This fairly new company approached us with an offer to test its handmade deerskin gloves, and we were happy to oblige. I went to the Full Day Web site, as head honcho Dennis Lopez instructed, downloaded a pattern and traced the outline of my fingers to send in. Because the gloves are handmade from these patterns, the return policy is simple: If they don't fit, send them back and Full Day promises to make them fit. I received the San Ysidro glove, which I chose for its medium cuff and the fact that it was an all-around riding glove. I knew deerskin would ensure a snug fit that would expand to fit my hand, yet retain overall length. The deerskin felt eerily comfy against my skin, and the gloves provided excellent control feel thanks to a seamless thumb and palm. I found the 2.5-ounce acrylic-injected leather to be cool in the summer yet comfortable when temperatures dropped, and Full Day says it wears longer, too. The glove weight allowed ample dexterity to unzip my jacket, put on sunglasses, and even operate a camera. Palm and knuckle pads can be added at no cost, which I'd suggest-I experienced pressure on my throttle hand during a weeklong tour and think another layer of reinforcement would probably alleviate that. I sent the gloves back, and Lopez returned them a week later with the adjustments. They're better than before, and I'm one happy customer.
What we dug: great craftsmanship, performance and value for custom gear.What we didn't: no vibration damping without optional layering.
Normally, I wear jeans on my day-to-day bike trips around town in the summer, but I wanted to replicate the same comfort with a bit more protection. The Mohave Mesh Pants came my way a few months ago, and their heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant polyester mesh construction looked like a good alternative. They came with a removable water- and wind-resistant liner, too, so I could potentially use them as rain pants. But I was most keen on the removable foam armor in the knees and hips-this was better than denim, and it felt comfortable when I was seated on the bike, thanks to integrated stretch panels. An adjustable waist let me fit into the pants after a hearty lunch (though the band tended to dig into my flesh), and side adjusters opened up my options even more. A zippered rear pocket held my wallet securely, and a zipper at the back allowed for jacket-to-pants attachment of the Yuma Mesh Jacket. Once I started riding, the mesh came into play and the cooling began. That part was great, but the Mohave's non-gusseted crotch area wasn't as soothing-any lateral movement or stretch of my leg would result in uncomfortable binding, and in extreme cases, I thought the pants might rip. These pants might suit some, but I want to be comfortable when I ride, not just cool.
What we dug: protective armor, jean style.What we didn't: no freedom of movement.
More Americans ride around in jeans than any other outerwear, but wouldn't it be better if they were more protective? That's the idea behind Triumph's Waterproof Denim Jeans. The five-pocket jeans are made with a cotton-denim/Cordura-nylon outer over a waterproof, breathable Humax membrane. That Cordura is much tougher than those Dickies when you suddenly find yourself sitting on the road at 50 mph, and its abrasion resistance is backed up by double-stitched seams and removable CE95 armor in the knees. The kneepads were positioned perfectly for me when I was seated on a bike and didn't turn into a large lump when I was walking around. The cuffs are roomy enough to slip over bulky boots.
The sizing seems to be on the snug side, but the expandable kidney section gives room to grow. A horizontal zipper at the back of the waist allows you to zip the pants to a jacket, and the waist closes with a hook. The Triumph Waterproof Denim Jeans are heavier and warmer than conventional jeans on a hot day, but though I haven't actually tried throwing myself down the road in them, I'm sure they'll no doubt ward off abrasion more effectively than standard Levis. Finding a rainstorm has also been difficult, but spray testing promises dry legs when I finally find a gully-washer. The pockets have plenty of room for your stuff.
What we dug: good protection and versatility.What we didn't: pricey.- Art Friedman
Take your standard-issue Levis, upgrade them to a more durable 14-oz. denim "chassis," reinforce them at crucial impact seams, add reinforced Aramid (some folks call that Kevlar) knee inserts and you have Icon's solution for everyday riding gear.
As I said before, I do most of my round-town riding in jeans, so I'm always looking for gear with that same softness but more protection. I've tried three of the six styles of riding jeans Icon currently carries in its catalog, and in my opinion the Recons bring the best combination of comfort, function and protection to the table. I probably won't be winning any fashion contests with the 1980s stonewashed finish, but I'm pretty sure the kids dig them. Then again, that's not why I'm wearing them.
Just slipping on the Recons was a relief; there was no binding, no chafing and no tightness thanks to a generous cut at the hip and thigh, and integrated stretch panels are placed where you need them most-above the knee, where denim tends to bunch, and up through the crotch area, where you need freedom of movement and comfort. Double material reinforcement at the knees is infused with the aforementioned Aramid, and all the seams on the Recon felt incredibly substantial. A traditional jean waist closure-zipper and button-puts it all together.
What we dug: deep pockets, comfy fit, protection.What we didn't: heavier than regular denim (but they have to be).
My first impression was that these were overpriced footwear for the status-conscious. After weeks of wearing them, however, I had to grudgingly admit that BMW's new Allround Boots were supple and comfy enough for everyday rides.
A combination of top-grade 1.8mm leather and 700-denier Cordura makes the Allrounds lighter than most boots. The integrated Gore-Tex liner does occasionally heat up, but it kept us dry in light rain and at temps below 85 degrees, the membrane was perfectly breathable. The shin, heel and toe sections of the Allrounds come with plastic reinforcement caps, which felt palpably tough from the outside but non-intrusive within. Plus, anklebones are covered on both sides ith hard shell and foam protectors. On the forefoot, a rubberized patch provided traction for gearshifts and a ribbed section of Cordura atop the instep allowed me to flex my feet easily.
The 10.5-inch-tall boot closes smoothly with a YKK zipper that extends from the arch to nearly the calf; top width was adjusted via a Velcro strip. The removable inner soles are thin, so you'll want to upgrade pronto. The medium-lugged rubber outsole, however, is grippy, and fuel and oil resistant. I was also happy to see a sizable reflective patch above the heel for nighttime visibility.
The Allrounds are simple protection done right. For 85 percent of daily riding situations, they're more than sufficient.
What we dug: protective yet unobtrusive; easy entry.What we didn't: less-than-aggressive outer sole.
The Dutch designers at RevIT! have come up with a pretty clever gear idea for the 9-to-5er. Aimed at the urban rider, the Freestyle is a protective 31/44-height boot that closes above the ankle. The easy entrance-and-closure system (a series of Velcro-secured flaps at the tongue coupled with adjustable side straps outside) made for quick entry and exit, and the sleek, rounded styling definitely reminded me I was wearing European riding gear. The straps were occasionally uncooperative, but once secured, very effective. The Freestyles were comfy, too-an especially important consideration if you're wearing them on your daily commute. I could walk around in them without feeling claustrophobic. The outer leather and Dupont Cordura construction gave me abrasion protection along with flexibility at the controls. Additionally, molded inserts protect the ankle, heel and toe areas. An internal Hydratex membrane offers waterproofing and breathability-though I never got the chance to test this quality. As was advertised, the boot's anatomic footbed is comfortable, and down below, a steel-reinforced Skywalker Sole offered a nicely damped ride (it's oil and gas resistant, too). But even though it's grippy, that sole tread is almost non-existent; I would've preferred a more aggressive lug. Still, the Freestyle is a better alternative than sneakers or hiking boots, and they go on easier, too.