I wear both leather and mesh jackets, and both have back and elbow protection. My real problem is below the waist. No, not that! I usually wear jeans, and I know they won't be much protection in a get-off. But what is a practical solution?
It's hot here (North Texas). And humid. And I work in an office, so ride-to-work days mean Dockers or something similar; even less protection than jeans. So what's a rider to do? I have a pair of Belstaf riding pants, but they are way too hot for any temperature over 70 or so. They do have full-length zippers, so they are easy on and off. I'm thinking of Draggin' Jeans for non-work riding.
What are some viable alternatives? They need to be easy on and off, have knee and butt protection, and can be worn in the Texas heat. Any ideas?
I live in North Texas too and find myself driving through west texas and the panhandle on occasion.
You might want to check into Draggin Jeans as they have kevlar sown into the knee areas and seat/crotch/hip areas, and you can't tell the difference as they look like normal jeans. Draggin Jeans also have cargo pants that have kevlar in the knee and seat/crotch/hip areas. Upside is both pants breath quite well, are machine washable, you look "normal" and not like Robo-Cop, and if you go down there is more protection then normal pants.
If you reside in the DFW area there is a motorcycle apparel shop called "Moto Liberty" located on 11441 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas (972-243-5995). It's run by a lady by the name of Audrey who used to do a little racing.
They carry a boatload of stuff such as jackets, pants, all-weather gear, luggage, helmets, boots, gloves, tapes, books etc., etc. They also carry a boat load of different manufacturers such as Arai, Scorpian, HJC, Bell, Dainese, Fieldsheer, Sidi, Revit, Olympia, Joe Rocket, Vance, Vanson, Draggin Jeans, Alpinestars, First Gear, Icon, Cortech, Tourmaster, etc., etc., so your not limited to a couple of different manufacturers.
If she doesn't have it she is always willing to order it for you. I have a Dainese and a Revit jacket that can be worn thru the Texas summers. The Dainese is textile, real light, breathes well, and has CE approved armor in the forarms, elbows, shoulders and back. The Revit has a removeable thermal liner, a removeable water proof liner and the outside is a combination textile and leather. The leather is in the areas that would take the most abrasion in a get off (i.e. outside/underside of forearms, elbows, shoulders, also has CE approved armor in forearm/elbows/shoulders and back. I took out the liners and was able to wear the outer jacket through 106 degree temperatures in West Texas (I did have my camelback rehydration knapsack filled with ice water.)
As for shirts you might want to consider a microfiber shirt that wicks and evaporates moisture quickly. There is an REI store on LBJ freeway in Dallas that sells long sleeve shirts (REI Safari shirts and pants). When I travel on my touring jaunts I carry five of these shirts and a couple of pants (pants have zip off legs converting into shorts), since they are microfiber, they take up a lot less space then normal clothing and if you have to launder them in a hotel room, they are dry as a bone by the morning.
Hope this gives you a couple of ideas to consider.
Scott
