Hideout Leathers

winger · Post by **winger** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:33 pm

Just for the record, Crowtree haven't closed.

Backmarker · Post by **Backmarker** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:02 pm

I have a set of Hideout leathers dating from the mid nineties. Absolutely the business. But Peter Hamlett (who was Hideout at the time) has now left the company, so I dont know who is making their stuff now, or whether it is the same quality now.
I had heard that Crowtree had closed after the owners had been unable to find anyone to take over the business after they retired, has this situation changed?

boxerscott · Post by **boxerscott** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 9:24 am

When you spend an arm and a leg on stuff it needs to be good and i firmly believe that made to measure is genarally better value than off the peg. heres another company i can promote for made to measure leathers.. B.T.K. They are in Beeston Notts. I have had a serious off in them the stitching held up fine, protection was in all the right places and they are just bloody great value for money (shame they did not make my boots then). Heavier the better. Dainese and co your havin a laugh.

Red Fokker · Post by **Red Fokker** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:59 am

Winger, Crowtree are top draw. I've had a full race suit and pair of leather jeans off them in the past and the quality, design and fit is second to none. The fit really is superb with no excess bulk anywhere and armour placed just right over joints with no possibility of it shifting in a crash. There has obviously been a lot of time and thought gone into the design and construction of them.

I had thought like others on this site that Alec and his wife - the proprietors had retired, it was certainly reported like this in the bike press, is this not so? Or is it that they've taken more of a back seat role. Whenever I went in the past it was always Alec that measured you up, presumably so that all measurements would be consistent.

If they are indeed still going strong it's a very good thing - I can't rate them highly enough. Be aware though that the waiting list is usually long especially at this time of year with the race season in full swing.