Has anyone got any experience of/opinions on the Tuareg LC3 gear?

I prefer the features over the Rallye Goretex version, not to mention it's a fair whack cheaper.
IMO it seems better vented (jacket) and I like the single large back pocket, seems more usable than the three small ones on the Rallye.

I'm wondering if the extra cost of the Rallye is due to the Goretex rather than better quality build or materials?

Any thoughts, comments?

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

I use the LC3 kit, I looked at the whole range but prefered the lighter better vented gear over the very cumbersome gortex version - you have to be comfortable when your on your bike, and still be able to bare the weight of the jacket when your off it!

In the last few years HG always offered two versions of the Touareg riding gear.

The main differences were: The more expensive suit had a gore-tex membrane and leather patches on elbow, shoulders and seat, whereas the cheaper version had some no-name membrane and the leather patches missing. Similar the Rallye and the LC3, although the LC§ also has the leather patches in place. The Rallye suit is heavier, so I believe the outsine material is indeed more robust.

I've got the cheaper Touareg and I'm quite happy with it. What is most important is that the membrane can be removed for better ventilation, but I must say that, although zipping in the membrane makes you feel a lot warmer, when it's really cold I put on my rain gear additionally...

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Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)

I use the lighter version of the Tuareg gear its not the LC3 - it only cost £89.00 it has no membrane liner and I love this kit, It has replaced all my leather and goretex kit (Including Rucca gear) simply because it is light comfortable and brilliant when it gets hot with the amount of venting. If its wet, cold and windy an overjacket is in my opinion better than goretex as it keeps everything dry so the jacket does not get heavy with water also very good when camping not to have wet goretex gear. (Also try taking out or putting in the internal lined gear at the side of the road if the weather suddenly changes fom hot to very cool wet) If its warmish and wet open all the vents and a waterproof jacket over and you stay warm/ cool enough)In the winter a windproof walkers Buffalo smock under the jacket or several layers of wool based clothing and stay warm through most conditions. I have used the jacket all winter, all summer, travelling in climates from Freezing Arctic to 35 degrees heat in central Russia (Where it really was a blessing). No doubt many other jackets offer various degrees of weather proofing and protection but this for me is very very versatile.(I added extra upgraded armour to afford better body protection) I even bought a second one to replace this when it worn out in case they stop making them. I did not like the trousers they were very Sweaty though so i use BMW summer trousers with the jacket - Yes I use them all year round to and all my other gear is in the loft.

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

Crusty the jacket on offer is probably the one its very lightweight and in a two colour sand/grey pattern. the BMW trousers I use are called summer trousers and are on the BMW website. Leather jeans are great on the bike but again off the bike walking around they can be to hot and heavy. I would not wear leather jeans in a very hot climate they will boil you alive. In Northern Europe and the uk they are fine I agree and I do wear them sometimes during cooler weather.

Jake makes some very valid points about his jacket. I have the older Goretex lined Tuareg (with the leather patches), it is OK but I'm glad I never paid full price for it!
The outer is not even remotely showerproof, when wet it gets very heavy and cold. When moisture seeps thru the Goretex (doesn't take long) the jacket gets pretty uncomfortable.

The jacket is pretty good in warmer weather with no liner. I'm now thinking, dedicated layers are the way to go, rather than an 'all in one jacket', a lightweight, shower proof, armoured, vented 'main' layer would be an excellent starting point IMHO

Phil

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650 Transalp

I have the Tuareg Trail jacket. The reason they are on 'special' is that someone cut the sleves too long - elbow to shoulder ..

The other problem with them is there are too many black panels .. makes things hot in the sun when stopped/slow. Still looking for a better jacket .. and pants.

I use a bicycle waterproof jacket - light weight - hi vis and packs small .. has vents too! Goes over or under the motorcycle jacket, stands up to use at speed .. well 100km/h is as fast as I've gone with it so far. Pricy though.

35C ... umm 45C is hot .. all depends on where you are and what is was like yeasterday I suppose?

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Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

Thanks all for your input. Having done a bit more reading, both here and elsewhere, I’m pretty convinced individual layers are the way to go, rather than lined gear like the LC3. It just seems more versatile and as Phil points out a heavy, sodden jacket is no fun, even if you’re dry inside. I reckon lightweight, breathable raingear to go over the top with warm layers for underneath when required is the answer. Jake, I found the BMW trousers, they look the business, if a bit pricey (twice the cost of the HG pants) but at least they don’t only come in court jester colours! My only remaining concern about the trail jacket is its durability in a crash on tarmac? What armour did you use to upgrade yours?
Frank, 35C is about record summer temperature here in Scotland! The biggest problem we have with the weather is its changeability.
I’ve had to stop in a hail/snow storm to put on all my warm and waterproof gear only to pull in for fuel ten miles later to people walking about in vests in blazing sunshine!

