What's everyone using? I was thinking of trying the Axo Dual sport Jacket:

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/o...+jacket+-+2009

Anyone use this? Or have any other ideas?

Also just ordered a new helmet - a Bell MX-1 in Matte black, and new Axo MX boots.. Lots of new stuff for the new season I can't wait!

 

I have a Fly enduro jacket in red and black.
I got it on clearance last year, and I really like it.
You could probably find one for about $60.
It has zippered vents (those zippers you see on the front) in front/back, and the sleeves zip off.

 

I checked these enduro style jackets.
Whilst I think they are good, I find them too hot and heavy when the trails are tight and/or the weather is warm.

I use a layered approach with mx gear under a good quality water proof jacket.

So its, thermals, armour, mx jerssy, water proof jacket.
Mix and max as required.

When its getting hot I can stuff the jacket in a bum bag and I'm still protected by the mx armour etc.
Gets cold or starts to rain, put it back on.

I see guys with the all in one jacket and man they struggle with the heat.
If they take it off then there goes the protection.

I use the same approach when touring around on the roadie.
Gives good flexability in all weather conditions.

 

The last issue of Dirt Rider magazine has a full write-up on riding jackets. It's pretty good. Rates comfort, water proofness (That has to be a made up word!) and temp range. I'd give it a look.

 

So true, neil. I have an awesome Malcolm Smith waterproof, breathable enduro jacket, but I can only wear the thing when the weather is really cool while riding some decent off road stuff like in Colorado, Utah, or serious singletrack. Just cruising dirt roads or pavement, however, is quite doable in that jacket. As neil suggests, layering with lighter garments is best...as long as you have a place to stuff the excess as things warm up.

If it's warm, I use a breathable fabric MX-style jersey with body armor over that. As things cool off, I have polypro undershirts, thicker polypro shirts, and a waterproof light 1st Gear cycle jacket. Colder than that and the Malcolm Smith enduro jacket comes out...but it's danged cold at that point.

 

neil - you bring up a good point.. I would be using this when dual sporting around my town, and I can see it getting pretty warm in the summer. I really want it as a wind breaker/kinda cold/might rain jacket..

Maybe I will look into a thinner jacket without the armor in it, and then get a new set of MX armor since my current set is pretty trashed.. Hmmmm... Thanks for the idea, I am going to have to think about this more now!

 

I use some 'Skins' as a base layer (long/short sleeve and long johns.) Then my Teknic Supervent Pro jacket, then an MX jersey (I like the Thor AC range as they have super venting,) then I add a Fox rain coat if the weather turns grim. Works very well for any weather from 5 oC to 40 oC+.

 

I got this First Gear, Kenya, jacket off of craigslist for $30. Not a mark on it.
Great for cool rides to work in the morning, Ok for the hot rides home in the summer.

 

Good set up Woz, similar to mine just different brands.

I use normal thermals in winter or skins in summer.
661 armour. Sort of a mesh with bits of plastic sewn to it.
A general open weave MX jersey. (what ever looks cool)
And an RJays waterproof jacket. ( I do like the clear Fox jacket of yours Woz)
If it's really cold I just put a T shirt on between the armour and the mx shirt.


Everything folds up nice and small except for the armour which is quite bulky.
But, I never take it off and with just that and ax MX jersey, I'm good to go in even very hot conditions.

I still think trail riding in 40oC is madness though.

 

I was at the motorcycle show a few months back and these coats were on display
http://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/jackets.asp
if I had the money at the time I would have purchased one. Very versatile coats.