When is Race Fit Too Tight? Breaking in a New Suit

[ZCrow]

I picked up a race suit (Aplinestar Alpinestars Sp-1 EU 54 and wearing a KNOX Aegis Back Protector Black V14 8 Plate Race) and it's definitely race fit. Maybe this will inspire me to lose those 4-5 inches I have been ignoring on my waist. I took a half day off work yesterday to get a feel for it. I found that the mobility in the hips is fine but a lot of resistance for twisting my shoulders and a bit when bringing my knees up to pivot my toes for a hang off. Definitely was creating a little more work than I liked.

Any tips on breaking in a new suit other than just wresting with it? Is it normal to feel like your are fighting it when it is new?

It's a bit surprising how different the fit is between a two piece sport suit and track suit.

 

[banyan]

Finding the right fit is a toughie. I tried a few suits that felt perfect until a few trackdays revealed where they fit...and where they didn't.

You'd be surprised how much heat and sunlight(and a little sweat) can soften the leather...so wear it for a few long rides(or even better, a summer trackday at thunderhill), and see how you go.

You do want it to be as snug as possible(slightly uncomfortable when standing straight up), but it shouldn't "get in your way" in full crouch or while hanging off.

If after a few days in the sun it's still in your way, sell it on and try another suit. all the different brands fit differently so it could be a matter of finding the brand that fits your body shape.

Lastly, you may find it's easier to find a suit that ALMOST fits perfectly, but needs a little tailoring here and there(obviously easier to make a big suit smaller than a small suit bigger). I think "The Leather Guy" or Helimot are your best bets in the area for this.

Good luck and enjoy the gear! ATGATT!

b

 

[thedub]

If the suit is too small now it will be too small later.

Yes, the leather stretches a bit as it breaks in, but mostly what it is doing is conforming itself to your unique body and losing a bit of it's 'brand new stiffness'. It's not going to get bigger.

 

[stangmx13]

knee tightness is hard to deal with. the knee will probably stretch length-wise, but wont get larger around. my last suit was barely too tight in the knees and it took years before the tightness was no longer noticeable.

take a hot bath in the suit and go for a ride in hot weather, the break-in process cant get much faster than that.

 

[eeeeek]

For me, I've found the suite should be uncomfortable to walk around in while zipped up. You walk like a silverback ape. On the bike, it should not restrict your movements.

The only way I found to get the right feel is to actually be on the bike.

 

[ZCrow]

knee tightness is hard to deal with. the knee will probably stretch length-wise, but wont get larger around. my last suit was barely too tight in the knees and it took years before the tightness was no longer noticeable.

take a hot bath in the suit and go for a ride in hot weather, the break-in process cant get much faster than that.

Not sure about the water approach but the knees are not too tight around just length. It just gives a bit of resistance when I go from foot flat on the peg to toe tip on turn in. I am 6'2" so my size EU 47 need a little room to do this.

For me, I've found the suite should be uncomfortable to walk around in while zipped up. You walk like a silverback ape. On the bike, it should not restrict your movements.

The only way I found to get the right feel is to actually be on the bike.

Good to know.

 

[krumpdancer101]

You are 6'2''?? How much do you weigh? I'm 6'2'' and wear a EU 56 so the 54 might be to small.

 

[ZCrow]

That is my thinking too. I spent the weekend at the track and was paying a lot of attention to how the more experienced riders and instructors suits fit and it was clear that yes, it was just too tight.

My weight is 220 at 20% BF.

 

[shouldnthave]

That is my thinking too. I spent the weekend at the track and was paying a lot of attention to how the more experienced riders and instructors suits fit and it was clear that yes, it was just too tight.

My weight is 220 at 20% BF.

That's crazy. I know every company makes a different cut, but I'm 5' 10", and 175, and I squeeze into a Dianese 54 sucking my swollen liver into my spleen.

I would sell that off, and shop around for a 56+. Lots of places to try one on around the bay.

 

[ZCrow]

Well at least I am not crazy. Based on my wrestle match with at the SF Dianese shop, I would say Alpinestars runs a size larger than their suits. At least when comparing the Laguna Seca Evo to the SP-1.

 

[Ironbutt]

Just go racing in this heat; you'll loose all sorts of weight, just make sure you have someone around to help you get out of it.

 

[krumpdancer101]

I just bought a Laguna seca in EU56 and it fits me great. When I stand up straight I get a camel toe lol but on the bike it feels smooth and like it's not even there.

 

[repsol73]

That's crazy. I know every company makes a different cut, but I'm 5' 10", and 175, and I squeeze into a Dianese 54 sucking my swollen liver into my spleen.

I would sell that off, and shop around for a 56+. Lots of places to try one on around the bay.

Wow, that's interesting. I'm also 5'10" and was 220 lbs last year. I had a size 52 Dainese suit that stretched a little but was still snug. So I sold it and bought a Dainese 54 size suit and lost 25lbs (down to 195lbs) and I fit into it with ease with a back protector. The suit is still new and hasn't been broken in yet I've only tried it on a hand full of times.