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New stuff, lovely pictures! Shoei XR-1000, on sale for half price since the new XR-1100 is coming (which still means I paid $280 for it). Click here for the full 1024x768 image. Arai & Shoei really have the best fits (for my head anyway). The Schuberts I've tried all feel like they're made for people with bowling ball heads. Jofama Tour De Force, taslan textile reinforced with pigskin leather. Waterproof (supposedly). Click here for the full 1024x768 image.
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# ? May 21, 2010 15:24 |
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# ? May 22, 2024 22:12 |
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Pagan posted:A couple of questions. For the pants I'd say get overpants with a proper full length zipper. My gf has the TPG Escape overpants and while they are awesomely well built she finds them hard to put on wearing boots. Aerostich Derien or Fieldsheer Mercury pants are both well rated. For communication we use a Cardo G2 bluetooth setup that works to about 1000+ feet away. Cardo claims that it'll work more than a mile away but I'm not sure if I believe them. One thing that it can do though is work as a headset for your phone with voice activated dialing. So if you ride in a area with cell service you can just call your buddy up.
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# ? May 21, 2010 16:01 |
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Pagan posted:A couple of questions. I have a pair of Scorpion Deuce overpants. Paid just over $100 for them and they have a lot of features for the price. Removable armor in the knees/hips, a removable waterproof liner, and mesh panels in the thighs for ventilation. Overpants are great because you can wear anything underneath (or nothing if that's your thing in hot temps).
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# ? May 21, 2010 16:49 |
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PadreScout posted:If you guys do this you have to promise me you will say "Tango down!" at least once a trip. We both have a military background, so we use all sorts of slang and shorthand without even realizing it. Throw in some avid gaming / movie watching habits, and I'm sure this one will come up, often. Thanks for the advice on the pants, too.
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# ? May 21, 2010 22:25 |
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I sort of envision the radios/throat mics/etc being used outside of riding as well. So a full riding only setup (like something put up in the helmet) is not idea.
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# ? May 22, 2010 00:02 |
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what do you guys make of the fabric Dainese is using in the 2010 jackets? 'Mugelo'. Its billed as 90% the protection offered by leather, has anyone here crash tested it or got any opinions on it? Im thinking about getting my girlfriend the shotgun jacket, I've got the same jacket in a mens and its incredibly comfortable and flows air much better than my perf leather jacket. Of course, now that I'm buying it for her I care a little more about how good it is..
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# ? May 22, 2010 22:42 |
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Whats a good bike friendly GPS. I'll want to hard wire it, but have it come out of the cradle for safe keeping. Has to be safe from the elements (so probably a marine grade one?). Have to be able to use it with gloves on, so 100% touch screen wont work. Also an easy, sensible, voiceless navigation screen is key, if I have to listen to it to understand the directions that's bad.
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# ? May 24, 2010 01:45 |
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I use a Garmin GPSMAP 60CX, with a RAM mount. You should be able to find one for like $200-$250. It's not the BEST motorcycle gps out there, but it's cheap, easy to use, and rugged as hell. and pretty water resistant. I get like 12-18 hours out of a set of batteries, but I also have a 12v plug for it.
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# ? May 24, 2010 01:49 |
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Ive used both the Garmin Zumo 450 and 550. Both are nice, the 550 has bluetooth and is slightly fancier, otherwise they are identical. They're waterproof, work with gloves on, warn you about fuel (you can tell it your bikes range and you receive fuel warnings),all in all decent kit.
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# ? May 24, 2010 02:03 |
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Armacham posted:I use a Garmin GPSMAP 60CX, with a RAM mount. You should be able to find one for like $200-$250. It's not the BEST motorcycle gps out there, but it's cheap, easy to use, and rugged as hell. and pretty water resistant. I get like 12-18 hours out of a set of batteries, but I also have a 12v plug for it. This but with the street pilot 2610. Less offroad oriented then the 60cx, and no battery though. Bonus, it's cheaper.
