'premium' textile bike kit

multijoy · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Karma :

Rukka, Jofamaamammamama, the breathable HG stuff and so on.

Worth the cash, or does a large set of PVC waterproofs over the top of normal kit do the same job?

My jacket's a Spada thing which I've worn for the past two years- warm enough, but barely showerproof, and it's a pain in the neck carrying round waterproofs (not to mention having a tendency to move like the michelin man once all the layers are on)!
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'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Top of the range HG jacket. Unfortunately the waterproof stuff is in the lining, so no use if it's hot and wet.

Didn't seem amazingly good. Suspect PVC waterproofs would do a better job.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

There are two general sorts.

The most common sort of textile is "waterproof" by virtue of a thin waterproof membrane incorporated into the layers of the garment. If this gets holes/worn/torn, that's it.

The other sort is made of an inherantly waterproof material such as goretex. If this is torn/holed, repairing the material should restore the waterproofness. If the waterproofing starts to wear off over time (as it does), treating with an appropriate reproofing agent should see it back to functionality.

You are probably looking at prices of £250+ for the second sort.

I personally put a thin waterproof top UNDER my jacket and a set of big, army surplus goretex trousers over my jeans.
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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

I have had 'Triumph' Textiles I got my jacket cheap at a show £55 it has a£350 RRP, is coming into it's 4th winter still amazingly warm and waterproof I have crashed in it at least twice too.
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iooi · Super Spammer Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Karma :

Richa jacket now coming upto its 4 wet season. Still keeps me warm and dry in all but the worst weather, even then its only the cuffs that are really wet and take a while to dry out.
Never been retreated.
Best £99 I have ever spent on a bike jacket.
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t101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 28 Jul 2007 Karma :

DrDonnyBrago · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Jan 2010 Karma :

Anyone recommend some decent textiles?

I was looking at a spada jacket, are they generally crap then?

Pernig · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Karma :

multijoy · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Karma :

Mine's good, just not waterproof (and made no claims to be so).

It's been down the road a couple of times, velcro, zips etc. are all where they should be, quilted lining's warm (but you do need to layer up once the temp drops) and this'll be third winter through with it. Mine's just getting on a bit and it's starting to look a bit worn (and I do fancy a change!).

TL;DR - reasonably priced, I've no issues with mine.
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'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.