Post by: 1997VFR on November 01, 2016, 05:23:21 pm
I'm on my second two piece Aerostich Roadcrafter suit in 35 years. The first lasted about 20 years until I out grew it, and the second is now 17 years old and getting very old and faded, plus I've burned a hole in the right leg on a hot exhaust. Both suits were red with black ballistics, and both greatly faded.
I'm now considering a replacement suit, probably an Aerostich again, but I'm open to other ideas in the same price range. I could get another two piece Roadcrafter but I'm considering the Darien jacket and pants. I like two piece suits because of their versatility.
Has anyone had both suits and can give thoughts and advice? I like to wear riding suits over street clothes. Any other manufacturer offer something similar in price and versatility?
thanks, Lee
Post by: HawkGTRider on November 01, 2016, 09:26:41 pm
I did a search and didn't find this topic since 2014.I have had a 1-piece Roadcrafter, a 2-piece Roadcrafter, and a Darien. So far, I consider the Darien to the be the most versatile gear of all. The jacket works fine with either the fleece liner or with no liner. The pants are lighter and even easier to get in and out of than the Roadcrafter. It's what I wore going to Alaska, and I can't imagine anything any better.
I'm on my second two piece Aerostich Roadcrafter suit in 35 years. The first lasted about 20 years until I out grew it, and the second is now 17 years old and getting very old and faded, plus I've burned a hole in the right leg on a hot exhaust. Both suits were red with black ballistics, and both greatly faded.
I'm now considering a replacement suit, probably an Aerostich again, but I'm open to other ideas in the same price range. I could get another two piece Roadcrafter but I'm considering the Darien jacket and pants. I like two piece suits because of their versatility.
Has anyone had both suits and can give thoughts and advice? I like to wear riding suits over street clothes. Any other manufacturer offer something similar in price and versatility?
thanks, Lee
If I had to pick which Roadcrafter I like the best, it would be the 2-piece. My first Roadcrafter was a 2-piece and I currently have a hi-viz yellow 1-piece and a solid black 1-piece. I like the 2-piece better.
Post by: DirtFlier on November 02, 2016, 03:42:19 am
Post by: Patmo on November 02, 2016, 05:58:18 am
Post by: 1997VFR on November 02, 2016, 08:31:31 am
I did a search and didn't find this topic since 2014.I have had a 1-piece Roadcrafter, a 2-piece Roadcrafter, and a Darien. So far, I consider the Darien to the be the most versatile gear of all. The jacket works fine with either the fleece liner or with no liner. The pants are lighter and even easier to get in and out of than the Roadcrafter. It's what I wore going to Alaska, and I can't imagine anything any better.
I'm on my second two piece Aerostich Roadcrafter suit in 35 years. The first lasted about 20 years until I out grew it, and the second is now 17 years old and getting very old and faded, plus I've burned a hole in the right leg on a hot exhaust. Both suits were red with black ballistics, and both greatly faded.
I'm now considering a replacement suit, probably an Aerostich again, but I'm open to other ideas in the same price range. I could get another two piece Roadcrafter but I'm considering the Darien jacket and pants. I like two piece suits because of their versatility.
Has anyone had both suits and can give thoughts and advice? I like to wear riding suits over street clothes. Any other manufacturer offer something similar in price and versatility?
thanks, Lee
If I had to pick which Roadcrafter I like the best, it would be the 2-piece. My first Roadcrafter was a 2-piece and I currently have a hi-viz yellow 1-piece and a solid black 1-piece. I like the 2-piece better.
Hi Geoffrey! So the Darien and pants are better than the Roadcrafter for street use in your experience? Is the Darien setup more waterproof than the Roadcrafter?
Post by: 1997VFR on November 02, 2016, 08:33:14 am
Post by: GlibGuy on November 02, 2016, 09:58:02 am
Post by: Paco Bulto on November 02, 2016, 12:36:09 pm
Post by: 1997VFR on November 02, 2016, 01:05:42 pm
Post by: 1997VFR on November 02, 2016, 01:19:11 pm
Post by: 1997VFR on November 02, 2016, 01:22:17 pm
http://www.aerostich.com/suits/one-piece-suits?utm_source=Aerostich+Email+List&utm_campaign=9948b46e22-sl20161102&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d6449189f9-9948b46e22-49810087&mc_cid=9948b46e22&mc_eid=b4aab38a96
Post by: doug mcpeek on November 02, 2016, 02:18:37 pm
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r4/fleece-one-piece-suit/review.htm
Post by: 1997VFR on November 02, 2016, 02:30:46 pm
Post by: Paco Bulto on November 02, 2016, 03:22:14 pm
Do the standard Darien pants and AD1 pants fit well over jeans?
Yes, they both fit over jeans. The AD1 may be less baggy looking than the standards. The AD1's also feature velcro closures over the front pockets, so everything doesn't fall out if you hang them over a chair ,etc when you take them off. One feature I really like is the additional pocket below the regular front pocket that is waterproof and has a velcro flap. I keep my wallet in that pocket and it makes it very easy to retrieve and replace my wallet at gas stops.
http://www.aerostich.com/jackets-pants/ad1/ad1-motorcycle-pants.html
Post by: 1997VFR on November 02, 2016, 03:32:53 pm
Post by: bcd on November 02, 2016, 07:51:33 pm
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.
