Best black biker for non-biker?

[Bigbenbs]

Any particular vintage brands that tend to be underpriced on ebay?

My advice follows what's been said before: trawl eBay for jackets that catch your eye and snag something as inexpensive as you can to start with.

You'll soon find it whether a certain style or look is 'you'. And then the spending begins in earnest.

 

[TheMarriedHermit]

Any particular vintage brands that tend to be underpriced on ebay?

Brooks, Lesco, Excelled, Bates, even Schott. A search for "black leather motorcycle jacket" or "perfecto leather jacket" will pull up a lot of trash, but also some fine, smaller makes, and sometimes even a custom job. A lot of it depends on the seller, too. Some think they have a treasure on their hands, and others--just an old jacket that they know nothing about. Try Etsy, too.

Sent from my LG-SP320 using Tapatalk

 

[Edward]

As others have noted, it's all individual preference, really. If you were looking sonething simple and not too in yer face, I'd suggest a Lewis Corsair, Aero Original 59er Highwayman, or Goldtop 59. Shirt collar style, straight zip, the classic ton-up boy / rocker Brit look. If you want a crosszip style, then variatuons on the Perfecto type are endless. I had a great one years ago for about a hundred dollars off ebay, though at that sort of peice quslity and detsils can vary across the same batch, so best to buy in person and try a few.

Here's another variation you might like, that won't break the bank: https://www.goldtop.co.uk/product-page/the-617

If you count the Bootlegger as a style piece based on an MC jacket, then I'm open to it. But I'm not interested in something purely style based, like you'd find in a high-end fashion store.

But can go the other way as well.

The Bootlegger is based on the 20s and 30s 'sports jackets' that predate specific motorcycle jackets; the jackets that crosszip mcs as we know them evolved from.

Sorry I'm taking out my frustrations with the US postal service (and secretly auditioning, hoping Stu reads here and will hire me on for some freelance work). Will work for Ryder!

I assumed you were parodying Stu's website copy!

Is there a reason to not do a Schott? Is the quality in the same league as the other makers?

Can't comment on the higher end stuff, but.... Yer standard, production Schotts are nice, perfectly serviceable for general wear. Wouldn't rely on one on a bike myself, but as you don't ride that's a nonissue. I do think Schotts are overpriced (the brand tax), at least here in the uk, but I picked up a 618 at less than a third of the current retail price on ebay a few years ago and for that it's a grwat kickabout jacket. The Aero MC I picked up uses is a superior jacket by far, but the wrong size for me. As is my Johnson D pocket; Johnson would be well worth considering.

that's not full on biking friend.... that's a full on blue oyster tango

Looked more Mad Max to me!

 

[Peacoat]

Schott should have what your looking for..........I'ed steer clear of Fox Creek.............

Why would you steer clear of Fox Creek? It has had good reviews on the Lounge. Based on those reviews, I got a Fox Creek motorcycle jacket six or seven years ago. Have been very pleased with it. It is one of about 4 or 5 my 15 leather jackets that I wear on a regular basis.

 

[Mich486]

To me the differences in quality between a cheapo knock-off on eBay and the real thing is so big now that I’m not sure it’s always the right strategy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bigbenbs]

To me the differences in quality between a cheapo knock-off on eBay and the real thing is so big now that I’m not sure it’s always the right strategy.

That's what I would worry about. It's definitely been true with me and shoes. But I guess that's why one looks for specific, high quality vintage.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TheMarriedHermit]

To me the differences in quality between a cheapo knock-off on eBay and the real thing is so big now that I’m not sure it’s always the right strategy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There is plenty of "the real thing" to be found on Ebay, but you have to know what you're looking for to find it. If someone can't tell a difference between that and a cheap knock-off, then he needs to educate himself first.

Sent from my LG-SP320 using Tapatalk

 

[GHT]

Hi all,

So Ive been trying to get my head around the various options for a classic, black biker jacket that would be used primarily as a style piece.

Now, I know that opinions differ, but I'd love to hear some thoughts about which brand/model people like best and why.

Thanks so much in advance.

Also, fit pics very much welcome.

This is your post that kick started the thread. It says that you are looking for options, thoughts, opinions and brands. You also invite fit pics.
Then you post:

I love how no one takes me seriously when I say that I'm not looking to buy now.

