AeroFan_07
I'll Lock Up
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- Iowa
Ok so here's a short review of a jacket I took a chance on, a Craigslist found from Minnesota. This is a "size 44" Lesco Made in USA cafe racer jacket. Came with a liner, and with seemingly very little wear. Was not very expensive, and decided to take a chance and try it out. Here's the size details so we have an understanding of a factory-made, general quality jacket from the late 70's or early 80's:
P to P: 21.5"
Shoulders: 18"
Torso: 22.5"
Sleeves: 25"
Back: 25"
So not suprisingly, this jacket runs small for a tag size of 44, and what I found most interesting is the way the middle of the chest seems to tighten up on me, more than toward the waist.
Interestingly, my right arm looks to be longer than the left, and I've seen this with other jackets as well. The zippers, and the zipped sides function well and seem to be of good quality. This jacket is made of mid-weight cowhide leather, and weighs in just over 5-lbs. Seems to have some good patina and grain for this vintage of jacket, but really not worn out. Just well broken in. The 3-piece back seems to be in good condition too:
This Lesco has a pretty good action back, it gives good flexibility and on a bike, would serve well to facilitate movement and looking over one's shoulder for a head check. That said, the leather is on the thin side for riding, certainly not as durable or thick as many other jackets I have tried on.
The lining is a "carpet" type zip-in vest. It's ok and I'm glad it's still in the jacket, however I have taken it out whenever I wear it, since it's pretty tight to begin with, and it's only minor in terms of additional warmth.
So for someone looking to start out, these jackets are great. You can find Lesco's all over ebay for under $150, and most of them were US-made. What you can't really find is history. I've looked and looked, and there just does not seem to be a lot of information about this brand, what they produced, etc. Feel free to share info if you know. This is a neat semi-vintage jacket but ideally needs to be out of the open road, being worn and enjoyed.
P to P: 21.5"
Shoulders: 18"
Torso: 22.5"
Sleeves: 25"
Back: 25"
So not suprisingly, this jacket runs small for a tag size of 44, and what I found most interesting is the way the middle of the chest seems to tighten up on me, more than toward the waist.
Interestingly, my right arm looks to be longer than the left, and I've seen this with other jackets as well. The zippers, and the zipped sides function well and seem to be of good quality. This jacket is made of mid-weight cowhide leather, and weighs in just over 5-lbs. Seems to have some good patina and grain for this vintage of jacket, but really not worn out. Just well broken in. The 3-piece back seems to be in good condition too:
This Lesco has a pretty good action back, it gives good flexibility and on a bike, would serve well to facilitate movement and looking over one's shoulder for a head check. That said, the leather is on the thin side for riding, certainly not as durable or thick as many other jackets I have tried on.
The lining is a "carpet" type zip-in vest. It's ok and I'm glad it's still in the jacket, however I have taken it out whenever I wear it, since it's pretty tight to begin with, and it's only minor in terms of additional warmth.
So for someone looking to start out, these jackets are great. You can find Lesco's all over ebay for under $150, and most of them were US-made. What you can't really find is history. I've looked and looked, and there just does not seem to be a lot of information about this brand, what they produced, etc. Feel free to share info if you know. This is a neat semi-vintage jacket but ideally needs to be out of the open road, being worn and enjoyed.
