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A Brief Aerostich History

Riders Suits

Aero Design & Mfg. Co. Inc. was formed in 1983 to develop a completely new type of textile-based gear for motorcyclists. We wanted a lightweight garment offering convenience, comfort and high levels of protection in bad weather and crashes — all combined in a coverall suitable for everyday use. This garment was the Roadcrafter suit. It’s now called the ‘Roadcrafter Classic’ and is still available. A third-generation version called the R-3 now also provides this same everyday riding usefulness, along with some functionally enhanced features.

The Roadcrafter suit needed to be quick and easy to get on and off - while being lightweight and cool to wear over regular clothing in warm weather. Two historic material advances made this new textile gear possible. Roadcrafter’s combined a GORE-TEX® breathable/waterproof membrane and a highly abrasion resistant Cordura® nylon fabric for the first time, which allowed us to create the world’s first successful crash and weather resistant high-tech textile riders suit.

In the beginning, many riders did not understand the Roadcrafter’s unconventional coverall-inspired design, or its intended purpose and practicality. Leather gear was the standard, so the durability, strength, abrasion-resistant capabilities and crash-protective qualities of synthetics were unknown and widely suspect. To explain the new suit better we used detailed drawings and descriptions in a small mail order catalog. Each suit also came with a four-page owners manual describing specifically how to wear and care for it. This was years before the internet existed.

Today we offer many models of size-graded riding suits, jackets and pants, and provide extensive alterations and repair services. Textile gear is protective, but is also more sacrificial in crashes than leathers, so this is important. Right from the start we had to learn how to provide a precise and correct fit by mail. More than sixty off-the-rack sizes with infinite optional fitting alterations are available.

1989 Aerostich CatalogCatalogs

In 1995 we began adding a few related items to Aerostich’s mail order catalogs. The catalogs now offer over a thousand specialized products that help make riding better, safer, more comfortable and easier. Many of the catalog’s items are fun, unique, or hard to find elsewhere.

We have always made Aerostich catalogs ourselves. The first (1983) was a black and white tri-fold brochure. The next one (1986) was 16 or 28 (?) 8”x8” page black and white booklet. A year later it became 32 pages. These early catalogs were illustrated entirely with black and white line drawings.

In 1994 we became Duluth’s first e-commerce website. An archived version is located here. In 1995 we introduced the current color photography catalog. It was 10”x5.5” and 99 pages. In 2000 the catalog went to 10.7”x6” and 168 pages. In 2005 it grew to 10.7”x7” and 196 pages and in 2007 it reached 244 pages.

The 2019 main catalog was one of the largest, with 307 pages of useful equipment for riders, numerous customer supplied photos, educational sidebars, entertaining stories and a few easter-eggs just for fun.

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Gloves & Boots

Early catalogs featured a limited selection of complementary non-Aerostich items. One was the Leatherman multi-tool, which was a brand new invention then. We were 1989 one of Tim Leatherman’s earliest retailers. Since then we’ve created or found many other products that became popular, and each has its own story. For example, the Elkskin gloves were found on a road trip. I was riding to the famous Sturgis event for the first time (its 50th Anniversary year). On the way I stopped at South Dakota’s famous “Wall Drug” because I’d never been there, either.

One of the stores in their complex (a much more elaborate place than a simple country drug store...) sold western wear. Saddles, hats, boots, bridles, plaid pearl snap-button shirts and the like. I loved the feel of the Elkskin rancher work gloves they sold. These seemed like a great kind of leather compared to the cowhide and deer hide I was familiar with, so I bought a pair. By the time I’d gotten home I was a convert, and contacted the maker about Aerostich selling them. We put those gloves in our catalog (in 1987?) and they began selling immediately. Eventually, we were ordering enough and were able to design a specially modified version made specifically for riders with an added face shield thumb squeegee. We’ve since added created five or six different Elk Glove variations.

Another example is the CBT (Combat Touring) boots. They were, as many know, made for us by the famous Italian boot company Sidi. About twenty-five years ago I was looking for a simple, heavy-duty all purpose riders boot patterned loosely after off road boots, but with less of the plastic and armor these types had. Kind of like a trials boot, but even plainer.

At that time there were no boots at all like this. Off-road boots were heavy, clunky and armored. The street boots of the era were all zippered and thin. (Some were for sport biking and some for everyday and touring riding.) Work boots were mostly lace up styles. Ditto hunting boots. Slip-on engineers boots and cowboy boots did not provide the fit and support we wanted. Sidi was, at that time, just entering the American market and they were willing to make a simplified boot to our design, based fairly closely on one of their off-road models which was never intended to be sold in the United States.

We made a deal. Today there are four seperate Aerostich CBT models, and many similar-type boots available elsewhere. But the CBT boot was the very first. They are the original.

