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Racing suit vs street gear...which one is safer?

6.1K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  OldSwede  
#1 ·
Which one is safer? I know that racing suit is more aerodynamic and easy to move around, but when it comes to safety, which one is safer?

I'm asking because street gear tend to look quite bulky with all the padding and everything so I was wondering if you know the difference?
 
#2 ·
I can't imagine street gear can be safer than a full race suit. Full 1 piece leather. Hump in the back. CE2 chest, back, shoulder, elbow, knee & hip protectors. Race boots. Race gloves. Snell rated helmet.

Street gear? Bulky doesn't mean better protection.
 
#3 ·
A one-piece suit is going to offer the best protection both for impact and abrasion but the downside is its a one piece suit. Gets hot, smelly, sweaty. Can be hard to put on/take off.

The higher end of the one and two piece suits will use thinner leather and more exotic leathers to cut down on weight.

I'd say get a two-piece suit if your just doing street riding or going to social events and whatnot because then at least you can unzip the jacket and pants, take the jacket off if its hot, go to the toilet etc.

Textile gear is generally cheaper then leather, easier to move with and i think waterproof?
 
#4 ·
one piece for sure, but not that comfortable around town. Especially if you commute/run errands.
i wear a leather jacket all the time no matter how hot. for pants i have a selection, kevlar cargos(hood jeans uk), overpants, and leathers.
a two piece would be a good investment, since you can always wear the jacket. Zip the pants when you ride more aggressively.
For shoes always riding boots(a* smx-6. I have gauntlets i use to wear alot when i first started but now i use short cuff leather gloves from scorpion.
 
#6 ·
I wear 2 piece leather on the street. Daytona race boots. Take from that what you will.
 
#7 ·
In racing the question is when (not if) you crash next time. Both officials and riders want the best protection to minimize injuries. So the answer to your question is simply that racing gear is safer. But on the road we have a lot of other aspects on what gear to wear. Most racing is done at pleasant temperatures.In cold or hot weather a onepiece suit is not practical. A race is usually quite short, so you can live with rain and getting wet. A race suit does not have a lot of pockets, because when racing you don't take your wallet, keys, phone, glasses, cigarettes? and other items with you on the track. And don't forget the problem of how to use a toilet. So my personal dress on road is a two piece leather for shorter (<300 miles) trips in good weather. For longer tours I use textile, rainrepellant gear and drives more careful.
On track of course onepiece leathers.