Best commuting overalls/suit

[newboy]

I'm just about to start a new role a lot closer to home so that means I will be able to use the bike at least a good chunk of the winter and spring, what I'm interested in (as I have to wear a suit shirt and tie for work believe it or not) is a suit or coverall that allows me to wear everything bar the suit jacket and shoes and change quickly and simply at either end of the journey.
Ideally it also has some armour in it as I don't fancy bouncing down the road in January without it but the easier to get it on and off while still wearing two thirds of a three piece suit the better.

I've had a quick look at the BMW coverall and also the Aerostich Roadcrafters but I'm interesting hearing from anybody who commutes particularly.

It may be useful to bear in mind that I am a Klim 3XL (6', 52" chest and nowadays a 40" waist , so none of your slinky Italian skintight gear please


thanks in advance

Peter

 

[bisbee]

Roadcrafter one piece Used it every day over my uniform whilst at work ! Top kit comes with all the armour and will keep you dry

 

[spm0912]

Had a Roadcrafter 1 piece for years, brilliant for commuting when you can't be arsed to faff about changing at work. Also had a BMW coverall which was not as good IMHO. Road crafters can be a bit baggy round the arse but that shouldn't be a problem for you Peter

 

[newboy]

Had a Roadcrafter 1 piece for years, brilliant for commuting when you can't be arsed to faff about changing at work. Also had a BMW coverall which was not as good IMHO. Road crafters can be a bit baggy round the arse but that shouldn't be a problem for you Peter

Takes more than a toffeehammer to knock a 6" nail in Steve

 

[newboy]

Thanks both - I shall look into Roadcrafters more carefully then....

 

[Wreford Miles]

I use a BMW coverall, great bit of kit.

In warmer times I use a BMW one piece summer suit.

The heavier the gear the more chance it will spoil the line of your suit trousers

 

[Deleted account 200502001]

Id like a Roadcrafter suit, but don't like the idea of sending my measurements to USofA and hoping its the right size, could be an expensive mistake!

 

[Nyarlathotep]

I've recently bought a brand new roadcrafter one piece. Very good advice regarding sizing from them and the suit is excellent. It's certainly not a cheap option (remember import tax too) but it is the perfect suit for commuting with work clothes underneath.

 

[Deleted account 200502001]

How loose is the fit? I assume its loose enough for wearing a suit underneath, but does that mean the armour moves about?

 

[spm0912]

How loose is the fit? I assume its loose enough for wearing a suit underneath, but does that mean the armour moves about?

Think it might be a bit too restrictive with a suit jacket on, though cut is for Yanks, so generous. With shoes and jacket in top box (or left at work) it really does just take seconds to slip out of the suit and present yourself in a tidy fashion. It's well vented for the summer and with a heated jacket not too bulky for winter use. As mentioned, expensive but quality gear that will last for years. Mine got used daily for 7 years, only got rid cos it started shrinking!!

 

[Deleted account 200502001]

So is the armour a snug enough fit to be effective in an off? I always imagined that if it was then it would be too tight for trousers underneath, and crease them?

 

[seahorse]

How feasible is it to change at work? I keep a pair of trousers and shoes at work and just take a clean shirt in every day.

 

[newboy]

Not sure - for me..

I wear more than one suit per week so would need to leave lots of clothes there etc...

 

[Wreford Miles]

I don't always wear a suit, if I did I'd be tempted to find a suit carrier that slipped in the top box and put the trousers on at work.

The BMW suit feels tough but it's not as snug and armoured as a rally suit - it's all a compromise

 

[Nyarlathotep]

So is the armour a snug enough fit to be effective in an off? I always imagined that if it was then it would be too tight for trousers underneath, and crease them?

The armour is very comfortable (tf3 I think it's called) and is of the sort which hardens on impact. I don't wear a full suit (usually formal shirt and trousers) but haven't found it to cause creasing.

 

[Aidan1150]

My mate Trev has been using an Olympia one piece suit for a few years now Peter and it seems to be a great job. Link here. His is the grey/black style.

From what I have been told a 'Stitch can be quite cold but the Olympia has a removable lining for warmth.

HTH