Oxford Original Approved Denim Jeans
RRP: £119.99 / Tested by: Ross Mowbray / www.oxfordridergear.com
I’m partial to a pair of bike jeans. I’ll wear textiles on occasion, but more often than not, I’ll opt for biker denim. They’re practical, comfortable and versatile, which means I don’t have to get changed when I get to my destination. I know many of you out there won’t even consider wearing jeans on the bike. As far as you’re concerned, leather’s the only way to go. I get it. But with recent technological advancements, there’s no reason a set of specially designed bike jeans won’t keep you safe should you end up sliding along the Tarmac.
Over the years I’ve worn my share of jeans from the big names in game. A lot of the gear on the market will set you back a small fortune, but Oxford’s recently released its reasonably priced Original Approved Denim range, so I thought I had better get my hands on (and then legs in) a pair and see if they stand up to scrutiny.
At first glance, the Oxford Original Approved Denim Jeans might not look like much. Aside from a line of stitching above the knee, they look like they could be a set of normal fashion jeans. That’s a good thing. But are they up to the job of keeping you safe should the worst happen? Thankfully, I’ve not had the chance to see how well they hold up, but Oxford claim they’ll stay intact if you have a spill up to 45mph. And I believe it; they feel reassuringly solid.
That could be because they’re constructed from a single layer of Oxford’s own Armourlite material. It’s essentially a highly durable denim, which has been weaved with polyamide fibres. For reference, polyamide is a hard-wearing material originally developed by the military for parachute cords. It’s strong stuff. Despite that, there’s a bit of stretch to them – and as a result, I’ve found them as durable and comfortable as my go-to set of Levis. There’s also some clever quick dry technology built in, which works to both soak up sweat and increase water repellency. They’re not waterproof; I’ve worn them in some pretty awful weather and have definitely got wet. But I can attest that they are quick to dry.
They also come equipped with CE-approved knee and hip armour to protect your joints in an impact. Offering a decent spread of protection due to their size, it’s actually quite surprising how little you notice them when you’re off the bike. I’ve spent long days walking around in these jeans in perfect comfort.
The fit’s good – I opted for the Straight leg version – although you do have to be careful not to catch the knee pouch with your foot when you’re putting them on. If you just jammed your foot through, I’m fairly sure you’d end up ripping the knee holder. I’ve had a couple of tentative moments, hopping around trying to wiggle my foot through. Not ideal – but then again, it’s not a problem exclusive to these jeans.
Putting that very minor criticism aside, these are an excellent pair of jeans for the money. I’d have another pair in a flash, and wouldn’t think twice about paying just shy of £120 for them. I know that’s not exactly pocket change, but I don’t think it’s all that expensive either. They’re cheaper than a lot of the competition, and just as capable of keeping you protected.
So, if you're after a new pair of biker jeans that won't break the bank, Oxford's Approved Denim range is well worth a look. I'm a big fan. They're my first choice when I'm out on the bike...