I have had an offer from my dad to pay for my leathers, custom made or not. I have looked at a few leathers, which are either too big… tried some in my size which are still moving around… and try kiddies sizes on advice from Abbey J and in certain bits, it feels too tight…
I am a petite size 6, about 5"3 (162 cms).
a) Is it better to get custom made leathers?
b) Where is it best to do this? (sooo many names have been thrown around)
c) Is it best to get a full suit or the two bit thingy?
Think about the riding you’ll be doing when you get on two wheels. 1 piece suits in a race cut can look good however are they practical (around town) for the riding you’ll be doing? if you went for a 2 piece suit then at least you could zip them together if you needed. Indeed a simple Leater Jeans and jacket combo might be more your thing…
Made to measure is a good option if you’re keen for a good fit and are having trouble finding what you want - Crowtree are a reasonable price and score well in media tests and BKS whilst expensive make kit for police etc…Also a lot of made to measure companies have some form of repair / back -up service available. You can also make it how you want it and it will be unique to you.
I’m sure people on here have got made to measure suits of some type or another and will give you an idea on costs as well as quality as well as the best features to include in your.
I suggest 2 part leathers for road riding, its blasted awkward sitting around in pubs etc in one piece leathers. As for custom making leathers, it is always good to have some that fit you exactly, it would be helpful to know how much you are willing to pay though? I get my leathers from MJK and I think that they are great, they have been crash tested at high speed and have alwways done the job. They do made to measure and choices of designs and colours, basically, you design your own colour scheme.
I’d read somewhere that 2-piece leathers best for road use, 1 piece for the track. Couldn’t remember the full reasoning behind this but something to do with if you have an accident.
I agree with Chuffster here. Having had two made to measure suits I have found them to be superb. However I did make a big mistake.Never go ahead and design your own colour scheme thinking you know better than everybody else as you cant change it once made.( And in my case I had to live with it for a long time looking like a plonker!)
My last suit was BKS which has been great and if I have to fall off then this is the suit I would like to be in although from memory they are a bit pricey. They used to be based in Devon which is a bit of a schleck to get to, but a good ride in this weather.
Just bought a new set from MJK while my previous ones are being repaired. They cost around £750 to over the grand depending on style and design. Very helpful and friendly service, Graham who runs the outlet is a top bloke and will completely help you with style, size and design. Based just off the M1, its not too bad to get to.
I hardley ever wear my race suit and hence got my self a two peice suit, its a right pain in the a#se when you stop at a pub/cafe etc and cant take the jacket off, two peice is the way to go for road riding imho
Yeah made to measure is the way to go if you’ve got the cash. BKS are seen as the best but seem to be about the £1400 mark (gulp).
My Scott Leathers are great although can’t argue with Chuffster re the MJK ones, Scott’s are in Co Durham which is a hike while MJK are much nearer.
Two piece suits are much more convenient for road riding, if only 'cause they have pockets in 'em. Ever seem a one piece with pockets? Nope.
I would check if MJK would do a two piece, although buying off the peg at least lets you buy different sizes from the jacket to the trousers if needed. I’d try Hein Gericke first as they have a women’s range, and certainly head up to the GirlieBikerShop place near Stevenage.
Yeah mine does too, a little one on the inside that is a struggle to use. I was thinking more like big external pockets for disc locks, tissues, keys, wallets/purses, ear plugs and other detritus.
but if MJK do a two piece, that could be the way to go.
My wolf 2 piece was MTM (well they altered a std design), however i’ve lost weight since i was measured so it’s now a bit loose in places, Wolf are cheaper than BKS etc, but you get what you pay for…
Ditto everything Chuffster said, but with nobs on.
Designed my 2 piece MJK leathers myself. Didn’t really like the standard stuff so took a week with trial n error pictures that I’d crayoned in. You have to be really sure once you got your design that you’ll be happy with them as they’ll prolly last a good 7 to 10 yrs.
Had mine 6 yrs now and still very happy. Made to measure is the way to go, you can’t always get a correct fit off the peg. as for pockets, don’t. I know someone who came off and broke three ribs when his fat wallet dug into his chest on a get off. Having said that I have one chest pocket but only carry paper money or ear plugs.
Chat with Chuffster or me if you see us at the Cubana next about our opinions of MJK leathers.When I had mine done I did consider BKS but they were twice the cost for exactly the same spec. A lot of my friends who race bikes also told me to go MJK. You can’t get much better recommendation than that.
As Andrew said, try the GirlsBike2 shop, as they’ve got loads in the non-standard sizes. Failing that, you might want to try to track down Pixie, as she’s looked into this before.
without being rude… maybe worth give www.babybiker.co.uk a call, yes I know they do kids bike gear, but if they can’t supply themselves they may be able to point you in the direction of someone who does smaller womens sizes…
They get a lot of their stuff specially made for them, so might be worth your while checking their website. They have some stuff there in size 6, so have a look, but it is a limited choice. Your best bet seems to be custom made, but as Daddy’s paying, might as well. As somebody already said you can expect to spend about a grand, whereas buying them separately, you’d be looking at £400-500.
Hideout leathers in Saffron Walden make a fab suit that has two zips up the front, because of this feature they are very flattering to our wonderful womens bodies!!!
on advice from Abbey J and in certain bits, it feels too tight…
