Modern Buddy

Hi all
I saw these mentioned on Ravelry (knitting/crocheting forum), and wondered if anyone has one, knows where to get one, etc, etc. Sure, I could knit one, but it wouldn't be windproof. lol
Gosh I wish it would warm up and dry up!
Thanks!

I use the Tucano Urbano one and it is essential to my year round riding... I got caught in a minor snowstorm the other night and my legs were dry and warm!

I picked up a used Tucano Urbano with broken straps for $50. on Craigslist. Figured out how to secure it with a couple of big rubber bands and it has been amazing this winter. I usually wore snowpants over my jeans and long underwear. Haven't had to wear them once this winter while using the apron.

I've got a Tucano Urbano that I bought and used on my Stella. I saved it though and will try and figure a way to fit on my buddy. It was an essential part of cooler weather riding. I had the handle bar mitts too. VERY warm and keeping the wind off was essential. I have a friend who recently got a scooter skirt who said it is fairly warm. I say GO FOR IT!

The Corazzo Lap Apron is also a solid choice.

Many thanks!
Methinks I might need one of those underhoodies things as well!

I am super thrifty (not cheap!) and thoughtful with my expenditures. When we were in Cleveland I finally broke down and got the Corazzo lap apron. It took me a season to do so. Since I commuted and rode on the job, it paid for it self. it is toasty under there even at freezing temps (hands give up long before legs) AMAZING product. the ski pants were not cutting it. For one, they were not as warm, and second, I was out in the field for work and could not de-pant in a parking lot. The scooter skirt came off in a flash and stowed easily. I gave away almost all my winter gear when I loved west. I still use it sometimes in the drizzly uppper 40 degree mornings.

I bought a used vespa last Sept & a tucano urbano scooter skirt came with it.

I haven't used it because it seems a lot of work to put on & take off my vespa and I wouldn't be able to see my feet at all. Re able to see my feet: I'm guessing that I won't be able to put my foot down when coming to a stop and I will just topple over. Weird, I know.

I've bought handlebar covers from scooterworks, but hated them because I couldn't see my hands. I do know someone who bought the tucano urbano fleece handlebar covers. In December, he was wearing his summer gloves during most of the ride.

I have heard great things about tucano urbano and it did help me decide to purchase a tucano urbano parka which I love.

http://www.scooterskirts.com
Owned by the guy who makes the skirts.

I got mine used and super cheap off eBay. It's waterproof (I've been in massive rain), insulated, and the 3M piping SCREAMS. Large buckle in back is easy-on, easy-off. And the kids at school just bow their heads in shame. I wear it over armoured pants (gotta protect the knees from impact injuries).

And the b/f just happened to take pics of me modelling the scooterskirt on Sunday because the idiot boyz I ride with in the woods asked, one hot summer night around the campfire, "What the frak is a scooter skirt?"



Strike a pose!

I just ordered the ones recommended in another thread about skirts from PeakScooter. Got an automatically-generated order confirmation and then a personal note as well thanking me for my order, so above-average customer service so far.

When the skirts get here and we get the chance to use them I'll check back with some comments but I am hopeful they will work well for us. Although they aren't custom like the scooterskirts.com ones (which indeed are lovely but pricey), they did specify which type they carry they thought was better for shorter riders and which for taller riders, so that was good as DH is tall and I'm == not.

For me I much preferred the idea of buckling something to myself rather than something I'd have to attach to the scoot. Just a personal preference.

Love all these cold weather gear tips and observations!

eta: Oh, lovely, Siobhan darling, lovely!

Forgive the double post, but I wanted to add my review in a separate message. We got one of each of the scooter skirts at peakscooter.com.

They are both VERY nice and highly recommended. To me, the pix of the BodyMate do not do it justice, as the pix make the fabric look less heavy duty than it is. It is a nice, tough, nylon outer shell with a cozy lining. Seams are rugged. Fits well, rides well (i.e., does not blow up at all or flap around except maybe a little riffling at the edge). The Deluxe apron is also very nice but the fabric is a touch lighter than the Body Mate, so it includes some leg straps to use if you want them, and some attachment straps for the scooter (also optional). DH uses the leg straps but hasn't felt it necessary to put the attachment velcro on the scooter.

We've used them for a couple of rides but of course the weather hasn't been very cold this year, but I suspect we will be a lot more comfortable next winter with these!

Service was very fast and Peak Scooter communicated frequently to confirm the order, notify of shipping, etc.

They offer recommendations for which one is better for your height, but they are both very good products. The BodyMate has an incorporated pocket that becomes the storage bag for the skirt, which is very handy, since there is nothing separate to misplace. Also, geek that I am, I can use that pocket like an overall bib when I'm wearing the skirt to give myself extra upper body protection. The carry strap is adjustable so it fits over your head to hold the "bib" in place. Thoughtful design.

Just what I need. Another reason for people to mess w/me. Seriously, Ive got a great pair of long underwear that work just fine as long as I layer.

Raiderfn311 wrote:Just what I need. Another reason for people to mess w/me. Seriously, Ive got a great pair of long underwear that work just fine as long as I layer.

Fleece-lined jeans. That's the key right there.

SkutiJo wrote:

Raiderfn311 wrote:Just what I need. Another reason for people to mess w/me. Seriously, Ive got a great pair of long underwear that work just fine as long as I layer.

Fleece-lined jeans. That's the key right there.

That and the triangulation of crossfire.(+1 if you can guess the movie its from)

SkutiJo wrote:

Raiderfn311 wrote:Just what I need. Another reason for people to mess w/me. Seriously, Ive got a great pair of long underwear that work just fine as long as I layer.

Fleece-lined jeans. That's the key right there.

Yeah, but some of us have to wear business clothes, including skirts and dresses. It's easier for me to wear armoured pants and a scooter skirt over (when it's REALLY cold) then to carry in my professional clothes (wrinkles) and change out of my fantastically warm Duluth firehouse fleece pants.

Well, of course, to each his own, but I really like being able to wear "normal" clothes (even if not business clothes like Siobhan was pointing out) for when I get to my destination. Going in a store or restaurant with all those layers, or taking them off and stowing them while in a parking lot, is harder than snapping the skirt on/off and rolling it up, for me. And this way I don't roast when I'm inside somewhere (that's a big advantage to me)!

Not to mention they are cheaper than a lot of ski pants and carhartt-type products.

Anyway, it's an option and works better than I expected.

siobhan wrote:

SkutiJo wrote:

Raiderfn311 wrote:Just what I need. Another reason for people to mess w/me. Seriously, Ive got a great pair of long underwear that work just fine as long as I layer.

Fleece-lined jeans. That's the key right there.

Yeah, but some of us have to wear business clothes, including skirts and dresses. It's easier for me to wear armoured pants and a scooter skirt over (when it's REALLY cold) then to carry in my professional clothes (wrinkles) and change out of my fantastically warm Duluth firehouse fleece pants.

Holy crap I love Duluth! Right now Im wearing firehose pants and Sweatshirt and "3 dog night" long underwear from DuluthtradinCo!! I also wear the fleece jacket for riding down into the 20's and Im OK. Anyone who hasnt heard of them I HIGHLY recommend checking them out.