Riding gear??!? Good Jackets

Im am a new rider and i purchased a bike last fall, im awaiting the weather to get nice enough to ride again. Im wanting to buy a jacket to ride, but im not sure what i should be looking for, i live in michigan and though we have some nice weather it isnt always extreamly hot in the summer. Ive seen lots of mesh armored jackets but im wondering how well those would protect me in an accident as compared to a leather jacket. Is it worth it to be a little warm in having the saftey of leather If you have any suggestions that would be great!

You can always get a vented leather jacket...you know, perferated(sp?) w/ little holes. Leather will always survive better than nylon mesh.

RF

Hellow, and congrats on the new bike!
I have bin looking all
over the WEB for a new jaket se well. It depends on how much youare willing to spend, but I think that a mesh jaket with havy arme,sholder, and back protection is the best way to go...
If your conserned about the cold some manufacturers include removeble waterproof liners to help keep you worm on cold summer mornings.

Hope this helps.

hi, also go and try some on. don't let the sales staff hard sell you into one you don't feel 100% comfortable in.
ask to sit on a bike similar to yours while wearing the shackett. if $$ is an issue, check around, prices can vary
by as much as $60+. some are leather and textiled, with the removable liner. happy shopping.

x

I have a tex jacket with the removable liner. Hmmmmmm....what size do you wear?? I like the tex for summer riding, but you can't beat leather for wind protection and durability. Like someone stated, go try some on, whatever you buy, make sure you are COMFORTABLE!!! No restrictiveness (is that a word?) in arms, torso, or back.

from my experience : falling of myself and seeing the remains of crashed clothing the textile jackets/ long are great for all year round riding as they tend to be waterproof, have removeable armor and thermal inserts. If you do come off then chances are the jacket will get trashed but at the sacrifice of the jacket you can escape with a few bruises...... unless you come of big style. I try to look for a back protector or at least the option for one as they can usually be transfered from old to new. just got myself an alpine stars leather jacket but i think thats more for posing hehe the leather jackets tends to be stiffer and more comfortable when in the riding position but as they are stiffer can protect ya fromt he gravel rash a bit more. hope this helps

mat