The most ingenious part of this outfit is the ventilation system. A zipper runs down each shoulder, exposing the mesh lining. Snaps adjust the amount of mesh that shows. The back has three zippers. The velcro-backed flaps that cover the zippers can fold back on themselves, secured with more velcro. All these flaps, snaps and velcro allow you to infinitely adjust the amount of venting. You can also snap the jacket sleeves around your waist when you are off the bike.

The Tourmaster is well made. It's comfortable when riding long days, although it feels heavy when off the bike. You can throw it in the washing machine, cold setting, although most people will probably just hose it off. The neck started feeling a little scratchy halfway across Nevada, and I started wearing a bandanna when it was too hot for a turtleneck. The jacket fits well, although the women's pants come small. You need to go up a size for best fit.

All seams held in the rain except for the pants crotch seam, which leaked. This was embarrassing. A tube of tent seam sealer should fix that problem.

Although the Transition suit is complicated, it simplifies life on the road. You don't have to pack rain gear or bulky sweaters - the liners pack down small. Most of the zippers can be worked with gloves on. Although fooling with vents is NOT advisable while screaming though twisties, I could adjust my ambient temperature in less than a minute at the side of the road. Putting in or removing liners took more time, and I found it was less trouble to put on a light sweater before taking off on a mountain morning.

Many of us are interested in classic bikes because we find value in simplicity. The waxed cotton riding suit continues to be popular because it is functional, simple and looks cool. The Tourmaster is equally functional and cool looking. You can simply ignore all the features, and continue to wet down a T-shirt when it gets hot and wear a heavy sweater when it gets cold.

owever, with the Tourmaster, you can sit down on your friends' furniture, confident that they will invite you back.

The Transition jacket lists for $189.99 and is available in women's XS to XL, men's XS to 4XL and Talls MT-3XLT. The Venture pants list for $136.99 and are available in women’s XS to L and Tall sizes and men’s XS to 4XL sizes. Transition jackets are available in a variety of colors including high-visibility yellow, Venture pants are available in black only. Go to www.tourmaster.com for more details and to find a dealer near you.