Leather or textile?

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

My Frank Thomas leather trousers are looking slightly shabby after 10 years & the zips on the calf are about fecked.

I've kind of assumed I'd be better with textile trousers but then it crossed my mind that the leather ones had served me very well.

I do mainly road riding but would like to do some gentle off-roading. I do like to get changed when I get arrive at my destination & stuff the trousers into the pannier. I like the idea of light, but I also want decent protection should the worst happen. If I do go down the textile route they've got to be waterproof without the need for waterproof liners.

So should I stick with leather, or move to textile?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

BMW Atlantis....................waterproof leather

All you'll need

Best of all worlds

 

[Wapping]

Try on both, see what suits you.

There are enough secondhand textile trousers that come up for sale on UKGSer, often in very good or as new condition. at a significant discount to justify buying some new leathers and then waiting for a textile bargain.

 

[Deleted account 230818001]

It's like tyres, batteries & helmets ... .. whichever compromise suits you sir !

 

[Schtum]

So should I stick with leather, or move to textile?

Both - a man needs more than one pair of motorcycling trousers. In fact, I think four pairs is the optimum number.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

I switched from leather to textile and on the whole i am glad i did but i noticed that wheras the leather troos gave my arse some extra padding the Klim ones dont. This caused much discomfort in the nether parts which was only solved by spending on a sargent seat !

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

I switched from leather to textile and on the whole i am glad i did but i noticed that wheras the leather troos gave my arse some extra padding the Klim ones dont. This caused much discomfort in the nether parts which was only solved by spending on a sargent seat !

That's a very good point that I had entirely overlooked. Thanx.

This aside the general concensus seems to be either/both.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

The only other downside i had to leather was having to keep stopping and putting waterproofs on. now with the Klim stuff i am unstoppable !!

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

The only other downside i had to leather was having to keep stopping and putting waterproofs on. now with the Klim stuff i am unstoppable !!

Not with these ones - no need for waterproofs as the leather is 100% waterproof

BMW Atlantis....................waterproof leather

All you'll need

Best of all worlds

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Not with these ones - no need for waterproofs as the leather is 100% waterproof

I agree but do they soak water up without letting it through to skin like the twat suit does so when you stop for refreshment all you do is stand and drip ? if not then the best of both worlds truly !

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

To be fair I've never bothered with waterproof overtrousers with my current leathers. I suppose the 2 RTs I had did a good job of keeping a lot of the rain clear of my pipe cleaners. As opposed the GSA that seems to spray as much shite as possible onto them from every angle.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Leather offers the best protection.

Quality textile gear offers almost as much protection as leather, is more comfy to wear and can be cooler to wear in the summer. Also easier/more comfortable to layer up for winter use because of the fit compared to leathers.

For gentle off roading either is fine but textiles can be chucked in the washing machine when they get muddy. Anything more than gentle off roading you want textile really, leather will be too hot/restrictive.

All IMHO of course

Andres

 

[tallchris99]

Leather trousers and cordura jacket for me.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I agree but do they soak water up without letting it through to skin like the twat suit does so when you stop for refreshment all you do is stand and drip ? if not then the best of both worlds truly !

No ..........it just runs off as they're proofed

They may get a bit moist, but not wet through

 

[Fluffmeister]

I use my textiles in Winter (Rukka Pablo and Rukka something or other pants) with a knox safety vest thing, and in Summer wheel out my old one piece crowtrees, which are a pain as a one piece, but they are super comfy and feel indestructible even though they are now 11 years or so old and have been down the road a couple of times.

I look a right chomper on a GSA in one piece leathers, but don't care. I like the sound of the Atlantis Suit, and need to keep an eye on the Second Hand market for one.

 

[Wapping]

Both - a man needs more than one pair of motorcycling trousers. In fact, I think four pairs is the optimum number.

The voice of wisdom.

Indeed the wealth of Scotland lies in their people... And apparently in their wallets.

 

[pieterv]

I switched from leather to textile and on the whole i am glad i did but i noticed that wheras the leather troos gave my arse some extra padding the Klim ones dont. This caused much discomfort in the nether parts which was only solved by spending on a sargent seat !

Rev It Everest (and maybe others) have some padding, a bit like cycling shorts but less.

 

[Nutty]

I've only ever had textile, but is leather warmer or colder this time of year?

 

[sethmopp]

The voice of wisdom.

Indeed the wealth of Scotland lies in their people... And apparently in their wallets.

And hidden in their mattresses