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# ? May 24, 2010 05:21 |
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blugu64 posted:This but with the street pilot 2610. Less offroad oriented then the 60cx, and no battery though. Bonus, it's cheaper. I just picked one of these up for $100 with all sorts of accessories. I've put about 500 miles on it and I am really happy with it. Did 260 miles of rain riding Friday and it didn't have any issues. Only thing I don't love about it is the need to be plugged in for power at all times. May pick up a cheaper battery powered unit for 2-stroke dirt riding.
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# ? May 24, 2010 10:19 |
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PadreScout posted:Ive used both the Garmin Zumo 450 and 550. Both are nice, the 550 has bluetooth and is slightly fancier, otherwise they are identical. They're waterproof, work with gloves on, warn you about fuel (you can tell it your bikes range and you receive fuel warnings),all in all decent kit. I have the 550, but get the 450 if you don't care about blutooth. It is without a doubt the best drat thing I have ever bought for my bike. I love the poo poo out of it. Then again, I have a stereo input on my bike so I am constantly using the MP3 player on it. That goes a long way toward my love of the unit.
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# ? May 24, 2010 16:01 |
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So I live in Canada, which means a whole lot of summer riding but with temps that very, very rarely go anywhere into the 90s. I also am just getting into biking and have been looking at some entry-level gear and was wondering if my choices could be critiqued. Keep in mind my choices in shop are somewhat limited and I would prefer to stay away from straight online ordering if possible, though I am open to suggestions. Gloves: http://www.newenough.com/street/gloves/street_short_cuff/alpinestars/3_4_motorcycle_gloves.html Pretty simple; I want a decent amount of protection without going to a massive non-breathing gauntlet. I figure this would be a nice halfway point and the carbon fibre seems attractive. Jacket: http://www.newenough.com/street/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/icon/contra_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html This is whats causing me the most grief. How is the quality of Icon gear? The price and styling of this jacket are really attractive, but if it's going to fall apart within a few months of use then I'll be looking elsewhere. I'm also still a little unsure on when and where to use a mesh jack versus a textile one or full leather versus perforated leather. I get that mesh and perfed offer more airflow, but at what point are they too cold? Like I said, I am in Canada, and might go for some early morning fall and spring rides, but no real serious winter riding or anything. The Icon gear is also more appealing because it's one of only a few bands I can go and try on in my local store. My other choices are basically limited to Alpinestars, joe Rocket and Teknik. I would consider other options, especially a leather/textile hybrid, but only if they seem far and away the best choice to take. Pants: http://www.newenough.com/street/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/atomic_textile_motorcycle_pants.html I need decent riding pants, don't really want leather and don't really want black on black power rangergear. This seems to work that area I need. Boots: http://www.blackfootdirect.com/p-11503-alpinestars-tech-3at-all-terrain-sole.aspx I'll be riding dual sport and going over some especially rugged ATV and snowmobile trails in the area I live in, so a full-length boot and, more importantly, some traction on the sole seem to be important. I have heard some people do not like the steel toe at all though. Comments? ----- The common theme I seem to be running here is not top of the line, but (hopefully) not bottom of the barrel first time riding gear. I definitely want to be protected, but not at huge cost especially when the first few years are going to be very tough on my gear and bike. I'm very open to suggestions, but again keep in my most of my actual shop selection is a little limited and I am hesitant, though not opposed, to buying gear online. Basically as long as I can go in and try the gear on, or something that fits very similar just to get a feel for sizing, I will be happy. New Enough ships to Canada so as long as I know that the gear I would be buying is going to fit without a bunch of returning for a different size hassle, I would also be fine with buying from them. Especially since they're selection is much,much larger than local stores. Here's my local shop, their selection is a little better in store, some of the stuff they carry isn't on the website quite yet. http://www.blackfootdirect.com/default.aspx Ghostpilots fucked around with this message at 16:33 on May 24, 2010 |
# ? May 24, 2010 16:23 |
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Ghostpilots posted:I get that mesh and perfed offer more airflow, but at what point are they too cold? Like I said, I am in Canada, and might go for some early morning fall and spring rides, but no real serious winter riding or anything. The Icon gear is also more appealing because it's one of only a few bands I can go and try on in my local store. My other choices are basically limited to Alpinestars, joe Rocket and Teknik. I would consider other options, especially a leather/textile hybrid, but only if they seem far and away the best choice to take. I live in Ontario and its really difficult to choose gear because of the weather. For example this week on my rides to work its been 10-12C in the morning and then 25-28C in the evening. Some rain, lots of wind. Spring and fall is even worse. My solution is a mesh jacket with a bright orange windbreaker that is small enough to stuff under my seat. The windbreaker does a great job keeping me warm in the morning while doubling as decent rain protection and increasing my visibility. A mesh jacket with a liner would do just as good. Other friends of mine have a leather jacket for spring and fall and a mesh or textile jacket for summer. I guess what I'm saying is that depending on where you live in Canada you're going to end up with a lot of different gear for different conditions. Hedge your bets and get a textile jacket with both a zip out thermal and zip out wind liner.
