WTF - the weather

[Kwikasfuki]

Now, I normally ride all year round and am pretty much used to all types of weather. But the rain that fell today on my journey from Manchester to Huddersfield - what a shower! Low visibility, feels like I'm riding in stream, no, wait, I am in a stream. The rain was that intense it was flooding the roads.

The great thing was I was totally dry, warm, and actually enjoying the ride. The Hein Gericke clothing is drying off now.

[Lonewolf]

I know what you mean. I almost went to work on my bike at about 6pm yesterday, (had to go in two hours early, not good) very glad that I didnt considering it was a total downpour, arrived nice and safe and dry at work.  :D

[Rusty]

You have to pay decent £ to stay dry these days ... I see NB that you are a Hein Gericke man... nice, but I have sworn myself to Rukka. I took the plunge 3 years ago and spent £500 on a jacket and I have to say it has been worth every penny !!
I commute most days all year round, and although in the recent hot weather I went back to a cooler leather jacket, that is not waterproof ( pours in through the zips ) but much cooler, i have just moved the Rukka to the front of the hangers. Truly a great bit of kit, so much so that as the weather draws in I shall get a pair of Rukka trousers. The thought of just putting on ONE layer to stay warm and dry through the winter does it for me ! i have been to INFINITY motorcycles in Great Portland Street or is it Road ( ? ) in London and they had racks of the stuff .... lovely ! very helpful too.
What does any one else use/wear ?
Any pointers ? Boots and gloves etc ... ??
Keep the chat going !

[Lonewolf]

I like the HG gear but I dont like paying their prices. I'm obviously a cheap skate. I should really invest in some decent gear but can never quite push myself to do it.
I use Sidi Vertigo boots, which I think are more than suitable for protection and comfort etc. Leather jacket and a couple of textile jackets, but nothing special. Textile trousers which when its warm its like being in a boil in a bag. I need some decent leather trousers but cant find any that give me the room in the lower leg that I need. I have fat calf muscles, too much running when I was younger. I find a decent pair of leather trousers which are really comfortable everywhere but then I can never fasten them up.

[Kwikasfuki]

All my stuff is HG. Friend wears Rukka and swears by it as well. Last HG kit costs well in excess of £800, but as I'm on the bike most of the year around I want comfort, warmth and safety from the gear.

The way I see it is that the gear has to last. For example, I've got HG waterproof boots that I bought for £100. I've had them 7 years, which works out at £14/year so far. Bargain! As for the £800 gear, the insurance are paying for that after my accident, but if I had the original gear, over 7 years would have worked out at £80/year. Bargain!

HG always have a sale on so you get get last years gear at bargain prices.

[da_boom]

Fair weather rider here I must confess.

Advantage is I can pretty much wear all the light and thin stuff.

[Lonewolf]

I popped into Bradford today, something I try to avoid whenever possible.  Much to my suprise I saw that the Hein Gericke shop on Westgate at the top of town has reopened after four years. Its been open now to the public for three months apparantly. The shops always been there but only been used for dealing with returns and ebay sales so has been closed to the public. Its a top result for me, I dont need to go into Leeds now and more importantly they have lots and lots of items on sale.  ;D

[Kwikasfuki]

Yes, and its Roger from Leeds that's running it. I'll be popping in there this weekend.
The shop is acting as an outlet for all old stock

[Rusty]

Good service on kit ?
I have a pair of ALTBERG motorcycle boots, zipped up the side with 4 velcro sticky bits ... about 10 years old now. Was going to bin them last year when a friend at work suggested I had them " refurbished ". I phoned them up in Yorkshire, I think, and they quoted £65 for a "service" ... new soles, liners, velcro and toe bits... a few weeks later they were returned like new. i was gobsmacked. You know when you have a favourite bit of kit, all soft, fits well, doesn't leak etc .. well these boots were like that but the soles were just wafer thin and now they have another 10 years left in them ! So if you ever want some decent service take a look at them ... I think they are mainly known for walking/Police /Army type boots and they are clearly more functional than flash... but they are really good and i had them on today !!!

[Rusty]

Ps .... Use Nikwax or similiar grease/waterproofer on your gloves and boots. I just put my glove on and apply the stuff with bare fingers ... that way you don't miss any of the bits between fingers etc ,,, let it all soak in and enjoy a waterproof winter ! Then swop hands ....

[Kwikasfuki]

Nikwax? Never used that before but looks like it will do the trick.

I've also gone and purchased these gloves for winter

They have an inner membrane and outer shell in which I can sandwich the jacket arm. HG wanted 129, managed to get them £90 delivered.