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Seeking some honest CR fit feedback

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,081
Location
London, UK
I think it looks great on you. The fit overall is excellent; I don't think you could it a big sweater or more than a shirt underneath it, but then I don't care for how these jackets look if they're worn big enough for that sort of layering underneath, so. The sleeves are maybe an inch and a half or so shorter than would be my ideal, but they don't look "wrong" to my eye: if you're comfortable in it, it looks great - a logical keeper.

Sweetfights is absolutely right: if in doubt, hold on to it until you are sure. LIttle worse than seller's regret.
 

Superfluous

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,995
Location
Missing in action
The jacket is very trim in the body and the sleeves are on the short side. I personally wear my jackets unzipped 95% of the time and, therefore, the trim body would not bother me. That said, the sleeve length would bother me. If it were a new jacket that is readily available, I would return and replace it. However, given that a good condition, larger sized Taubers is a rare bird, one must be more flexible with such a jacket. You have a really special jacket there and the minor shortcomings (pardon the pun) should not dissuade you from enjoying your prized find. If, after a few months, the minor shortcomings linger and continue to gnaw at you, you can easily move it on. On the other hand, if the minor shortcomings disappear over time, your enjoyment of the jacket will increase and you will cherish the gem for many years.
 

technovox

One Too Many
Messages
1,242
Location
San Francisco
The fit on the chest and shoulders looks good...nice and snug like a cafe racer is meant to be. But perhaps the sleeves could be a little longer. Taubers were such well made jackets, and occupy such a unique and rare niche in the pantheon of vintage cafe racers... so lots can be forgiven when it comes to fit. Just enjoy wearing a piece of history.
 

Mich486

One Too Many
Messages
1,690
I like the sleeve length too ;) I personally don’t like when sleeves cover half your hand. I see why you’d want that if riding but if wearing your jacket casually that length looks spot on to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

l0fielectronic

Practically Family
Messages
666
Location
UK
For me it looks a hair too small and the short sleeves just emphasise this. I should say it looks good on you, its just not a fit I could wear myself.

As all the posts above show, its all down to personal taste and what you yourself like.
 

Gamma68

One Too Many
Messages
1,936
Location
Detroit, MI
Thanks to everyone for all your comments, advice and feedback.

@Downunder G Man, nope I don't ride. Maybe one day. And I'd want probably want to wear something more protective anyway.

I've decided to live with this jacket a while and see how it feels over time. With some breaking in, perhaps it will feel more comfortable and I'll forget about the chest and sleeve dimensions.

It weight 3.7 lbs, by the way. Not sure how that ranks in terms of midweight or heavyweight.
 

jonesy86

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,610
Location
Kauai
The jacket is very trim in the body and the sleeves are on the short side. I personally wear my jackets unzipped 95% of the time and, therefore, the trim body would not bother me. That said, the sleeve length would bother me. If it were a new jacket that is readily available, I would return and replace it. However, given that a good condition, larger sized Taubers is a rare bird, one must be more flexible with such a jacket. You have a really special jacket there and the minor shortcomings (pardon the pun) should not dissuade you from enjoying your prized find. If, after a few months, the minor shortcomings linger and continue to gnaw at you, you can easily move it on. On the other hand, if the minor shortcomings disappear over time, your enjoyment of the jacket will increase and you will cherish the gem for many years.
Words of wisdom.
 

Gamma68

One Too Many
Messages
1,936
Location
Detroit, MI
Question for the gang: there is some green-colored corrosion on the collar snaps and a little also on the teardrop Talon zips. What steps should I take to safely get rid of this and how can I prevent it from coming back? I'm not sure what causes this in the first place (excessive moisture?).
 

Hh121

Banned
Messages
3,004
Thanks to everyone for all your comments, advice and feedback.

@Downunder G Man, nope I don't ride. Maybe one day. And I'd want probably want to wear something more protective anyway.

I've decided to live with this jacket a while and see how it feels over time. With some breaking in, perhaps it will feel more comfortable and I'll forget about the chest and sleeve dimensions.

It weight 3.7 lbs, by the way. Not sure how that ranks in terms of midweight or heavyweight.

Light weight starts from 4.5 lbs, so go figure.
 

Downunder G Man

One Too Many
Messages
1,190
Location
Australia
Green colour ( sorry "color" haha ) is usually copper corrosion.

I use cotton buds and metal polish , even Mr Sheen or similar. Small and gentle is the go.

Then I use zip lubricant , from any camping type place. Current one I have is made in the US by McNett in Bellingham WA

called ZIP TECH ZIPPER LUBRICANT. I put it on all my new arrival jackets as part of my OCD pre-use package haha..