Post by: Brick on November 02, 2016, 10:13:59 pm
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Post by: 1997VFR on November 03, 2016, 07:20:46 am
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. :-)
Post by: RIDEMYST on November 03, 2016, 08:27:27 am
Post by: 1997VFR on November 03, 2016, 08:51:37 am
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!
Post by: 1997VFR on November 05, 2016, 11:51:15 am
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.
Post by: HawkGTRider on November 05, 2016, 10:11:15 pm
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.
Post by: 1997VFR on November 06, 2016, 07:57:20 am
Post by: Paco Bulto on November 06, 2016, 03:01:24 pm
Post by: 1997VFR on November 06, 2016, 03:17:09 pm
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.
Post by: TN2Wheeler on November 07, 2016, 06:22:50 am
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161107%2F738bc6c2632265e85e5d527fc890b913.jpg&hash=7845c9b933149cc2aa2450f4a3ca2d607cbfa3e8)
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161107%2F016b7bb1f78ba685f29f04ab8b2d7a74.jpg&hash=70373d43fda8e7fe782997f63dc534afac5a83dc)
Post by: 1997VFR on November 07, 2016, 09:44:20 am
Post by: 1997VFR on November 07, 2016, 01:58:47 pm
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.
Post by: touringman on November 08, 2016, 09:52:58 am
Post by: 1997VFR on November 08, 2016, 10:04:47 am
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 ::) :o
Good point Syd! I guess you CAN take this suit with you...
Post by: Paco Bulto on November 08, 2016, 10:25:17 am
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.
I think that combo will serve you well. Looks like prices have gone up quite a bit since I bought my jacket in June, 2012. It was only about $425 then.
Post by: Brick on November 08, 2016, 12:33:32 pm
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.
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161107%2F738bc6c2632265e85e5d527fc890b913.jpg&hash=7845c9b933149cc2aa2450f4a3ca2d607cbfa3e8)
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161107%2F016b7bb1f78ba685f29f04ab8b2d7a74.jpg&hash=70373d43fda8e7fe782997f63dc534afac5a83dc)
Wait... you are wearing it backwards! Isn't it a "Cross Your Heart"?
Post by: stevegrab on November 13, 2016, 02:34:06 pm
I don't think Jim needs any lifting and separating of that "Cross Your Heart" product. ;)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.
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161107%2F738bc6c2632265e85e5d527fc890b913.jpg&hash=7845c9b933149cc2aa2450f4a3ca2d607cbfa3e8)
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161107%2F016b7bb1f78ba685f29f04ab8b2d7a74.jpg&hash=70373d43fda8e7fe782997f63dc534afac5a83dc)
Wait... you are wearing it backwards! Isn't it a "Cross Your Heart"?
Post by: TN2Wheeler on November 13, 2016, 08:15:40 pm
Post by: 1997VFR on January 18, 2017, 12:38:49 pm
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi167.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu130%2Fhlh111%2FC14%2FIMG_20170118_105408_449_zpsyriqdty5.jpg&hash=57a697449f3e63d532692c609b41c626708e3a8a) (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/hlh111/media/C14/IMG_20170118_105408_449_zpsyriqdty5.jpg.html)
Post by: Brick on January 18, 2017, 04:27:39 pm
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Post by: 1997VFR on January 18, 2017, 04:35:41 pm
Darien suits are great I've gone through two of them. I actually have both and they both are ok... they leak and are ugly but are still usable. Just can't get myself up to just throw them away.
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Hi Dave, They leaked on you? Did you wear them out?
Post by: Paco Bulto on January 18, 2017, 04:38:30 pm
Darien suits are great I've gone through two of them. I actually have both and they both are ok... they leak and are ugly but are still usable. Just can't get myself up to just throw them away.
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Hi Dave, They leaked on you? Did you wear them out?
Actually, he leaked on them. You know how it is with old people. :-)
Post by: Brick on January 18, 2017, 05:03:52 pm
Darien suits are great I've gone through two of them. I actually have both and they both are ok... they leak and are ugly but are still usable. Just can't get myself up to just throw them away.
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Hi Dave, They leaked on you? Did you wear them out?
Yea after 200,000 miles and many washes they get thin.
Fred... yea since you are older than I you know about leaking IN your Darien.
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Post by: Paco Bulto on January 18, 2017, 05:09:39 pm
Darien suits are great I've gone through two of them. I actually have both and they both are ok... they leak and are ugly but are still usable. Just can't get myself up to just throw them away.
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Hi Dave, They leaked on you? Did you wear them out?
Yea after 200,000 miles and many washes they get thin.
Fred... yea since you are older than I you know about leaking IN your Darien.
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Brick, you promised not to tell about that part!
Post by: Brick on January 18, 2017, 05:13:43 pm
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Post by: TN2Wheeler on January 26, 2017, 10:22:38 am
IMO, nothing (well maybe a dry suit under your riding gear) is truly waterproof when riding for extended periods in heavy rain. Water will eventually get inside.