Where Can I Get a Jacket?

Where is a good place to get a riding jacket? This is something that I hear a lot when out on the road, from people who ride in ski jackets or letterman’s jackets when they start to crave the protection of windproof materials and foam armor.

Proper riding gear really can make the difference between a good ride and a bad one. The materials that are used in the production of riding gear are tested and used specifically for protection against weather , crashes, or both.

Let’s start with the two main types of material: leather and textile. Both are abrasion resistant, so they will keep your skin on your body in the event of a crash. Usually textile is a little lighter and less expensive than leather.

There are a few online sources for getting riding apparel. DennisKirk.com has a very large (over 300) selection of men’s jackets and riding suits alone. Another online source for riding apparel is Leatherup.com. They have a large selection as well, of both leather and textile products. The upside of shopping for jackets online is that the prices are usually lower, as they are able to buy in bulk. Dennis Kirk even has a deal that if you spend over $100 then the shipping is on them.

The downside to ordering from an online store however is that riding gear needs to fit you a certain way. Having an experience d sales person who can help you get the right fit and show you how to adjust the straps properly will make you a more comfortable and a safer rider. A great store to check out is Cycle Gear in Salem, Ore.

Cycle Gear is a chain store, but very customer service driven. They have a price match guarantee, where they will match a price and knock off an extra 5 percent on any product that is found at a local retailer. The staff members are knowledgeable and most of them commute on motorcycles themselves. If there is something that they don’t have in the store, they will likely be able to order it. Employee Ron Davis said if they have a product at a different store, they can have it shipped to your local store. Also, if there is something on their website that you want, you can order it from the website while in the store and have it shipped directly to your house.

Getting a properly fitting jacket will keep loose material from slapping around in the wind, beating you up. Also the material of a motorcycle jacket will keep the wind out, helping to keep you warm and prevent dehydration. With a little shopping around, you will be able to find a jacket that will suit your needs and not cost you more than your tuition.