There’s a hint of vintage motocross to our latest gear roundup. But these products are much safer than your typical autojumble find. We’ve also sneaked in the world’s first merino/Kevlar mix baselayer, which looks good enough to wear on its own. Hide that credit card.
Simpson M50 helmet If Simpson’s Street Bandit is a little too stormtrooper for you, the new M50 might fit the bill. Based on the 1970s motocross classic, it’s a faithful remake in two shell sizes. The technology is basic—a composite fiberglass shell with removable and washable cheek pads—and certification is just DOT. But let’s face it, it’s the looks that count with this one, and it’s safer than an open face lid. Choose from six colors: Gloss Black, Matte Black, White, Matte Gunmetal, Red and Yellow. Your $299 also includes an old-school 5-snap visor for that classic enduro look. [Buy]
Ride 100% Barstow Ascott goggles We’re big fans of the Barstow goggles, inspired by the ‘hare & hound’ desert races of the 1970s. New variants are being released all the time, but the ‘Ascott’ is our favorite. The frame design is minimal, but includes upper vents and a triple layer of fleece-lined face foam. The cream-and-brown finish looks authentic, but the grey tinted Dalloz Optics lens is ultra-modern. Your $95 also buys a spare clear lens, a cleaning cloth and a bag for storage. [Buy Ride 100 Percent googles]
Saint Kevlar Merino Baselayer Denim/Kevlar weaves are everywhere these days, adding a measure of protection to ‘casual’ riding gear. Not all weaves are created equal, but some of the very best come from the premium Australian brand Saint. The company has now applied its expertise to Merino wool, producing a high-tech long-sleeve baselayer for AU$280. You get the warmth of fine-spun Merino wool with the abrasion resistance of para-aramid fibers. If you’re the type who occasionally rides wearing just a t-shirt or sweatshirt, this is a better option. But if temperatures are dropping, use it as a first layer of warmth and protection under a jacket. [Buy Saint gear]
78 Motor Co ‘Speed Gloves’ Five years ago, Anthony Jackson rode a 125cc moto from England to Mongolia. He expected his expensive, famous-brand gloves to perform, but they stretched and fell apart. Once back in Old Blighty, he started designing his own gloves and now runs 78 Motor Co., a small operation with a reputation for quality. The £78 Speed Gloves may look vintage, but the safety is closer to modern-day standards. You get carbon steel knuckle protectors, double-stitched seams, a padded lining, and reinforced palms. An oversized Velcro closure ensures a tight fit around the wrist and the leather is colored with transparent aniline dyes to highlight the grain. Choose from Nappa Black, Farina Grey or Dune (shown) finishes. [Buy]
Alpinestars Oscar Rayburn These new boots from Alpinestars’ retro spinoff brand look nothing like your typical moto footwear, but they’re CE certified. Hidden from view are a reinforced toe box and heel counter, a 3D mesh lining, and ankle disc protectors. The oil-resistant compound sole is grippy, and the build quality is superb. The laces thread through metal eyelet holes, a gusseted tongue keeps the elements out, and there’s a handy pull-tab at the heel. If you do a lot of trips around town and want a boot that looks good with jeans, the $249 Rayburn ticks the box. [Buy]
Icon 1000 Elsinore HP boot I’ve been wearing the original Elsinore boots for a couple of years now, and they’re simply superb. They take a while to break in, but soon became comfortable as well as tough. Icon has now updated the Elsinore with the $285 ‘HP’ model, with blacked-out styling and stitching, plus an aluminum shin plate. The brilliant five-strap alloy-buckle chassis and welted sole remain. It’s old-school motocross styling with modern-day protection. [Current ICON 1000 footwear]