It sucks since Road Rider went away... best bet is to buy the under armor gear first, before leathers. This way you can try the leathers on WITH the under gear on. Cycle Gear is pretty much the only show in town that isn't a brand store.
I have had custom leathers made and off the shelf ones too. If you are a standard body shape/size, you might find off the shelf works. Just know that the more high end, molded body panels the leathers are the more that the leathers might be one time use only... meaning you will never be able to repair them or if you can you will need to send them back to Italy or something. My suggestion would be, just like motorcycles, go with a brand that offers good local services and support. For me, I have a Dainese main store right near me so they will send out my leathers for repairs if I need them.
I use Under Armour long sleeve and tights for both winter and summer riding. Field Armour is great, but just like boots you may be locked to use whatever is designed for the leathers depending on which line you go with. For instance the highest end Dainese require you to use their boots and their back protectors... some leathers are over the boot and some are inside the boot. When you put on all the gear, try to get into tuck position and see how it all feels. Just note that leather will break in an stretch a little, that and tight leathers slide while loose catch and cause you to flip. I don't think all the padding in the world is gone to protect you from a bad crash, especially on the street... so take reasonable precautions by wearing leather and don't take unreasonable risks to where you get to find out how good your gear is. As I got faster on the track, my street speed became my cruising speed. So while I may be dragging knee on the street, I am literally only at 66% or less of my potential. 64 Degree Racing makes some purpose built compression suits as well that look damn nice 64degreeracing.com; I know more than a few track junkies that use his gear.
A helmet is just a brain bucket, so whatever that fits and you like is good enough. The more you pay, the lighter the helmet is without compromising safety... less weight is less strain on your neck riding.
Gloves, same thing... whatever fits. Try to get something that is going to last you. Alpine I can wear through the turn signal thumb leather in less than one summer.
I have tried all the brands at one time or another that are not just utter low end junk. Alpine is great brand new but wear apart for me really quickly. I personally like the fit for me of the Arai Corsair-X, the Dainese Race Suits, Dainese Race Boots... but that has more to do with I actually fit into these right off the shelf perfectly without any modifications needed. Had another brand or model worked for me I would have gone with that.
Whatever you get, make sure you enjoy the fit and it is comfortable. Last thing you need is to be messing around with your gear in the middle of turn on the track.
If you are near San Jose, I would also check out Zooni Leathers... I got one suit from Jay and it is still awesome. Took a crash in on the track and no tears or stitching came out! I would recommend adding hip padding for low sides and I fought with him to add more material to the zipper flap to add a key velcro pocket (best idea I ever had for where to stick my key and never have it fall out on me.)
Helimot used to make the best gloves... but he is up in Idaho and I don't think he is still making gloves anymore. If you can find them, these were good for like 5-10 years no question.
