View Full Version : Clothing for Biking in Africa
Spending three weeks in SA riding from Cape Town to Namibia and Back.
Not all of it on tarmac roads.
Have been looking around for some light weight Bike clothing more suitable for hot weather but have not had a lot of joy.
Anyone got any ideas?
Spent 2 weeks out there a couple of years ago and even in my summer gear i cooked
Peter Henry
17-04-06, 05:29 PM
From a different continent maybe,but one of these might prove useful.
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1512/australian8lr.jpg (http://imageshack.us) :P
Anonymous
17-04-06, 05:30 PM
The Hein Gericke Air or Airtech range is very airy, in fact cold unless its quite hot.
I've use the pants in Thailand and Greece and even tho black were fine. I also have a Spidi mesh jacket which is too cold. Ive seen some really nice mesh ones which have zips in a windproof layer which is a good compromise.
HG also do the Tuareg summer stuff which has a lot of vents.
Personally I always worry a bit when not wearing cordura on tarmac, so going on and off road means carrying a jacket or something for me.
But I'd ask on a SA bike forum TBH or here
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=33
There are guys from SA posting there.
If you come up with anything let us know, its tricky findign a good balance for hot on/off road mixed trips :?
Peter Henry
17-04-06, 05:40 PM
ok being seriouys then :roll: What kind of material do the Dakkar boys use?
wheelnut
17-04-06, 06:06 PM
From a different continent maybe,but one of these might prove useful.
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1512/australian8lr.jpg (http://imageshack.us) :P
That reminds me of Billy Connolly with the powder blue safari suit :D
But I'd ask on a SA bike forum TBH or here
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=33
There are guys from SA posting there.
I'd agree with the good Dr. TBH :wink:
Anonymous
17-04-06, 06:11 PM
ok being seriouys then :roll: What kind of material do the Dakkar boys use?
Armour and mx gear, or enduro type stuff which never seems that light to me personally. But they dont have the tarmac issue really I guess and I suppose they go quick too so keep cool.
Oh and pos here too, lots opf the guys posting here live in hot places
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=6
hoodlum
18-04-06, 10:17 AM
The key is aclimatisation, or at least it's a large factor.
You will need one week to acclimatise to an appropriate level, whereby basic movement will not cause you to dehydrate yourself to death!
Fitness affects aclimatisation rates, so get fitter. Use a camel back water pouch and stay hydrated whilst out there. Clothing that wicks sweat away is necessary as your body relies on sweating to prevent you boiling yourself. Trouble is, armour and wicking don't really work that well together.... you should therefore come to the best compromise that suits you - how much protection v comfort do you feel happy with.
try looking for an online SA bike shop - what clothing do they sell? (not forgetting that the locals are already aclimatised!)
hoodlum
18-04-06, 10:18 AM
The key is aclimatisation, or at least it's a large factor.
You will need one week to acclimatise to an appropriate level, whereby basic movement will not cause you to dehydrate yourself to death!
Fitness affects aclimatisation rates, so get fitter. Use a camel back water pouch and stay hydrated whilst out there. Clothing that wicks sweat away is necessary as your body relies on sweating to prevent you boiling yourself. Trouble is, armour and wicking don't really work that well together.... you should therefore come to the best compromise that suits you - how much protection v comfort do you feel happy with.
try looking for an online SA bike shop - what clothing do they sell? (not forgetting that the locals are already aclimatised!)
Not had alot of joy with SA web sites
But have opted for Army surplus desert boots
will still keep loking for an ideal jacket and trousers
A well ventilated bullet proof jacket mebbe :lol:
UlsterSV
22-04-06, 10:47 AM
Aye that's more like it. I'd also suggest a bloody big knife or a similarly frightening object.
A well ventilated bullet proof jacket mebbe :lol:
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Going to South Africa not Iraq
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Biker Biggles
22-04-06, 11:12 AM
Yes South Africa.Violent crime capital of the world I hear.
I'm sure there are nice bits as well as nasty bits but some defensive capability might be quite useful.
Obviousley you have never been to SA
There are places in the UK that i would not walk the streets during the day let alone after dark.
Spent 2 weeks in and around Cape Town with no trouble from any one.
Was never refused entry to any pub or resturant even after 4 days on the road.
the country is a bikers paradise
yes there are parts that are very dodgy like Johanersburg.
Namibia is not a problem either.
Hope to be going to places like Fish river canyon the skelleton coast and lots more to boot.
UlsterSV
22-04-06, 12:19 PM
SA is a hell hole for alot of the people there. My mate's uncle recently came home after 20 years out there because things had got so bad. You obviously know what you're doing, but just take care anyway.
Anonymous
22-04-06, 01:02 PM
SA is a very popular destination and considered trouble free for independent travellers, as long as you take certain precautions...just like you do most interesting places. Put it this way the guy I sometimes use for bike travel can get hire of bikes will full cover very easily and recommends it as fine for solo travel, more so than Mexico and other popular places. Sure there's disasters there as well, I know the situation for white farmers for example is very nasty in some areas.
But you know, maybe stick to Spain where you probably WILL get you bike nicked, your luggage lifted and your wallet thieved :wink:
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