Jackets

Every jacket I have found that I like, is discontinued.

I have found the Alpinestar Verona that I like a lot, but is discontinued. You can still find some on eBay but sparse. The Verona came in a waterproof version, and their "air" version, which is basically a lot of mesh on the outside to allow air flow.

I have found the waterproof version, which has a removable thermal liner, but has zero air flow, in my size for a great price. But I live in Arizona, it gets hot here and I'm not sure if that will be too hot even with the thermal liner removed. I like the idea of the Air version, but it does not come with a thermal liner for the few cold days we have here.

Do I buy the waterproof one and deal with the hot temps in the summer?
Buy the waterproof one now while it is cold and try to find the air version in the summer?
Or try to find the air version and deal with the cold?

Any hot weather guys have a waterproof jacket that they can comment on the temperatures?

Or try to find a different jacket with decent air flow and a removable liner? (been looking, and can't find one I like as much as the Verona)

Waterproof

You can always wear something else underneath the air jacket, especially since you say that you do not have too many cold days. I've done this in the past. You can probably find a relatively nice and cheap waffle-y type piece to wear underneath.

True, and if I could find an air now, in my size, I would get it, but can only find the waterproof one in my size for $109 shipped. Basically trying to talk myself into buying that and deal with the heat, or buy a second jacket for the summer.

ebay....Jackets4bikes, bought all my jackets from these guys, perfect fit, real leather with shoulder, elbow, and back pads, this one was my second one, got a third as well, each were 99 bucks. My current one, the liner is not removable, but on all them the pads are removable and has a zipper in place to attached the pants...

I have a Joe Rocket Superbike jacket, its also discontinued but if you can find one on ebay they are great. It is a modular jacket with a balistic nylon base, has a windproof outer shell that zips on and a waterproof inner liner that zips in. I have ridden with just the ballistic jacket at 80 degrees comfortably and at 30 degrees with all 3 parts and it has been warm enough.

So I made a trip to cycle gear today, with a friend after he picked up a Triumph Speed Triple. After trying on some jackets, I found I need a medium in alpinestar. So with knowing that, I found the Verona Air jacket I posted earlier in a medium, and decided to try that. Worst case I can wear a sweatshirt or get a liner.

[up] I love my A* jacket!

In AZ, you need 2 jackets to ride year round. Mesh or perforated leather for spring, summer and fall. Then something warm for winter or riding up north.

I wear a Motoport Kevlar mesh jacket & over pants for the majority of the year. It holds in less heat than perforated leather, especially when stopped at lights. I have a perforated Vanson, but rarely use it now that I have my Motoport.

For cooler weather, I either wear my Aerostich Darien or Vanson non-perforated jacket. My Darien is getting worn out as I bought it used over a decade ago and used it a bunch. The Gortex liner is tearing away from the shell as I have a heavy Knoxx racing back protector in it that I used for years. I just picked up a Firstgear Kilimanjaro to replace it.

I have some Firstgear over pants for really cold days. I picked up some Icon Compound leather over pants that were on clearance. I always have my mesh pants on nice spring days.

Water proof gear will kill you during the heat of summer. Its good for long trips out of the Phoenix or winter riding. But late March through mid November, its useless in Phoenix.

Thanks, I think I made the right choice. For now I'll double up on cold mornings.

I have a Buell Turbulent jacket for summer riding. It vents great so if you can find one I would go with one of those.

I live in arizona as well and have been wearing a Dainese Laguna Seca textile jacket for over a year now. With the vents open and liner out its cool enough in the summer. Its warm enough for our winters here with the liner in and a base layer underneath. Its not water proof but I love it so far.

I usually wear my Joe Rocket mesh jacket year round, but still have the leather for the freaking cold mornings

Shameless plug but, I still have a buell mesh jacket for sale/trade

Shucks, already bought a Alpinestar