear a Schott perfecto which other than being made out of a full cow has no protective qualities at all, but I do wear alpinestars boots, and decent gloves at all times.

Broken feet and hands are a nightmare.
 
Some would say your a idiot for riding a bike (i tend to agree with them tbh) but i LOVE riding my bike.

As for me its always gloves and boots and 2 piece leathers. When riding its not to bad, but i also hate getting beaten up by those large bumble bees that hurt like buggery when the hit you in the arms.

I did have a couple of those plastic air breathers that you fit under the leathers just above your gloves, worked really well. If a little bit fiddly, also lost one.

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/101227
 
Last year I bought some specific textiles for the crazy heat.

Ended up with this jacket:

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/mot..._prod/140235?gclid=CIirzoKAlb8CFQ2WtAodpUwAJg

And these trousers:

http://www.firecrestmoto.co.uk/held-zeffiro-2-mesh-trousers-12510.html

They feel great in hot weather - its like riding in shorts and a T shirt. They won't offer the same protection as leathers, but better than nothing. They also aren't waterproof at all, so you need to take an over suit with you if touring.
 
bike shops really, there's a few in London to work out sizes, then you can order the same stuff online :p
 
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