The RIDE Kit Care Guide
KEEP YOUR RIDING GEAR IN SHAPE
Boots
Good boots can cost a fortune but, with good care, can last for years. Most have leather uppers as it provides strength, abrasion resistance, breathability and long-life, though synthetic materials like Lorica have similar properties.
A grippy sole means you don’t slip as you put a foot down to stop. Add shin and ankle armour and you have the makings of a good bike boot. Sportsbike and adventure bike boots are likely to have more plastic armour or clips, giving more protection, better closure, and articulation where you need it.
What goes wrong
Leather can wear in areas where it constantly flexes, soles are usually glued on and can come loose, zips can break if you’re ham-fisted, Velcro can become less sticky, retaining clips can break and plastic toe sliders can wear out.
Cleaning
Leather is a natural material and gets attacked by water, sweat, scuffs, oil, grease and even bugs. First course of action is to use water and a damp cloth or sponge to gently rub, trying not to saturate the leather. Instead of scrubbing hard, loosen stubborn bugs or dirt by laying a damp cloth on top for a few minutes. Pay special attention to the nooks and crannies, like where the sole joins or around plastics. Give a little time to soften any deposits, then use a microfibre cloth to clean any dirt off. Finally, let the boots dry naturally – not near a radiator or even in the sunshine – heat will dry out the leather, causing it to crack over time.
Protecting the leather
Now your boots are clean, brush boot polish on to any scuffs, then shine with a good cloth. Next, reinvigorate the leather. Some products feed it, replenishing the natural oils to retain strength and suppleness; others coat the grain of the leather to keep water out, and some do both. Use Nikwax, Grangers or Leder-gris to extend the life of the leather.
Plastics
The best thing to use on plastics is furniture polish. It also lubricates clasps and any articulated parts.
Resoling
If the sole is wearing through, it should be possible to have a cobbler replce it, depending on the boot (prices range from £20- £70, depending on make). Other boots may have to go back to the manufacturer to be resoled, which is likely to cost more.
Recolouring
If a leather boot has faded to the point that boot polish isn’t bringing the colur back you can recolour it. Leather dye is strong stuff - wear gloves - and takes several coats to get to black or brown, but it costs less than £10 and can get good results. But don’t try to use it on Lorica – dye could melt it.