Suits Is a black ‘stich a lot hotter than a lighter color?

sirbike

sirbike

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Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
892
Location
Cleveland OH
Bike
2006 ST1300A
2025 Miles
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I have all sorts of opinions and theories but I am hoping someone that has had both can compare.
I figure the biggest difference, if there is a difference, would be in stop and go very slow traffic in full sun, but that’s just a theory I have.
 
Interesting to me that a couple of Aerostich personnel say not much difference.
If I was ready to buy first time I’d pick a light color on common sense.
I am asking if someone has had both to compare to get an idea if it’s worth me replacing the R3 that I have.
 
I have a red roadcrafter and a yellow one. The red is not warmer than the other, and I've used both in bright sunlight on sunny days. This year I bought an Olympia mesh jacket that is black w/ lime green highlights, that I wear with a heavy pair of armored pants. I was very unpleasantly surprised to discover how hot the arms of the jacket are in direct sunlight on warm days. I felt the heat even when riding. The shoulders and back are not as warm. I attribute this to wearing short sleeved shirts under the mesh jacket. Aerostitch clothing is a multi layered garment, so I would think the difference would not be felt as quickly as I felt the heat on the black sleeves of the Olympia. I think on a bike like our ST's with maximal wind protection, there will be a difference. You cannot ignore common sense, and black is not a good color for conspicuity, regardless of 'Stitch's reflective strips.
 
I have found no appreciable internal temperature difference in the color of my Darien Jackets (black, blue, red & Hi-viz) over the years. I also have Darien pants in black (light & regular). To me, it's what you wear underneath the GORE-TEX shells and if the vents are open or closed.
 
google it= Dark colors absorb a lot more heat than lighter ones because they absorb more light energy. In fact, the closer to black a color is, the more heat it absorbs from light sources. If your in the snow belt the roofs that are black shed the snow quicker . Black top pavement buckles from the heat.
 
30 years in a black RC 2pc. As mentioned, the “Stich” is multi-layered. Touch its outer surface on a sunny day and it may feel warmer than a white one but that layer is not in direct contact with your skin. IMHO the effect of fabric colo(u)r is minimal in this case. GO RIDE* and shuck the jacket (and pants, BTDT) when you stop on a sunny day, regardless of colo(u)r. Oh yeah... and use a cooling vest to prevent physiological issues while remaining ATGATT. A white riding suit on a fully faired ST is of marginal conspicuity value, as is its thermal conductivity reduction. IMHO FWIW

John
* Official STOC motto.
 
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Color: Dark or bright colors keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them rather than allowing them to penetrate. That’s why these colors offer better protection than lighter shades.

Fabric matters more than color.

www.skincancer.org

Sun Protective Clothing

Your clothing shields you from harmful UV rays and remains one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer. Learn more.
www.skincancer.org www.skincancer.org
 
I have a gray with red one that shrunk.;) Bought a black with gray one almost new off ebay for 400. Both one piece.
Would I buy a black one new? No. But I don't see much difference when moving.
Back in the red one now.:)
Kevin
 
Light colors have to be washed more often. I have a HiViz jacket and needs lots of washing and now the HiVz part is fading
 
I agree with John, above. I have a black 'Stich, and it is comfy up to about 85*, as long as I am moving. It gets warm quick at a stop. HOWEVER- that's more likely from the insulating value of the suit than the color. At speed, with the vents open, it inflates to keep air moving across your skin.
My wife, who is VERY temperature sensitive ( and not afraid of telling me about any minor discomfort), is more comfy in her 'Stich jacket than in any other jacket she has had, even in warmer weather.
 
Washing destroys the street cred. The first thing you do with a new Aerostich is lay it out on the driveway and do a burnout over the back of it.
 
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