[Ursula Alusru]

Everyone here seems to know a ton about gear. Anyone have any insight into great gear that actually fits women? I’ve riding as a passenger for a long time with ill fitting, uncomfortable, hand me down, ‘this will have to do’ stuff. I’m ready for a new beginning with my new bike, I’ve got helmet and gloves covered (although I’d like more then one pair so they can dry between uses), what I’d really like is pants and a jacket that are comfortable, reasonably priced, and will, keep me safe and last a while – oh ya… and actually fit.

[ranette]

You should give us a little more specific information as to what you are looking for. Warm weather, cold weather, leather, textile, etc.

When buying stuff for my wife the one thing that always seems to reoccur is that the Italian manufacturers, specifically Dainese and Alpinestars run very small. Her textile jacket is American made, Corazzo, great stuff but not well known outside of scooter culture, small fits her perfectly. Searching for a leather jacket, the Italians strike again as she’ll need a 42 or 44 if she goes with Dainese. Much like helmets, you’ll never know for certain until you try them on.

[Ursula Alusru]

I’d like something with some armor in the shoulders/elbows/back/knees. I’m really little but way tall 5’10 130lbs, I find that all of the ladies jackets I try are too short on the torso like wise pants – if they fit around they’re too short. Men’s gear is jus too big in all the wrong places and doesn’t accommodated for hips. I’d rather have textile if I had my choice. I’m in Toronto so its hot hot hot here in the summer but will cool off in the fall.. so, warm weather but something that can take me in to the fall with layering. I have some rain gear that works pretty well – I just have to dig it out of an ex-boyfriend’s parents basement (that will be a job!). Thanks for info ranette – I will search out Corazzo, and Dainese!

[WeaponZero]

Scorpion has a nice selection of highly praised and affordable women’s gear.

[ranette]

Corazzo and Dainese, especially Dainese, run on the pricier side for gear. However we’re happy with the quality we’ve seen from them.

Since you’re tall you’ll certainly run into different issues than my wife. She’s 5’2″ and sleeves and inseams are always too long for her. I remember when looking for pants for her that one of the Icons came long and let you trim them yourself to the proper length. They are leather, and I’m not sure if that concept will work with textile pants, but here is a link for you to check out.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/2/50/2186/ITEM/Icon-Womens-Bombshell-Pants.aspx

If you were interested in leather those pants matched with the Icon Bombshell jacket, which has a retro, flat track look to it, seems to be a steal at $350 US for both pieces.

[TrialsRider]

Just north-west of Toronto there is a little town called Acton, home to no less than 3 Leather goods stores, you might find something suitable there.
You missed your chance for riding gear deals at the winter and spring Toronto bike shows, watch for it next year at the International center, right across the road from the airport.

[Ursula Alusru]

Oh TrialsRider, it’s worth the drive to Acton! You must be in the GTA? I rode our right neat there today north of Kitchener and didn’t even think about the old hide house. I did miss the bike shows, but I have a list of goodies that I want (not need) for the fall show, I went to a few years ago looking for parts with a friend. Ranette, 350$ seems like a real steal for both pieces – I love the idea of a retro track look, I wanted to stay away from logos, and roses with thorns. I find that most ladies gear is built for smaller women and when it’s scaled up its just too large. This gives me a place to start – thanks for letting me pick your brains guys.

[TrialsRider]

Went rural 15 years ago. My dad was the curator of Riverdale Zoo and the house where I grew up is still there, it’s a farm theme park now, fantastic place to live. I used to ride my enduro up and down the Don Valley green belt to avoid the DVP traffic jams ( They might shoot you if you tried that now

Trust you know about Danier Leather ? Really designed for style and not for sliding across the pavement, but leather is leather no matter how you cut it, still protects way better than cotton denim. Danier has tons of Lady styles ( not so good for Mens ) different lines for different seasons and frequently have terrific in store sales on. ( very, very hot styling

If you see a fella your height and weight with a short trimmed beard ( slightly greying ) wearing a big white cowboy hat and moccasin boots, say Hi. Even in a city of 3 million, very few match that description. ( east of Calgary that is

[Ursula Alusru]

How do you get the hat under your helmet? I rode through the valley yesterday – it was on Bayview mind you but a great part of the city none the less. I also did rush hour traffic on the DVP – such a joy. I’ll check out Danier, I really want something with armor in it, but what the hell they don’t just say ‘its worth the drive’ for nothing.

As for all the other great suggestions, this is what my research has turned up today.

I like the looks of the Dainese stuff the best however, according to their sizing chart I am:
Chest – M
Hips – XS
Waist – S
Height – off the chart, larger than the XXL
Inseam – off the chart, larger than the XXL
Sleeve length – off the chart, larger than the XXL

This is a bit of an odd combination that doesn’t exist in one single garment. Predictably, the Corazzo sizing chart is much the same. The scorpion stuff seems to be closer and they make a mens small that can be ordered in regular or TALL, there is less of a disparity in individual measurements in their chart. I called GP Bikes today and had a good chat with the friendly accessories department. They said that Joe Rocked made a ladies jacket in tall sizes last season, but has since discontinued it. On a up note they do have a ‘Diva’ line for all you plus sized women out there who I assume may have many of the same problems I have. The accessories associate also said that they have a Scorpion jacket in stock that is meant to be a 3/4 length affair and might not leave my backside exposed to traffic. I’m on a mission to try it on tomorrow.

[ranette]

We’re always screwed because it seems that everything is always too long for us, I wouldn’t have thought you’d be having as much trouble finding stuff as you are; 5’10” is tall, but it’s not like you’re 6’6″.

As much as dealing with local shops is good in every way, sometimes they just don’t have the inventory for every size and shape. I’ve always had good luck with http://www.revzilla.com, just call them up, tell them your size, the issues you’ve been having and let them come up with suggestions. At least in my opinion the sales staff there seem to be more informed than at some of the other major web retailers. They also have an excellent exchange policy if it doesn’t fit. The other way, but you’re talking about a serious investment, is to bite the bullet and have something custom made exactly to your measurements. Serious $$$ yes, but that is the type of thing you don’t replace every year, more like maybe every decade. http://www.vansonleathers.com/measure1/how%20to%20measure.htm

[skippersusie]

Cyclegear was good to me. As a first time rider, they had a woman in the store that was able to give me her perspective on my gear choices and really helped me to find the stuff that fit. They carry their own line which is a little less expensive than some of the brands listed here, if that is a factor. I’m 5’2″ and was having trouble finding stuff tha had armour and was comfortable too. The guys were also willing to help me out on my second visit, which I was really happy with. If yo live in an area they aren’t in, the do have a website and a very forgiving return policy.

Best of luck!
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