|
|
17 Aug 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiwirider
Howdy
1. Goretex - 100% Waterproof and windproof
2. Neoprene cuffs to stop wind blowing up your arms
3. Hood - That will be tucked away when riding, and can be unfolded when not
4. Bright Colours - With reflective tape for better riding visibility
5. Waterproof pocket on the right hand breast area for radio comms
6. Waterproof pocket on the right hand side, that is bigger to accommodate wallet etc, with a built in key holder for security of keys
7. We are also thinking of adding little hooks to the neck string so you can attach gloves and then these can be place in the bigger pocket
8. Kevlar elbow pads for better durability (should I put armor in here too, I thought about removable armor)
9. A nice comfortable collar (I really hate irritations on my neck)
10. It will be quite a bit lighter than the average riding jacket currently on the market
11. Slightly longer than the average riding jacket so when you stop you can sit down on damp grass etc and not get a wet bum!
|
My opinion (as ill-informed as the next mans!) on your points is this, hope it helps a little:
1: Goretex is expensive and has a limited lifespan. Personally I have non-waterproof riding gear which I cover with cheap Hein Gericke PU-coated waterproofs. It keeps me impressively dry and will be cheap to replace.
2-7: Good ideas!
8: Removable armor is a good idea. Try to make it firmly positioned in the sleeve though as loose stuff can make a jacket a pain to put on and get comfy in. This is my only complaint about my Hein Gericke Tuareg Jacket.
9: Definately! Try to avoid velcro up here as it is uncomfy, stiff and sticks to helmet straps etc! Maybe microfleece.
10: Good!
11: Just make sure it doesn't bunch up behind your arse when you sit down. Remember many adv riders have a ortlieb bag or even a partner directly behind them!
I'd also say be careful not just to add every feature you can think of. Mountaineering companies are (at last!) just coming to realise that less is more and, for example, a couple of good big, well positioned pockets is much better than eight tiny, tight, badly positioned ones. Simplicity is good! (And cheap!) I reckon one of the reasons many riding jackets are so stiff and uncomfy is because they have too many 'features'.
Not convinced by the whole water bladder thing. You can buy them seperately as rucksacks and I've personally never felt the need for one.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
3 Sep 2006
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
|
|
Couple of things I think would work in a jacket:
Integral fleece that is zipped into place and can be unzipped if it gets too warm. I have a Schott jacket with this feature, the fleece unzips and can be worn as an item of clothing normally (can supply photos if needed).
Think about the whole area around the cuff/glove interface. This area has most of the movement when actually riding (twisting the throttle, wiping your visor, hand signals etc, etc). How often have you got all your gear on and spent time getting the sleeves and gloves set up 'just so' for it all to let water or cold air in within 20 miles?
I have an Enduro jacket from a French company, Shift, that has a thumb loop built into the sleeve, this keeps the sleeve inside your glove all the time. The design needs some adaptation so that the thumb loop is inside your glove but your outer sleeve is over your glove (hope this makes sense). Again I can supply photos.
The whole area around the neck needs a lot of thought, you need to be able to have it open in warm weather, closed close to the neck in colder weather and maybe unrolled right up under the chin in very cold or wet conditions.
Make all the zip pulls BIG and very strong, even the Aerostitch ones can be too small and fiddly in very cold weather with winter gloves etc, also put a secondary closure system (press stud or something ) at all points where a zip starts. Zips have a way of working loose if the start is under tension.
Maybe look at a pocket inside the back of the jacket that can allow you to fit a back protector in whilst still being able to use the protectors belt and braces.
Velcro tabs or some such on the front to hold comms cables and hydration pack lines to stop them flapping about at speed.
Innner pockets that allow the user the choice of using closed cell armour or not (elbows, shoulders etc)
Then you just need some matching pants!!!
|
12 Sep 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: East Sussex, England
Posts: 173
|
|
The ideal jacket
Hi
I'm late coming to this topic but I'd like to contribute. I've often considered the ideal jacket. It should have...
1. A hood. Fold-away ideally but detachable will probably mean less bulk on the neck. It must be a generous size and with a wired peak like a "proper" walking jacket.
2. A zipped external back pocket at waist level. Like my Dainese jacket - not velcro sealed like my Yoko jacket
3. A generous (i.e. high), comfortable collar, tied through a loop\ring and secured with velcro. The loop\ring is essential for secure fastening.
4. Removeable armour. The Dainese armour is comfortable and sturdy and the zipped access holes double as ventilation
5. Loop to hang jacket
6. Adjustable straps on upper arm to stop flapping
7. Adjustable belt. Buckle at the side not the front
8 Full Length zip - opening from the bottom too.
9. Storm flap on main zip secured by press studs not velcro
10. Rubberised press studs
11. Machine washable
Nice to haves:
- Zip to attach trousers
- Loop to route water tube -
Good luck with the project
David
|
12 Sep 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Perth
Posts: 263
|
|
rukka
why not just copy Rukka gear, it's the best by far without question
|
18 Sep 2006
|
|
Slippery when wet
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 311
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bossies
Make the gortex removable and add in some vents on the arms and I will be interested.
.
|
Ditto that - Goretex should be removeable - goretex on a hot day is like a sweat suit .
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|