What is it that you want if you are not looking to buy now? As it is, you've started an interesting debate that will ebb and flow, from which you can make mental notes for the future. That's the nature of forums, everyone has an opinion, not all are the same and sometimes there's a misunderstanding, but I hope you've enjoyed the input, because it's proved to be a fascinating thread, I hope it runs on.

 

[Mich486]

There is plenty of "the real thing" to be found on Ebay, but you have to know what you're looking for to find it. If someone can't tell a difference between that and a cheap knock-off, then he needs to educate himself first.

Sent from my LG-SP320 using Tapatalk

Is £350/400 for an used Aero (say, but you can put any other brand discussed here at an even higher price) on eBay a good deal for you? Because that’s what they are going for. I look constantly but very few deals I see.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TheMarriedHermit]

Is £350/400 for an used Aero (say, but you can put any other brand discussed here at an even higher price) on eBay a good deal for you? Because that’s what they are going for. I look constantly but very few deals I see.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's not a good deal for me, because I don't look for Aero. I've got a closet full of vintage, deadstock, American-made Western shirts, jeans, jackets, boots, and now a killer leather jacket, too; all bought in the fifteen to fifty dollars range. Ebay works for me just fine.
P.S. Right after I finished writing that I scored a NOS shirt for twenty bucks. Ebay the easy way.

Sent from my LG-SP320 using Tapatalk

 

[Bigbenbs]

This is your post that kick started the thread. It says that you are looking for options, thoughts, opinions and brands. You also invite fit pics.
Then you post:

What is it that you want if you are not looking to buy now? As it is, you've started an interesting debate that will ebb and flow, from which you can make mental notes for the future. That's the nature of forums, everyone has an opinion, not all are the same and sometimes there's a misunderstanding, but I hope you've enjoyed the input, because it's proved to be a fascinating thread, I hope it runs on.

I was just poking fun at how everyone knows I'm just fooling myself when I say I'm not looking to buy, because if I wasn't looking I wouldn't be asking the question.

 

[Bigbenbs]

I was just poking fun at how everyone knows I'm just fooling myself when I say I'm not looking to buy, because if I wasn't looking I wouldn't be asking the question.

But also I was basically looking for this exact thread because I've learned a lot of very useful information.

 

[TheMarriedHermit]

But also I was basically looking for this exact thread because I've learned a lot of very useful information.

The Fedora Lounge daily menu: food for thought.

Sent from my LG-SP320 using Tapatalk

 

[Bigbenbs]

So I'm going to try to consolidate some of the knowledge generated for posterity's sake:

For the non-biker who is interested in purchasing a classic black biker jacket for street wear...

1) Don't use the phrase "style" or "fashion" to describe your jacket, because it can potentially introduce images of adolescent males with man-buns and other hipsterish characteristics

2) Look first on ebay and other such forums for a deal on a good, vintage jacket to see whether or not the design (is that too close to "style"?) suits you and actually gets worn. Some good brands to look for are Brooks, Lesco, Excelled, Bates, and even Schott, though the prices on Schotts tends to be a bit higher because of their enduring popularity.

2a) You can also consider some mid-tier brands which aren't as expensive new, such as Fox Creek and Gold Top 617.

3) Then, if after owning a less expensive jacket and finding that you actually wear it, you can consider going in on the big boys. Some popular options on TFL include...

Lewis Leathers Cyclone
Real McCoy's J-H1 and JH-24
Block Bilt MC
Aero D-Pocket Ridley
Vanson Enfield
Vanson Chopper
Vanson CHP
Himel Avro
Diamond Dave's J-24
Lost World's Speed Demon
Freewheelers La Brea
Vanson Commando
Vanson/Thurston Gambler

 

[Bigbenbs]

We can flesh out the list if people have other suggestions. Also, I'd love to know what a custom Langlitz tends to cost, or at least the range.

 

[TheMarriedHermit]

So I'm going to try to consolidate some of the knowledge generated for posterity's sake:

For the non-biker who is interested in purchasing a classic black biker jacket for street wear...

1) Don't use the phrase "style" or "fashion" to describe your jacket, because it can potentially introduce images of adolescent males with man-buns and other hipsterish characteristics

2) Look first on ebay and other such forums for a deal on a good, vintage jacket to see whether or not the design (is that too close to "style"?) suits you and actually gets worn. Some good brands to look for are Brooks, Lesco, Excelled, Bates, and even Schott, though the prices on Schotts tends to be a bit higher because of their enduring popularity.

2a) You can also consider some mid-tier brands which aren't as expensive new, such as Fox Creek and Gold Top 617.

