The £ 500 BUDGET
CAROLINE BARRETT, EDITORIAL SAINT
II WAS OVER the moon with my £500 budget – the biggest of all the team. Immediately heading off to swap it for quality gear I soon realised it wasn’t going to be a five-minute task. I decided to do a one-stop-shop and stick with the Sportsbike Shop, which has a huge range, easy-to-use website, and plenty of clearly marked sale items.
After applying the ‘womens’ filter to my search options the range shrunk drastically: 649 leather gloves down to just 75. It’s the same story everywhere, unfortunately. I wanted a set of all-weather gear so I’d have every scenario covered for year-round riding.
HELMET: Nolan N64 Smart £99.99
www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk
Packed with features and garnering good reviews, all for under a ton. I like the removeable liner so it can be kept fresh, but would prefer a D-ring over the ratchet fastener on the chin strap. The visor retaining system is amazingly easy to use, so top marks there.
GLOVES: Richa WP Racing Glove £64.99
www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk
These were chosen on recommendation from a friend. While they’re waterproof and comfy I’m not sure how well they’d hold out in a crash – the goat leather is a bit thin and stretchy. The stitching looks good, though, and there is knuckle protection, but sadly no scaphoid slider.
RST Diva 3 Ladies Textile Jacket £119.99 and Trousers £99.99
www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk
OK, so they’re not as stylish as a good-fitting set of leathers or as casual as decent riding jeans and jacket, but this suit would hopefully cope in all weathers. It’s fitted with Ce-approved armour in the knees, shoulders and elbows – but not a back protector… though there is a pocket to take one. This suit feels comfortable and the thermal lining is removeable for hotter weather. There are adjustable straps to tailor the sleeves and waist on the jacket if needed and the stripes of colour on the sides give a visual slimming effect! A full zip attaches the trousers to the jacket. I’m impressed and, for the money, I’d say it’s bang-on.
BOOTS: Road Nadja Boots £107.99
www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk
I really struggled to find a good set of protective waterproof boots just over £100. I had to compromise massively, as choice seemed limited to touring or scooter-style boots. I went for this boot as Road is a new brand to me and I’m interested in getting some first-hand (or foot) experience. The Nadjas are made from sturdy leather, they have ankle caps and shin protection, and the sole looks and feels robust. The one major flaw for me is the zip opening. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come down far enough, making it particularly hard to get the boot on. Taking them off my feet involves a lot of huffing and puffing and the strong arms of a man to assist.
“I wanted a full set of all-weather gear”