Can any of you guys tell me how I will know if my leather is fitting properly? It seems tight in the arms and waist but I don't know about the shoulders.

 

It should fit comfortably w/ only one layer on (tshirt or such) so that you can wear a liner or 2nd layer if you need to. Don't know how to explain the fit but go ahead and wear it while sitting on the bike. Tuck in and see if it binds your arms or torso. Make sure you can breath deep and account for a big thanksgiving dinner. Gear doesn't do you any good if its uncomfortable and don't wear it. For your reference I'm 5'10" 160lbs and wear a 38 reg suit(dress suit). I wear a 40 jacket, sometimes a 42 if the price is right. Also, dainese and teknic seem to run a bit smaller than joe rocket and others. Make sure the sleeves are long enough when you're tucked in and reaching a little past the handlebars. Keep in mind the gauntlets on your glove must cover up to the gloves. Oh yea, sometimes armor can help fit up a loose jacket. Think if you're going to be using a back protector at all or not.

 

Well I'm 5'11 at around 140lbs . The jacket I got is a Teknic size 38. It already has some armor built into it. I'm assuming over time it will flex a little better.

 

Is it a chicane (goatskin) or lightning/etc.. (cowhide). I believe goatskin doesn't "flex" or "break in" as much as cowhide but I could be wrong. On paper, sounds like that jacket should fit you well. A 40 should as well but I think you're fine. Rubber down

 

It's a chicane. The only part I worry about breaking in is the strap around the neck because it's always pushing against my throat when I'm riding. The shoulders seem to lift off mine a little when I'm on the bike but it's not very much.

 

Oh, try some leather conditioner or the stuff they use to soften up baseball gloves. It works great b/c it sounds like once its soft you'll get good wind protection and it won't chaff. Also petroleum jelly works. Leave it overnight and so on. Clean it off w/ a little warm water wipe first.

EDIT: the shoulder thing might just be the shoulder pads. My foam inserts rotate a little bit b/c of the way it fits. I guess I have the split between the shoulder muscles so it kind of folds forwards when I tuck. The CE inserts don't do it.


[Modified by tonydatyga, 9:24 PM 11/10/2002]