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# ? May 24, 2010 16:33 |
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I'd say you're better off with a different jacket and maybe looking at some higher denier pants. http://www.newenough.com/street/pro...cle_jacket.html http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/ballistic_7_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/scorpion/burnout_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/scorpion/strike_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/speed_and_strength/twist_of_fate_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/jett_series_2_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html In an ideal world, I'd go with 800 denier or higher, but 600 is acceptable. I think 200$ is too much money to spend on a first textile jacket, especially one that doesn't list what denier fabric it's using. Same is true of pants...600 is acceptable, higher is better...I'd dig through their closeout section on textile pants and see what I could find. Good choice on gloves and boots IMO, though.
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# ? May 24, 2010 16:44 |
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PlasticSun posted:For the pants I'd say get overpants with a proper full length zipper. My gf has the TPG Escape overpants and while they are awesomely well built she finds them hard to put on wearing boots. sorry
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# ? May 24, 2010 17:50 |
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Linedance posted:
Love it! In all seriousness though, over pants have a bulky heavy feel to them when worn over jeans, and the female figure loses just about all of it's curves in over pants. She ditches them as soon as we get off the bike, and would really like something that had a full length zipper.
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# ? May 24, 2010 17:59 |
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What I thought was a genuine HJC shield, I may have inadvertently gotten an ebay special. The mirror and tinting have both worn off in one spot so part of the visor is now see-through. I cleaned it according to instructions and used the inside of the helmet sleeve provided with my helmet. Maybe I rubbed it too much e: Am I correct in assuming that genuine shields aren't so cheaply coated? Sharp_angus fucked around with this message at 19:21 on May 24, 2010 |
# ? May 24, 2010 19:18 |
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Anyone have any recommendations for headset radios? I'm planning on riding out with a buddy this weekend and it'd be nice if we could chat. I'd prefer it to be under $50, and from a brick and mortar store so that I can have it before the weekend. Thanks.
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# ? May 24, 2010 20:13 |
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eviljelly posted:Anyone have any recommendations for headset radios? I'm planning on riding out with a buddy this weekend and it'd be nice if we could chat. I'd prefer it to be under $50, and from a brick and mortar store so that I can have it before the weekend. Thanks. Good luck with that. Every attempt I've made to do bike-to-bike communications on the cheap has failed miserably. I'm sure someone here can recommend something but I doubt it will be under $125.
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# ? May 24, 2010 20:15 |
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Crayvex posted:Good luck with that. Every attempt I've made to do bike-to-bike communications on the cheap has failed miserably. I'm sure someone here can recommend something but I doubt it will be under $125. Hrmm, fair enough. What if I plugged in my phone to my bike via something like this, and then used a bluetooth headset? What do you think? EDIT: Hurf, thought about it for another couple seconds - no way a bluetooth headset would work with the wind and whatnot. eviljelly fucked around with this message at 20:52 on May 24, 2010 |
# ? May 24, 2010 20:37 |
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Sharp_angus posted:What I thought was a genuine HJC shield, I may have inadvertently gotten an ebay special. The mirror and tinting have both worn off in one spot so part of the visor is now see-through. I cleaned it according to instructions and used the inside of the helmet sleeve provided with my helmet. It sure would be bad if you could see through the visor! My Arai visor was super easy to scratch. Seems like some companies use better coatings than others...I'd see if you could get it warrantied.
