Killer new helmets from Nexx, a vintage-styled parka motorcycle jacket, and old-school leather pants made by a sexagenarian Portuguese leatherworker. This is the motorcycle gear we’re coveting right now.
Nexx XG100 helmets Founded at the turn of the century, Nexx quickly made a name for itself with futuristic, lightweight helmets. The technology is pretty amazing: the Nexx Carbon Pure in XL size weighs a mere 1365 grams (a smidge over three pounds).
The Portuguese company has now turned its attention to the ‘retro’ market with the XG100, which is filtering into stores as we speak. Developed with the help of the builder Maria Riding Company, it’s a new spin on the classic full-face look—and there are several versions available with eye-catching graphics. Pricing ranges from $400 to $450 depending on the paintwork; we’ll take the blue ‘Muddy Hog’ with red visor, thanks. [Buy]
REV’IT! Dayton Jacket If you grew up in England during the 1960s and 1970s, parkas were everywhere. Favored by Mods and catapulted into the public conscious by the film Quadrophenia, the occasional modern version pops up from the likes of high fashion brands like Paul Smith.
This new interpretation from REV’IT! is much more practical, though. It’s pitched as an urban jacket, but has a waterproof and abrasion resistant outer shell, CE-rated Knox armor and a pocket for an optional back protector. There’s a detachable thermal liner, and a button fastener to secure the hood when you’re riding. If you’re facing the onslaught of a northern hemisphere winter, you’ll be glad of the generous extra length too. [Buy]
Earnest ‘Hardin’ Overall Earnest is a New Zealand company making traditional workshop overalls and aprons. (They’re based just up the road from Bike EXIF headquarters, actually.) The $109 Hardin overall is a slim fully-fitted cut, inspired by classic racetrack style—but with enough material and bi-fold panels to keep movement comfortable.
It’s made from tightly woven 100% cotton 12oz. duck canvas, which will not ‘pinhole’ if hit by sparks—unlike nylon or other synthetics. The panels are joined with triple reinforced seams, and for extra longevity, there are double layers in high wear areas. These overalls don’t just look good—they’re built to last. [Buy]
Black Ember Neoruk Pack Black Ember is a new brand, but one to watch. It’s a team of experienced industrial designers based in San Francisco and specializing in high performance technical equipment. They make functional and weatherproof urban packs like this $265 Neoruk—a 25-liter pack constructed from waterproof, carbonate-coated, 1000-denier ballistic nylon.
The hardware is aluminum, there are padded sleeves inside, and there’s a removable shoulder harness with sternum straps. If you need to carry a laptop or work essentials on your bike, this is one of the most functional and stylish solutions around. [Buy]
El Solitario ‘Rascal’ Pants Mass production has its benefits, but we’re still suckers for gear produced the old-fashioned way. Each one of these vintage-styled pants is painstakingly hand-made by a third generation leather craftsman in Portugal.
The raw material is fine top grain 1.3mm Nappa leather, both supple and durable. The fit is traditional, as the pants are held up by adjustable leather braces. But the zips are tough, modern YKK items, and you can specify pockets for armor if you wish. You can choose from beige or black, and the cost is €560. That’s obviously not cheap, but for gear that will last a lifetime and is made by a skilled leatherworker, it’s a very reasonable price to pay. Check out the video below and you’ll see what we mean. [Buy]