The world’s first single layer, CE-approved riding jeans, a Seiko watch for riders, and Kevlar long johns. Today’s line-up is more eclectic than most, but still capable of inflicting serious damage on your net worth.
Belstaff Crosby waxed cotton jacket Belstaff’s Crosby jacket is for anyone that digs the iconic styling of the Trialmaster, but wants a lighter jacket.
The Crosby’s gone through some changes over the years, but Belstaff have finally settled on a 6oz wax cotton construction. It’s heavy enough to be effective, and light enough to handle casual duties.
All the classic features are present: lots of pockets, corduroy on the cuffs and collar, and a cotton check lining. The wax cotton chassis is backed up by a seam-sealed ‘Miporex’ membrane, making the Crosby waterproof. There’s CE-approved armor at the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket to fit a back protector. It’s available in either black or navy blue, at $445. [Buy]
Saint Model 1 Unbreakable Jean I’m virtually inseparable from my Saint denims—even when I’m off the bike. The cut and finish are spot-on, but, more importantly, they’re super comfortable. Why? Because rather than line their jeans with Kevlar, Saint uses a single layer of abrasion resistant fabric, making them all-day wearable.
Now they’ve taken the concept further with the Model 1: the world’s first single-layer, CE-approved motorcycle trousers. The denim’s constructed by weaving UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) fibres with cotton, making the Model 1 good for a six second slide time (approximately 75 meters, in case you were wondering).
That—and the removable, CE-approved armor at the knees and hips—has earned the Model 1 CE Level 1 approval. They’re available for AU$400 (about US$350), in a coated black finish. The knee armor position is adjustable, and elasticated panels behind the knees keep the fit optimal with or without armor. Plus they look damn good. [Buy Saint]
Bowtex Unisex Kevlar Leggings Next on our list: Motorcycle leggings for him or her. Wait, what?
Before you lynch us, we’d like to point out that Bowtex’s Kevlar leggings are flying off the shelf. And when you stop to think about it, it makes sense. They’re designed to be worn as a base layer under your favorite Levis or Edwins, offering additional abrasion resistance where it counts most: against your skin.
The fabric is a mix of Kevlar, heat- and flame-retardant Protex, and cotton—with solid Kevlar panels in high-risk areas. And they include pockets for hip and knee armor (sold separately). They’ll keep you a little warmer in winter, but are breathable enough for most seasons. Get them in yellow for $135, or black for $177 (yellow is the fabric’s natural color, making it cheaper to produce). [Buy]
Seiko x Giugiaro Design Rider’s Chronograph Japanese watchmaker Seiko and Italian design house Giugiaro Design have been collaborating on special edition timepieces for decades. This is their latest, and it’s a remake of a 1980 classic.
Like the original, the new Rider’s Chronograph’s face is rotated fifteen degrees clockwise, and tilted five degrees toward the rider, making it easier to read while gripping the bars. That’s where the moto-specific features end, but there’s still plenty to tantilize the horophiles in us. Five different versions will be released to the Japanese market between November and January, all featuring a stainless steel casing, Seiko quartz chronograph movement and five-year battery life. Prices will range between 30,000 and 35,000 Yen (US$280 to $330). [Via Gear Patrol]
TCX Fuel Gore-Tex boots TCX’s new Fuel boots combine classic engineer boot styling with modern practicality. Outside you’ll find full-grain leather, with a Gore-Tex liner inside to keep things waterproof yet breathable. A side-entry, gusseted zip makes getting in and out of them a cinch, and a Velcro tab adds extra security.
Billowed leather inserts above the heel help with flex, and the insole is both anatomic and replaceable. TCX haven’t skimped on protection either: the $230 Fuels feature reinforced toe and heel cups, and full malleolus protection. [Buy]