3) Then, if after owning a less expensive jacket and finding that you actually wear it, you can consider going in on the big boys. Some popular options on TFL include...

Lewis Leathers Cyclone
Real McCoy's Buco J-H1
Block Bilt MC
Aero D-Pocket Ridley
Vanson Enfield
Vanson Chopper
Vanson CHP
Diamond Dave's J-24
Lost World's Speed Demon
Freewheelers La Brea
Vanson Commando
Vanson/Thurston Gambler

Perfecto!

 

[Superfluous]

3) Then, if after owning a less expensive jacket and finding that you actually wear it, you can consider going in on the big boys. Some popular options on TFL include...

Lewis Leathers Cyclone
Real McCoy's Buco J-H1
Block Bilt MC
Aero D-Pocket Ridley
Vanson Enfield
Vanson Chopper
Vanson CHP
Diamond Dave's J-24
Lost World's Speed Demon
Freewheelers La Brea
Vanson Commando
Vanson/Thurston Gambler

I would add the Himel Avro to your list of top tier cross-zips:

My main issue is that I can't really see a difference after a certain point with the top makers. They all look great and about the same as far as black bikers go.

As you learn more about the details and nuances of high quality leather jackets, you will likely become more discerning and more aware of subtle differences. Within your above-list of top tier jackets, there are material differences in craftsmanship, execution, stitching, seams, hardware, and other details (not to mention the leather). Learn more about these details before you make your final decision on a top tier jacket. You may ultimately decide that the differences are unimportant to you, or not worth the delta in price. That said, take the time to learn about the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) differences so that you can make an informed decision that you will be happy with in the long run.

Lastly, when you finally make your foray into the top tier, avoid compromises -- avoid buying something that is adequate or good enough. Compromises/"good enough" often gather dust in closets while you continue to pine for what you really want. Therefore, buy what you love -- buy the jacket that sings loudest to you, and puts the biggest smile on your face. Then, enjoy it without reservation.

 

[Bigbenbs]

I would add the Himel Avro to your list of top tier cross-zips:

As you learn more about the details and nuances of high quality leather jackets, you will likely become more discerning and more aware of subtle differences. Within your above-list of top tier jackets, there are material differences in craftsmanship, execution, stitching, seams, hardware, and other details (not to mention the leather). Learn more about these details before you make your final decision on a top tier jacket. You may ultimately decide that the differences are unimportant to you, or not worth the delta in price. That said, take the time to learn about the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) differences so that you can make an informed decision that you will be happy with in the long run.

Lastly, when you finally make your foray into the top tier, avoid compromises -- avoid buying something that is adequate or good enough. Compromises/"good enough" often gather dust in closets while you continue to pine for what you really want. Therefore, buy what you love -- buy the jacket that sings loudest to you, and puts the biggest smile on your face. Then, enjoy it without reservation.

Very useful. Can you give an example of some those a-level subtleties that matter to you?

 

[Superfluous]

Very useful. Can you give an example of some those a-level subtleties that matter to you?

In no particular order, here are a few examples of subtle (and not so subtle) details that distinguish certain jackets (this is not even remotely a complete list):

• Seam construction, symmetry and precision
• Edge construction, symmetry and precision
• Stitch symmetry and precision
• Stitches per inch / spacing between stitch holes
• Top stitching
• Zipper type and installation (including stitching adjacent to zipper)
• Pocket construction and stitching
• Hardware (quality and placement/symmetry)
• Button hole construction
• Leather quality, including grain quality and correction
• Leather weight and thickness
• Leather pliability
• Leather drape
• Leather tanning
• Leather finish
• Leather graining
• Pattern, cut and silhouette

Stating the obvious, the fit of the jacket is the paramount consideration and no combination of the above-referenced factors can overcome a bad fit. That said, once you move beyond the most obvious and essential components, including fit, there are a panoply of details that distinguish leather jackets, including top tier jackets. The relative importance of these details is entirely subjective and there is no correct prioritization or balance. Certain of these details are irrelevant to some, while certain of these details are critically important to others. I am not suggesting that you prioritize or emphasize any particular details, nor that you disregard any individual details. Rather, I am merely suggesting that you understand these details and distinctions so that you can determine what is, and is not, important to you. This way, you can make informed decisions based on well developed personal preferences that are more likely to produce long term satisfaction.

 

[Monitor]

• Top stitching

Super, that's just a type of decorative stitching. It doesn't indicate anything at all.