How waterproof is a Roadcrafter?

Bug Dr.

Bug Dr.

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2024 Yamaha FJR 1300
Ho Ho Ho! I am hoping Santa will be kind enough to bring me an Aerostich Roadcrafter this Christmas. What I was wondering is: will I still need to carry raingear with me if I am wearing the Roadcrafter? I will probably seal the zippers but will that be enough?

Thanks for the replies,
Mike
 
NO. Never carry raingear again.

Some folks will complain about crotch-leakage, but in my own case, I've never had it.

Just make sure you wash it correctly, coat it now and then, and you'll be dry as a bone.

Obviously, areas like the collar and cuffs are prone to getting water inside, but it's never happened to me.

YMMV.
 
+1 on the coat it now and then. I've been through several toad stranglers and never got a bit wet.
 
Metamorphosis said:
...will I still need to carry raingear with me if I am wearing the Roadcrafter? I will probably seal the zippers but will that be enough? Thanks for the replies,
Mike
Click to expand...

I have a one piece Roadcrafter and have never carried extra raingear.
In 99.9% of trips, it has been enough. That said, I have experienced the infamous "wet crotch" syndrome once and gotten wet elsewhere inside my 'stich once but, it was kind of a rare special circumstance. The potential for the leakage at the crotch is completely avoidable, IMHO, by just remembering to grab and fold over at the "stategic location" to eliminate the cupping of the fabric that allows water to pool to a depth enough to finally penetrate the zipper in that area.

The only time I've gotten wet from rain getting into my suit was riding in the middle lane of 3 on a bridge in metro Portland in a torential downpour while getting simultaneously passed by 2 cars throwing "rooster tails" on both sides of me!
The water was running a inch deep on the roadway and it almost knocked me off my bike it was so forceful when the cars spray hit me! Water went down the neck of my suit. That is the only time and I've ridden in a lot of rain.
The suit offers great weather and crash protection and is very versatile across a wide range of temperatures. In extreme heat I've found that I perspired to a point but, with venting slightly, not so much to completely dry out mind you, I was able to maintain a comfortable interior environment and could control the cooling effect by raising my elbows to more expose the armpit vents when necessary and yet, still avoid dehydrating myself.

I love my 'stich! I think it has been worth every penny and expect many more years of use from mine. Just follow the care instuctions on the Aerostich website for laundering and retreating to renew the durable water repellent finish, which I am about to do on mine for the first time after multiple years of use.

Good luck with Santa!
 
I carry Frogg Toggs in addition to wearing the one piece Roadcrafter. I have had wet crotch more than once thru both layers. That being said, I generally just ride thru the short burst of rain with no worries. Unless it's a frog strangler, all day, dreary day, wet ride, I don't bother with the over suit.
 
When I purchased the Roadcrafter I threw my raingear away. Cheap stuff anyway. I have been in a couple of frog stranglers and have been toasty warm and dry
 
+1 on the Roadcrafter. I used a 2-pc for 13 years without any leakage. There are several good DWR (durable water repellent) treatments including wash-in, spray-on then dry in the clothes dryer, and aerosol sprays. The Aerostich catalog shows many and the suit will come with an owner's manual to explain in detail. (How many jackets come with an owner's manual?)
 
3 years of daily year round commuting in a 1 piece 'stitch. The only time I have had a leak in the crotch has been when I failed to make sure the zipper flap was folded down at the area where your belt buckle is. That's the only spot that has leaked and only when the flap was out of place. I wash with Nikwax DWR and then spray the outside with the spray on Nikwax. I've ridden all day in light rain/drizzle and stayed dry.

I would take a close look at the 1 piece Olympia suit however. I saw one last weekend in day glo yellow and it looked pretty impressive. I wasn't in the market to buy, so I didn't give it a good look however. The lady at the counter pointed out that there was no way to run a cord for heated gear inside the suit without making a hole in it. The 'stich has zipper openings for you to reach your inside pants pockets, so I run the cords out there. But, the Oly is about 1/2 the cost of the 'stich, so definitely worth a close look.
 
AFAIK, they're not actually marketed as 100% waterproof, so if you live where it rains a lot (and you ride in it), and you don't want to test various theories about crotch leakage, buy a pair of waterproof trousers and keep them on the bike in an easily accessible location. I'm on my second two-piece 'Stich in 16 years, and that's what I do. :)

Ciao,
 
I have not carried rain gear since I have purchased the RC a few years back. I have been in some all day rain rides and been dry. I have had the wet croch once but once I noticed it I readjusted the suite in the croch area so the water would not puddle up. and all was well with the world again. Love the suit!!!!!!
 
My one piece will leak in front zipper area and I have tried everything. I now will wear a rain jacket over it. I'd get a two piece if'n I were you since doubt it would leak like the one piece does.

JDP
 
Mine is bone dry, but I try not to ride in the rain. I don't pack rain gear, I'm covered.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. It looks like the Roadcrafter is the way to go. Hopefully, I have been a good little boy this year and Santa will take note.
Thanks again,
Mike
 
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