ROADCRAFTER, DARIEN, WHAT ELSE?

[Spuddy]

I GUESS GORE-TEX WEARS OUT.

After 30-35 years my faithful, often repaired, Roadcrafter finally let the rain come in. I got soaked. [After regular NikWash, ScotchGuard, etc.] The only drawback to this Aerostich product is venting. It could be better, it gets hot.

So, what do I do now? Given the decades of satisfactory service, should I re-up for a new Roadcrafter or maybe Darien? Or is there a quality something else, with better ventilation? I'll admit now, I'm not inclined toward a Klim.

Spud

And who's got an extra Stelvio NTX Left Hand Guard?

[Dirk_S]

I have a 2nd gen Klim Hardanger and love it, however it doesn’t cut it for me in the winter, so I just purchased a used Aerostich Roadcrafter. The previous owner gave it a bath through Tech Wash, but I’m guessing that means it lost some waterproofness. Hopefully not too much. I just received the Aerostich today and wore it to my friends house 3 miles away. Can already tell that it rides warmer than the Hardanger. When you’re up and running, the Hardanger is solid with all its vents and lack of a liner.

Addendum: whoops, missed the “NOT inclined toward a Klim”

[Scout63]

I sprung for the Aerosmith Transit leather combo. It doesn’t have the pockets and whistles of the textile suits but it looks Superbad and is very comfortable.

[Kane]

Doesn’t Gorte-Tex have a lifetime warranty? I thought that was one of the things that warranted its high price compared to other waterproof/breathable layers. If your suit is leaking due to the Gore-Tex failing, perhaps you can get some compensation, maybe a deal on a new replacement. 30 years is a pretty good service life. Don’t know how you can do better than a Roadcrafter, unless you like the vibe of waxed cotton or leather and want to deal with the upkeep to encourage it to keep water out. I’d be inclined to go with an Aerostich or just slum it in a Cortech or Alpinestars and save some money for Hot Toddies when you’re trying to warm up while wet and cold.

[twowheeladdict]

I sprung for the Aerosmith Transit leather combo. It doesn’t have the pockets and whistles of the textile suits but it looks Superbad and is very comfortable.

Does it give you a rock concert in your pants? 

[blackcat]

I have a regular two piece roadcrafter but also their Fallstaff Jacket which I like and a couple of years ago I purchased a Bellstaff motorcycle jacket which I really like. It has a pocket for a back protector, but it comes with shoulder and elbow protection. I prefer the separate Roadcrafter pants as I can use them on any of the jackets. Yes the Fallstaff and Bellstaff have to be treated but I don’t mind doing it but there is a business that you can ship them to for the wax treatment. When it gets warm I just go back to the Roadcrafter or Vanson ventilated jacket.

https://www.belstaff.com/us/men/waxed-moto-jackets/crosby-motorcycle-jacket-1-black

https://www.aerostich.com/suits/falstaff

[Scout63]

Does it give you a rock concert in your pants?

Absolutely. I feel like Tom Petty.

[mechanicsavant]

There’s always “moto-port” . I’ve got a few pieces, 30 years old still holding up well . I haven’t checked lately but custom sizing used to be free .

[Kev m]

Sorry can't help. After two decades in Aerostich I looked closely two years ago and decided Klim was the way to go for me. I'm not disappointed.

[Dilliw]

It's been Olympia for me, mainly due to their providing decent venting via the panels that can be easily zipped and folded.

[usedtobefast]

I sprung for the Aerosmith Transit leather combo. It doesn’t have the pockets and whistles of the textile suits but it looks Superbad and is very comfortable.

Wow, this is the super pricey suit!  What temp ranges are "too hot" and "too cold"?  I've had normal leather suits before but always felt they had a narrow temp range ... like around 88+ degrees just way too hot ... and being a bit wimpy, below 65 ish degrees just too cold.  The suits I had were too tight to wear anything under them (well, thin tights might have worked, but no room for a heated jacket liner or warm tights) ... and seemed too goofy to put something over the suite (these were cool guy Dainese suits and it was better to suffer than mess up the style  )

[JJ]

Aerostich is the best, and the ultimate, but, for the money, it is gross overkill if you live in Arizona or the greater Southwest, IHMO.

However, I always wanted one of those "WAXY" Belstaff jackets.  Not too spendy...very fashionable...and I am sure,...quite waterproof.

