Frank Thomas Gear?

[the grim reaper]

Frank Thomas stuff used to be a load of shite, I've not bought any but I have heard that they have improved dramatically over the last few years. I still use Hein Gericke (whch actually rhymes with Mine Eric) for winter kit as their winter stuff is fantastic.

Cheers

Grim
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[Kara]

I bought a full set of F.T leathers from BMF for £80. I've worn them for a year alot rain or shine and they haven't let me down yet. . . A friend of mine also wearing F.T BMF £80 leathers came off at Rockingham and she is still wearing the leathers.

Maybe they've had some quality control issues.
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[MementoMori]

I have some Frank Thomas sports gloves, have owned them for about a year and a half and they have been fine. The quality has not diminished over this time either.


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The tiger who came for a pint

[mchaggis]

The better quality FT stuff might be okay, but their cheap range is universally shocking from all of what I have seen and experienced.
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[palmer]

was wearing textiles in a ~40mph lowside, pretty much nil damage, apart form a small tear on the knee - which was only the 'waterproof' outer layer.

for the price they are good.
dont listen to the horror stories people tell, FT have made better stuff lately.

saying that, the only things bad ive heard is tearing at the seems (usually the place you buy them from repair it for free/pennies - well Webbs and Taz do)

[krebsy]

My fabric jacket (aqua Europa) and gloves have been great, the matching trousers had a small split on a seam though where the stitching was inaccurate. Cured with a strip of Duct Tape..

Bar that, no issues with it all after nearly 2 years.

K.
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[TheShaggyDA]

The oik WOULD say FT gear is no good. I've had FT stuff for years with no complaint. Other than the AquaPak.
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[headlamp]

I went through four Aquaguard Advance jackets last year & the year before...bought one then it started to (literally) fall apart after 3 months, Picketts replaced it then got another one which also fell aprt. the third one fell apart too so got a fourth...this also was falling apart when it was stolen so have now switched to Revitt, which is not only lighter, more waterproof & warmer but also looks good too!

So my view on Frank Thomas gear? Shite!
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[Yeti]

Of course he is going to say FT gear is crap he wants you to spend a fortune on spidi etc. gear. Ive had two sets of FT leathers one one piece and one two piece and they have both been excellent quality and have lasted years.

IMO Frank Thomas =
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Lifes a Beach!

[hedjehog]

The only bike jacket I own is an FT aquapore full force doobry (almost exactly like this one, but an older model, in blue and black).

I've had it for nearly two years.

• It is waterproof.
  
• It has an effective and removable thermal lining.
  
• I slid down the road wearing it and didn't hurt myself, and there's barely a mark on it.

I wouldn't blame anyone for not buying FT stuff though since there does appear to be such a range of experiences, it seems like you take a risk with their stuff. I was lucky (and I got it in a sale)!


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1988 CG125 BRE; 2000 GPZ500S D7; VFR 800 FI-X; 1980 CB 250 RSA; 1998 FZS 600 Fazer; 1986 Honda C70 E

[Project9928]

I've had a pair of FT leather trousers for the past 2 years and I've slid down the road twice in them and I'm still wearing them. Only problem is I'm getting too fat for them

[MattEMulsion]

In my experience Frank Thomas gear is only middle of the range at its best, and as such the quality of the gear matches the price. I'm not knocking it as I have a cordura Frank Thomas jacket, some cordura Frank Thomas trousers and an old pair of Frank Thomas gloves.

I use the Frank Thomas stuff for riding to work in from the spring through to the autumn, and generally for weekends and rideouts I use my Dainese or Alpinestars leathers and my expensive Alpinestars gloves etc, so I do have some quality kit too.

You generally get what you pay for and the Frank Thomas stuff is up to the job, just don't expect it to be top quality, but I haven't had any problems with my bits and bobs.
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[Harold_Shand]

I have FT leather trousers. Shite, split seams, crap zips. I won't be buying FT again, no matter what other peoples experiences are. I'd say avoid.
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Harold_Shand's theory might be the best explanation.

[Ariel Badger]

I have a pare of FT boots that are at least 25 years old. Top gear but they now need a polish so I may send them back.
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[KTM Gordo]

I think Frank Thomas kit comes in two varieties:
1. Lasts forever (or near as dammit),
2. Falls apart immediately.

My FT "Aqua" boots were far from waterproof, and filled up nicely on a rather damp trip around the M25.

I think a lot of people buy their FT stuff during the sales and from the bargains tent at the BMF shows - it's probably fair to say that it's not their best kit that's being sold there.

The majority of my kit comes from Hein Gericke (which rhymes with "Mein Erica" BTW ) and on the whole it has been excellent - although my <1 year old "Cruise" jacket has gone back for the second time - first time was the stitching coming away on the left cuff and this time for the left cuff zip failing. No problems getting it replaced / repaired, and it's the only trouble I've had in... years.

Oh, BTW, I happen to have a set of Frank Thomas 1-piece leathers that I'm supposed to be selling on behalf of my plumber... 40" chest, red/white, hardly worn...
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[Glen]

[SimonB]

I have a pair of textile pants made by Frank Thomas waterproof ones at that. I have owned it for three years now and I have had no problems with it at all.

Its still waterproof the seems are fine the only problem is my waist is getting bigger than the pants causing me to suck in my stomach as I put them on.

Would buy them again.
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[cestrian]

I used to have a cheap Jacket (forget the brand) and it was totally crap, I got wet even in a light sun-shower. I took it back to the dealer and they swapped it for a Frank Thomas jacket (£110) and I have never looked back. It has kept me absolutely 'bone' dry in the most torrential of downpours. Plenty of pockets and the front and back vents allow enough air to pass through to keep you cool in the summer.

[hmmmnz]

i bought some water proof ft gloves, they got soaked first time it rained, i have a ft jacket, to get it to fit my monkey arms and wide shoulders i had to get it in a few sizes to large so it looks like i have a massive stomach,
not terribly inpressed with there gear
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[california_rookie]

My only experience with the brand would be the gloves I bought my girlfriend. Which promptly split on one of the fingers after only minimal use.

On the plus side, their designs really are quite attractive...
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