ONE-PIECE LEATHER RACE SUITS

For the ultimate in protection, you still can’t beat a one-piece leather suit

PRACTICALITY

Because they’re designed primarily for track use there are very few nods to everday practicality in a one-piece race suit so don’t expect thermal linings or heaps of pockets. At most, you can expect a single pocket built into the mesh lining so if you’re planning on wearing one on the road, you’ll need to invest in a bumbag, rucksack or tank bag.

WATERPROOFING

Leather is not waterproof and there’s no room on a race suit for waterproof linings. The only way to keep the wet out is to wear a lightweight waterproof suit over the top, or you might want to consider a race-style ‘Jonny’ jacket which has poppers that fasten under the crotch.

FIT

Fit is important. They need to be tight enough to help prevent compound fractures but loose enough to allow you to move around freely on the bike. Race suits are designed to be most comfortable in a tucked-in racing crouch so are not ideal for walking around in. Most road riders unzip and fold the top half down to the waist when off the bike.

BACK PROTECTOR

Most race suits are designed to be worn with a separate, strap-on back protector, although some come with pockets for fitted back protectors. Either way, you’ll need to factor the price of back protection into your budget.