Richa Nora jean

Tested by: Julie Robinson // RRP: £99.99 // Sizes: Ladies 8-20 // Colours: Blue, black, denim // Info: www.nevis.uk.com

This is my first pair of riding jeans and so far I’ve been very impressed with them. I love the fact that they look just like a regular pair of jeans while still offering a level of protection – ideal for the days when you’re on and off the bike a lot and don’t want to be weighed down by your bulky and heavy gear.

The fit is snug, without being tight, and very flattering and comfortable. I was particularly impressed by the long length of the jeans – at 5ft 9in, I was not expecting to find jeans long enough. On the down side, the jeans only come in the one length and I’m not sure they’d work so well for the shorter lady. Off the bike, these jeans look exactly like your normal jeans – the only giveaway would be that the knees bulge out slightly due to the knee protectors when you sit down, but if you want the protection then you can probably make your peace with this!

The jeans are made of denim and have a soft Dupont Kevlar fibre lining. At the front, the lining comes down almost to the ankles and incorporates the adjustable knee protectors. At the back, the lining stops just below the bum, which feels slightly odd when you first put them on, but you quickly get used to the feeling, and the extra padding will obviously make for a more comfortable ride on longer journeys.

The front lining incorporates D3O knee protectors (CE-certified to level 1) which are held in place with Velcro strips. By opening and closing the different fastenings you can move the protectors up or down the leg as needed, and the fit of the jeans helps to prevent any sideways movement. The pads can be easily removed to wash the jeans.

There are no hip protectors, and no pockets to add them, which might be a consideration for some – I’m not sure I’d feel confident making long journeys at high speeds without my significantly more substantial textile trousers. In addition, these jeans are obviously designed only for summer wear, since as with normal jeans they do not offer any protection against wind, rain or cold.

However, for short journeys and day trips on dry summer days, you couldn’t ask for more. These jeans are a stylish and lightweight alternative to textile or leather trousers. Even with the unpredictable British summer, at under a hundred quid, I think I’ll get my money’s worth.