Baal
08-10-2012, 05:50 AM
My "compact rider" closet cleaning continues. :D
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809232005_L.jpg
I've tend to prefer waist-length jackets, as they're less likely to bunch up when seated on the bike, particularly on in the sporty riding position. With most pants there's enough overlap to not have wind or water seepage. This is a very full-featured jacket from Joe Rocket, that has a very high level of material and construction quality.
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231930_L.jpg
It was marketed as "waterproof," because the shell is GoreTex lined. But, in my experience, water-resistant is more correct. In a moderate rain, I stayed dry. In a heavy rain, not so much. The first point of water entry was the bicep vents (wind-blown water), but I got a very little past the chest vents. All of the vents and the side pockets have weather-sealed zippers. The chest vents have two sets: One at the shell itself, then the sealed zipper inside the vent. The bicep vents velcro closed (the flap also folds over and velcros open for ventilation), with the sealed zipper. Here's a view of the storm closure, which also shows the waterproof chest pocket:
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231622_L.jpg
The large chest vents zip open, then the flap pulls to the center and snaps to the opposite side to give a large "scoop" for ventilation. The rear vents do the same. In practice, ventilation is very good, with the jacket being pretty comfortable (for me) up to about 90 degrees. Above 90, and I'm wearing mesh.
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231842_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231807_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231732_L.jpg
Here are views of the sleeve, with the bicep vent,
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231652_L.jpg
And the sleeve adjustablilty. The sleeve has both the zipper closure and a velcro tab (on the back, not visible) to cinch the opening up or open it up to fit under or over your gloves.
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231543_L.jpg
For cold weather, the jacket has a full-sleeved quilted insulated liner that zips in and secures at the end of the sleeves via velcro tabs. I think I wore the liner once. There is CE "Turtle" armor in the shoulders and elbow/forearms, as well as a perforated dual-density back protector. The elbow armor is accessed from outside the jacket, and can be adjusted up or down for best sizing/protection.
Use/flaws/disclosures: The jacket has been worn, but never abused. I kept it clean (actually just laundered) , and treated it with 303 protectant for water resistance and UV protection. If I had to guess, I'd say around 2500 total miles. No crashes, no abrasions, no holes no stains, no funk. What did happen is that one of the inner closure zippers on one of the chest vents pulled off the track and was lost. I'm sure it's repairable, but I wasn't bothered by it. The vent still works, and the main zipper seemed to keep most of the rain out.
All in all, I think it is a great jacket, comfortable, good ventilation and protection, with subdued but stylish looks. I think it will serve its next owner well.
Asking $130 shipped in the CONUS, including fees and insurance. Please PM me or post up here with any questions. My direct email is dmac at shelby dot net Thanks!
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809232005_L.jpg
I've tend to prefer waist-length jackets, as they're less likely to bunch up when seated on the bike, particularly on in the sporty riding position. With most pants there's enough overlap to not have wind or water seepage. This is a very full-featured jacket from Joe Rocket, that has a very high level of material and construction quality.
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231930_L.jpg
It was marketed as "waterproof," because the shell is GoreTex lined. But, in my experience, water-resistant is more correct. In a moderate rain, I stayed dry. In a heavy rain, not so much. The first point of water entry was the bicep vents (wind-blown water), but I got a very little past the chest vents. All of the vents and the side pockets have weather-sealed zippers. The chest vents have two sets: One at the shell itself, then the sealed zipper inside the vent. The bicep vents velcro closed (the flap also folds over and velcros open for ventilation), with the sealed zipper. Here's a view of the storm closure, which also shows the waterproof chest pocket:
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231622_L.jpg
The large chest vents zip open, then the flap pulls to the center and snaps to the opposite side to give a large "scoop" for ventilation. The rear vents do the same. In practice, ventilation is very good, with the jacket being pretty comfortable (for me) up to about 90 degrees. Above 90, and I'm wearing mesh.
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231842_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231807_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231732_L.jpg
Here are views of the sleeve, with the bicep vent,
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231652_L.jpg
And the sleeve adjustablilty. The sleeve has both the zipper closure and a velcro tab (on the back, not visible) to cinch the opening up or open it up to fit under or over your gloves.
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5127_20120809231543_L.jpg
For cold weather, the jacket has a full-sleeved quilted insulated liner that zips in and secures at the end of the sleeves via velcro tabs. I think I wore the liner once. There is CE "Turtle" armor in the shoulders and elbow/forearms, as well as a perforated dual-density back protector. The elbow armor is accessed from outside the jacket, and can be adjusted up or down for best sizing/protection.
Use/flaws/disclosures: The jacket has been worn, but never abused. I kept it clean (actually just laundered) , and treated it with 303 protectant for water resistance and UV protection. If I had to guess, I'd say around 2500 total miles. No crashes, no abrasions, no holes no stains, no funk. What did happen is that one of the inner closure zippers on one of the chest vents pulled off the track and was lost. I'm sure it's repairable, but I wasn't bothered by it. The vent still works, and the main zipper seemed to keep most of the rain out.
All in all, I think it is a great jacket, comfortable, good ventilation and protection, with subdued but stylish looks. I think it will serve its next owner well.
Asking $130 shipped in the CONUS, including fees and insurance. Please PM me or post up here with any questions. My direct email is dmac at shelby dot net Thanks!