I'm 6'3 but I only weigh 175. The problem is that the Spidi leathers i currently own are way too loose especially now that i've lost weight. Does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes off the rack leathers that would fit me better. Ideally i would like to buy some Vansons but $1500 is a little out of my price range right now. On a related note, if you order a custom set of Vansons how long does it take for them to get delivered?
Brian:
Instead of purchasing new leathers, have yours tailored instead. I don't know of anyone in NC, but if all else fails, you could ship them to WI to Spyder Leatherworks. Alexa does a great job. She's on the board as spyderchick.
Dawn :)
hhmmm thats a possibility. Can she really take about 4 inches out of the waist without causing any structural problems?
Quotehhmmm thats a possibility. Can she really take about 4 inches out of the waist without causing any structural problems?
I do believe so. I have e-mailed her number to you.
Dawn :)
thanks
Brian..
i'm in the same boat as you, except at the exact opposite end of the spectrum... try being 5'1 and a hipsy 130 lbs... ;) even worse, try looking for racing boots in a woman's size 5 or riding gloves in a child's small....or a bike for that matter... not an easy task :) ;D
-jen
Dawn, thanks for the kudos. And yes Brian, I can take 4 inches out of the waist for you if you like. I've been doing alterations on leathers for about 6 years now. I have an industrial leather machine for all of the work, and I use industrial grade thread, the same as the leather industry. The problem with fixing problems long distance is that it might not be as accurate as if I were to see "in person" where all of the alterations would be made, resulting in the best fit.
As far as ordering custom Vansons. First, thay make an excellent product. Shipping time depends on how busy they are, could be 6 weeks, could be 12 weeks.
They have a very thorough measuring system. They have built in "cross checking" formulae that works very nicely. You will need to get a kit from Vanson or a local dealer. You cannot do these measurements by yourself. If you can have a professional seamstress do them, all the better. It's a tedious process, but well worth the results.
How long would it take you to do the alterations? How much do you charge? what measurements do you need? also its a two-piece suit if that makes any difference.
i have used barnacle bill in kentucky with excellent results. nothing against ms. spyder.
www.racingleather.com is his website. nice guy, good prices. good work. he can repair or alter most anything.
Give me a call..i am a Vanson dealer and i have a great racer program that would include them in it... 706-236-9338
And Vanson Leathers stand up better than anything else. You can take them out and punish them, and you'll be protected where the others just fall apart.
I still have my Vanson's from 1994. I've worn them, allowed others to use them, etc. They just keep going.
QuoteI still have my Vanson's from 1994. I've worn them, allowed others to use them, etc. They just keep going.
Are those the one's that Riebe wears? I thought they were from 1964... ;D
Yeah, 1994.
When they were new...
http://groups.msn.com/VisionsportsRidingSchools/racingwithsuperdave.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=14
Fell down at 130MPH at Daytona that week.
And I wore them through 1998. They got a re-dye in 1997. They are...um...weathered?
Seasoned! That's a nicer word, right? LOL! (Hammered! LOL!)
But, even with their age and the abuse they've been through, I'd rather wear them than something else not made by Vanson.
QuoteSeasoned! That's a nicer word, right? LOL! (Hammered! LOL!)
Dave:
I don't know if 'seasoned' is the right word either. Those leathers look like my coveralls after I got done cleaning the barn! ;)
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sliderphoto.com%2Fimages%2F051802%2Fimages%2Fdsc_5921.jpg&hash=f79a2d74daac11f31e179ec8809cb8e7062614cc)
I think Riebe needs to get in touch with Alexa so she can at least clean them up.
Dawn :)
I don't clean 'em, just repair 'em. Besides, they have character ;)
QuoteI don't clean 'em, just repair 'em. Besides, they have character ;)
I would have loved to tried that on my mom.... "Mom, my coveralls aren't dirty, they just have character." Somehow I don't think that would have gotten me beyond the entrance to the house. ;D
Dawn :)
Mike will have a new set of Vanson Leathers this year ;D.
And I'll have my beautiful leathers back...(Love only a mother would know.... ;D)
Dainese leathers off the rack are cut slimmer than say Teknic. I am 6' 176-180 and a Dainese 54 is tight like it should be. My older Teknic 54 is baggy in the ass and gut. :P
I gotta say spyderchick did an awesome job on my leathers. Last year a bought my leathers new, off the rack and of course they didn't fit right at all. But, after Alexa got through with them they feel like a set of custom leathers at a very reasonable price. My knee protection actually goes over my knees now and I can tuck my leathers into my boots. Plus she did a great job with the sponsor patch work and custom name patch on the back and front of the leathers. I would recommend her services to anyone who wants to alter their leathers or to have that custom name job done. Thanks Spyder LeatherWork!
check them out at http://www.didimaoracing.com/leatherrepair.htm
Well gee, now I'm blushing. :D Thank you for your kind words. That's my philosophy, make the customer happy. I'm pleased that you're so stoked about the work.
P.S. visit www.didimaoracing.com to see Tony's website.