Anyone use Rukka Gore-Tex kit?

[Martin#30]

I am thinking in investing in some Rukka gear. I have tried all sorts of other brand, non gore-tex gear, and it simply cannot cope with my 80 minute commute if it is absolutely lashing it down.

I am getting too old for this drying kit out every evening for the next day.

So, does anyone have experience of the Rukka stuff and can youo comment on how well it handles the extremes of cold and rain? It is a lot of money, £800 at least, so I'd like to feel comfortable that it genuinely works better than other kit.

Martin.

[Lonewolf]

I dont use the Rukka range I have to admit my bike gear other than my leathers is pretty unimpressive.

The  best waterproof/windproof gear I have ever used was Belstaff. Belstaff trousers and jacket, tartan quilt lined, waxed and totally 100% reliable.

The only down side was I looked like Steve McQueen on an escape and evasion exercise.  ;D

[Kwikasfuki]

I don't use Rukka, but my friend does and he swears by the brand.

I use Hein Gericke and I also swear by their range :) My current jacket is the Master V Gore-Tex and the corresponding pants. There's two version of the jacket: one with the old style zip and one with the new style. I hear the new style zip has a few problems. That said, my jacket is in for repairs on the old style zip.

My commute is over the Pennines and I've ridden through horrendous weather with this jacket, For single digit temps you will need a wind stopper or heated clothing underneath. With the extremes of rain, I've never had a leak. In fact, there's been occasions when I've parked up that I've realised how bad the weather is. You just can't feel it in this jacket.

There's also kit made by BMW that is comparable. I think Ride rated HG first and BMW second.

What issues are you having with your current gear?

EDIT: you can see the jacket I have here: http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/1/showroom/

[Martin#30]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated. I went and looked at the HG stuff yesterday in their Cheltenham branch, and their top of the line stuff is spookily similar, almost identical I'd say, to the Rukka gear. The new closure system (posh zips that you are not allowed to call zips  ;) ) is identical too.

I am fast coming round to the idea that you get what you pay for with the textile gear these days, nobody seems to have a bad word to say about the Gore-Tex stuff but the top of the range gear (HG and Rukka) is a lot of money - £750 for the jacket, £600 for the trousers.

What issues are you having with your current gear?

I find that my gear is fine for 30 minutes in the worst of the rain, then the sleeves, neck and crotch soak through. Cold is OK is I simply wear more layers underneath, but I am fed up with how much the gear soaks up water in the worst of conditions.

I am struggling to justify £1350 though, my inner skinflint seems to prefer being wet than poor. ;D

Martin.

[Lonewolf]

My textile gear is nothing special. Revit jacket & Spada trousers. Neither has ever let any water in that I can remember. Their weakness is more their ability to keep you warm over prolonged periods. However the longest recent journey I did on the bike was Scotland and back in a day, 14 hours in the saddle and no issues whatsoever.

However if like N B I was using the bike all year round and in all weathers I have to admit that I would be compelled to invest seriously in some quality clothing.

[Kwikasfuki]

I find that my gear is fine for 30 minutes in the worst of the rain, then the sleeves, neck and crotch soak through. Cold is OK is I simply wear more layers underneath, but I am fed up with how much the gear soaks up water in the worst of conditions.

I hate it when water leaks, especially it its cold as well. I had a look at some of the Rukka kit yesterday and it is very expensive, more so that the HG gear. But I am of the opinion you get what you pay for. I thought the HG jacket that I purchased when I first started riding was brilliant, but compared to my new one, it's no where near as good. The new jacket makes the water run off, which then means water can gather in your gloves if you have them on the outside of the jacket. I went out and bought some gloves that don't let the water through.

I'm of the opinion that if the bike is your main transport then you want the best gear that will keep you comfortable. I'd be viewing it as an investment!

[Mr Blek]

You won't go wrong with Rukka or Hein Gericke. Rukka has the upperhand when it comes to quality when I consider I've had my Rukka clothing for going on eight years. Yes, they are due a change, but that is more to do with my growing waistline than the clothing. Although I tend to ride more in the summer, I've no doubt that Rukka would handle the winter climate successfully.

There is also Frank Thomas and Dianese clothing but my first consideration would be Rukka.

[Rusty]

Martin .... for Gods' sake don't waste your money on anything else ... just buy the Rukka !

I spent £600 on a Rukka jacket 4 years ago and it has been just fantastic. I agree with the others ... " you get what you pay for " in this world and it's very true.
I commute most working days, shiftwork, and I have been through some awful winter rain, on a naked unfaired CB1300 and it hasn't let me down once. It has a 5 year guarentee so keep your reciept and take photos of you wearing it ( in case you ever had to claim for theft/damage ) so you can prove that you actually own it !
I am about to buy the Rukka Armadillo Trousers ... £599 ... as I am tired of putting on my leathers and then over trousers which keep most of the shit off but just will not keep me warm AND dry.
Honestly my friend, it really is worth just gritting your teeth and putting in your PIN number at the shop when you buy the stuff ... it IS a lot of money but it really is good stuff.
Ps ... their gloves look pretty good too ... £160 but I bet they are the business !

[Rusty]

PS ... Mr Bates is spot on as usual. Think of it as an investment, if it keeps the weather at bay and you are doing decent mileage every day it will simply pay for itself.

[Kwikasfuki]

Martin, what did you end up purchasing?

[Martin#30]

Martin, what did you end up purchasing?

Nothing yet, master of pro-crastination me  ::) I am up at the NEC show on Tuesday, so will have a good look round there. I am convinced that the Rukka gear is worth investing in, but I am secretly hoping for a bit of end of season discounting going on.

Martin.

[Lonewolf]

I am also off to the NEC now so I am going to have a look and see what tempts me.  ;D

[Nygie]

I have Hein Gerickes goretex (voyage IIRC) gear too, been through some of the worst storms you could imagine and kept me 100% dry

[Rusty]

Hey MJJ ... did you get your Rukka stuff ?
I bought the Armadillo trousers about 2 weeks ago and got a decent new year discount .. paid £460 and as expected they have been brilliant. The recent rain and cold has been held at bay and they are light with a good fit. i am very pleased with them. Let us know what you get and update in the future when you have had a chance to use them !

[Martin#30]

Hey MJJ ... did you get your Rukka stuff ?

Nope, still not bought anything  ::) As December was so cold and snowy, there was almost no rain so I stayed nice and dry.

Thanks for the real world recommendations, it is great to hear. One day, these may even prise my wallet open .....

Martin.