Freewheelers LaBrea

[Superfluous]

I would own a FW Caboose in a heartbeat if the dimensions worked. Unfortunately, the chest dimension is crazy small.

 

[Monitor]

I would own a FW Caboose in a heartbeat if the dimensions worked. Unfortunately, the chest dimension is crazy small.

This is a perfect jacket. I wish you'd buy this. What's wrong with the chest? It can't be that bad. Can't you size up?

EDIT: Huh, it looks pretty straightforward to me, even for a Japan made jacket.

 

[Superfluous]

^ Those are the most generous measurements I have seen for the Caboose. Other retailers describe the chest as meaningfully smaller.

Moreover, in order to get to a 22 inch chest (assuming the foregoing dimensions are accurate), the shoulder is over 20 inches. A 20 inch shoulder is way too big and looks ridiculous on me. I need an 18 inch shoulder.

The waist is also trim and potentially a problem.

The sleeve length is also potentially a problem.

The bottom line is that I cannot buy this jacket unless I try it on first, and there is no place for me to try it on. If a store would allow me to return it if it doesn't fit, I would give it a try and absorb the return cost. Unfortunately, no Japanese retailers will allow returns. I found one retailer that will do it if I agree to a 25% restocking fee. On a $2,500 jacket, a 25% restocking fee is a heavy price to pay if it does not fit, and is particularly troublesome given my multiple concerns about the fit.

 

[Dr H]

^ Those are the most generous measurements I have seen for the Caboose. Other retailers describe the chest as meaningfully smaller.

Moreover, in order to get to a 22 inch chest (assuming the foregoing dimensions are accurate), the shoulder is over 20 inches. A 20 inch shoulder is way too big and looks ridiculous on me. I need an 18 inch shoulder.

The waist is also trim and potentially a problem.

The sleeve length is also potentially a problem.

The bottom line is that I cannot buy this jacket unless I try it on first, and there is no place for me to try it on. If a store would allow me to return it if it doesn't fit, I would give it a try and absorb the return cost. Unfortunately, no Japanese retailers will allow returns. I found one retailer that will do it if I agree to a 25% restocking fee. On a $2,500 jacket, a 25% restocking fee is a heavy price to pay if it does not fit, and is particularly troublesome given my multiple concerns about the fit.

Have you tried Hoosier, Craig? A UK-based friend of mine has received FW jackets to try on, I don’t think that he was charged a restocking fee, but could check.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I'm getting seriously close to buying the caboose jacket. I don't need quite as large of a chest as @Superfluous does. I've wanted one for years. It looks to me to be the ultimate jacket of it's style.

 

[ProteinNerd]

^ Those are the most generous measurements I have seen for the Caboose. Other retailers describe the chest as meaningfully smaller.

Moreover, in order to get to a 22 inch chest (assuming the foregoing dimensions are accurate), the shoulder is over 20 inches. A 20 inch shoulder is way too big and looks ridiculous on me. I need an 18 inch shoulder.

The waist is also trim and potentially a problem.

The sleeve length is also potentially a problem.

The bottom line is that I cannot buy this jacket unless I try it on first, and there is no place for me to try it on. If a store would allow me to return it if it doesn't fit, I would give it a try and absorb the return cost. Unfortunately, no Japanese retailers will allow returns. I found one retailer that will do it if I agree to a 25% restocking fee. On a $2,500 jacket, a 25% restocking fee is a heavy price to pay if it does not fit, and is particularly troublesome given my multiple concerns about the fit.

I had similar concerns regarding the Flat Head cafe racer I now have. The chest was spot on but the listed shoulder measurements were really big for the size on every site.

EVERY site that listed the measurements said the shoulder was 20 inches which would be too big on me but it seems they (and maybe all or most, some?) Japanese makers actually measure the shoulder, not straight across but from the shoulder seem and then follow the leather up to the base of the collar and then down to the other shoulder so the measurement is in a curve, not straight across and adds approx 2 inches to the measurement. I’d bet this is the case here as well.

 

[BlueWallpaper]

so are the economics for getting a custom length freewheeler just too horrible to contemplate? i’d basically consider their j-100ish speed master in black:

http://freewheelers.co.jp/blog/archives/20630

anything better to consider instead?

 

[Dr H]

If your pockets are really deep then I guess not.
If a typical jacket retails for around 220,000¥ from Mirror Ball, and the 100,000¥ supplement discussed earlier for customisation is added then I guess you’d be looking at 320,000¥ ($2894) plus shipping and any duties?

