Quick kit tests
TXC Rt-race boot £230 www.nevis.uk.com
I WAS INITIALLY a bit disappointed by this boot – purely because I’d mis-read the blurb. I’d thought it was two-part race tackle with a separate inner boot, but instead it’s a one-piece boot with a lace/drawstring adjusted section behind the single zip, to ensure a really good, snug fit. It’s a comfy boot to walk inand surprisingly non-squeaky (so far) despite the substantial plastic bracing and armour on the outside. More importantly, it’s really good on the bike, with great feel and a grippy sole. It’s a quality boot, well made and well-priced: I like it. SIMON WEIR
SHARK Evoline Pro Carbon helmet £439.99 www.nevis.uk.com
THIS IS MY first flip-front helmet and now I’m wishing I’d tried one ages ago. It’s really handy to flip the front at tollbooths or in town (the flip goes all the way to the back of the lid) and just as easy to flip down again. It’s fairly quiet, pretty light (1610g) and nicely finished. A few details annoy me. You have to put your hand in front of your face and push up from the top middle of the visor to raise it. To work the drop-down sun visor means fumbling for a slider on top of your head. But on balance, I’m very happy with it. KEV RAYMOND
Rev’it Akira Vintage jacket £489.99 www.revitsport.com
“WHAT DO YOU think to my new jacket?” I asked. Confused, “Isn’t that an old jacket?” she replied… Beneath the vintage appearance are all the mod-cons of a top-of-the-range sports jacket: external armor on the shoulders and elbows; well placed stretch panels; a detachable thermal liner; and a connecting zip for a set of trousers. There’s CE Level 2 armour at the shoulders, elbow and forearm, with a pocket for a back protector. It’s made of vintage-effect perforated cowhide, with breathable material under the arms and a neoprene collar. At £490 it isn’t cheap, but you could probably get away with pretending you’ve had it for ages. LEE SKELLET
Oxford Aquad three-pack £25 www.oxfordproducts.com
IF YOU HAVE my level of packing OCD, these small roll-top waterproof bags are genius. They come in 5L, 7L and 12L sizes, so even if outer luggage leaks, anything in these will stay dry. My micro-niggle is that you have to buy these three sizes in the one pack: it’d be good if they were also sold individually, as I’d get better use from three or four 7L bags. But for the paranoid packer, they’re a good waterproofing measure. SW
Arc-on Evo 2 one-piece leathers £899 www.arc-on.co.uk
ONE-PIECE LEATHERS NEED to be a close fit for safety, to keep the armour in place, yet be able to accommodate a variety of different shaped riders. They have to be solidly made to give protection while being light enough to be unobtrusive. British firm Arc-on’s Evo 2 suit provides all of this. Beautifully thick, yet supple leather, a vented front panel, high-quality zips, Forcefield CE Level 2 armour throughout, nifty use of Neoprene for cuffs, Stingray on the thighs for less grab and leg adjustment so you can wear your boots inside or outside your boots, this made suit is what I grab for track use. MATT HULL
Tucano Urbano Gulliver £200 www.tucanourbano.com
THIS IS A lovely coat. It’s billed as a touring jacket, but I’d say looks like smart urban-riding wear. It’s waterproof and has CE Level 1 armour in elbows and shoulders, with a pocket for a back protector. The quilted liner can be taken out, reversed and worn as a casual jacket. There are decent sized pockets and vents, it’s well cut with good adjusters and even has a hood in the high collar. My only gripe is the non-adjustable collar is quite tight – I can’t fasten it over a high-necked jumper. Overall, it’s a really nice jacket that works well on and off the bike. SW