First Post - Aero Buco Board Racer Customization Feedback

I have been a lurker for a while, and wanted to go ahead and make my first post!

I am looking to order my second leather jacket to alternate with my Himel Brycelander in dark brown Shinki HH. I am leaning toward a black Aero Board Racer with a few customizations, but wanted to get a little feedback about the changes that I am thinking about making (as well as some thoughts on the leather choice).

A little background on me: I am not a biker, so this would be more of a casual around town (whenever we can start going around town again) jacket. I am 5'9" and 190 with a muscular build of a former athlete (read as broad shoulders with some extra padding in the chest and belly - not much taper necessary from the chest down). I am in Nashville, TN, so I plan to run it through Thurston Bros and will be sure to heed the advice given there as well .

I like the J-100 back, but I want to remove the chest zip pockets and add handwarmer pockets with no zips (a bit like the front of a Langlitz Crescent). I also want to change the arm zips to the palm side of the sleeves with leather piping to "cover" the zips (if an option - I've seen it discussed a number of times here whether that is something they'll do).

I really like the placement and look of the handwarmer pockets on this battered steerhide (found the pic on here and lost the link - love this jacket):



Do these seem like reasonable customizations, or should I be looking at a completely different model (even if from other brands)? The closest "stock" option I found was a Rainbow Country Single Riders Jacket, but it has one chest zip pocket and no handwarmers:





As for leather options, I am thinking my best options are either black goat or Vicenza. Everything about goat sounds like what I want, EXCEPT I don't think I'm going to like the pebble texture and shine that sticks around for years. Is black Vicenza the answer or am I making too much about the texture and shine? I want to be able to move more freely than my current FQHH shinki since it is going to be a tighter fit. I assume that if there is a battered option in black (steer or horse) it would still be more restrictive than Vicenza and goat?

Thanks for any suggestions or comments based on mistakes or victories you've had on these decisions in the past!

Dub

Hey Dub,

Welcome! I don’t see why Aero wouldn’t do all the mods you’ve requested, minus the pipping around the zips. I don’t recall seeing that on any Aero model, though I could be mistaken.
I’ve recently taken a real liking to goat, especially for a tight fit. It’s tough and durable but relatively light and super easy to wear. I would opt for goat over vic personally.

if you're more V shape, then you probably want to go with Cafe Racer vs. Board Racer. Board is straight down, cafe is tapered to narrower waist.

also, something I didn't really consider or realize until recently is with the hand warmer pockets. If you're going for a tighter fit (i.e. like you should with a racer), the hand warmer pockets tend to mess up the smooth lines of the jacket. They end up getting flared out if not zipped and even if zipped, create additional lines. Call this practical use vs. the price of fashion.

My latest custom racer build actually removes the hand warmers and keeps the chest pockets.

Lastly, if the jacket isn't for riding, then really consider the functionality vs. fashion of gussets and action backs. Some like the look, but it's mostly to provide more reach. Again a function vs. fashion argument if you're trying to get really clean lines. Although I find the Aero shoulder gussets pretty sleek compared to say a deep cut action back that runs along most of the back.

For leather, I've got a Sheene which is basically cafe with a collar and also a true racer. Both are FQHH CXL. It's going to be years before I truly understand and enjoy the draping of the leather and more of that second skin kind of look. So I'd suggest going with a midweight leather. Also allows you to go snugger because of the stretch.

ton312 said:

Hey Dub,

Welcome! I don’t see why Aero wouldn’t do all the mods you’ve requested, minus the pipping around the zips. I don’t recall seeing that on any Aero model, though I could be mistaken.
I’ve recently taken a real liking to goat, especially for a tight fit. It’s tough and durable but relatively light and super easy to wear. I would opt for goat over vic personally.

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Thanks, Tony! I really need to see the goat in person with the samples - but I definitely think it would be my preference if it is not too shiny and the pebble grain doesn't really turn me off of it.

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead said:

if you're more V shape, then you probably want to go with Cafe Racer vs. Board Racer. Board is straight down, cafe is tapered to narrower waist.

also, something I didn't really consider or realize until recently is with the hand warmer pockets. If you're going for a tighter fit (i.e. like you should with a racer), the hand warmer pockets tend to mess up the smooth lines of the jacket. They end up getting flared out if not zipped and even if zipped, create additional lines. Call this practical use vs. the price of fashion.