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# ? May 24, 2010 21:14 |
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There are helmets that have optional bluetooth/wired communication units for them (my Nolan N102 has them available), but realisticly you'll need to be on a full-fairing bike with a massive windshield to really hear anything over the wind noise without having to turn the volume high enough to blow your eardrums. I suggest working out a good array of hand signals beforehand.
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# ? May 24, 2010 21:16 |
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Crayvex posted:I'm sure someone here can recommend something but I doubt it will be under $125. http://www.gooddeals18.com/product/SHKMBT88I/new-Motorcycle-Bluetooth-Multi-Interphone-headsets.html The 1640ft distance is perhaps a bit optimistic, but what do you want for under 125? http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79791
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# ? May 24, 2010 21:30 |
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Z3n posted:It sure would be bad if you could see through the visor! Yeah, where has seeing out my helmet gotten me anyway? And I looked into warranty, and it's some nonsense where they don't cover wear and scratches. I think I'll just go with a straight tint next time without mirroring provided the actual plastic is pigmented and not just a film on one side. Sharp_angus fucked around with this message at 23:30 on May 24, 2010 |
# ? May 24, 2010 23:25 |
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Sharp_angus posted:Yeah, where has seeing out my helmet gotten me anyway? Yeah, that's why I don't run reflective visors...it seems like none of them ever sandwich the mirroring between a thin layer of something that'd protect it. I've never had a problem with a tinted/dark smoke visor, only the mirrored ones.
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# ? May 24, 2010 23:52 |
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What's everyones opinion on hard shell back protectors? I've been thinking about picking one up for a bit of added protection. Also what's a good pair of gloves for a Sydney winter (probably won't get below 10° C / 50° F). Is it possible to get gloves with liners?
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# ? May 24, 2010 23:54 |
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Hmm ok, how do these jackets and pants seem to be? http://www.newenough.com/street/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/fieldsheer/corsair_2_textile_sport_motorcycle_jacket.html http://www.newenough.com/street/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/fieldsheer/congo_2_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html http://www.newenough.com/street/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/atomic_40_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html http://www.newenough.com/street/pro..._overpants.html Looking a lot more carefully at Fieldsheer gear this go around; anyone have any experience with their stuff? Safety is important, and having upgradable back and possibly chest armour is something I like, but I unfortunately still base a lot of how I judge jackets on how they look. I don't want to look like a power ranger and no matter how safe a jacket is, I just can't see myself wearing some of the stuff out there. I like simple blacks greys and whites, nothing super flashy. On that note, I am tossing around the idea of getting a hybrid jacket, kinda like this one: http://www.newenough.com/street/pro...cle_jacket.html Again, thoughts? Thanks a ton for the replies so far
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# ? May 25, 2010 00:03 |
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You'd do fine in any of that gear, IMO. Buy what strikes your fancy and is affordable for you.
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# ? May 25, 2010 00:13 |
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I've had a couple of Fieldsheer jackets, one tex and one mesh, haven't been too displeased with the build quality. Had a few threads work loose, but not in a way that'd make them fail. I went down (lightly) in one and it saved my elbow, so that's nice. If you're only going to have the one jacket, I recommend having something that'll breathe like a son of a gun in summer, even in Canada. Like an Alter Ego or a perf leather jacket. I don't know how it is where you live, but my primary jacket is a Tourmaster that's warm as anything, but doesn't breathe well. After a weeklong 30º+ spike I was desperate for a mesh jacket.
