Top to Toe
“I’ve found it to be comfortable with superb build quality”
1 Helmet: Arai Chaser X £399
www.whyarai.co.uk I’ve covered 10,000 miles wearing the Chaser since June 2017, using it for everything from trackdays to commuting and 1000-miles-in-a-day road trips and it hasn’t been a disappointment. While there are lighter and quieter helmets for the money, I have found it comfortable, with superb build quality, a decent field of vision and stable. Because of this, it is my go-to helmet. The visor release mechanism seems weird to begin with but is reliable. If you can get one at a reduced price (run-out lids can be had from £250 online) it represents decent value.
2 Jacket: Dainese Carve Master 2 £459.95
www.dainese.com This is Dainese’s sports touring jacket which I’ve used for 5000 miles, from touring in the Alps to commuting. A great-looking jacket, it is equipped with Ce-approved Level 1 armour at the elbows and shoulders, provision for a back protector and has a Gore-tex membrane. But all isn’t rosy — in heavy rain, I’ve had water get past the main zip and if you wear your gloves under the cuffs, it’s hard to get them tight enough to stop drafts and water. It’s also hard to get them tight enough to go under gloves. There are better jackets for the money.
3 Trousers: Dainese Carve Master 2 £339.95
www.dainese.com The best thing about these trousers is the protection: the Ce-approved knee armour runs all the way down the leg to the shin. Ventilation is effective, as is the thermal lining. However, if you ride without the lining you need a base layer as the Gore-tex membrane picks up on your skin. Mine also leaked at the crotch seam in very heavy rain.
4 Gloves: Knox Covert £119.99
www.planet-knox.com Knox markets these as three-season gloves but if you have heated grips, you’ll be able to use them all year. They’re thin, with plenty of feel and are breathable too, while still offering protection. Their waterproof lining is bonded to the leather, avoiding the dreaded ‘prolapse.’ Sustained exposure to rain allows some water ingress but it is acceptable. A really good buy.
5 Boots: Alpinestars SMX Plus Gore-tex £319.99
www.alpinestars.com I’ve had these for four years, covering 15,000 miles and they offer a combination of waterproofing, year-long comfort, feel and flexibility. Over that time, I’ve used them for trackdays and tours and they excel in every discipline, with a sung, reassuring fit. Not cheap though.
6 Rucksack: Kriega R15 £109.00
www.kriega.com The R15 has stood up to six years of constant use well – the zips still work as before, the lining hasn’t deteriorated and it’s as comfortable as ever. It also resists light showers. The small capacity rucksack is useful for day-trips and is my go-to sack if I already have luggage on a bike. However, if you only want one rucksack, you may be better with the larger-capacity R20 or R25.