My latest custom racer build actually removes the hand warmers and keeps the chest pockets.

Lastly, if the jacket isn't for riding, then really consider the functionality vs. fashion of gussets and action backs. Some like the look, but it's mostly to provide more reach. Again a function vs. fashion argument if you're trying to get really clean lines. Although I find the Aero shoulder gussets pretty sleek compared to say a deep cut action back that runs along most of the back.

For leather, I've got a Sheene which is basically cafe with a collar and also a true racer. Both are FQHH CXL. It's going to be years before I truly understand and enjoy the draping of the leather and more of that second skin kind of look. So I'd suggest going with a midweight leather. Also allows you to go snugger because of the stretch.

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I definitely look more like a rectangle than a V at this point! That is a good tip on the handwarmer pockets. Do you think it will be too obvious with a Board Racer if I'm going that route due to my body shape? I definitely prefer to stay streamlined on the back and not have any gussets or action back.

Dubby,do you like the length of the jacket?

Bennarion said:

Dubby,do you like the length of the jacket?

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I'd like the length to be right below the belt in the front (second to top button on denim). I typically wear mid-rise denim, so not too terribly short, but a little shorter than the pic of the brown BR in my original post. I do like the zipper ending before the hem so I can sit without "creasing" the bottom bit of the jacket. In the back, I would try to get it to line up with the top of my jean pockets. I do worry a bit that it will not be very flattering since I'm not too tall and it might be the opposite of slimming!

I wish you all the best with your 2nd jacket! Exciting times ahead! You seem to know what you want so that's a good start. I like the approach you are taking with the minimalist look although Im thinking if you take away the chest pockets and just have hand pockets then it might not really be a j100 anymore. It sounds more (just to me) like a modified bomber with a cafe racer collar (which I think is cool)

I've never seen an Aero jacket that has the zipper sleeves on the inner (palm side) panel of the sleeves. I've only ever seen jackets made by them to have the zipper closure on the outside (top side of wrist) panel or the bottom seam of the sleeves. Hope they let you get away with this mod, it is my favorite sleeve closure option as well.

I've never handled aero goatskin (I do have two goatskin jacket from other makers) and only handled Vicenza (fit jacket from TB) for a little while so here's my take for what little worth it is lol. For leather option if you want for your jacket to look the same down the years then go for goatskin. If you want for the jacket to undergo changes and show patina then definitely go for the Vicenza, also try to look into the jerky horse hide they offer I hear that's also a good midweight option.

Depends on your body measurements. As mentioned, you might want to go with a cafe racer if you have a decent sized drop from the chest to waist.

Jin431 said:

I wish you all the best with your 2nd jacket! Exciting times ahead! You seem to know what you want so that's a good start. I like the approach you are taking with the minimalist look although Im thinking if you take away the chest pockets and just have hand pockets then it might not really be a j100 anymore. It sounds more (just to me) like a modified bomber with a cafe racer collar (which I think is cool)

I've never seen an Aero jacket that has the zipper sleeves on the inner (palm side) panel of the sleeves. I've only ever seen jackets made by them to have the zipper closure on the outside (top side of wrist) panel or the bottom seam of the sleeves. Hope they let you get away with this mod, it is my favorite sleeve closure option as well.

I've never handled aero goatskin (I do have two goatskin jacket from other makers) and only handled Vicenza (fit jacket from TB) for a little while so here's my take for what little worth it is lol. For leather option if you want for your jacket to look the same down the years then go for goatskin. If you want for the jacket to undergo changes and show patina then definitely go for the Vicenza, also try to look into the jerky horse hide they offer I hear that's also a good midweight option.

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Yea - it is going to be outside the repro world for sure. I feel like it is a bit less aggressive / less like a biker jacket (since I am not a biker) without the chest zips. A side bonus is that I think it will go over a little better with my wife...

dudewuttheheck said:

Depends on your body measurements. As mentioned, you might want to go with a cafe racer if you have a decent sized drop from the chest to waist.

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I think I have eaten my way out of the cafe racer, but my measurements from a tailor were:
Shoulder - 18.5
Chest - 43
Midriff - 39
Waist - 37

After a year of wearing a jacket, I just realized what I really need in a jacket, length, pockets, leather, where to add size where to subtract

Dubby said:

Yea - it is going to be outside the repro world for sure. I feel like it is a bit less aggressive / less like a biker jacket (since I am not a biker) without the chest zips. A side bonus is that I think it will go over a little better with my wife...



