Aerostitch Roadcrafter

[V-Tom]

Originally Posted by xrcris

Not according to Aerostich:

"either part can be worn separately." http://www.aerostich.com/jackets-pan...ter-pants.html



The zippers haven't "failed", they just leak - they've always leaked. There's nothing to fix except the design. .
...

If you like the pants otherwise you might look at getting the new waterproof zippers installed by Aerostich.

When Aerostich says the "Can be worn separately" I take the meaning to be similar to saying that a wrench "Can be" used as a hammer (at least when talking about the pants.) Sure it will work but not really the best way to use them. Having said that at least one friend of mine seems to always wear his pants separate using the suspenders.

Also I always thought that the Roadcrafter pants setup are overpants while Darien and AD1 are more separate riding pants that are not meant as overpants. That shouldn't make any difference in waterproofness and durability though.

..Tom

[Jeff B]

Going into this purchase I'm aware that some have had leakage at the crotch zipper. When seated on the bike the bunched up material can form a dam that won't let water drain out. The easiest path is now thru the zipper. Someone had told me that after awhile it become 2nd nature to pull it tight every now and then to drain.

[Jeff B]

I called Aerostitch today and told them my dilemma.

She told me that before she leaves today she will pack me a pair of pants the next size down, a bib converter to match and a smaller back armor pad for the jacket. [I ordered the beefiest armor available].

She said this way I'll have both size pants to compare at the same time. I thought that was pretty good service considering that I'll at one point possess more merchandise than I paid for.

They are also paying for all the shipping. So far I'm impressed w/the service.

[Rinty]

Jeff:

These are great suits but they are an acquired taste. Like yours, my RC pants were too big for my waist, and the Aerostich girl told me they're supposed to be that way so that you can wear layers under them. The only way you can wear the pant without the jacket is to buy the zip on bib which has the suspenders, and which may not appeal to some riders.

But the main issue I had was that I felt like the Pillsbury Doughboy wearing it, so I sent it back, no issues.

[Snowbound]

I have the two piece Roadcrafter. I wore it zipped together for awhile. Then I got the sport rider insert . Then I got the suspenders (they didn't hold up ). I had to replace a couple of zipper heads (never again , let Aerostitch do it). I got the velcro replaced locally . The top showed some shrinkage after several washings . I have the top for sale , keeping the pants ,for now.
I have a Ralley 3 suit that fits and preforms it's function . Not made to go over clothes like the Aerostich .
I also have started getting into Klim gear for offroad .
The Aerostich is a good commute to work suit (if it still fit ) .
In my humble opinion.

[xrcris]

Originally Posted by V-Tom

If you like the pants otherwise you might look at getting the new waterproof zippers installed by Aerostich.


..Tom

Thanks, just checked the website, $85 for the new zippers. Maybe next summer when I can get by with wearing jeans for a few days.

[_cy_]

Originally Posted by ph0rk

If you bought roadcrafter pants to wear as standalone riding pants on purpose, you made a mistake - the AD1s and Darien pants would have been better. The whole point of the RC (1 or 2pc) is fast in/out, hence the inner-thigh zip.

when I purchased my two piece RC... just assumed pants are designed to work separately... surprise.. not so.

needs a set of suspenders which zip nicely into pants. then pants becomes stand alone.

I've got the one piece RC too... which works better in nasty conditions especially with heated gear. much easier to run heated gear in. main drawback is ... harder to deal with one piece suit when in restaurants/stops.

[sailah]

Jeff,

I bought a 2 pc roadcrafter suit last year, used. I love the jacket, did not care for the pants due to wetnutz syndrome. So I sold the pants and bought 3 pairs of dariens to get the fit I wanted.

I like that combo much better. You are welcome to check my gear out anytime if you want to swing over, or take it for a ride.

[MotoBoss]

I've owned my one piece RC for over 10 years and with proper care (re-waterproofing) it has held up better than expected although I never have really liked the "space suit" look. I ordered the Darien pants but just don't like the "over-pant" fit. So, I bought some KLIM Traverse gear for everyday commuting and dualsport riding. It is all Gore-Tex, well vented and comfortable. Really nice technical gear and a more commentary look.
However, when I hit the road for long distance travel the RC is my go-to outfit. I just feel more secure in the one piece.

