Business Meetings on Two Wheels

They're brilliant Lenny.
I wouldn't use them all the time but I'd certainly consider them for riding to meetings etc. Stick my work trousers on over the top and then my berghous pants over those. All I'll need to do is remove the berghous on arrival, which easily stuff into my lid along with my gloves and boom!
Top half would be a coat, and in this industry they're mad for high-viz warm coats anyway so biker textiles don't really stand out in that category.

[MisterTommyH]

I've tried it several ways.

On days I know I'm in the office I go in draggin jeans, a jacket and boots. Leave a spare pair of shoes in the office, but it does take away te flexibility of going to site for something that's just come up.

Tried using textiles over suits etc, when you may have to go to 2 or 3 places that could end up in 6 changes a day, which adds up if time is precious. No guarantee of somewhere under cover to change. Have been known to turn up soaked and on more than one occasion with a wet crotch.

When I'm going to a building site rather than an office I've found it to be an absolute no no.
PPE in the top box is messy (site dirt) which ruins the kit you may want to store in there, there is definitely nowhere to change and parking is often rough stone. In addition to this, if you have to pop into an office as part of the same trip you have PPE in the box, so then there's no where to store a helmet.

I also used it when the Birmingham tunnels were closed recently as it was a good way to save time, and everyone was stuck in traffic, so my excuse was 'I'm in jeans, you're late'! Still more hassle than its worth.

It's now reserved for days when it's dry, and I am determined not to leave the office, as it's a convenient excuse.

[Ch00]

Plain looking bike gear looks fine in my mind. We go to court hearings on bikes wearing shirts, tie, leather bike trousers and black boots. I think it still looks smart.

If the gear and boots are clean it goes a long way.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by TamSV

Right, let's see how much of this is tax deductible. Essential safety equipment's got to be a winner.

Good point.

I rescind my earlier statement. Completely worth getting the odd sweat on for!

I commute wearing my shirt, tie and trousers under my textiles. I leave a pair of shoes by my desk so change into when I arrive. If I need to work on a different site, I have a pair of shoes at home that I slip into my tank bag.

If I need to wear my jacket, I fold it neatly in my tank bag.

[timwilky]

Interesting thread.

My own company will not permit business travel by Motorcycle. Car or public transport/taxi only. (yet the global travel policy allows it. Just UK management won't as they cannot hire bikes) No use of personal vehicles for business allowed as too expensive.

Hmm if I take out the liner from textile trousers I should be easily able to wear suit trousers underneath.
I would have to take the jacket folded in the backpack and decide if I should take the shoes with me or just leave the boots on (underneath the trousers).
It might work...

[ChrisCurvyS]

I had to go to meet the family of a young girl who'd been killed on her 125 recently and had no alternative but to get there on the bike.

Felt like I was being really insensitive but they were absolutely great about it and it really helped break the ice.

The main problem I've had in the past is getting p*ss wet through on the way there and having loads of dripping bike gear in someone's hall or office. As much as I love bikes, it's so much easier now I've got a van I can use instead.

Originally Posted by ChrisCurvyS

The main problem I've had in the past is getting p*ss wet through on the way there and having loads of dripping bike gear in someone's hall or office. As much as I love bikes, it's so much easier now I've got a van I can use instead.

so you just dumping your wet gear in the van instead?

[TamSV]

Coming to the conclusion that bike gear is probably going to be OK in a lot of circumstances - just not MY bike gear.

Had two visits (in the car) today and brought this subject up. The metal recycling centre (for which I was overdressed) seemed relaxed about the concept - "Ah couldnae care if ye landed in the yard in a ****in' hot air balloon".

Second visit was an independent motorcycle dealer who is, to say the least, quite enthusiastic about it.

So, taking a few suggestions from here I'm going for the following;

- on days when I know I'm in the office all day it'll be textiles over normal trousers. Shoes and jacket in the top box. It means I'm normally dressed and not sitting about in bike gear all day. If I have to make an unexpected site visit it'll be no great hassle to get the gear back on and change when I get there, or not, depending on circumstances.

- for days when I've got a long trip to make, or 2 or 3 visits on the same day, a decent set of well fitting textiles and boots that are a bit more subtle than my TCX Competiziones.

- if it's snowing, horizontal rain or I need to do 200 miles on the motorway I'll be in the car.

The first part can start reasonably quickly if I get my finger out. Couple of fork seals and 2 new tyres for the Blade and we're in business.

Second part will require some saving up for decent gear (and a quick chat with the accountant on the off chance).