OXFORD KICKBACK SHIRT

For the kind of riding I do, I can usually get away with a pair of jeans and a Kevlar shirt. And that’s where Oxford’s Kickback Shirt comes in.

At first glance, the British brand’s casually styled shirt simply looks like a piece of fashion clothing, but on closer inspection, the Kickback reveals a handful of clever features to help you stay safe.

Beyond its cotton exterior, the shirt comes fully lined with Dupont Kevlar aramid fibres to help save your skin should you end up sliding along the Tarmac. Admittedly, there’s no built-in armour as standard, but there are pockets ready to take shoulder, elbow and back protection, should you choose to add it. I usually wear a set of tight-fitting body armour underneath instead. That’s no slight against built-in armour, it’s just a personal preference, and it means I can take the armour off easily when I get to my destination, throw it in a rucksack, and stick the shirt back on. The shirt also comes with two external front pockets and a secure internal pocket, which is a nice touch. There’s stud and zip cuffs, meaning you can get your gloves either inside or outside the shirt, and it even gets a water-resistant coating. I’ve not worn it in any serious downpour, but it’s kept me dry in a couple of light showers. Oxford’s Kickback shirt is well worth a punt if you want something that does the job and also looks good off the bike.

Ross Mowbray

Price £99.99 www.oxford-products.co.uk