Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Motorcycle Boots

Biker boots are not just for bikers


Diehard bikers will be shaking their heads in disbelief as fashion magazines everywhere devote countless pages to the latest fashion must have: the biker boot. Bikers will know that the majority of biker boot wearers have never been anywhere near a motorcycle in their lives.


Traditionally made from thick leather, biker boot production has progressed over the years to include padding and protective metal and plastic components. Essentially, they’re designed to protect the rider’s legs and feet in the event of an accident and provide a wet weather shield.


Biker boots range from above the ankle to knee height, and usually have a low heel to assist bike control. Harness boots are a popular choice and are typically made of heavyweight leather, while their height can vary from between 10 inches up to 38 inches. Harness boots protect the rider from hot exhaust pipes and the heat of the engine block. They generally have leather straps across the ankle and foot, and can also include a metal shank in the heel and a steel toe cap.


Cutting edge


Genuine bikers are more likely to head over to serious biker boot makers, TCX.


Boasting a Centre for Research and Development, TCX uses the latest innovations such as a precision air fit system on all their boots. A pump is inserted into the top part of the footwear to allow you to inflate an air chamber positioned in the instep of the boot. A valve in the chamber allows you to deflate the air chamber, making it easier to remove the boot.


For racers, TCX provides a system that combines flexibility and protection. Their racing boots feature a triple-injection polyurethane body and heel. The design structure aims to give the rider a lightweight boot that will adhere to the bike without getting caught on anything. It aims to provide a perfect balance of suppleness and functionality.


For off-road users, a different system is employed with three rigid elements joined together by lugs that slide inside special pockets. Motion is ensured by two rear flexion points while sideways movement is based on two points that stop excessive torsion beyond natural limits. This unique system protects the foot from injury, but still allows for normal movement of the joints. It also manages to avoid the usual warping of materials that you find occurs with traditionally made footwear.


Still stylish


With all the focus on design and durability, the biker boot still manages to look good. You can’t get away from the fact that they retain an air of cool, even when the emphasis is not on fashion.


Couple them with leathers and jeans and you have the original biker look. In fact, biker boots look great worn with any casual outfit.


Ultimately, it’s where you shop for your boots that makes the difference. High Street chains will offer purely decorative variations of the classic biker boot. Serious bikers will head straight to the specialists for the real thing.


While the right boots can be pricey, you can save money on other motorbike items if you shop around and do your research. You’ll find some great deals on motorbike insurance at Bennetts, leaving you money left over to buy the boots of your dreams.


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Friday, September 06, 2013

Product Review: Rev'It! Seesoft Back Protector

Below is my review of the Rev'It! Seesoft Back Protector that was posted to Revzilla's website a couple of months ago, which also gives the necessary info to use a Seesoft with Aerostich jackets. The "other protectors" to which I refer in my review are the Forcefield Pro, Aerostich's TF3 Standard, and the SAS-TEC insert. BTW, I'm still waiting for Revzilla to be restocked on the Seesoft that fits my Rev'It Ignition 2 jacket; I've been using a Knox liberated from another of my jackets.


5 / 5
5 / 5
Works great with Aerostich gear, too!
June 25, 2013
Customer avatar
From Newark
State:DE
Rider Type:Gear Geek
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Style 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Comfort 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Protection & Durability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Air Flow 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Features 
4 / 5
4 / 5
I'm waiting for RevZilla to be re-stocked on the KN-106 so I can order one for my Ignition 2 jacket. In the mean time I ordered a Seesoft to try with my Aerostich Roadcrafter and Darien jackets. Aerostich sells an adapter sleeve in order to use its "Transit" back pad (actually a SAS-TEC) in its other jackets, and the Seesoft ST-12 fits right into the size Medium sleeve like it was made to do so. The Seesoft is the most comfortable back protector I've worn of the 4 different brands I've tried; I know it's there, but barely. Other protectors have either dug into my neck or put pressure on the back of my helmet or made me feel like I have a stick strapped to my back while in the riding position. No plans on personally assessing its protective qualities, so I'm putting my faith in the CE L-2 lab testing and results. The Airflow rating is relative to other protectors I've tried, which flow little to no air; the Seesoft flows "some" small amount of air, but it's a trade-off for spine protection. I'm happy to have finally found a back protector I can live with on a daily basis, and can't wait until I can buy one for my Ignition 2.
Rides: 2003 Kawasaki ZR-7S
Yes, I recommend this product.

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