[echelon]

hey guys
iv started a new job close to home and hope to be using the bike to commute.
im not going to ask what gear is the best for winter cuz i think thats assanine.
i am shopping for a leather jacket, or 2 piece that will get me through winter. i wear a JR Alter Ego now which gets pretty chilly.
iv been looking around the FS pages here and some other places and Jacket sizes are always given as 42 for example.
I have looked around for a sizing chart on JR's website but cant find one.
my question is, are these numbers the chest size? or what?

im about 5'9 maybe, 140lbs, slim build. anyone out same sort of build as me have any suggestions i should look into?
i appreciate any help and i know this is a little long winded. its a noob fault i suppose.
thanks

 

[rubberhead]

Well, leather for the wet winter isn't ideal. You can get good textile stuff that is warm and weather proof. As for the sizing, I find it hard to judge manufacturers' sizing unless I actually try it on. Why don't you just go to your local gear shop and check out the sizing first hand? That's how you'll know for sure which size for any given brand is good for you.

 

[michael]

Bingo.
My leather gear stays in the closet during most of the season. Quite simply, the benefits of textile gear are:
1/ you don't have to worry about stopping and putting on rain gear when it rains.
2/ you can throw your textile gear in a quality washing machine.
3/ you leathers will last longer if you use textiles in winter months.
4/ for what you are doing (commuting) textiles, with the proper armour, are just as protective as most leather gear.
5/ I used to commute 50 kms each way in leather gear. I would slip on the leathers, slip on the rain gear, plug in the electric's and ride. Now tell me how much easier it is to slip on the textile gear, plug in and ride away.....and no riding in a 'plastic bag.'
My suggestion is to try on the textile gear, then decide which is best for you.
I'd size with an electric vest underneath, because once you go electric vest, you will not ever give it up.

 

[echelon]

thanks guys

yeah i dont know what i was thinking leather would be better in wet/cold weather.
i think what im going to do is just look at a "winter" jacket if i cant bundle enough under my current one.
good suggestion though, ill look into heated vests more.

 

[Johnny_B]

heated jackets are 100x better heated vests....they cover your arms and leave you with the opportunity to get heated gloves im so grateful i have mine

 

[michael]

Gerbing (seattle) or Widder are offering heated liners (i have both a heated vest, and liner) which provide heat down the arms, and they will really change how, and when you ride.
Rather than an on/off switch, consider the heat controller, so you can dial up from "soothing warmth," to "toasty," to "survive the great freeze."

 

[TeeTee]

I think that you'll find for short in town rides there's no real need for electrics. And the constant plugging and unplugging when doing short hops gets annoying in any event.

However if you're doing a longer afternoon get away out in the country on nicer winter days then the electric vest makes GREAT sense.

When I got my winter and cool weather jacket I went with textile that had a slightly longer fit and wore a sweat shirt when trying on the jacket. You're looking for a fit that is loose but not sloppy. If it's too tight or had tight spots it'll restrict the formation of the air pocket that provides the insulation. Not to mention that a jacket that's pulling and tugging at tight spots will be uncomfortable.