Tag Archives: motorcycle jeans

New Gear: Highway 21 Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans

Highway 21 Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans black
Highway 21 Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans in Black.

Few materials provide the comfort, durability, and casual style of denim, and Highway 21’s Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans are designed to uphold a classic jean look and feel while including extra protection and abrasion resistance for riding.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

The Highway 21 Stronghold jeans feature a single-layer denim blend of Dyneema fiber, cotton, nylon, polyester, and spandex. They also include Sas-Tec flex-armor in the knees and detachable hip armor pockets (hip armor sold separately).

The jeans have a YKK front zipper, and a leather watch pocket gives the jeans a stylish touch.

Highway 21 Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans Blue
Highway 21 Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans in Blue
Highway 21 Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans Blue
Highway 21 Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans in Blue

The Highway 21 Stronghold motorcycle jeans are available in regular and tall sizes 32-38 in blue or black for $199.95.

The post New Gear: Highway 21 Stronghold Motorcycle Jeans appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Highway 21 Blockhouse Motorcycle Jeans | Gear Review

Highway 21 Blockhouse motorcycle jeans
Photo by Garth Milan.

Helmet? Check. Jacket with armor? Check. Gloves with knuckle protection? You bet. Chaps? Ugh, hold on. I’ll be ready and waddling out the door in about five. I owned a pair of chaps, but honestly, I never wore them. I typically just threw on my sturdiest pair of jeans and then laced up my riding boots. But I always felt a little vulnerable when it came to my legs – until I discovered motorcycle jeans.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

The Highway 21 Blockhouse Jeans are a classic straight-leg pant made of 12-ounce denim with Aramid fiber reinforced panels over 70% of the jeans – from the hips to below the knees in the front and about halfway down the thighs in the back. They include CE Level 1 removable knee armor and removable hip armor pockets (hip armor sold separately).

The Blockhouse Jeans have some pros and cons in my book. For starters, I’m not crazy about the color. I opted for the Oxford Blue, and it turned out to be a much lighter blue than it appears on the Highway 21 website, almost a baby blue color. It’s not bad, but it’s not my preference. They also come in Black.

Highway 21 Blockhouse motorcycle jeans
The “Oxford Blue” shown on the Highway 21 website (but not quite representative of my pair)
Highway 21 Blockhouse motorcycle jeans
Highway 21 Blockhouse jeans in Black.

My biggest gripe is the pockets for the knee armor. These are supposed to look like regular jeans, so a pocket on the exterior wouldn’t look as clean, but the interior access on the Blockhouse Jeans is below the knee where the pant leg is narrower. I have a different pair of riding jeans where the pocket access is above the knee, and it’s worlds easier to get the armor in. With the Blockhouse Jeans, it’s a fight to get the armor out and back in every time I wash them. Also, even though the product description says the pockets are adjustable for different heights, given the size of the armor, I’ve only been able to fasten the hook-and-loop in one position.

However, in the bigger picture, the Blockhouse Jeans are comfortable and roomy without being baggy. I have worn them over a pair of heated pant liners, and while it was a little snug pulling the jeans on at first, they quickly loosened up to be just about right. Speaking of the heat, with the Aramid panels separate from the denim, they’re warmer than my other pair of motorcycle jeans that have the protection woven into the denim. To give you an idea, on a recent interstate ride on a naked bike on a particularly cold day (28 degrees with a 10-mph north headwind), I had forgotten my heated pant liners and only had long johns, the Blockhouse Jeans, and rainsuit pants to block the wind, and my legs were perfectly fine. When the weather is colder, these are definitely my go-to pair.

The Highway 21 Blockhouse Jeans come in men’s waist sizes 30-42 (Tall sizes available for 32-38) for $129.95.

The post Highway 21 Blockhouse Motorcycle Jeans | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Fly Racing Resistance Jeans | Gear Review

Fly Racing Resistance Jeans Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS review
The rider is wearing Fly Racing Resistance Jeans, as well as Fly Racing’s Sentinel Helmet, Flux Air Jacket, and Milepost Boots. Next to him is the 2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS. (Photo by Kevin Wing)

The old maxim “you get what you pay for” is usually a reliable predictor of quality, but when it comes to Fly Racing’s Resistance Jeans, I’m not convinced the rule applies. They’re made of light, durable 12-ounce denim with an aramid fiber lining that provides abrasion protection across the entire seat and from the waistband down the front of each leg, finishing below the knee. Removable CE Level 1 knee armor adds extra impact protection.

