Spec-ECU
required protocol
- Joined
- May 30, 2006
- Location
- San Lorenzo
- Moto(s)
- 09 Yamaha R1
- Name
- Dennis
- BARF perks
- SBK Slut / AMA #3287659
Maybe you're not poor, but just don't want to foot the benjamins for an Aerostitch (someday, I will!) that will get you through hell and back. In that case, if you're looking for appropriate gear for the cold and rainy season without breaking the bank, I recommend the following items.
Rain/Cold Suit:
Motoboss Storm Guard Rain Jacket and Pants, or the River Road Rain Storm 2-piece (or any 2-piece heavy-duty waterproof PVC!).
The Motoboss set costs just over $35, while the River Road set is a measly $30 from Cycle Gear (may be less if they're on sale). You can just slip these on over your existing riding gear, and with a pair of waterproof gloves and boots, it dramatically cuts the wind chill during your ride. I guarantee you that by the time you get off of your bike and reach your desk at work after a cold morning commute, you'll be warm and toasty. The best part is that you can just fold/roll these babies up and set them aside or in your bag, perfect for those cold Spring/Fall mornings, but cool or warm late afternoons. I'm sure that getting a 1-piece waterproof PVC suit will also do the job, but I like being able to just wear the jacket by itself when I'm walking around in the cold or in the rain during my lunch hour. These bad boys are so lightweight that you won't even notice you have them on until you see your hulking reflection in the mirror.
Gloves:
Motoboss Orion Waterproof Gloves (man, I'm a Motoboss whore)
A pair of leather and waterproof glvoes with sueded index finger to wipe water off your faceshield at $50? Yeah, I couldn't find a better deal. They do take a bit of getting used to as they're substantially bulkier than regular riding gloves, so for your sake, I hope you have adjustable levers! Other than that, these gloves do the job and are perfectly comfortable. Still better than snowboarding gloves though, and believe me, I tried using snowboarding gloves during the rain. Not cool.
Boots:
SetUp Sunrise Boots
I did a short review for it right here. I love how the shin protection is up to a foot high from the heel, which means that even with my pants hiking up while I'm riding, they still never go over the boots. For the jeans-wearing commute warriors (like me!), that's great as you won't have to worry about your leg getting irritated by the wind flap. For my rain pants, I simply tuck my jeans inside the boots, and the rain pants over the boots and voila, instant streamlining. Walking around them almost feels natural too; I've had way worse riding boots to compare it to. Although walking around without anything tucked in the boots or maybe knee-high socks can be irritating, as the upper part of the boot can chafe. But these bad boys are waterproof and will keep your feet dry and warm, and at $90+ currently at Newenough.com, they're one of the best deals on full-leather riding boots I could find.
So there you have it, my own personal cold and rain armor going into my second winter and rain season of commuting. At a combined price tag of below $200, this entire repertoire is worth every penny for every morning I ride into work just as warm (if not warmer) than my car-commuting colleagues by the time I get to my desk.
Rain/Cold Suit:
Motoboss Storm Guard Rain Jacket and Pants, or the River Road Rain Storm 2-piece (or any 2-piece heavy-duty waterproof PVC!).
The Motoboss set costs just over $35, while the River Road set is a measly $30 from Cycle Gear (may be less if they're on sale). You can just slip these on over your existing riding gear, and with a pair of waterproof gloves and boots, it dramatically cuts the wind chill during your ride. I guarantee you that by the time you get off of your bike and reach your desk at work after a cold morning commute, you'll be warm and toasty. The best part is that you can just fold/roll these babies up and set them aside or in your bag, perfect for those cold Spring/Fall mornings, but cool or warm late afternoons. I'm sure that getting a 1-piece waterproof PVC suit will also do the job, but I like being able to just wear the jacket by itself when I'm walking around in the cold or in the rain during my lunch hour. These bad boys are so lightweight that you won't even notice you have them on until you see your hulking reflection in the mirror.
Gloves:
Motoboss Orion Waterproof Gloves (man, I'm a Motoboss whore
)A pair of leather and waterproof glvoes with sueded index finger to wipe water off your faceshield at $50? Yeah, I couldn't find a better deal. They do take a bit of getting used to as they're substantially bulkier than regular riding gloves, so for your sake, I hope you have adjustable levers! Other than that, these gloves do the job and are perfectly comfortable. Still better than snowboarding gloves though, and believe me, I tried using snowboarding gloves during the rain. Not cool.
Boots:
SetUp Sunrise Boots
I did a short review for it right here. I love how the shin protection is up to a foot high from the heel, which means that even with my pants hiking up while I'm riding, they still never go over the boots. For the jeans-wearing commute warriors (like me!), that's great as you won't have to worry about your leg getting irritated by the wind flap. For my rain pants, I simply tuck my jeans inside the boots, and the rain pants over the boots and voila, instant streamlining. Walking around them almost feels natural too; I've had way worse riding boots to compare it to. Although walking around without anything tucked in the boots or maybe knee-high socks can be irritating, as the upper part of the boot can chafe. But these bad boys are waterproof and will keep your feet dry and warm, and at $90+ currently at Newenough.com, they're one of the best deals on full-leather riding boots I could find.
So there you have it, my own personal cold and rain armor going into my second winter and rain season of commuting. At a combined price tag of below $200, this entire repertoire is worth every penny for every morning I ride into work just as warm (if not warmer) than my car-commuting colleagues by the time I get to my desk.