I think I have eaten my way out of the cafe racer, but my measurements from a tailor were:
Shoulder - 18.5
Chest - 43
Midriff - 39
Waist - 37

Click to expand...

I hear you, that was also my main concern in that I didn't want to have too strong of a biker vibe so I ordered one in brown and went for the zipper sleeves on the inside

Dubby said:

Yea - it is going to be outside the repro world for sure. I feel like it is a bit less aggressive / less like a biker jacket (since I am not a biker) without the chest zips. A side bonus is that I think it will go over a little better with my wife...



I think I have eaten my way out of the cafe racer, but my measurements from a tailor were:
Shoulder - 18.5
Chest - 43
Midriff - 39
Waist - 37

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you're V shape whether you like it or not 43 or 21.5 ptp going down to 37 or 18.5 by definition is tapering in.

You're going to be a big 40 or small 42 in the racer. Board is trickier because the shoulders stay small and chest and waist stay similar. So you're going to be tight up top, perfect in mid/waist or comfortable up top and way too loose on bottom. Especially tricky if you're not going with gussets.

Don't ever buy a Schott. You'll have to take them to the tailor. We're basically the same size. I'm a little less on chest and little more on waist. All my Schotts went to the tailor or got the hot water treatment. All my Aeros were pretty close to perfect with the cafe style.

Ask Carrie about the best fit between Board Racer (barrel fit) or Cafe Racer (v fit). I carry another 1 inch in my waist and am an inch skinnier in the chest so I was steered towards the Board Racer. I think the previous poster is correct in surmising you may be a Cafe Racer fit.

I am waiting on a Seven from Thurston/Aero right now. Basically a Board Racer with a collar. You can specify pretty much everything you wanted but the sleeve piping. I know because I asked for the same thing.

Hi Dubby,

Here is my Aero Board Racer I picked up from another TFL member. The tag is 40 with shoulder-18", Back 24-1/4", PTP-21-3/4", waist-20". It fits snug but is comfortable with a sweatshirt underneath it. For reference my chest is 39" relaxed.

This is my Aero Seven purchased from Thurston Bros. The tag is 42 with shoulder-18", back-26-1/4", PTP-22-1/2", waist-20.5. It is slightly bigger & longer than the Board Racer. It wears comfortably with a hoodie under.

Thanks for the responses - this is great info. I put the deposit down with Thurson Bros yesterday and sent my measurements to Carrie. I am definitely interested to see what she says about cafe vs board racer. I definitely want to lean more toward casual over aggressive. I don't see many cafe / board racers here in Nashville, so I am going to try to ease into it!

I ordered my board racer in Bainbridge with the zippers on the back side and it will have piping, just like a Ridley. Haven’t received it yet but they said it’s no problem. Black Bainbridge might be worth checking out for your leather choice. I had a cafe racer with no chest zips and I found that it looked too plain up top myself, but it’s a definitely minimal look. Good luck w your build!

BassandB3 said:

I ordered my board racer in Bainbridge with the zippers on the back side and it will have piping, just like a Ridley. Haven’t received it yet but they said it’s no problem. Black Bainbridge might be worth checking out for your leather choice. I had a cafe racer with no chest zips and I found that it looked too plain up top myself, but it’s a definitely minimal look. Good luck w your build!

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Thanks for that info! The Bainbridge does look interesting - I wonder how it compares to Goat and Vicenza for mobility? I have definitely thought about doing only the left pocket like the Rainbow Country pic I put in my first post (probably without the diamond pull), but I can't decide.

BassandB3 said:

I ordered my board racer in Bainbridge with the zippers on the back side and it will have piping, just like a Ridley. Haven’t received it yet but they said it’s no problem. Black Bainbridge might be worth checking out for your leather choice. I had a cafe racer with no chest zips and I found that it looked too plain up top myself, but it’s a definitely minimal look. Good luck w your build!

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Also - do you happen to have any fit pics wearing the cafe racer with no chest pockets?

Dubby said:

Also - do you happen to have any fit pics wearing the cafe racer with no chest pockets?

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It wasn’t an aero, was a Schott so completely different fit.