What new riding suit to get?

[bcd]

Years ago I switched from a 1-piece Roadcrafter to a Darien jacket and AD-1 pants. I am very happy with them. The pants do fit over jeans. The current generation of the Darien jacket is improved over the old one with a better collar, the magnets to hold it down when folded down, cinch straps on the upper arms and better zippers. I'm probably missing some other differences.

I tried a Tourmaster jacket a few years ago. I liked some of its features but after 2 seasons it lost its waterproofness in a big way. I also had a different brand of pants at one point, again they had some nice features but they were so much harder to put on or take off with boots. I wear a Tourmaster mesh jacket when it's really hot (and a Frog Togg jacket with it when it rains) but the Darien/AD-1 combo is the most versatile set I have.

I also have a Transit suit which is outstanding, but still not quite as versatile. It's a close second to the Darien.

[Brick]

As a long time Aerostich user 2 Roadcrafters and 2 Darien suits I went with the Klim Badlands Pro and love it. It's true I only got it in the spring of this year.



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[1997VFR]

As a long time Aerostich user 2 Roadcrafters and 2 Darien suits I went with the Klim Badlands Pro and love it. It's true I only got it in the spring of this year.



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Yes, I remember you modeling it at Sparta.  :-)

[RIDEMYST]

FYI - I just got an email from Aerostitch and they have a sale going on for one of their riding suits. -JEP-

[1997VFR]

FYI - I just got an email from Aerostitch and they have a sale going on for one of their riding suits. -JEP-

Yes, I saw that, and it's for the R3 one piece.  If it was for the Darien or Roadcrafter I'd be all over it.  thanks! 

[1997VFR]

Ok, I think I've finally come to a conclusion:  I'm going to go with the Darien jacket in Hi-Viz and AD1 pants in black.  I'm still kinda thinking about these in the new "light" version with the 200 Cordura instead of the standard 600 Cordura.  But, I've been fine with the 600 the past 30+ years with the Aerostich Classic suit. 

A real selling point for Aerostich is that they do repairs.  I've have some zippers fail after 15 years and replaced them 2 years ago for $80.  Much cheaper than a new suit. 

[HawkGTRider]

Ok, I think I've finally come to a conclusion:  I'm going to go with the Darien jacket in Hi-Viz and AD1 pants in black.  I'm still kinda thinking about these in the new "light" version with the 200 Cordura instead of the standard 600 Cordura.  But, I've been fine with the 600 the past 30+ years with the Aerostich Classic suit. 

A real selling point for Aerostich is that they do repairs.  I've have some zippers fail after 15 years and replaced them 2 years ago for $80.  Much cheaper than a new suit. 

I've had multiple Darien jackets and may have more if I live long enough. I've had hi-viz (looked like the dickens after a few years, but still worked) and black (x 2) and have worn them until they were practically falling apart (nothing against them...it's what happens when they get worn every day year around for years and years. I said it before and I still believe it...the Darien jacket is the most versatile and functional piece of riding apparel I've ever owned.

[1997VFR]

Yes, Hi-Viz garments really show dirt and this gives me pause.  I'm still wondering if I shouldn't get a grey jacket and then a Hi-Viz helmet that's easy to keep clean. 

[Paco Bulto]

I bought my Hi Viz Darien Light jacket in June, 2012 to wear on the 4,000+ mile long, hot trip to STAR in Avon and back home. I use it for both street and dual sport riding and today, 4 1/2 years later, it still looks practically new. If it gets dirty, I' m not afraid to wash it in the machine, spraying some pre wash on any spots before washing. Just like most things, including all my bikes, I take care of them, they last a long time and still look good. After having red, black, and Hi Viz Dariens thru the years, if I had to replace this one, I would get  Hi Viz again.

[1997VFR]

I bought my Hi Viz Darien Light jacket in June, 2012 to wear on the 4,000+ mile long, hot trip to STAR in Avon and back home. I use it for both street and dual sport riding and today, 4 1/2 years later, it still looks practically new. If it gets dirty, I' m not afraid to wash it in the machine, spraying some pre wash on any spots before washing. Just like most things, including all my bikes, I take care of them, they last a long time and still look good. After having red, black, and Hi Viz Dariens thru the years, if I had to replace this one, I would get  Hi Viz again.

Good report.  I've done the same thing with my Roadcrafters and they're stayed pretty clean, but faded.  Now you've swayed me back to Hi-Vis. 

[TN2Wheeler]

Another option for improved visability. This kind of hi-viz gear is required by law in Costa Rica.  Inexpensive and pretty effective.  We bought two online for about $20 before going there last Feb.

[1997VFR]

Yes, that's great to add to a "non-visible" colored jacket. 

[1997VFR]

Just placed the order for a Hi-Viz Darien jacket and black AD-1 pants.  Right at $1000!   But, amortized over 10-20 years of use it's cheap. 

I asked the person on the phone about the main difference between the RoadCrafter and Darien and they said "the way it fits".  Guess I'll find out. 

[touringman]

I've been monitoring this post, and it seems you've made an excellent choice! I would like to point out that your 20 year amortization schedule would probably work better for you than for some of us! Of course, I could wear it in my cherry (notice the upgrade from pine ) box, which really sounds kinda cool! Syd

[1997VFR]

I've been monitoring this post, and it seems you've made an excellent choice! I would like to point out that your 20 year amortization schedule would probably work better for you than for some of us! Of course, I could wear it in my cherry (notice the upgrade from pine ) box, which really sounds kinda cool! Syd

Good point Syd!  I guess you CAN take this suit with you...