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View Full Version : time for new leathers - one piece or two?


jtemple
11-28-2009, 12:02 PM
I'm going to get an Alpinestars RC-1 suit. I'm trying to decide if I want a one piece or two piece.

I really have on interest in wearing the jacket without the pants. I have a regular jacket for that.

I'm just trying to decide if I want the ability to separate the two pieces at stops or whatever.

My old suit is a Joe Rocket GPX two piece. I never really found myself separating the pieces, except for when I took it off.

I'm kind of wondering how hard it is to take the suit off after I spend the day sweating in it. :)

TYEster
11-28-2009, 12:05 PM
Try getting in n out of your suit without taking it apart.

If you can do it by yourself(and if it's appropriately sized) then get the 1 piece. Otherwise stick to the 2 and have the convenience of easy removal.

skiergirl
11-28-2009, 12:07 PM
I have a 2 piece and see no issues with it. As long as it's a quality suit and the zipper won't tear apart on impact there no reason to 'need' a 1 piece it's your choice.

Under-armor is a must though in the summer - if you wear nothing under your leathers they will stick like crazy to any exposed skin. Long sleeved and full length pants under-armor is a must.

tached1000rr
11-28-2009, 12:10 PM
For mainly street riding with an occasional track day I'd go 2 piece

If I did just only track then I would consider a one piece

Cutty72
11-28-2009, 12:51 PM
For mainly street riding with an occasional track day I'd go 2 piece

If I did just only track then I would consider a one piece

I agree.

Also agree on the underarmor. When it's cooler, I wear cold gear, warmer, heat gear.

It's the cat's meow!

jtemple
11-28-2009, 12:58 PM
I had good experience with my JR 2-Piece, so I went with the 2-Piece. My only hangup was with the waist zipper. Just looking at the photos, the zipper on the AStars suits looks a little weaker. But hey, I'm no GP racer.

I usually wear some boxer briefs and a t-shirt under my leathers, but I think I might take your advice and go underarmour shopping. That junk is expensive, but I suppose if I only have to buy 1 set, no big deal.

Cutty72
11-28-2009, 12:59 PM
I had good experience with my JR 2-Piece, so I went with the 2-Piece. My only hangup was with the waist zipper. Just looking at the photos, the zipper on the AStars suits looks a little weaker. But hey, I'm no GP racer.

I usually wear some boxer briefs and a t-shirt under my leathers, but I think I might take your advice and go underarmour shopping. That junk is expensive, but I suppose if I only have to buy 1 set, no big deal.

You can find the cold gear for about $80 regular price for the set.
Heat gear is a little cheaper. Check for sales, I got my last set for $50. :rockwoot:

No Worries
11-28-2009, 01:14 PM
I have four jackets and three pairs of pants. I mix and match for weather conditions, high altitude, fast or slow, and depending if I am going to be walking around afterward. My winter jacket is kind of loose so I have more room for putting different sweaters underneath. Yeah, even with the liner. And I have mesh jacket and pants for the really warm days. So I would go with a two-piece.

Homeslice
11-28-2009, 01:21 PM
If you never separated your old 2-piece, don't buy another. 1-piece are more comfortable IMO, because they don't have that thick waistband.

Ninjakel
11-28-2009, 02:24 PM
1 piece. I've had both, and I prefer the 1 piece, for the same reason homeslice mentioned.

HokieDNA01
11-28-2009, 03:36 PM
you can buy underarmor-like pants/shirt from Walmart and the stuff is great. I have had my walmart shirts for well over a year and wear them everytime I ride. I think they are like $10 for a long sleeve shirt. I wish they made full length pants though. I have the shorts and they work great as compression pants for long rides. I think they are now made by Starter

jtemple
11-28-2009, 08:30 PM
you can buy underarmor-like pants/shirt from Walmart and the stuff is great. I have had my walmart shirts for well over a year and wear them everytime I ride. I think they are like $10 for a long sleeve shirt. I wish they made full length pants though. I have the shorts and they work great as compression pants for long rides. I think they are now made by StarterI have some of those, but I find them kind of itchy feeling. They aren't terrible, though.

acalliste
11-28-2009, 08:39 PM
The knock-off under armor-like stuff I had didn't wick all that well. It was like wearing a plastic bag in hot weather. So I kept dropping by Sport Authority until I caught some real under-armor on sale/clearance and got a few pieces each of heat and cold gear. IMO, it's one of those things you can't really skimp on.

Regarding 1-piece vs 2-piece suits, I've had both and find 1-piece to be more comfortable. I never separated the 2-piece between sessions at the track or on gas stops during street riding, because getting them zipped back together again was not a one person job, unless I took the suit off.

racedoll
11-28-2009, 09:43 PM
I like my 1 piece better than the 2 piece but it sounds like you made a decision already. As long as it is what you want, that is all that matters.

I got another pair of under amour tights yesterday for $40 ($10 off). My tops I usually get off the clearance rack.

Homeslice
11-28-2009, 10:09 PM
www.zyflex.com sells underarmor equivalent, for less

HokieDNA01
11-28-2009, 10:17 PM
Strange cause the underarmor equiv. I bought works great. I actually get cold if it is any less than 70 degrees in it. I wicks great and I often wet it just to get the cooling effect.

marko138
11-28-2009, 10:20 PM
I wear the Wal-mart shit. It works. I have a lot of trouble getting in and out of my leathers without it.

jtemple
11-29-2009, 10:32 AM
I'm sending the wife after some of the Starter knock-offs today. The knock-offs I had before were called "Athletic Works". I still have 2 pairs of the shorts.

If the Starters don't feel good, I'll just return them.

Does anyone know if Starter makes the cold gear version? I don't see it on Walmart.com.

HokieDNA01
11-29-2009, 10:55 AM
What I have was "athletic works". I just saw the Starter stuff on their website and it looks identical.

was92v
11-29-2009, 11:36 AM
Having owned nothing but one piece suits since 91', I wish I had a 2-piece suit for street riding. I prefer a one piece for riding but being able to disconnect the top at lunch stops would be really nice.

acalliste
11-29-2009, 02:44 PM
Strange cause the underarmor equiv. I bought works great. I actually get cold if it is any less than 70 degrees in it. I wicks great and I often wet it just to get the cooling effect.



It could be because I am a lot older than you and I am starting to get hot-flashes. :lol:

HokieDNA01
11-30-2009, 01:08 AM
I'm not that much of a spring chicken. I'm offically in my "bobcat" years (not quite a cougar, 31 a week from today)

t-homo
11-30-2009, 01:28 AM
1 piece and real underarmour.

acalliste
11-30-2009, 08:28 AM
I'm not that much of a spring chicken. I'm offically in my "bobcat" years (not quite a cougar, 31 a week from today)


You are just getting into the best part of your life! I had the most fun doing all kinds of naughty stuff from about 32 - 38. I'm about to turn 43 and still recovering from those years. :D