Well it's that time of year again. March.
In September 2016 I went to Motolegends and swapped (with lots of money) my baggy Hein Gericke textile suit (from around 2010, and that chap in a cap fella was most amused by my 'look' in it) for a Halvarssons Prince textile getup. As that was/will be almost 7 years ago, though only half of those years had a daily commute, I'm now contemplating an upgrade/replacement again. The drivers:
1. Boredom
2. Realising they can't handle the big rain anymore (even after re-waterproofing washes etc) I've come to carrying the lightweight "oh bugger it's raining" top and bottom to throw on, just like the Leather Boys (tm).
3. I no longer - and praise Jesus won't be again - commute daily, plus I have a car.
4. Realising things have moved on a bit, protection wise.
5. Deciding I'm wearing my current outfit for my Wales BMW off-road weekend in May, and have resigned myself to either a broken leg or a ruined suit.
Those justifications aren't necessarily in order.
Having watched the Bennetts
Bike Social interview with BKS again and then re-reading
our thread that went towards BKS, they seem to be winning in my brain.
I'm moving towards their leather suit given it still appears to offer the most protection, and given my above statement re no daily commute, it's more aligned to my nice rides and big trips usage type these days.
I have my armoured Hood jeans (and the Rokkers that apparently aren't all that anymore) and various jackets for rides to pubs/the dentist etc, so the only real drive towards getting a BKS textile would be for the risk of having to get a real job again.
I'm pretty sure there's no bad decision here, but if you got this far well done. Here's the request:
BKS still have an entry price of £2,500 ish, which I want us all to acknowledge is pretty great considering the inflation etc lately! Are there any other UK-based if not incorporated companies that similarly make highly regarded made to measure suits, in textile or leather?
From watching 44Teeth ages ago I recall them getting sponsored by RST and going there for similar but very much cheaper bespoke leathers. Much like Peugeots I have an irrational dislike of RST due to owning a cheap rubbish set as my first ever gear.
Right. Now I've pumped up the tyres and noticed I've no fuel so am about to nip out for petrol and then the dentist, wish me luck.
Any suggestions? Or shall I book a romantic weekend down BKS way?