Recommed me: new textile suit...

[dyzio]

Hi all.
My 2 year old cheapo' Frank Thomas kit needs replacing. I've been browsing a bit and I'm thinking about a few of Hein Gericke's
- Paddock, L120
- Journey, L240
- Travel Shelltex, L180
or would it be better to splash out on something like the TrickyIII (L300), or the Cruise (L330),

I remember Spada Circuit + Podium used to get good reviews, and the are available locally under 200 pounds.

What do you think? Or maybe you can recommend something else that's warm, waterproof (although I have a separate waterproof suit) and won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Cheers
Dyzio

[pookie]

I had a frank thomas jacket a while back and now wearing a HG cruise over winter. Its been great, very very warm and has been water proof. Find it snug.

Originally Posted by dyziowg

Hi all.
My 2 year old cheapo' Frank Thomas kit needs replacing. I've been browsing a bit and I'm thinking about a few of Hein Gericke's
- Paddock, L120
- Journey, L240
- Travel Shelltex, L180
or would it be better to splash out on something like the TrickyIII (L300), or the Cruise (L330),

I remember Spada Circuit + Podium used to get good reviews, and the are available locally under 200 pounds.

What do you think? Or maybe you can recommend something else that's warm, waterproof (although I have a separate waterproof suit) and won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Cheers
Dyzio

Now mate,

I went to buy a Cruise suit from HG but they didn't have any so bought the Jouney suit. Think I got the jacket half price because of a sale. However, it been warm and i really like it. I haven't been caught out in really heavy rain but it has turn showers and snow no problem.

Hope that helps Bunks

Oh just thought if you click on 4theride.co.uk and register you might get a money off voucher!

I've got the Tricky II kit, got it just before the III came out but the guy in the shop mentioned the II was better anyway and he resented ordering the III. I can vouch that it's nice stuff, definitely keeps you dry and I've been in torrential downpours. Only problem is the two front pockets aren't waterproof, the interior ones are. Remember not to put key fobs in the non waterproof ones! Try and find cheap Tricky II kit, it's supposed to be being phased out

[dyzio]

Cheers,
I must say, the Journey suit looks really good...
As for the Tricky, I think I'd be more tempted to buy a bit longer jacket, like the Journey/Cruise/Spada is.

[JamesMio]

My HG Textile jacket has bee great, it's the Entry Gore one but I think they've stopped making them now - maybe worth checking if there's a new version?

100% waterproof, it's never let a drop through yet in almost 2 years use (including some horrendous rain!!)

[dyzio]

Got myself the Journey kit, find it v. good apart from 1 bit - the collar... it's a bit short and wide, there's a fair gap between it and my neck and I get a wind chill on my neck/back (I have a Buffalo neck warmer, but it's about 2 years old). It's bearable when commuting but I got a cold after the last weekend :/

Any ideas what else I could use? I'm thinking a neck scarf + a new neck tube, or to wear something with a high collar or a hoodie underneath?

What do you think?

[ogden]

You should've bought the Cruise. It has a storm collar that comes right up to the lid so keeps wind and rain out. I picked up the last of the old Cruise from HG for about 350 quid over the winter but it's so good - warm, windproof and completely waterproof - I'd happily pay full whack for the new version. I know a few other people who have the new one and say it's great.

What are the textile suits like in an off, none seem to state how robust the material/seams are?

[ogden]

Originally Posted by arcdef

What are the textile suits like in an off, none seem to state how robust the material/seams are?

Textiles aren't as good as leather in an off but HG ones are quite good. A mate with one of the new Master V suits was involved in a hit-and-run a couple of months ago and ended up sliding along under his Blackbird. The outer layer abraded through but the structure held up OK.

The only real injury he had was his foot - trainers are, apparently, not adequate to stop the tarmac grinding your little toe down while trapped under a lardy bike.