Oh yeah, a wet crotch after several hours of rain but no more than that. And always dry in "typical" thunderstorm weather.

Made in America by Americans and top notch customer service that is hard to find now-a-days.

[EvilClown]

Originally Posted by xrcris

***Inappropriate response 'upstairs'***

Think we can all try to be a bit more civilized up here?

[IndyChizzle]

I'm a big fan of a mis-matched set if you're trying to get what the OP requests. I've got a Roadcrafter jacket and a pair of Darien pants. They don't zip together, but they overlap nicely and I've never gotten wet when riding, even during 8 hour days in the rain.

I also had them ship the pants with no velcro on the leg (I wouldn't use it) and wish I had done the same thing on the jacket (haven't used it). Aerostich makes an excellent product, as long as you buy what actually fits your needs. Good luck on your search!

[Jeff B]

Hey Pete, Actually I would like to take a look-see of those Dariens.

U B round 2day?

[bob393]

I'm on my second season with a two piece, about 50,000 miles, and couldn't be happier.

99% of the time I use them zipped together and yeah the zipper is a bit tough, the large back pad has to attach to the pants not the bottom of the jacket when you re-attach the pants so it gets a bit bulky to handle while zippering but I only do it once and a while so no big deal. And as far as waterproof. So far 100% waterproof. This fall I rode through the worst rain and wind I have ever seen. Just about every car had pulled off the road and the only water I got on me was a couple of drips from between the face shield and the helmet oh and the front of my feet. The storm came on so fast in the mountains that I didn't have time to stop to put on rain boots.

Bottom line I couldn't be happier with the two piece suite!

[Jeff B]

Originally Posted by IndyChizzle

I'm a big fan of a mis-matched set if you're trying to get what the OP requests. I've got a Roadcrafter jacket and a pair of Darien pants. They don't zip together, but they overlap nicely and I've never gotten wet when riding, even during 8 hour days in the rain.

I also had them ship the pants with no velcro on the leg (I wouldn't use it) and wish I had done the same thing on the jacket (haven't used it). Aerostich makes an excellent product, as long as you buy what actually fits your needs. Good luck on your search!

Did they charge you extra for the no Velcro option? Is there an issue w/stuff sticking to it?

In looking at the Darien pants on the website, the inside looks like my Simms Goretex waders. There's no liner, and no pockets for armor. It looks like you MR. Potato head the armor [in separate sleeves] in w/sewn in Velcro strips. What does this Velcro feel like next to your skin if worn w/o any pants or long underwear? It also looks like there's no ballistic added to the knee/shin area.

[IndyChizzle]

Originally Posted by Jeff B

Did they charge you extra for the no Velcro option? Is there an issue w/stuff sticking to it?

In looking at the Darien pants on the website, the inside looks like my Simms Goretex waders. There's no liner, and no pockets for armor. It looks like you MR. Potato head the armor [in separate sleeves] in w/sewn in Velcro strips. What does this Velcro feel like next to your skin if worn w/o any pants or long underwear? It also looks like there's no ballistic added to the knee/shin area.

I just didn't like the look of the velcro, and it does tend to get wetted and soak up a little water on a long ride in the rain. It's really not a big deal either way, I just wasn't going to use it, so I didn't want it on my suit.

Regarding the armor, I don't think you'd notice the velcro with any sort of liner layer on (I typically wear mine over jeans). Against bare skin you might, but I don't think it would bother you. For me, my Aerostich pants are worn when the weather is <60 degrees. Above 60 degrees I wear some BMW Summer pants (nothing underneath except boxers).

After having done some miles in this gear, I really like the flexibility of the 2 piece, and the durability of the Darien pants. If the weather is in-between, I can always wear just the warmer Aerostich jacket (and open some vents) with my BMW Summer pants and I'm comfortable.