[blackcat]

Aerostich is the best, and the ultimate, but, for the money, it is gross overkill if you live in Arizona or the greater Southwest, IHMO.

However, I always wanted one of those "WAXY" Belstaff jackets.  Not too spendy...very fashionable...and I am sure,...quite waterproof.

The Motorcycle version of the Belstaff jacket is at least twice the cost of the above but it comes with a zip out liner and padding at the elbows and shoulders. There is a pouch for a back pad and they are easily sourced for not much money. 

What I like about the Belstaff is that you don’t look like some space alien like some of the other jackets.

[JJ]

QUOTE:  What I like about the Belstaff is that you don’t look like some space alien with some of the other jackets.

Yes...you don't want to get off your bike in public and look like the Stay-Puff-Marshmellow Man!!

[Tom]

Contact Aerostitch and let them know.  They might want it back for research and give you credit for a new one or refurbish it.  I'd definitely would have one if I live where you are.  It would be a good chance for product endorsement and a chance for them to do refurbish services.   

[kirby1923]

Used aerostich stuff for for years, no real complaint, well made and durable. Expensive.

The Belstaff is more of a fashion statement meant for looks nothing like the old days. Over priced$$$$

Have Klim jacket for summer  (merrakesh) great fit well made and even with good protection will breath for hot wx. Have since aquired another textile jacket (klim) and really like that as well.

Good value, I have become a fan of this brand.

:-)

[Spuddy]

Thanks so much for the feedback, so far.

One reason for the Roadcrafter is protection. Especially from road rash, although in summer months I do wear a lighter mesh jacket and pants. While I have yet to experience a significant incident, it is reassuring to know the Aerostich has arguably the best textile products out there. While I like my Filson fedora, waxed cotton [Belstaff etc] cannot compare to Cordura in the event of a spill [unless it is raining?]

So, keep the comments coming. And I'll keep an open mind RE: Klim.

[blackcat]

The Belstaff is more of a fashion statement meant for looks nothing like the old days. Over priced$$$$

New Belstaff owner's and the jackets are significantly better made than what the previous owners produced.  Mine cost around $600 bucks but I ordered it from England as it was cheaper than all of the USA stores. Jacket was purchased about 3 years ago before shipping costs  increased.

[blackcat]

".....it is reassuring to know the Aerostich has arguably the best textile products out there."

I've crashed two times wearing my Stich and while the pants have some scrapes, I've never sent them back for repairs and they still don't leak. Cheaper products tend to be throwaways. And I like that they are made in the USA.

[drdwb]

Couple years ago I decided to try a Hit-Air inflatable coat that I use with my Aero Stitch pants, my wife and I have used our Aero Stitch suits for probably 20 years with no complaints other than they get too hot driving across SouthDakota on the 80+ days. The Hit Air has plenty of padding where needed but it lacks the rain proof Aero Stitch provides, also the Venting isn’t as good as AeroStitch so it tends to run hotter. But I do like knowing I’m even more protected in the inflatable coat.

I stopped at Aero Stitch ( all new and much bigger show room😀) in July and talked to the staff, they don’t know of any inclusion of inflatables in new models, too bad, best of both worlds would be my choice.

[chuck peterson]

Bought a Belstaff in 1978 for $100 retail new…

Bought another in 1998 for $150

Cannot touch them now for less then $600…marketing company bought them out..

Too bad. They really hold up well under a lot of different conditions. Breathablity is better than you would think, and the same under rain. I’ve added a thin goretex shell w no hood underneath once in awhile…makes it good for a wide range of temperatures….really good for modest pace speed limit longer tours…My favorite coat.

The shell cotton swells under heavy rain. You get a little damp but pretty damn good for 1850’s sailing technology

Good fun recoating them w the wax in mid winter

Probably THE coat to have as you enter elder care…all the hot chicks at the nursing home will be all over you…




photo uploader free

[Scout63]

Wow, this is the super pricey suit!  What temp ranges are "too hot" and "too cold"?  I've had normal leather suits before but always felt they had a narrow temp range ... like around 88+ degrees just way too hot ... and being a bit wimpy, below 65 ish degrees just too cold.  The suits I had were too tight to wear anything under them (well, thin tights might have worked, but no room for a heated jacket liner or warm tights) ... and seemed too goofy to put something over the suite (these were cool guy Dainese suits and it was better to suffer than mess up the style  )

I’ve ridden up into the low 80s and down to the low 50s and the suit is comfortable.  I wear the jacket more than the pants. Looser textile pants are definitely easier to slip on. I’m a bit of a poser and like the idea of a lifetime suit, which at my age and mileage this should be. I have a Klim jacket which has really high build quality, but the break in period is long and the collar bugs me.

