2 replies to this topic

[brands77]

When I first started watching bike racing the coolest gear that riders were wearing were the American Bates leathers. Throughout the 70s and 80s they seem to be the top riders brand of choice - Sheene, Ago, Cecotto and virtually all of the American riders such as Baker, Hennen and others (except Kenny Roberts who I think wore ABC leathers at the start of his career, although he seemed to be wearing Bates by the time he came to Europe). In the mid 80s and 90s the Japanese leathers Kushitani, RS Taichi and Nankai supplanted them, but Bates seemed to be the first real specialist racing leather brand.

Why were they so popular? What did they have that the British and European brands (Dainese and Furygan seemed to catch up pretty quick though) didn't have?

Were they more technically advanced or of a better standard?

Given the number of riders that wore them, they can't have sponsored all of them, it would have cost a fortune.

I know Bates are still around although not as a major manufacturer any more, but I don't think ABC exist any more. I think Nankai don't exist any more either.

[10kDA]

Customer service. They would do anything you wanted, and if it wouldn't work they would let you know and suggest alternatives. They would always confirm they understood the customer's request. Quick turnaround time even when they were very busy, at least in my experience. Very reasonable pricing. Excellent custom fit.

[greg1953]

When I first started watching bike racing the coolest gear that riders were wearing were the American Bates leathers. Throughout the 70s and 80s they seem to be the top riders brand of choice - Sheene, Ago, Cecotto and virtually all of the American riders such as Baker, Hennen and others (except Kenny Roberts who I think wore ABC leathers at the start of his career, although he seemed to be wearing Bates by the time he came to Europe). In the mid 80s and 90s the Japanese leathers Kushitani, RS Taichi and Nankai supplanted them, but Bates seemed to be the first real specialist racing leather brand.

Why were they so popular? What did they have that the British and European brands (Dainese and Furygan seemed to catch up pretty quick though) didn't have?

Were they more technically advanced or of a better standard?

Given the number of riders that wore them, they can't have sponsored all of them, it would have cost a fortune.

I know Bates are still around although not as a major manufacturer any more, but I don't think ABC exist any more. I think Nankai don't exist any more either.

Can't remember who but a rider who had been to the USA turned up at Croft, early '70s wearing Bates leathers with the rough side out, unusual to say the least.