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

I upgraded my armour with the stuff out of my Rucca which is Ruccas own air vent armour or something anyway I also added a few bits of gerickes own rubber bobbly armour as well. I have a motocross smock type overjackets for general use, a lightweight walking jacket for short summer trips great off the bike as well, also a pertex shirt for windproofing, in winter I use HG heavy waterproof jacket has a mesh lined inner as its heavier seems more durable and helps to keep out the cold a bit better.

I agree the BMW pants are pricy but for me they work very well are really comfy and again versatile - (Added 4 bits of Gerickes armour into the hip bits also) you can change them into shorts when you stop for lunch or a walk about and you only have to stuff the leg bottoms and knee armour into you luggage rather than a full set of trousers.
Frank -As for the heat side of things yes 45 degrees is HOT and I have been in that type of heat but hate it - but since getting this gear I have used it only I reckon on 35 degrees maybe a touch higher in some places but whatever the numbers its all hot to me ! - me Im a Northern European I aint meant to function when its too hot give me cold, wet and windy or snow and ice then I feel right at home there.

The riding gear where you can zip out the membrane are, as Phil writes not really waterproof - it's just that they are nice & cosy when cold, because the membrane acts as superb windstopper, and when it's hot it can be removed to allow for maximum ventilation.

I've made a point of always taking a rainsuit along. In Europe anyway and in drier countries as additional windstopper.

Regarding the colours I prefer the lighter ones. Grey or cream if possible. And some of the new trousers can be zipped off above the knee. Good for breaks ;-) HG had a summer version of the Touareg two years ago, but unfortunately they don't offer this suit anymore. Wasn't very tough material. I suppose I'd have to scrap it after a good crash.

Hans

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Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)

Hi all,

I went to HG today and had a good look at all three versions of the Tuareg jacket. For weight, comfort and freedom of movement, the Trail (see link below) wins hands down. Also it's still on offer for £69.00. (Price will increase again in summer I was told). That makes it £111.00 cheaper than the LC3 and a huge £181.00 less than the Rallye Gore-Tex. I reckon that's enough for decent raingear and an insulated under-layer, giving you three multi-use items for the price of one jacket. Pretty compelling.
The (inevitable) compromise looks to be durability. The material doesn't appear as robust as the other jackets but I think it would be up to a slow speed slide and as Jake says the armour is easily improved.
BTW, slow speed means anything I can manage on my TA!

So did I put my money where my mouth is? Didn't have my size, did they!

I've got one on order, hopefully have it in a few days. And I'll be checking for Orang Utang sized arms, thanks Frank!

Hein Gericke (UK) Ltd.

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

Yep, that's the one I travelled with in Africa & Oz last year. Very confy, but not the best material. After a while the latches on the zippers came off.

What I liked most was the light colour and the zip-off legs on the pants.

Hans

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Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)

I got the call from HG to say my jacket had arrived. Off I rushed all excited!
BUT...! Sure enough the arms were miles too long. The elbow armour
was down round my forearms! So back to square one again.

Curiously, the sales guy told me this was because the jacket was too big for me all over (I'd left room for layers). He reckoned these jackets are designed for wearing with maybe one thin layer in summer only and by going up a size to allow space underneath meant the sleeves were proportionately longer.
Not sure about this as I felt the rest of the fit was fine, so this could lend some credence to Frank's comments.

Jake, you use the layer approach and I'm guessing you don't have any problems in the arm-length department? Or do you have super long arms?..!


Sooo...I'm at a bit of a loss now. I still like the layering idea, it's long been the accepted way to regulate temperature in the hillwalking/mountaineering worlds, so why not biking? Just got to find a suitable overjacket!


I know I'm going ever further off my original topic, but does anyone still use leather jackets? I saw some recently with vents and mesh linings, bit different form my old brando number! I'm just curious to see what people are using and how they find it in different situations.

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

I went to my local HG shop to check some of their stuff out (most of my previous gear has been Dainese), and I tried the Tourag Trail, because it definitely seems perfect for hot summer touring... The blue/grey/black version has been discontinued, but the ecru/grey/black is still available in some stores. My set is being transferred from some other store where they had it in stock.. I'll be trying it out on Friday or Saturday next!

As an aside, if you get a chance, check out their free catalog in the shop.. it has a couple of hundred free pages of stuff, from clothes to parts, accessories, tools, etc etc.. enough to get me drooling, and to get a loyalty card!