[Kev m]

And I like that they are made in the USA.

Not all their stuff is (never was I'm pretty sure). Last I checked the entire Darien line was not, maybe more too.

[blackcat]

Not all their stuff is (never was I'm pretty sure). Last I checked the entire Darien line was not, maybe more too.

According to their website, the Roadcrafter,Darien and Fallstaff garments are made in the USA. The Transit is not marked Made in the USA.

https://www.aerostich.com/sundry/guides/made-in-usa-gear

[Travlr]

I'm looking for some new riding gear for a fall trip to Hill Country and the final Harvest Classic Rally.  I spent one Sat. visiting multiple stores here in Phoenix.  I saw all the brands mentioned and came away impressed with quality and competitive price of BMW gear.  As you may know, it is no longer exclusively sold in BMW dealers.  For instance, Cycle Gear and Revzilla handle the line.  It's worth a look.

FWIW I decided to go with a jacket and pants.  It's more versatile than a full suit and as JJ says, you don't look like a marshmellow man.  You can take a pee easily and take a hike or walk into a restaurant w/o changing clothes.  Likely I'll get a wax cotton jacket (BMW Purexcursion or Vanson or Roland Sands) and BMW Rider Pants.  They are cut like jeans but made of waterproof material.

www.shopbmwmotorcyc les.com

Mike

[Kane]

I stopped at Aero Stitch ( all new and much bigger show room😀) in July and talked to the staff, they don’t know of any inclusion of inflatables in new models, too bad, best of both worlds would be my choice.

If you are looking for air bag type of protection, check out the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 vest or Tech-Air 10 if you’re wearing a suit. Much better protection than regular CE rated body armor, can be worn under any jacket or suit. I don’t ride without mine, which ever jacket I happen to be wearing.

[Kev m]

According to their website, the Roadcrafter,Darien and Fallstaff garments are made in the USA. The Transit is not marked Made in the USA.

https://www.aerostich.com/sundry/guides/made-in-usa-gear

 

I THINK (assuming I'm not remembering wrong) that's a change then. I seem to remember the Darien line was NOT made in the USA for a number of years. I wonder if anyone has an old paper brochure to confirm or deny that.

But I could be brain farting as my old one has a tag.

I wonder if anyone else remembers like me or if I'm just losing it (possibility).

[kmartin]

I bought a mesh Motoport so many years ago.  I went to the factory/sales room and had it fitted.  It's more bulky and less convenient than the Roadcrafter, but the mesh is good for desert and now south Texas heat.  It's surprisingly much warmer that the Roadcrafter with the liners in, but may not be more attractive.  I hit a deer in 2014 and slid several hundred feet down the road.  It smoothed some spots on the suit but I'm still wearing it daily.  I've easily worn it over 100,000 mi and have been hankering for something new/different, but I cant find anything that I think will work as well.  I'm in need of a couple new zippers, because the pulls came off, not due to the zipper it self.

Very expensive, but easily amortized at this point, and probably save a bunch of skin.

Keith

[blackcat]

I THINK (assuming I'm not remembering wrong) that's a change then. I seem to remember the Darien line was NOT made in the USA for a number of years. I wonder if anyone has an old paper brochure to confirm or deny that.

But I could be brain farting as my old one has a tag.

I wonder if anyone else remembers like me or if I'm just losing it (possibility).

I was thinking about it and I believe you are right about the Darien line, or maybe it was the Transit line?  I did just check the Darien lite florescent jacket (big mistake) that I have which I bought in 07 and it doesn't have any label that I can find indicating origin of garment.

[Kev m]

I was thinking about it and I believe you are right about the Darien line, or maybe it was the Transit line?  I did just check the Darien lite florescent jacket (big mistake) that I have which I bought in 07 and it doesn't have any label that I can find indicating origin of garment.

Great to know that they are again though. I would consider another based on that alone!

My Darien pants need to be replaced.... Maybe it's right back to them now!

Thanks!