And yes the corrosion is caused by moisture / time / age combo !

I have a 3 year old Schott HH café racer and the snaps and buckles have dulled already. No doubt helped along by Perth western Australia's constant seabreeze !
 

Superfluous

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,995
Location
Missing in action
Of course it's my very personal opinion, if you don't agree, just take it as a joke.

Its all good. A personal opinion does not become a joke just because someone disagrees. Your preference for heavier jackets is shared by several others here.

I think most would agree that the thick Vanson and Lost World jackets qualify as "heavy weight," and most mall jackets are "lighter weight." However, determining the demarcation between heavy weight and mid-weight, and between mid-weight and light weight, is fraught with subjectivity and far from settled. Moreover, labels/characterizations such as "light weight" can convey unintentional pejorative connotations (e.g., comparisons to mall jackets, which are generally much lighter/thinner).
 

Hh121

Banned
Messages
3,004
Its all good. A personal opinion does not become a joke just because someone disagrees. Your preference for heavier jackets is shared by several others here.

I think most would agree that the thick Vanson and Lost World jackets qualify as "heavy weight," and most mall jackets are "lighter weight." However, determining the demarcation between heavy weight and mid-weight, and between mid-weight and light weight, is fraught with subjectivity and far from settled. Moreover, labels/characterizations such as "light weight" can convey unintentional pejorative connotations (e.g., comparisons to mall jackets, which are generally much lighter/thinner).

When I say it is light weight, my mind instantly has image of my 8.2 lbs j23, 7.2lbs test which are my two heaviest jacket. And then comes 6.4lbs Vanson model b, 6.2 lbs Suburban which belongs to my mid weight range, and in the bottom line, the 3oz horsehide from Aero, highwayman and half belt both around 5.6 lbs and I like call it as light weight jacket.

There is no division of heavy or light, it is only depends on which you are compared with, back in 3 years ago, my heaviest jacket is US wings cowhide jacket, it weights 4.5 lbs.
 
Messages
16,845
Question for the gang: there is some green-colored corrosion on the collar snaps and a little also on the teardrop Talon zips. What steps should I take to safely get rid of this and how can I prevent it from coming back? I'm not sure what causes this in the first place (excessive moisture?).

You should be able to easily wipe it off with a paper towel. Wet towel will do an even better job. What @Downunder G Man said, this often happens, especially with brass hardware but it's absolutely nothing you should worry about. It's easily removable and won't harm the jacket.

Oh, and absolutely keep this jacket!
 

Gamma68

One Too Many
Messages
1,936
Location
Detroit, MI
As I've continued to wear this Taubers jacket out and about, I came across a book of mine from the 1950s about the T.T. Races. It made me think about the sleeve length of my Taubers CR and those worn during the 1950s by those actually racing (at a higher level than cafe racing, of course).

Here are some images. Note how the sleeves ride up a bit with arms extended:

2015-geoff-duke-passes-away-2.jpg

discovery-hd-theater-cafe-racer-caferacer-tv-vintage-motorcycles-ace-cafe-london-rockers-59club-norton-triumph-triton-honda-historic-phot-30.jpg

c0308f091c683560efdf5ae2e403cb3b.jpg

PIC_5_motorcycle.jpg

john-surtees-agusta-mv-620x474.jpg


So, perhaps the length of the sleeves on my Taubers jacket is more historically accurate than other CRs with sleeves that cover the wrist bone with arms extended for riding?
 

BlueWallpaper

Familiar Face
Messages
93
Location
New York
The jacket is very trim in the body and the sleeves are on the short side. I personally wear my jackets unzipped 95% of the time and, therefore, the trim body would not bother me. That said, the sleeve length would bother me. If it were a new jacket that is readily available, I would return and replace it. However, given that a good condition, larger sized Taubers is a rare bird, one must be more flexible with such a jacket. You have a really special jacket there and the minor shortcomings (pardon the pun) should not dissuade you from enjoying your prized find. If, after a few months, the minor shortcomings linger and continue to gnaw at you, you can easily move it on. On the other hand, if the minor shortcomings disappear over time, your enjoyment of the jacket will increase and you will cherish the gem for many years.

As per usual, accurate. I think you need to post pictures with the jacket unzipped because you won't wear this jacket zipped unless it's so cold you shouldn't be wearing it! (J-100, albeit with angle pockets, is my absolute favorite.) The only issue is the sleeves but unzipping will alleviate some of that, plus like me you're probably so used to jacket sleeve length not fitting that it won't seem strange at all. (I still find my aero with sleeves that fit me very odd to put on!)
 

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