I checked out Peter Stevens in the city first, to see what Dianese had available, but I really hate buying stuff there. Their business practices and customer service always leave a bad taste in my mouth and they are a little robotic for my liking. So I then ventured elsewhere.
Once again, the criteria was warmth, waterproofing, safety, and comfort......Read "Breathability".
I went out to Ringwood, but there was nothing I liked. I then checked out Dandenong and once again after Visiting all the shops in the area came away empty handed!! Terrible isn;t it....wanted to spend some money and nobody could encourage me to part with it. I then had a brainwave and checked out Tiger Angels stuff in West Melbourne. But, it looks OLD and the pants don't have any thermal properties as well as the waterproof material no longer being true Goretex, but an Australian copy of some description.
On a whim, I trundled off to BMW Southbank to see if they had any "Runout" specials on last seasons gear. I had drooled over a Pro Rallye 1 suit a few years back, but couldn't get my head around the then $2200+ asking price.
As I walked into the store, I was greeted by a familiar face. Harold who sold bikes at Moto One for ages and who I knew prior to that, had not long before started work down there, selling bikes. I had a chat and he introduced me to Stephen (Pronounced Steffen) and he gave me a rundown on all the new range of BMW textile suits. I looked at the city, Santiago, Streetgaurd and a few others. But, In the end, it was the new Pro Rallye 2 suit which kept drawing me back.
It has a full goretex removable waterproof/thermal liner in the jacket and the pants, as well as multiple vents for the hotter weather. Naturally it has all the armour as well as a few other features like accommodation for a Hydration pack and a clear map pocket which might come in handy on the odd ride I lead down here in Vic. It zips together as well, which will alleviate the problem I had on the last ride to Sydney when we rode through perhaps THE worst storm I have ridden in and the water ran straight down my back and into my pants. By the time I reached Tallangatta, I was soaked from the waist down!
I was not a big fan of the blue/white/grey colour scheme and voiced this. Stephen, quickly produced the alternative colour scheme, a black/grey/white, which was much more appealing.I had a chat with Harold also, as he owns and uses one. He couldn't speak highly enough about it, so I asked the price question. As luck would have it, Harold was able to sort me a "deal" on a new Pro Rallye 2 suit!! (They have them discounted at the moment anyway...if your interested @ $1700 for jacket and pants, with the liners-the liners are normally sold separately for some reason) So I bit the bullet and it's now hanging in the cupboard.
Admittedly, it was exxie even with the price I paid, but in the end, I think it is worth it. I'll be able to wear it summer or winter, rain, hail....snow...or shine!!!
It's versatile enough to start the day in 4 degree temps with rain and end the day with a hot sun and 30+ degrees all while reamaining comfortable. I'll post a first thoughts after I get to use it on a long ride. A long ride often shows up any inadequacies in a product!
, it says that BMW Southbank already have the Pro Rallye 2 suit on special for @1700 and I paid less than that! How much exactly I won't say, as it's not fair on my mate. But that should give you some idea!