Today's excursion was some 140 miles north to Duluth to visit Aerostitch. Based on recommendations from Chris of EverydayRiding and Troubadour I stopped by to get fitted for a Roadcrafter Light. I had communicated with Aerostitch via their web site and email and they made a size recommendation but since I was going to be in the area, trying the suit on with the gear I planned on using seemed to be a much better plan. As it turns out, the recommended size would have been too short. I apparently have a long torso and short legs so I ended up getting a long and they need to shorten the legs by 4" (the maximum) above the knee. Now I just need to wait for delivery. They said maybe up to two months since they just had the pop-up store in California last weekend and got tons of orders. I was happy to hear that a lot of mods are now available for the "light" as well as the regular Roadcrafter.
The drive north was pretty uneventful though Duluth was quite a bit colder (14°F) than St. Paul. The roads were completely dry with only a little snow on the shoulders until about fifteen miles south of Duluth. Then you could see quite a bit of salt on the roads as well as traces of moisture and the fenders and doors of all of the cars were white. The rental company probably won't like that. Within the town, the snow was not cleared from the streets.
I managed to leave the store without purchasing anything else though I was kind of like a kid in a candy store. Lots of interesting stuff including lots of sale items. And no "Black Friday" crowds. In fact, I was the only customer in the store. Since they gave me a discount for coming in to the retail store, I went ahead and got the back pad and they threw in free shipping.
This post was posted using the BlogGo iPhone app.
sounds like you got a good deal RichardM, ever hear of Duluth Trading Company?
ReplyDeleteYep, Kyle orders stuff from there often. I didn't think about seeing if they have a retail outlet...
DeleteI'm glad you made the road trip to Aerostitch. I feel like a kid in a candy store there too. If you're still in St. Paul, check out Bob's Cycle Supply just a few miles north of town on Hwy 36 just a ways west of 35E. Retail store at the same as mail order prices. Plus you get to try things on and see them rather than order at hope it's what you want...
ReplyDeleteI think I blew my moto-budget for the next couple of years in one fell swoop. I had been thinking of this for quite a while after my trip to the lower-48. Having to bring two sets of riding gear plus rain gear seemed excessive. Plus, my Carhartt insulated coveralls are warmer than any parka that I have so I figured the one-piece suit would have the same benefit.
DeleteI had looked to see how much of a detour Cable was and figured that I didn't have enough time.
I wondered when you would get one of these Aerostitches. It will certainly fit your purpose perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that's the case. The old riding gear was wearing out and this stuff feels much more durable.
DeleteOoh! The holy grail. One day I will get there and order a tactical that will fit. A thousand bucks well spent. Jealous!
ReplyDeleteI almost referred to the trip north as a pilgrimage but thought that may be a bit excessive.
DeleteAwesome. I can imagine how hard it is not to stock up on other goodies while there.
ReplyDeleteNice that they can alter a Light for you. Hard part will be waiting for the delivery.
I was surprised that they would do the alteration since they say they won't in the catalog. Apparently, they'll now do most but not all of the alterations and none of the customizations.
DeleteIt's going to be a long two months.
I too am long in the torso and short in the legs, I suspect that is why my Roadcrafter fits a bit more 'snug' than my Light. I should have gone with a custom fit but I couldn't wait for a trip to Duluth or another pop-up store to come our way.
ReplyDeleteHad I been in the store, I would have walked out arms full and credit card maxed.
My question is what color did you get?
I figured that I didn't "need" anything else especially after springing for the RC with armor and the back pad.
DeleteAs far as color, same as all of the others. Grey with hi-viz panels. Not much color selection with the "Light".