Quote "The wife and I have a pair of mesh Joe rocket pants. Phoenix Ion for me and the Cleo for her. Easy in and out, we wear over normal clothes. Wear shorts on hot days and normal pants when cooler and simply the riding pants off when you get to a destination. Well under$200 a pair."
Yup, I have a set of Cortech mesh gear. Nice and cool, but you need to drag along rain liners, get off the bike, take the suit off, zip in the rain liners, then get dressed again. Wore it for several years, and liked it a lot. But......
A couple years ago, I bit my lip, apologized to my checkbook, and rode up to Duluth and ordered an Aerostich R-3 one piece suit. The only thing that I've done that was smarter was to buy an FJR. The GoreTex is actually breathable (The R-3 is unlined, unlike the Classic Roadcrafter), and I find I don't even need to open up the vents until it's in the mid 80s. I have ridden in rain for several hundred miles at a time, and remained completely dry. And it's easier to take on and off than my two-piece Cortech suit. I am also completely certain that it would hold up better in case of a get-off. The material is DENSE, and I ordered the upgraded armor. It's ugly, clunky to walk around in, and draws derogatory comments, but once on the bike, it is magic. I know it will last decades, unlike my other gear (I have proof). And I stay cool and/or dry. Best move I have made in a lot of years.
That being said, go try stuff on and buy what you like. Good luck, and let us know what you decide.
Addition on Monday, August 29, 2022;
Just came back from a ride from northern Wisconsin to southeast Minnesota, about 260 miles each way. On the return ride, I rode in about 150 straight miles of rain; not downpours, and not "light" rain or drizzle, but just constant, steady medium rain. (Due to a technical glitch that happened on the ride, I did not raise my FJR windshield). Though my Aerostich is promised to be 100% waterproof (their words), I got soaked, pretty much from top to bottom. This was not a case of "crotch pool" or an incorrectly closed flap, vent, or zipper. From my neck to my knees, I was wet. Low 60s for temperature, and a near-constant 75 mph pace. I guess the material just reached a saturation point, and the GoreTex couldn't do what it's supposed to do. Don't get me wrong; I love my Aerostich, but at the price they ask, and the promised waterproof capability, I am disappointed. Staying dry while not having to f*ck around with liners or rainsuits was probably 50% of the reason I bought the suit. Heck, my two-piece zip-together leathers have better protection, and about the same water-proof-ness. I have cheap stuff that is not nearly as rugged, but has better water protection. I will still wear it, but I'm not sure what to do about wet rides yet. Time will tell.
