Stay cool and ride safe with Wattie’s fresh threads selection for a cracking summer of riding
Let’s be honest, it gets bloody hot in Summer in Australia and many riders (myself included) are tempted to not wear enough protective gear. Wearing hot and sweaty gear in traffic or even out on the open road can be a real ball ache. Thankfully, technology and synthetics have come a long way and we are blessed with fantastic summer gear that is comfortable and cool. I’ve been rolling with a new kit for around town and the burbs which is a breeze to wear.
Scorpion Exo-1400 Evo II Air
While Scorpion is a fairly new brand to the shelves in Australia, it already has plenty of runs on the board in Europe. Scorpion Helmets are worn in MotoGP by Alex Rins and World Superbike by Alvaro Bautista, so you know they are legit and top quality.
While this particular model isn’t the race version, it is the road and touring spec one. This means attention has been paid to comfort, noise and airflow. Plus the useful features for everyday use. The built-in, maverick-style, flip-down sun visor is treated on both sides to resist fogging and included in the box is a clear pinlock visor insert for the main visor. The top air vent copped an upgrade over the previous version and moves air across your head and out the back to help in keeping your brain cool.
Comfort is top of the class with moisture wicking and soft materials used in the liner. The liner is removable, too, for washing to keep it fresh. Not only that but the padding is also ready to accept the speakers for your chosen Bluetooth headset. The cheek pads have a nifty Airfit pump system that allows you to pump them up for a super-snug fit and then let the air out before removing the helmet. Think Reebok Pumps from back in the day. It’s a neat feature and ensures a very snug fit. While not as light as a full carbon race helmet, it is light enough to make full days on the bike comfortable.
The Exo-1400 Evo II Air is available in sizes XS to 2XL and retails for $699.95 with a five-year warranty. Ace!
Ixon Fresh jacket
The name says it all: it’s Fresh! This summer jacket is the breeziest jacket I’ve worn. While it doesn’t appear so from the outside, you can see right through it from the inside, it’s that breezy. Synthetic fabric should do the job in a slide and the built-in soft Level 1 CE padding feels secure and well located. There isn’t a back protector inside, however there is a spot for it to go, so factor in adding one in if you want, or simply wear a separate airbag vest or regular back protector underneath the jacket. The jacket has three pockets but just one waterproof pocket for your phone or wallet and it is located on the hip around the back so as to not get in the way of the breezyness. The arms and wrist can be tightened using press studs if you need a tighter fit. There aren’t too many bells and whistles on this jacket, but it does what it is designed to do while keeping you cool.
The Ixon Fresh jacket can be had in sizes S-6XL and retails for $249.95.
Ixon RS Rise Air glove
Goat leather. Yes, seriously. The palm and backhand are goat leather. Seems odd but I guess the good old Aussie Kangaroo isn’t as plentiful around the world. These sporty, short-style gloves are my go-to option for day-to-day commuting and general riding. The goat leather is nice and soft from the first wear and should live a long and happy life. The back of the fingers are mesh for airflow and there is a nice carbon knuckle protector on top for tapping on car windows. They are touchscreen friendly and very comfortable. Five stars from me.
The Ixon RS Rise Air gloves come in sizes S-2XL, they can be yours for $119.19.
Bull-It 24 Jackal easy
Jeans can be much cooler and more comfortable than leather pants and even some adventure style pants. But normal denim doesn’t really cut the mustard in a stack. These Bull-it jeans look great and are made from fancy “Covec Oneskin” denim with built-in and removable armour in the knees and hips. They feel just like regular jeans but maybe a tad heavier. The bottom of the legs have zips to allow them to go over the top of bulky boots so you don’t look like a racer boy with your boots on the outside of your jeans. The fit is easy rather that tight and the waist is high to help stop them working their way down and showing your butt crack to the motorists you pass. There are pockets aplenty and they are nice and deep so your phone won’t fly out while doing wheelies (it can happen…), or worse yet your cash to buy a beer at the pub on the way home.
The Bull-It 24 Jackal comes in sizes 30-52 in short, regular and long. They cost $249.95.
Gaerne G.Rome Gore-Tex boot
If you like casual, these are right up your alley. These shoes would scrape through on a night out on the town. They are leather uppers with zip and laces, so technically you only have to do the laces up once then zip on and off. I find it easier to slip on and off by undoing the laces. They are Gore-tex lined so will be waterproof if you get caught out in a downpour. Not sure how the rest of your summer gear will hold up, however. They are comfy enough and the sole is reinforced to give them a little bit of structure. To me they feel like mountain bike shoes with their solid-feeling sole. Perfect for commuting and general running around; they will not get you in to a track day.
You can get the Gaerne G.Rome Gore-Tex boot in sizes US 4-12 and they can be had for $329.95.
For more information, check out www.cassons.com.au