Now We Are Established

In 2004 I was interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The article, ‘Six Entrepreneurs Look Up, and Offer Advice’, was written by a journalist named Brian Alexander. Here’s an excerpt:

What can big business learn from small business? Here are views of small-business operators on big companies....Andy Goldfine, 51, is the founder and president of Aerostich, a company in Duluth, Minn., that produces accesso-ries and protective garments for motorcyclists. Mr. Goldfine started the company in 1983 after inheriting some industrial sewing machines.

"Employers want minimal investment per person. It takes a week to learn repetitive factory assembly. But our products are made start to finish by one person. It takes six months to learn. But their lives are better, and they are better at self-management. I was in a sewing factory once that used bells for break time and shifts. When the end-of-afternoon shift bell rang, and it was time for people to leave, instead of walking out normally, socially, some people ran to get out of there. This is not how we do things.

"I began the business not looking for a brass ring outcome or a pot of gold. That might be the consequence, not the goal. I put products on the market the way I wanted and that’s slower and more of a pain, but I like the way they are finished.

"Motorcycles are a social good, and they create episodic transcendence in people and that makes better people. Ethics and business for me are indivisible. You are what you do. How can it not be?”

Every Aerostich-manufactured product is subject to a continual process of incremental refinement and improvement. Everything is intended to help make motorcycles and scooters more useful. We still sell only factory-direct because this allows us to provide the best services and pricing. Each customer receives expert answers to their questions.

These days we are considered by some riders to be a pioneer of practical textile protective motorcycle riders clothing. Today you can walk into any motorcycle store anywhere in the world and see racks full of colorful textile protective riders gear - much more than leather gear. We helped make all of this stuff more acceptable. We didn’t plan or expect to do that when we started. We simply wanted to be able to ride more. Some of the passion for our work found us, not vice versa. We’ve been very fortunate.

Good riding,

Andy Goldfine
Download a Brief History PDF

More About Us

Very Boring Rally

In 2008 we organized a 25th anniversary party called The Very Boring Rally to thank our customers friends and associates. View pictures from the 2003 Very Boring Rally. We also held a 30th anniversary party in 2013, and a 35th anniversary party in 2018.

Product history video, produced for annual 'Fourth of July Sale', 2009

2006 NTSB Motorcycle Safety Forum: Aerostich Experiences Making and Selling Textile Riders Clothing

Statement of Mr. Andy Goldfine, presented at the NTSB's (National Transportation Safety Board's) Public Forum on Motorcycle Safety, September 12-13, 2006
(Download PDF 40KB)

2014 Wheelnerds Interview with Andy Goldfine

Aerostich company history, Wheelnerds Podcast, episode 109, 6-12-14
(Full length 1:07, last 7 min is on Ride To Work Day):

Download - (Right-click and save)


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Aerostich Product Introduction Dates

