san2000

I think that most of the top brandes are pretty much of the same standard. Fit is quite important though; gloves and helmet in particular.

I've got Arlenness 2 piece leathers, and I recently bought 2 piece textile Hein Gericke stuff for commuting. They have 5 year guarantees too. Sidi boots, Alpinestars gloves, Knox back protector (to wear with the leathers) and a Shoei helmet. With the helmets, just check they have the gold standard sticker on them, or at least EU approved, and you'll be fine whatever the make. The fit is the important thing, as well as making sure they have a washable inner lining.

I need to get some inners for my gloves now as I am close to having gangrene everytime I do a commute.

The bike looks nice, Craig. I need to get a dark colour on my next bike.

euan

That's my preferred combination just now.

I will get some 2 piece leathers at some point, but not until I lose weight - danger of looking like this if you have a pot belly and wear full leathers



I have textile trousers with a zip out thermal liner - I can wear them over jeans when it's wet, and eventually over my leather trousers (see weight loss point above )

My HG textiles kept me pretty dry on a very wet 100 miles a few weks back from Pitlochry to Moray, so I am happy with them.

Can't complain about Hein Gericke gear so far - good value IMHO.

I'd say go for a decent name and check review on forums, mags to check for any particular waterproofing/crash durability/quality issues, then try on stuff - you can't afford to get distracted by uncomfortable gear on a bike.

If you are going to get a back protector (as I was recommended on here recently to do, and now have) make sure your gear is big enough to take one underneath.
I also went for a jacket that was a lighter colour, although I have a hi-viz anyway.

Paper Lawyer

I've read some good reviews of HG stuff today However, one RIDE review of leather jackets worried me as there was such a disparity between leather jackets regarding burst strength etc - an Alpinestar jacket got a real panning, for instance.

I'll have all the body armour - I'm paranoid about getting knocked off the bike. Commuting all year round on my MTB means no stupid driving amazes me these days.

Paper Lawyer

OK guys, had a response from the seller to this email:

"Hi Simon, that's a very nice bike and I would be interested in looking over the bike before the auction end (I work in Birmngham). Could you answer a few preliminary questions:
(a)You mention that the bike has not been dropped or raced. Does the bike have any damage, scratches or blemishes at all? Any mechanical niggles?
(b) Is it a UK bike or import?

eSeM

Probably not a problem ...... on a CBR 600.

If you were to buy it the first thing to do is get is serviced. Cost should be

san2000

300 miles in the last year?
I did that last weekend.

May have been used for track only....check the sides of the tyres to look for excess wear. Mine had this, and although not necessarily a problem, it may be something to bear in mind.

san2000

Any advice on inners for my gloves in terms of make?

Paper Lawyer

He says in his ad that he's not tracked it. How can I knock

eSeM

The guy says he has it advertised elswhere .....

If he has no bids before you go see the bike I am sure he will be more than happy to da a deal.

Paper Lawyer

dropped him an email to ask for an opportunity to check over the bike on Sunday morning I won't have insurance so I can't ride it, but I can over it and do the checks you've recommended and those in Bike Trader.