Category: General
How are my leathers supposed to fit?
Another great reader question about leathers.
“Hey, Love your site, I’m new to bikes and it’s helped me loads when picking the right gear! I just bought a set of leathers from ebay (risky for sizing but I have textiles in the same brand and they fit) the thing is the leather is really quite tight. I can get them on and zipped up but walking seems like an effort! Are they supposed to be so fitted? Or will they loosen off with use? Or should I have gone up a size?!” – Kristen
They should definitely fit very snug. If you’re having trouble walking upright, that’s probably the right fit 
Ideally, your one piece suit is fitted and designed for riding position only. It assumes that you’ll be spending most of the time on the bike. If you’re riding a sportbike, then it definitely will be more comfortable on the bike than off.
You can tell if it’s too tight if you can’t inhale/exhale comfortably, or if there’s pinching or pulling under the armpits and around the crook of your elbow and behind your knees.
A photo of you on your bike would help greatly, but it sounds like you’ve found the right fit if it’s a brand new suit and hasn’t been broken in yet. If you’re buying a set of used leathers that someone has definitely broken in, then in that case, I could see the suit not being the right size or fit.
Unfortunately, leathers are quite uncomfortable until they’re fully broken in, but hopefully after you’ve spent some time making them feel like second skin, you’ll love spending every minute in them.
Good Luck!
What do guns and motorcycles have in common?
Benny thinks more practice is definitely needed!
I’ve always thought that guns were a lot like motorcycles, that without proper education in handgun safety, they can be extremely dangerous.
Last weekend, my husband and I took a Gun Safety Training Class. (Thanks Fisher Executive Protection!) We learned basic concepts including proper storage, etiquette when around firearms and common sense attitudes about how to approach a firearm. It seems like many people underestimate the ability for a handgun to fall into the wrong hands (especially children). I felt as if they demand our respect and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
I never thought I would enjoy this whole shooting targets business, but I actually did. I also thought handguns were too dangerous and I really didn’t like the idea of having one in the home. But after having some basic training and range time using one, I’m less fearful and know that as long as you safely store and secure one, they can be perfectly safe. However, that requires a certain level of prioritizing safety over everything else. By the end of the class, I felt less intimidated and had a better understanding of how they work.
If you talk to anyone who’s enthusiastic about handguns or motorcycles, you’re going to find that we both have something very important in common; Safety. If you’re not prioritizing safety above all else when approaching either of these topics, I highly recommend rethinking your attitudes and figure out why you don’t think they demand your attention.
When most of us ride, safety (including gear) is always our #1 priority. There are of course, many exceptions with many people ignoring this key element. Unfortunately, it’s those people who make a bigger impression on non-riders. When all you see or hear are negative stories about motorcycle accidents, it’s impossible to form an objective opinion.
When we fully gear up, it really makes a strong impression on non-riders, and sends a powerful message as to how serious we take motorcycles.
Even though we don’t choose to be ambassadors for what we love to do, sometimes it happens anyway.
The Pace Podcast, Episode 99
Episode 99; Shopping with the GearChic
I give the guys my fitment tips on how to shop for your gear. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you need to know the differences between motorcycle gear shopping and casual gear shopping.
Give it a listen here.
Gift ideas for women who love motorcycles
Shopping for that special woman in your motorcycling life? Does she ride like the wind? Can she take a corner like Valentino Rossi? Does she ride as often as she can, whenever she can?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then she deserves some special holiday gifts to make her moto life even better.
I’ve listed a few ideas for stocking stuffers that are sure to impress your Moto Lady.
The Pace Motorcycle Podcast
“Stoking the fires of motorcycle awesomeness!”
I’ll be adding to that awesomeness in 2 weeks. Can’t wait to chat with these guys about the world of gear. I’m always excited to chat with new readers about what my motorcycle goals are when it comes to women, motorcycling and gear.
I’m scheduled to chat with them on Wednesday, December 7th. It’ll be ready for download on the 11th!
One of these days, I need to start my own show about gear… Hmmmm. Is that something you’d actually listen to? I’ve been thinking about putting one together that would bring industry experts to the show such as spokespersons for different brands such as Alpinestars, Dainese, REV’IT, Spidi; maybe some reader questions? I’d also want to chat about my shopping tips, fit tips, body armor and more.
Any thoughts on what you’d like to hear from a potential GearCast?