AEROSTICH PRODUCT FIRST INTRODUCED NOTES
Zip-Off Sleeves 2005 First fleece zip-off sleeves.
Silk Scarf 2005  
Kanetsu Air Vantage Vest 2004 First electric vest with air insert.
Windstopper Jersey #1859 2004 No logo windstop jersey.
Combat Lite Boots #404, #484 2004  
Off-Road Jersey #1867 2004 No logo/plain jersey.
Titanium Sidestand Plate #4640 2004 First titanium sidestand plate.
Lightweight Touring Book #5800 2004 Compact 'take along' reference.
Hosebottle Kit #1374 2003 First kit for pressurizing plastic drink containers.
Narrow Map Pocket #143 2003  
Faceshield Bags #1032 2003 Fleece and Cotton versions.
Map Pocket Tank Adapters #193, #194 2003 Strap on and velcro versions. (Strap on version no longer available.)
Molex Kit #2688 2003 Pre-packaged Molex Connector Kit.
Arborwear Pants #2814 2003 First gusseted canvas pants with TF2 impact pad system.
Ride There License Frame #3358 2003  
Offset Zipper Sweater #632 2003 Fleece sweater with offset placket zip.
Elkskin Gauntlet Glove #464, #465, #466 2003 First elk + deer riders glove.
Frame Loops #1903 2002 Webbing loops for attaching items to motorcycles.
Frame Loops Royale #9043 2002 Webbing loops for attaching items to motorcycles.
Banana Pack #9042 2002 Self-storing fanny pack.
Carbon Fiber Sidestand Plate MKII Deluxe #1425 2002  
Lexan Surface #4004 2002 Lexan panel camping tool.
Giftwrap Paper #4400 2002 First motorcycle themed giftwrap.
Sportbike Slippers #3442 2002  
ATL 200 Cleaner #4596 2002 Motor Surface Cleaner
Self-Contained Alarm #4560 2002 Remote controlled motion detecting alarm system.
Mr. Happy Puppet #3330 2002  
Ultralight Cover #1754, #1756 2002 First ultralight/compact cover
Tire Repair Kit #4509 2002  
Hosebag & Royale Hosebag #1358, #1371 2002 First evaporatively cooled pressurized hydration systems.
Ultralight Rainpants #409 2002 First rainpants to use waterproof zippers and self store in a small pocket.
Clock Clip #4230 2002 Clip on handlebar clock.
Personal Analog Assistant #2360 2002 Nylon sleeve pen and writing kit.
Packable Boot Raincover #407 2002 First boot raincover to self-store in toe pocket.
Sheepskin Seat Pads #1890 2002 First sheepskin seat pads with mesh neoprene bottom and bungee attachment loops.
H.D. Sleeve Pocket #1332 2002  
Greg Fraiser Pockets #405 2002 First add-on pocket for carrying valuables in boots.
Bike Lock #1153 2002 Specialized locks with short cables and cylinder type locking mechanisms.
Cable Lock #1156 2002 Specialized locks with short cables and cylinder type locking mechanisms.
Elastcord Spyder #1914 2001 First holders and pockets for accessory attachment to courier bag shoulder straps.
Water Bottle Holder #1913 2001 First holders and pockets for accessory attachment to courier bag shoulder straps.
Cell Phone Holster #1917, #1916 2001 First holders and pockets for accessory attachment to courier bag shoulder straps.
Side Zip Waterproof Bags #9010 2001 First waterproof side zip gear storage bag.
Lycra Riding Shorts #1856 2001  
Evap-A-Wrappa Sleeves #1354, #1355, #1356 2001 First evaporative cooling sleeves for plastic drink containers.
D-Type Cargo Straps #1900 2001 Longer webbing straps for attaching items to motorcycles.
Quick Release Cargo Straps #1902 2001 Longer webbing straps for attaching items to motorcycles.
Money Belt #1854 2001 Webbing money belt.
Waterproof Tank Panniers #9024 2001 First waterproof tank panniers.
Clearview Shield #1078 2001 First oval bottle and silicone rubber squeegee. Cleaning Kit.
Titanium Tire Irons #3564 2001  
Paint Saver Mesh #1926 2001 Paint protective mesh padding material.
Carbon Fiberside Stand Plate #1424 2001 First carbon fiber sidestand plate.
Evap-A-Wrappa #1329, #1328 2000 First evaporatively cooled hydration bladder.
Police Roadcrafter #190 2000 First advanced textile motor officer suit.
Triple Digit Rain Glove #442 2000 First lobster claw glove raincover. First glove raincover with ergonomic closure straps.
Falstaff Jacket #170 1999 First armored, vented, reflective, wax cotton jacket.
Evap-O-Danna #550 1999 First synthetic fabric neck cooling bandanna. Patent Pending.
Lightweight Darien Jacket #260 1998 First ultralight textile armored riding jacket.
Lightweight Darien Pants #157 1998 First ultralight textile armored riding pants.
Hi-Viz Darien #132 1998 First Hi-Viz (lime yellow) color synthetic protective fabric riders jacket and riders suits.
Hi-Viz Roadcrafter #120 1998 First Hi-Viz (lime yellow) color synthetic protective fabric riders jackets and riders suits.
Large Map Holder #921 1998  
Large Garage Door Opener Holder #1904 1998  
Garage Door Opener Holder #1906 1998  
Kanetsu Darien Liner #105 1997 First fleece insulated electric jacket.
Parcel Bag #908 1997  
Kanetsu Electric Vest #282 1996 First fleece insulated electric vest. First lighted powercord switch.
Competition Tank Panniers #902 1996  
Lightweight Roadcrafter Suit Storage Bag #371 1994  
Adjustable Bungee 944, #943 1994  
Standard Roadcrafter Suit Storage Bag #373 1994  
Helmet Bag #1015 1993  
Envelope Bags #738 1993  
Darien Jacket #132 1992 First unlined jacket with impact pads and removable fleece liner jacket.
Darien Pants #155 1992 First over-the-boot style off-road pants.
Roadcrafter Bib Pants Converter #126 1992 First bib pant converter.
Polartec Sweater #631 1992 First fleece insulating sweater optimized (long, narrow sleeves, etc..) for riding uses.
Sleeve Window Pocket #152 1991  
TF2 Hip Pads #123 1990 First visco-elastic impact protective hip pad.
Accessory Ellipse for Two Piece Suits #124 1990  
Web Belts (regular & deluxe) #600, #601 1990  
Fleece Bags #720 1990  
Windbands #535 1989 First synthetic textile waterproof/windproof/insulated neck gaiter.
Back Pad #129 1989 First impact protective back pad for street riding uses.
Courier Bag #904 1989 First with integral scotchlite reflective, other features.
Dispatch Bag #905 1989 First with integral scotchlite reflective, other features.
Briefcase Bag #1915 1989  
Wind Triangle #511 1989 First synthetic textile waterproof/windproof insulated bandanna.
Fleece Pants #1633, #630, #1634 1987 First fleece insulating pant for riding application.
Tank Panniers #903 1987 First tank panniers.
Roadcrafter - 2 pc suit #125 1985 First textile armored protective riders jacket and pants.
Fleece Jacket #1630 1985 First fleece insulating jacket for riding application.
Roadcrafter - 1 pc suit #120 1983 First synthetic textile armored protective riders suit.
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