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# ? May 25, 2010 01:07 |
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So I ordered the scorpion stinger jacket in red from http://www.motorcycles508.com/servlet/the-1887/Scorpion-Stinger-Leather-Motorcycle/Detail for $190 because nobody has the red ones in stock anywhere, anywhere, for less than $380. I ordered it last wednesday and I come to find that they haven't shipped it yet. I call them up and get Ronnie, who tells me he meant to send me an email about it. The pricing was an error caused by 'some part time guy' and 'Ive been meaning to correct it' (the site's still wrong, btw) but 'I had to fulfill some of the orders but you can understand that I can't now because I'd be losing money blah blah' Should I have been an rear end in a top hat about it and demanded he ship it anyway because that's a price similar to what many of his competitors have it at? He said he'd give me a deal on another jacket due to the mix up (he said 25% but who knows) and just refunded my money. I work in retail and I understand how it all works and I've seen this same situation go either way literally hundreds of time at my own job. Somebody help me find a red scorpion stinger in small for not $380. I'll pay a finders fee. Rontalvos fucked around with this message at 20:36 on May 25, 2010 |
# ? May 25, 2010 20:32 |
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Rontalvos posted:So I ordered the scorpion stinger jacket in red from http://www.motorcycles508.com/servlet/the-1887/Scorpion-Stinger-Leather-Motorcycle/Detail for $190 because nobody has the red ones in stock anywhere, anywhere, for less than $380. I ordered it last wednesday and I come to find that they haven't shipped it yet. I call them up and get Ronnie, who tells me he meant to send me an email about it. The pricing was an error caused by 'some part time guy' and 'Ive been meaning to correct it' (the site's still wrong, btw) but 'I had to fulfill some of the orders but you can understand that I can't now because I'd be losing money blah blah' *is rear end in a top hat about incorrect pricing* "Uh, yeah...Rontalvos, buddy! I've got a brand new one I'll let go for...um...$325..." Seriously. Place the order again, and be an rear end in a top hat about it. That's the CURRENTLY advertised price, and Massachusetts law (where their showroom is - although the phone number on the website is an Oregon number...) has consumer protection laws that you can use as an argument to get your jacket for that price... Consumer Protection Law in Massachusetts www.mass.gov Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Page posted:What Violates The Consumer Protection Law?
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# ? May 25, 2010 20:58 |
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Rontalvos posted:So I ordered the scorpion stinger jacket in red from http://www.motorcycles508.com/servlet/the-1887/Scorpion-Stinger-Leather-Motorcycle/Detail for $190 because nobody has the red ones in stock anywhere, anywhere, for less than $380. I ordered it last wednesday and I come to find that they haven't shipped it yet. I call them up and get Ronnie, who tells me he meant to send me an email about it. The pricing was an error caused by 'some part time guy' and 'Ive been meaning to correct it' (the site's still wrong, btw) but 'I had to fulfill some of the orders but you can understand that I can't now because I'd be losing money blah blah' I would have been a jerk because he completely dropped the ball if it is actually an error. Everyone else was selling them CHEAPER than what he was. I would get a refund and keep searching.
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# ? May 25, 2010 20:59 |
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Asking for a refund and then re-placing the same order an hour later may cause me problems in the "I already told you I couldn't category" but if it was a known issue with the website then they should've jumped all over that. Plus his 'well I wrote an email to you about that but for some reason didn't send it' line he gave me later rubbed me the wrong way. I'm going to be that rear end in a top hat customer that I hate. Hooray!
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# ? May 25, 2010 21:07 |
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Rontalvos posted:Asking for a refund and then re-placing the same order an hour later may cause me problems in the "I already told you I couldn't category" but if it was a known issue with the website then they should've jumped all over that. Sadly, sometimes being "that guy" is all you can do to get it through someones head that you aren't screwing around.
