SAVVY SAVING

Tricks, tips and kit that save pounds and pounds.

Thanks to the wonders of capitalism and the global supply chain, you can pick up a set of Ce-marked leathers – either one-piece or two – for under . But your purchase might not be the bargain it at irst appears. In fact, the best value leather suit is probably one that costs over  .

The main reason for this is longevity. Cheap leathers are made from cheap leather. All the made-to-measure suits you see here, on the other hand, are made from high quality hide – usually from South America, where the tanning process adds more strength. They will also shrug off all but the most cataclysmic of crashes, in which case the state of your leathers will be the least of your worries.

If you’re not convinced, ask yourself why most hardened club racers wear reputable pricey leathers, despite scrimping furiously in almost every other department. Partly it’s safety, but mostly it’s pure economics – they know a decent race suit will last a season of crashes without needing much attention, whereas a cheap suit might not even get them through the first practice session.

For road riders this means handmade leathers can last a riding lifetime. Of course you might need the waist letting out, but that’s easily done. And all the while you can ride safe in the knowledge you’re in a leather fortress rather than a cheaply made shed.

Then there’s the fit. Even if you’re a relatively normal shape, a set of made-to-measure leathers will fit you noticeably better because it takes account of every deviation from the norm – whether that’s longer arms, chunkier calves, or broader shoulders. And you can specify personal details too. If, for example, you wear a massive watch on your right wrist, the leathers can accommodate that. If you hate velcro pocket closures, they can be poppers or zips.

And of course you can upgrade – several manufacturers offer kangaroo hide as an option, which is lighter and stronger than cowhide. The only problem is that because it comes from wild animals that tend to get into more scrapes extra checks for damage are required. Fortunately Britain has some of the finest made-to-measure leather manufacturers in the world – all the ones on these pages have excellent reputations – so we recommend picking one nearest to you (you’ll need to visit to be measured etc). That said Dainese offer a made-to-measure service, so we’ve included that too. Both Dainese and BKS offer airbags, at extra cost, but all offer a wise investment in your riding future.