New Atlantis Suit - a few issues

chickenlegs

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Ooohh me aching knees!
Just purchased a new Atlantis suit and having second thoughts about it. Having spent an arm and two legs buying it, I am now wondering if it was the right choice. I spent a great deal of time cogitating and getting on a off bikes in the showroom, and loved it, bought it and are now using it on my daily commute.
There are two main problems that are not entirely the fault of the suit, but can perhaps be blamed on the odd shape of the wearer. Even though I have bought a long size (102), the sleeve length is just too short for me. The suit has quite open cuffs, even when zipped up, which exacerbates the short sleeve problem. An annoying cold draught flies up my arms which isn’t helped by adjusting my gloves. This ‘gaping’ seems to be an integral part of the design as the collar is also more open than I’m used to.
The second, more annoying problem is in the knee area. Getting on and off the bike and bending ones knees is a real struggle. The knee protectors are extremely stiff and restrict movement to the point where it is becoming a distraction and taking my mind off riding. The elbow protectors aren’t as bad, but still mighty stiff.
So, has anyone else suffered from these relatively minor issues with the Atlantis suit? Do owners have the same opinion as expressed by the dealership that the suit will soften and ‘bed in’ and the protectors soon become a little more compliant? If this is the case, how long should I have to wait before feeling more comfortable? Has anyone else managed to use the suit without resorting to removing the knee protectors out? (I understand that a lot of owners take the knee armour out).
I appreciate that I am being a little harsh on the suit, and this might sound like a real whinge having only worn it for a week, but you know instinctively when something is not quite what you expected and, having spent so much on it, I am beginning to feel a little sick that I have wasted my money. So some reassuring words of wisdom would be nice.
Chris
 
I have one of the older suits, the II version IIRC.

The 'gaping' hole at the neck is still there?!?! A winter buff might help with that.

Leather, its leather but they do go really nice and soft....mmmmm... as for the protectors, see if HG ones fit, they do softer protectors.

I'll admit to using the Atlantis suit only in the summer as its no good for keeping draughts etc out. Also, the gore-tex liner was removed as its uncomfortable and pointless IMHO.

I'd never buy another one, though it did save my bits and pieces during a 70mph lowside, which meant sliding along the road until I could safely get to my feet and start to running after the bike.

Oh, I bought my suit at BMF show a loooonnng time ago for less than half-price and still don't think its that great.

YMMV.
 
Thank you YMMV for the advice on the HG protectors, I might give those a go, although the Atlantis ones are incredible long and seem to go on forever.
Just out of interest, why would you "never buy another one"?
 
Love the suit, don't seem to have the same issues on my jacket size 54 with cuff size but agree re the armour, to the point where I've removed it from the arms and shoulders and replaced the back protector with the one from my previous '3'.

It's far too stiff for comfort, I'd rather 'risk' the consequences of not wearing it than suffer the pain and constant discomfort of it digging in and pressure points....wrong choice of materials IMHO...
 
I've got the atlantis 3 jacket and trousers. The jacket does have more air circulation around the neck but a nomad traveler buff keeps that out. In the summer I wear short gloves and that allows a nice cooling breeze up the arms in the winter my gloves have big cuffs that keep the draughts out. I use it all year round. It is waterproof but when it gets really cold I do wear gortex comfort two piecer over it. That does make a good combination for me. Cool in summer and warm in winter :thumb2
 
I've got the Atlantis 3 suit and I really love it as its very soft and comfy and also waterproof. I wear a textile suit in the colder weather though as it isn't warm enough.
I reckon you just need to break it in:aidan
 
It's far too stiff for comfort, I'd rather 'risk' the consequences of not wearing it than suffer the pain and constant discomfort of it digging in and pressure points....wrong choice of materials IMHO...

There are some lovely Rukka made 'Air protector' inserts (a little pricey but far more antibang for your buck than the Atlantis plain vanilla hard foam and plastic ones).

They are infinitely more wearable all day in comfort, and seem to make a good upgrade for the Atlantis suit.
 


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