 

[BlueWallpaper]

If your pockets are really deep then I guess not.
If a typical jacket retails for around 220,000¥ from Mirror Ball, and the 100,000¥ supplement discussed earlier for customisation is added then I guess you’d be looking at 320,000¥ ($2894) plus shipping and any duties?

I feel like I need to spend at least three times that on jackets that aren’t quite right first!

 

[Superfluous]

First, the availability of customized FW jackets is not entirely clear. I have seen references to customization, but when last I inquired of Desolation Row, I was advised that the service is not available.

Second, I am hesitant to order a custom jacket from Japan given the language barrier and different measuring approaches. I guess I might consider sending them a jacket that fits me well, and asking them to manufacture a jacket to the exact same dimensions. Still seems kinda risky and a huge loss if the end product is not desirable. Himel will tweak jackets -- or even remake them -- to ensure customer satisfaction. I seriously doubt that FW will do the same. If I was in Japan and working directly with the store, in person, I might commission a custom jacket (if it was in fact available), but I am not yet prepared to do so by e-mail under the circumstances

 

[Benny Holiday]

I'm getting seriously close to buying the caboose jacket. I don't need quite as large of a chest as @Superfluous does. I've wanted one for years. It looks to me to be the ultimate jacket of it's style.

The Caboose has blown my mind for ages. Deplorable Australian dollar value, which means we pay a further 27% for anything compared to US citizens, PLUS now the @$#%^ government have started charging us a further 10% goods and services tax on overseas items, just make that sort of money impossible. A jacket that costs you guys in the States $2000 costs me $2740. I just can't justify that sort of spend on a jacket.

That said, it's my favourite style, especially the back, and as we all know the quality is 100%.

 

[Dr H]

Have you considered Dave Sheeley? He has already demonstrated that he can replicate a Freewheelers Switchyard and offer the materials and high standard of workmanship that you’re seeking from FW. I have a modified Dustbowl in the works from him now.

 

[Carlos840]

First, the availability of customized FW jackets is not entirely clear. I have seen references to customization, but when last I inquired of Desolation Row, I was advised that the service is not available.

Second, I am hesitant to order a custom jacket from Japan given the language barrier and different measuring approaches. I guess I might consider sending them a jacket that fits me well, and asking them to manufacture a jacket to the exact same dimensions. Still seems kinda risky and a huge loss if the end product is not desirable. Himel will tweak jackets -- or even remake them -- to ensure customer satisfaction. I seriously doubt that FW will do the same. If I was in Japan and working directly with the store, in person, I might commission a custom jacket (if it was in fact available), but I am not yet prepared to do so by e-mail under the circumstances

Before ordering my Himel i sent an email to freewheelers themselves, and they are the ones that told me it was possible for a 100,000¥ supplement, so it is definitely possible. You also have to pay the full amount in advance, and there is no way to return or change your mind.
That fee i the same whether you want full custom or just added length in
body or sleeves.


In their own words:

"Yes yes, as you said, making only one jacket needs very high cost,
Even if it need to change length only.
Because sewing factory is not tailor, they need to do efficient work
basically.
Making special jacket is too much inefficient for them.

So we don't recommend it usually.
Some customer who wants only one jacket orders modifying. But it rarely
happens.

Anyway, please let us know when you want to order!"

Like you say in your second point, it seems much riskier than ordering a Himel...

 

[Benny Holiday]

Have you considered Dave Sheeley? He has already demonstrated that he can replicate a Freewheelers Switchyard and offer the materials and high standard of workmanship that you’re seeking from FW. I have a modified Dustbowl in the works from him now.

Definitely Dave is worth considering.

 

[Benj]

Have you considered Dave Sheeley? He has already demonstrated that he can replicate a Freewheelers Switchyard and offer the materials and high standard of workmanship that you’re seeking from FW. I have a modified Dustbowl in the works from him now.

Is there a post or thread somewhere showing this?

 

[Dr H]

The Switchyard? Yes, I saw it in a post on FL (I’ll try and find it again).

 

[Dr H]

Yes, here it is: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/update-on-my-dave-sheeley-custom-jacket.93922/#post-2421071

 

[jonesy86]

Hmmm....... better get in line soon.

 

[Dr H]

Already in line...

 

[ton312]

Dave S has been dancing around in my head for quite some time. Lina's jacket and those he has on the bay are fine examples of what he can do. I'm struggling to find a worthy pattern, but I think Carlos might have solved that riddle for me. I have long feared/admired the Japanese route. Won't happen soon but it's certainly bubbling toward the top of next moves. Honestly, he deserves his own thread, to showcase his collection.
But back to the jacket at hand. Man, I'm green over this one. A real show stopper @Carlos840. Might well be my all time favorite cross zip to date. Seriously. It's ALL good.