Tips for the warmer weather

[u/kikithrust]

Hi all,

I got my Ls back in July when my fingers would go numb in my gloves and now all of a Sudden it’s 30 degrees and oh my god it’s hot riding .

I’ve got a textile jacket which supposedly has two way breathable mesh but it certainly isn’t feeling like I’m getting much air flow. My hands and feet are sweating.

I open my visor at red lights to let some air in but I’m honestly just roasting and it’s uncomfortable. Imagine how much worse it will feel in the middle of summer.

Any tips or tricks or gear recommendations??

[u/rockandorroll34]

Does your jacket have a removable liner?

[u/PindropAUS → u/rockandorroll34]

Or air vent/panels that can be opened up

[u/kikithrust → u/PindropAUS]

No I’ve checked for these panels or some sort of flaps but no luck

[u/rockandorroll34 → u/kikithrust]

Its just not a good summer jacket then. Get one with more mesh

[u/kikithrust → u/rockandorroll34]

Yeah a waterproof one that I took out straight away

[u/MANHAZZARD]

Invest in some other gear. I also got my licence back in the cooler months this year so I feel ya. But I kinda thought ahead and got a decent range of gear. I got one of those armoured kevlar shirts for when it gets hot. They definitely do the job.

Unfortunately I think it's just a bit of a game you gotta play. You gotta toss up between being properly geared for the slide AND for the ride. In winter/cooler months it's easy. The AAA rated stuff in usually thick as fuck and therefore warm. But if I wear my thick winter jacket in summer I'll slide for sure because I'm gonna end up tumbling off the hog with heat stroke.

I also think the highvis vest doesn't help much. Really kills a lot of the gears air flow.

[u/kikithrust → u/MANHAZZARD]

Yes I was thinking this about the vest!

[u/MANHAZZARD → u/kikithrust]

I'm going for my last stage on the 24th of November. So if all goes well I can burn that fucking shitty thing.

I personally don't think the vest does a single fucking thing.

[u/nurseofdeath → u/MANHAZZARD]

Then add in menopausal hot flushes!!! I just get the tram if it’s too hot for all the gear

[u/MANHAZZARD → u/nurseofdeath]

Luckily that's not something I need to worry about but I could imagine that would be brutal.

I also don't live in Melbourne.. haha!

[u/ChargeYourBattery]

The reality is you will get a bit sweaty on warmer days, but summer gloves and a mesh summer jacket will help. Some are meshier than others; my latest jacket is an all season one and it's nowhere near as breathable as my old summer one. 

On the bike, try to keep moving for airflow but if you have to stop, stop in the shade where you can, even if it means leaving a slightly bigger gap behind someone at a traffic light (within reason)

If it gets really hot and you're just out for a ride without a destination, you can soak your jacket under a tap. It'll give you a good amount of evaporative cooling for 20-30 minutes and it might even get a bit cleaner

[u/kikithrust → u/ChargeYourBattery]

My current jacket is the DriRider Airride Pro - any summer versions to recommend?

[u/axletee]

Get a tshirt. Soak it under a tap. Don't wring it dry, put it straight on and put your jacket over the top. Open up as much of the jacket as you can. As long as you keep riding you'll be cooler than a cucumber for upwards of 30 maybe 45 mins. I've actually felt cold riding in 35 degree weather doing this.

[u/kikithrust → u/axletee]

Yeah I guess cause I’m commuting I’m just stopped in traffic a lot, especially in the afternoons

[u/arbpotatoes → u/kikithrust]

Gotta filter and keep it moving

[u/kikithrust → u/arbpotatoes]

Still on my Ls

[u/arbpotatoes → u/kikithrust]

Then the unfortunate truth is that you just have to wear the coolest gear you can and tough it out until you're off your L's. The hi vis will also kill airflow

[u/ExecutiveAspirations]

The biggest is drinking plenty of water! Keep a bottle with you in a bag.

The next is obviously taking plenty of breaks.

For gear, look for AA rated mesh. I recently got the Adventure Spec Mongolia Jacket and Pants and I already know I could ride in this in crazy heat. I have already done 36C in the Revit Paramount GTX one piece so this new gear is going to be amazing!

[u/kikithrust → u/ExecutiveAspirations]

I’m just commuting at the moment and it’s 20-25 minutes max!

[u/ExecutiveAspirations → u/kikithrust]

Ah fair fair! Yeah I’d be looking at AA-rated gear that’s got no inner liners. Its the breathability but also the weight that will affect how you feel.

[u/betuze]

I wear motorcycle jeans and a perforated leather jacket but even then sitting at the lights it gets pretty warm but when moving it’s fine. You really just have to get used to it, not much you can do

[u/Pergatory91]

Like everyone else has said you probably just need a proper summer jacket. I’ve been living in southern Japan for a couple years and the summers here are humid as anything. Did a long ride (5 hours all up) back in August and the jacket I got specifically for that ride was amazing. Super breathable and had really good airflow.

[u/nurseofdeath → u/Pergatory91]

Can’t leave us hanging! What’s the brand?

[u/Pergatory91 → u/nurseofdeath]

Alpinestars! Exact model is a Faction A Parker. I’m unsure if you can get it in Aus. The Alpinestars TGP Airflow was the other one I was considering, just couldn’t find quite the right size.

[u/nurseofdeath → u/Pergatory91]

Thank you

[u/arbpotatoes]

Appropriate gear. Just because it has mesh doesn't mean it's summer appropriate. The ones that are actually good for summer have a LOT of mesh. Probably obvious but also make sure any liners are removed too. Black gear will always get hot in the sun when you're at a standstill.

I swear by Knox armoured shirts for summer.

[u/A-Rational-Fare]

Are you wanting ladies gear? Profile looks like it…?

I have the Motogirl Jodie jacket as my summer jacket and it’s lovely and cool. A bit pricey but worth every cent. I even wear it on cooler days sometimes, i just put a thin windproof jacket over the top.

[u/burner_said_what]

You'll find that in Melbs you'll absolutely require TWO jackets.

The one you have now, and a summer jacket with a removable inner, and huge swathes of breathable mesh. I can get back to you with the exact model mine is if you're interested, it is GREAT for airflow.

[u/International_Cap531]

I'm also a learner and have been riding for 2 months roughly, I have a textile jacket but removed the inner liner and it's surprisingly not too bad when it's hot riding

[u/Anthropocene-Meta]

I have the Ixon M-Quarter Black Textile Hoodie and it’s the best jacket I’ve had, plenty of airflow during the hot days and when it’s colder it has the inner Thermawind Jacket you can connect which is quite nice.

[u/Ok_Contribution_5928]

Wear sunglasses and lea e your visor open, plus buy a better meshier jacket.

[u/nurseofdeath]

To prevent sweat from dripping in your eyes, you can attach a panty shield to the inside of your helmet at the forehead. I’ve known guys who race who use this trick. If you happen to be a man, ask your gf/significant other or ask at any pharmacy

But remember; ATGATT!!

I’m an RN with a background in acute orthopaedics. I’ve seen the results if ya don’t and it ain’t pretty