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# ? May 25, 2010 21:17 |
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Alright- I've gone to a couple of shops and going from what I've seen and heard there and read here, I've basically decided on this jacket: http://www.joerocketcanada.com/en/products/men/textile/ae_t.cfm It seems to do a little bit of everything, looks ok, and the price is right. None of the shops around here stock Fieldsheer stuff, and without trying anything on I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on anything. They have none of the alter egos in my size in stock, but I have about a month and a half before my course so I figure I can slide the wait a little bit. My only minor worry is the durability of the textile jacket. Does textile really shred on the very first moderate crash? It just seems a little silly to be spending $300 on a jacket that is one time use only when I can pony up another $200 max and get a leather jacket that as far as I can tell lasts way more than just one crash. But then I suppose the jack-of-all-trades quality goes away and I would end up having to buy a dedicated summer jacket as well. This is all a little overwhelming and I'm sorry for the monotonous questions, but I feel a little over my head here. I guess my main worry here is say buying that alter ego above, crashing once early on and basically tossing $300 bucks out the window forever. On the other side of the coin, I really don't know if I want to spend $500 or more on a leather jacket, $150 on rain gear and $200 on a mesh jacket just so I am covered for all the conditions the alter ego can do. Advice? EDIT: Just so the entire post isn't one big while-fest I did go out and buy this stuff today, and I love all of it: http://www.joerocketcanada.com/en/products/men/pants/ae_pnt.cfm http://www.newenough.com/street/gloves/street_short_cuff/alpinestars/sp_x_motorcycle_gloves.html And this to go in whatever jacket I finally decide on. I've already checked and it fits most gear out there. http://www.newenough.com/street/armor/back_protector_installs_in_apparel/icon/field_armor_stryker_ce_back_protector.html Ghostpilots fucked around with this message at 03:18 on May 26, 2010 |
# ? May 26, 2010 02:59 |
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What's going to be more; the hospital bill for some new skin, or a new jacket?
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# ? May 26, 2010 09:31 |
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Ghostpilots posted:Alright- I've gone to a couple of shops and going from what I've seen and heard there and read here, I've basically decided on this jacket: http://www.newenough.com/street/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/atomic_40_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html Seems to have a similar amount of protection, water-proofness and ventilation and is less than half the price. I've had good luck with Joe Rocket stuff, but not "$340 textile jacket" luck.
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# ? May 26, 2010 10:51 |
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Ghostpilots posted:My only minor worry is the durability of the textile jacket. Does textile really shred on the very first moderate crash? It just seems a little silly to be spending $300 on a jacket that is one time use only when I can pony up another $200 max and get a leather jacket that as far as I can tell lasts way more than just one crash. But then I suppose the jack-of-all-trades quality goes away and I would end up having to buy a dedicated summer jacket as well.
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# ? May 26, 2010 12:28 |
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# ? May 22, 2024 22:12 |
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Aargh posted:What's everyones opinion on hard shell back protectors? I've been thinking about picking one up for a bit of added protection. They're a very good idea, as being able to walk/breathe on your own is nice. Also a full length gives extra warmth in winter. To me, if you're bothering, just get a full-length one, as you'll be "strapped in" in any case. Knox made/make a roll-up one that's pretty compact (obviously) and IIRC doesn't restrict you too much. For winter gloves, I like my Held gore-tex textiles. Unlike many similar gloves, the fastening system is good and they might actually stay on if you don't! Not too pricey and waterproof. Contrary to the marketing, they aren't really proper winter gloves (my old HG mitts were much better, but would never stay on in a big off), but above 5o C they will be fine. This is the current version, I think http://www.getgeared.co.uk/HELD_Gore-Tex_K2_Winter_Motorcycle_Gloves?sc=16&category=139 e: Ghostpilots posted:My only minor worry is the durability of the textile jacket. Does textile really shred on the very first moderate crash? It just seems a little silly to be spending $300 on a jacket that is one time use only when I can pony up another $200 max and get a leather jacket that as far as I can tell lasts way more than just one crash. But then I suppose the jack-of-all-trades quality goes away and I would end up having to buy a dedicated summer jacket as well. My Hein Gericke Touareg covers those bases - leather in impact areas and textile everywhere else. It's been tested and the leather is just very slightly scuffed. Plus it features 10 gazillion pockets, good venting and a goretex liner for winter/big rainstorms. Perhaps something similar would suit? Saga fucked around with this message at 14:05 on May 26, 2010 |
# ? May 26, 2010 14:03 |