Jackets And Bibs
Tip 1 - Don’t Abuse It
Higher price doesn’t always equal durability, so pay attention to the feature set you’re getting for your money and make sure it matches your riding style and functional needs. If you understand what the product is designed to do, you can better understand its limits. The more you can protect your gear from high heat, sharp or abrasive surfaces and chemicals, the longer it will last. Modern technology is allowing textiles, threads and other outerwear materials to be stronger than ever before, resisting enormous amount of abuse. But it does have a limit.
Mountain riding outerwear designs cover a functional range between mobility and durability. When you get more of one, you lose some of the other. If you’re prone to accidents or slipping off your running boards, choose the most durable product options available as these will frequently have fabric overlays that can help protect the chassis of the garment from the occasional “oops.”
Also, keep your gear away from exhaust systems, as these pipes can exceed 1000 degrees F. The polyesters and nylons your gear is made from can melt at half that temperature. Burns and other accidental damage are not generally covered by manufacturer warranties.