Frank Thomas XTI sale/?'s

[2w05thletes]

I know some of you guys out there have the FT XTI jackets and pants. Cycle Gear has both on sale in last year's XTI I and this year's XTI II series. Big discounts as a matter of fact. So that's part of the post's reasoning. Letting everyone know.

Secondly. I REALLY want to get a leather jacket and pants. NOT a one piece though. I currently have the XTI textile and the XTI II mesh jackets. Love them both.

I need input. Do you guys like the XTI's that you have? Happy with them? Downfalls?

Reviews on CG are all great. I'm a weightlifter and have a very large chest and a small waist for my size. Every jacket I try on is super tight up top and loose in the bottom. Will the jacket break in after some use? Same with the pants, correct?

Lost of ??'s guys, thanks in advance for the responses.

 

[MikeN02]

I know some of you guys out there have the FT XTI jackets and pants. Cycle Gear has both on sale in last year's XTI I and this year's XTI II series. Big discounts as a matter of fact. So that's part of the post's reasoning. Letting everyone know.

Secondly. I REALLY want to get a leather jacket and pants. NOT a one piece though. I currently have the XTI textile and the XTI II mesh jackets. Love them both.

I need input. Do you guys like the XTI's that you have? Happy with them? Downfalls?

Reviews on CG are all great. I'm a weightlifter and have a very large chest and a small waist for my size. Every jacket I try on is super tight up top and loose in the bottom. Will the jacket break in after some use? Same with the pants, correct?

Lost of ??'s guys, thanks in advance for the responses.

All I can really say is my XTI text held me great in my high side. Leather will look better and work better yes but it gets hot but since you already have the mesh versions I guess this set is for the cooler days. I personally think my mesh pants could be better, this is my second pair traded in the first one because the strap fell apart, this time the left side pocket has a hole and if I put anything as big as a credit card in there it'll fall through and be in side the mesh net.

I'm a small build but I have broad shoulders which makes me a medium, when I rode with it on the shoulders kind of.. scrunched up.

 

[sammy56]

I have the XTI summer mesh and really like it. Light and sufficient protection for everyday riding. It would be even better for cooling if I would take out the back padding, but I like the protection (just in case).
That being said, the Cortech alternative seems a better choice now.

 

[JonKerr]

I have the XTi I leather 2 piece suit. I love it. The jacket zips to the pants and makes a very comfortable suit. The only thing I wan't really happy about was the lack of back protection. But I put an aftermarket back protector in. The leather is fairly stiff brand new but does break in nicely. I do have a fairly broad chest as well but I've also got a bit of a gut. That's actually good for you. I wear a 48 and it's a bit snug in the belly and perfect in the chest. It's perforated in the back and chest as well as in the inside of the pants. So as long as your'e moving you get great airflow. Like any leather suit, when you stop it gets a bit warm. But the protection is well worth it. I've worn mine in 100º weather.

 

[MikeN02]

The majority of jackets don't have true spine protectors. They have a flimsy foam that is a poor excuse for a spine protector so you have to go aftermarket or so just so the companies can get more money charging $60ish for a spine protector.

A jacket just protects you against road rash really, except the armors in the shoulder, and elbows.

 

[Uno979]

The majority of jackets don't have true spine protectors. They have a flimsy foam that is a poor excuse for a spine protector so you have to go aftermarket or so just so the companies can get more money charging $60ish for a spine protector.

A jacket just protects you against road rash really, except the armors in the shoulder, and elbows.

Can always get the fieldsheer armadillo body armor with an actual spine protector, pull that crap foam out of jacket and wear on top for shoulder and elbow protection.

 

[2w05thletes]

Collectively sentiments are positive. I know the protective benefits of leather...it's that initial price tag. Then again who can put a price tag on personal safety? I'm going to head down to CG and see if I can find something that fits.

How long, JohnK, would you say it took you to feel that break in happen?

 

[JonKerr]

Collectively sentiments are positive. I know the protective benefits of leather...it's that initial price tag. Then again who can put a price tag on personal safety? I'm going to head down to CG and see if I can find something that fits.

How long, JohnK, would you say it took you to feel that break in happen?

With the pants it was within a few hundred miles. The jacket, probably 1000 miles or so before it really felt nice and comfy. Not that it was super uncomfortable to begin with. But it was tight and stiff. Now it's nice and soft and moves better. The other thing to keep in mind with leather is that many times it will last more than just one get off. And if it is damaged, many times it can be repaired pretty easily. Where a textile jacket usually is good once and that's it.

 

[2w05thletes]

Thanks JohnK. I went and bought last year's XTI jacket and pants. Pants had to be ordered. I convinced them to order more than one size in the pants because they didn't have one in stock. Jacket was very snug in a M but the L was WAY too long in the arms and torso but fit well in the chest. I'll heed your advice, grabbed the M and I'll let it work itself out. Thanks again.

 

[jcbrown630]

Me likey my ft xti jacket

 

[Uno979]

I'm very interested in colder weather gear. What do you guys recommend for 35-18 degree weather? And what else is good for rain and weather up to 70*?

I have a JR mesh with optional liner ATM, no Specific pants. Also there are no twists out here for a days distance. I usually run back roads and most are straight so I see no reason for expensive race gear except knee pads when needed.

 

[2w05thletes]

I don't have any recommendations because I haven't ridden in cold weather in a long time. I am however purchasing the leather not only for protection/safety but also for cold weather. I guess the folks from :canada: would be the the wisest in this arena!