Real test for both Spyder and Thermosuit today

[Rokonman]

Today I was asked to work 1st shift. At 6:30 am this morning it was cold, 31 degrees before you figure in wind chill. I put on all my winter gear and off I went. When I left for home at 3:30pm this afternoon, it was mid 30's but with mixed snow and rain and sleet. Now this would be a test. Would I stay WARM and DRY and SAFE? I have to tell you, both the suit and the Spyder performed magnificently. I was quite comfortable riding as far as warmth went. I was completely dry when I got home and the suit had the rain and snow just beading up and falling off, it is dry already. The Spyder handled admirably. It never skidded or slipped or anything. My biggest worry was the other drivers, the first slippery day is always the worst. Everyone seems to forget how to drive in bad weather. Granted, if there was any accumulation or icing up, I wouldn't want to take my chances, but I think today gave me a pretty good taste of how far I will be able to push it through the winter depending on driving conditions. As long as the forecast doesn't call for accumulation or freezing rain and ice or if the roads are dry, we will be riding. When the sub zero temps sneak in, I may have to think it over at that time but I'll let you all know.

By the way, I hear they really got hit in the east with snow, time to get out the spyder cousin and start snowmobiling on a skido.

I had a similar day Monday here in Pittsburgh. Put on the 12V Jacket, full-face helmet, and gloves with Aerostich and all was superb. All I had to do was adjust the control to comfort and all is well. I don't think there is any temp down to 10 degrees that would be a problem as far as staying warm. The heated gear is not cheap but when you need it, it worth every penny

 

[Sopher]

I found several ways to help stay warm up here in the North East (outside of Boston);
Compression type running pants under my clothes or Snow pants (Colulmbia Titanium)
The only issue so far... boots. My heavier boots make shifting much more difficult. So does the heavier Spyder brand gloves. Cheaper snow gloves work OK.

Plus I keep forgetting a my neck gaitor.

 

[bjt]

Plus I keep forgetting a my neck gaitor.

I need to find one of those too. I have an $8 balaclava that the dealer threw in when I first picked up my spyder and it works pretty good but a neck gaitor would make it perfect. Probably as good as the turtlefur thing that dltang has.

 

[Smylinacha]

You know, I have done donuts with an ambulance, now that is kind of a rush....

Now I'd like to ride w/ you in the ambulance when you do those!:clap:

 

[SpyderGirl]

Deb, what sort of gear were you wearing? I need something to keep me warm to down about around 35 or 40 degrees considering that is usually as cold as it gets here. I am good with what I got down to 50 degrees. Today, we just got our first real rain here since about April.

 

[dltang]

Deb, what sort of gear were you wearing? I need something to keep me warm to down about around 35 or 40 degrees considering that is usually as cold as it gets here. I am good with what I got down to 50 degrees. Today, we just got our first real rain here since about April.

Here is the thread on the gear I have http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7180

It seems a number of folks have purchased this suit and so far everyone is very happy with it. Here is the site directly http://www.motosport.com/street/product/FIRSTGEAR-THERMO-1PIECE-SUIT/?prodId=508379&nav=&sMMY Every so often they have a one day sale and the suit is half price. Even at full price $144.00 for what this is, isn't too bad. I also wear one of these Turtle Fur Balaclava's that I got from the local bike shop. Mine is red of course.

It cost me $14.00. It keeps the wind from coming up inside my helmet and keeps my neck warm. I do have to loosen my chin strap just a bit and make a conscious effort to turn my head to see both ways, but it sure keeps me warm. I also have an Olympia leather winter glove.

They work fairly well but coming home the other night with the temps down in the high 20's my fingers did get cold. Time to seriously consider the electric gloves.

I hope all this information helps, happy riding and stay warm and safe.

 

[dltang]

By the way Spydergirl, welcome to spyderlovers. Glad to have you here, your input will be wonderful.

 

[SpyderGirl]

Thanks Deb, I have two of those things already... the gloves and the balaclava. Sounds like I'm doing alright. I have the Bikers Comfort in Action thermal underwwear on my wish list to Santa (my hubby) for Christmas.

And thanks for the welcome, I've been a member over here for a while, I just spend most of my time over at SpyderTalk.

 

[frleo]

Check this out Brian, it's where I got mine.

http://www.duluthtrading.com/search...gaiter&p_origin=Home_gift08&processor=content

---leo---