BILT or Better

NOTE: THIS TOPIC IS LIKELY OF MOST INTEREST TO THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE USA CYCLE GEAR STORES NEARBY. Cycle Gear (cyclegear.com) is a US company headquartered in California with approximately 100 stores in 26 states (mostly West coast, southern states, and some along the east coast) that has been gaining traction as more and more of our local motorcycle shops have been going out of business with our remaining dealers carrying very little clothing gear. While Cycle Gear sells a lot more than clothing this topic is limited to BILT clothing (jackets, pants, gloves, undergarmets). While you can buy gear online (at Cyclegear or other sites) there seems nothing better than trying something on to see how it truly fits (if you are in between sizes then you are never totally sure which is the best to buy without trying it on as there can be slight differences between manufacturers). FYI - they handle lots of brands and seem to be willing to 'order in' your size to let you try it out - and if you don't want it you don't need to buy it - plus they have a generous return policy. All of this seems to point towards more stores and more success - sort of the Starbucks of the cycle gear world. I have 4 Cycle Gear stores within easy driving distance (San Francisco Bay Area). Their pricing for most brands seems to be decent with specials available on something all of the time; however the pricing on exclusive brands (those available only at CycleGear, such as BUILT and I think Sedici) are truly amazing - about half of what you would pay for a name brand. You can get a full face BILT helmet for less than I pay for my Arai replacement visor. They sell a BUILT Storm waterproof jacket for $150 (on sale now) that seems to be half of what you would pay for similar features from other manufactures - plus the Storm jacket gets good reviews (and no bad ones that I have been able to find). You may think from my post that I am a Cycle Gear plant to bolster their business - which is not the case - just a retired grandfather. I think that my enthusiasm for Cycle Gear is reflected in why they seem to be doing well and growing (when others with brick/mortar stores are shrinking).
FINALLY, here are my questions. What do you think of the quality and pricing of BILT clothing and of Cycle Gear in general? Is the quality of BILT clothing adequate? Any other thoughts about BILT? About Cycle Gear? Thanks!

If it was really bad, they wouldn't have so many stores.They would be out of business. Of course most manufacturers don't brag about their testing programs, so, who knows. I think that Aerostich is the only company to brag about testing their fabric and Carhartt (do they make MC clothing-I think so) has a customer section where people talk about how their clothing has saved them, and the company that makes the Kevlar lined jeans, but, not to many more.Good leather has always been the standard, it works, I know from experience! Although In cold weather I wear Carhartt "Arctic Extreme" gear. Its 1000 denier. Most cloth motorcycle gear is around 500 denier and usually only at the crucial points such as elbows, knees and shoulders.

I checked their site and the warranty provides for "failure in function", but,does not warranty for "purposeful or accidental damage"!!
Hmmmm? If you fall off does the damage to your jacket "accidental damage" rule out the "failure in function". Of course it only matters that you still have your skin. And, I also noticed that I couldn't find their testing procedures. They must have some, I just can't find it.

For the record, I think the clothing is good looking, simple designs and down to business.

I have two Cycle Gear stores here in the Las Vegas valley. I've come to appreciate their lower prices and selection. They are a really cool place for reasonably priced riding gear, which is hard to find. That said, their website has product reviews and I have noticed that Bilt and Sedici brand stuff gets blasted in them. I have consistently chosen buying brand name stuff (even ones sold at CG) over their "house brands", Bilt & Sedici. Still, I like getting little stuff and liquidations at the store.

I get their catalog in the mail, while their prices are very reasonable, I'm just concerned about the quality of their Bilt brands, I would never trust my noggin in one of their helmets, for peace of mind I wear an Arai. I've come to rely on Revzilla, with their video reviews. I probably spend a little more on brand name products, to get the better warranty. The little extra you spend may save your life. Ride Safe.

Robert

It has been 3 months since I started this thread, and I have made numerous trips to CycleGear to get stuff. I now wish that I had bought their Storm jacket when it was on sale for $150 - as it was VERY snug and warm - and is now selling for $100 more (I think). I believe that their quality is 'adequate' for what you are paying. If you don't like something you purchased at CG and wish you had not bought it - for any reason - all you have to do is take it back (within 30 days for most items - but 7 days for helmets) - no questions asked, they just give you your money back! I do not abuse their return policy - but I sure do use it. Let's say you want pants but are not sure if you need a 30 inch or 34 inch inseam on something they carry in their catalogs (say Joe Rocket) but don't stock in their store - then you can visit the store - get them to special order the item (which you pay for) and then pick it up when it comes in. And, if you don't like it - for any reason - they will take it back and give a full refund - even if you have used it! Plus they give a long term warranty on much of their gear - but it seems to vary with what you may be buying. I am very reluctant to buy clothing on-line as I may not like the fit when I get it - and I am pretty much either stuck with it - or I need to return/exchange it - which is a big hassle for me - hate doing that. Their staff (most - not all) are extremely helpful with suggestions on what may work for you - they even offer suggestions that do not have anything to do with Cycle Gear. They also have bike nights where they bring in experts, serve FREE pizza/soda, and run specials. In summary, I am becoming increasingly pleased with Cycle Gear and encourage you to visit your local store to check them out if you have one nearby and have not done so. If you are planning on only buying online then I am not sure that any of the benefits noted above really apply and you are likely just as well served by going to any of the other online retailers.

There is no "Cycle Gear" store near me so I can't check out their gear. I too am reluctant to purchase clothing online as I have a several bad experiences. I bought a "Joe Rocket" jacket online and found that with the
shoulder armour in place, the waist belt position was about half way between my navel and nipples. After I removed the pads the belt is still a little high to be comfortable. The jacket seems well put together, but, after a season, I find I rarely wear it due to the odd belt position.
Although, most helmet online sellers will take helmets back now if unsatisfactory, I once bought a HJC , and due to my head shape it was painful to wear. The the retailer wouldn't take it back. This has trained me to try before I buy. Unfortunately, people try before they buy online for the lowest price. I think that this has caused some MC shops to stop carrying lots of clothes and gear.What to do? Maybe "Cycle Gear" will help people appreciate live shopping for their MC gear and greater patronage of existing shops.

I'm not sure of their quality. No opinion either way. The one time I went to their store the customer service was excellent.