Product report - "Under Armor"

Yesterday, I went looking for something to wear under my perforated
two-piece leathers to make them more suitable for winter use. I
wanted something that wasn't bulky, but would provide some insulation
and (most importantly) stop the wind that made it through the
perforations in my jacket and pants.

I went to a local sporting goods store and tried on some pieces made
by a company called "Under Armor". The salesperson was telling me
that it's used mostly by skiers, but football players and baseball
players use it under their uniforms, so it might be suitable for what
I needed.

It's meant to fit snugly, almost like a second skin. It's thicker
than Spandex, but not by a whole lot. I got one of the long-sleeved
turtleneck tops and a pair of the pants. They fit tight, but they're
not restrictive at all. Pretty comfortable, actually. Having the
Under Armor on made it easier to get into my jacket and pants as well.
I have a lining in my pants, but if you have unlined leather pants, I
think the Under Armor would make a HUGE difference when getting the
pants on and off.

For the ride home, my only layers were the Under Armor and my
leathers. (On the ride out to the store, I had been wearing a
sweatshirt top and an electric vest under my jacket). The weather was
about 35F, and I was riding about 70MPH with not much fairing or
windscreen protection to speak of.

The Under Armor did a great job of stopping the wind, especially the
pants. I felt a lot warmer than I would have expected, considering
that the Under Armor has almost no bulk to it. The ventilation is so
good through my perforated jacket and pants that highway travel
usually gets pretty chilly below about 65F or so if I'm just wearing a
t-shirt under the jacket. With the Under Armour, I wasn't exactly
"toasty" at 35F, but I bet 45F or 50F would have been just fine, even
for longer trips.

In short, if you're looking for a way to use a summer-weight jacket
and pants all year long, or if you're just looking for a good bottom
layer for winter riding, check out Under Armor. I'll post again after
I've worn them for a while if there are any issues with shrinking,
fading, wear, etcetera.

Scott Gardner

 

Tks for info, Scott.

btw 85degrees in Tarrant yesterday w/repeat today!

...louie

 

Grrrr.. I know what you mean. My parents are in Arlington, and my
dad was telling me about the weather yesterday when I called him. And
here I am in Norfolk, excited that it's supposed to get all the way up
to 64F today, just before it starts raining.

Still, I won't hold your weather against you - go have a nice ride if
you have the time today.

Scott Gardner

 

Sounds good, but there isn't actually any armor in them?
I am looking for a pair of those Spandex shorts with hip and tailbone
armor for wearing under my leathers.

 

"Andrew"
snip

Not sure about the ones he bought but Bohn armour
DOES exactly what you want. The URL ought to be in
the back of any American motorcycle magazine.

 

or can be found right here on reeky:
http://www.bohnarmor.com/bohnarmor/index.asp

 

Yeah they sell em at Cycle Burn. I'm gonna get me a pair this year. I
was just wondering if these were a cheaper alternative.

 

I got the "Cold Gear". As far as I can tell, there's only one layer
to it, but it feels thicker than the "Heat Gear" they had.

I don't know how well the Heat Gear wicks away sweat - it might be
more comfortable than a t-shirt under the leathers once the weather
gets hot and muggy.

Scott Gardner

 

No armour in the ones I bought, or in any of the ones I saw. Over to
the more-knowledgable people in the group for a brand name on the
armoured lycra biking shorts.

Scott

 

Yep - that's why I got the Cold Gear - to have something to wear under
my leathers instead of the heated vest and fleece top I've been
wearing.

Scott

 

Nope - It's a brand name.. not actually a product description... My wife
wears that brand under her soccer & softball uniforms... I make fun of her
for wearing her "armor" when it's not armor at all...

Rex S.