Read our Fly Racing Flux Air Mesh Jacket review

Thoughtful design features include adjustable pockets for the knee armor with additional hook-and-loop patches that allow an inch of adjustment, ensuring it will be where it should if needed, regardless of the wearer’s height. The right front pocket is equipped with a lanyard for attaching keys, and removable hip armor pockets are compatible with optional Fly Barricade CE Level 1 armor ($23.95). Styling details include classic denim contrast stitching and plaid detailing inside the waistband and pockets. Quality touches include a durable YKK fly zipper and riveted front pockets.

Read our 2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS road test review

Fly Racing has made an effort to fit riders of various body types with a range of both regular and tall sizes. But if you’ve got an extra-long inseam like me, you’re still going to wish for an extra inch (I’ll leave it to you to add the punchline). The fit is slightly relaxed, and the straight-cut leg will go over all but the largest boots.

I’ve been wearing a pair of Resistance Jeans throughout the summer. They provide a solid balance between breathability and protection, remaining comfortable in hot weather, and they look great too. They also wash far better than some of the more expensive brands I wear, and I expect they will age over time like a favorite pair of old jeans. Most impressive, they’re a good value at just $129.95. I guess sometimes you do get more than you pay for.

Fly Racing Resistance Jeans are available in men’s regular sizes 30-40 and tall sizes 32-38, in either Indigo (pictured) or Oxford Blue (for a pre-washed look).

For more information or to find a Fly Racing/Western Power Sports dealer near you, visit flyracing.com.

Fly Racing Resistance Jeans review
Fly Racing Resistance Jeans in Indigo

The post Fly Racing Resistance Jeans | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Pando Moto update Steel Black jeans

Lithuanian motorcycle clothing company Pando Moto have updated their Steel Black 02 single-layer riding jeans for men and women which are claimed to be tougher and blacker.

We reviewed the Steel Black 9 jeans last year, but the new 02 version has updated the Dyneema technology to make them tougher.

Dyneema is a Dutch invention which blends the abrasion-resistant material into a single-layer denim that meets CE standards for protection without the need for a separate layer.

Updates also give the pants an even darker sheen inside and out.

They say their 13oz single-layer stretch denim has 25% Dyneema and is CE approved personal protection equipment under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70km/h) safety.

Steel BlackPando Moto Steel Black riding jeans

They are also more expensive than the Steel Black 9 ($A470) at $590 and come in a small array of sizes from 29” waist to 34.Pando Moto Steel Black riding jeans

Using the same updates, and Moto has released a version for women called Kissaki DYN 01 with the same slim-fit design and same price. They also come in five sizes from 27W to 34.Pando Moto Steel Black riding jeans

Both come with SAS-TEC Triple flex armour knee and hip armour.

Safety

The benefits of single-layer protective jeans is that they are lighter while still having abrasion protection.

That makes them better for urban riding and more comfortable when you get off the bike to visit your favourite restaurant.

However, single-layer protective material does sacrifice some protection as explained in our article quoting Dr Chris Hurren, a research scientist at Deakin University in Geelong where he and his laboratory work on protective motorcycle clothing.

It is worth noting that in another article, Chris points out that urban and country riders need different levels of abrasion, impact and seam-bursting protection in their riding gear.

He explains the differences in this video from MotoCAP, the world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing which launched on 18 September 2018.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Pando Moto Dyneema versus Cordura rider jeans

(Pando Moto jeans review by contributor James Wawne)

Is it worth the extra expense to get the single-layer Dyneema jeans from Pando Moto over their Cordura jeans with Kevlar patches?

We think so.

Dyneema is a Dutch invention which blends the abrasion-resistant material into a single-layer denim that meets the toughest CE standards for protection without the need for a separate layer.

The fabric is claimed to provide the same protection as leather (about 3.7 seconds of abrasion resistance), and will keep you cooler and more comfortable; but it is typically a bit more expensive.

Comparison

The Pando Moto Karl Desert EL Cordura/Kevlar jeans we tested last month are mid(ish) priced at €249 (about $A405, £210, $US275).

Pando Moto jeans
Pando Moto Karl Desert EL Cordura/Kevlar jeans

Their Steel Black 9 slim-fit Dyneema jeans are slightly more expensive at €289 (about $A470, $US320, £248).

As a Brit, currently feeling the Aussie summer heat, I believe that the Steel Black jeans are worth the extra money for the ‘cool-comfort-factor’ alone! They really are very comfortable indeed. 

Safety

I felt more comfortable knowing that there are no zones without protection as the Dyneema is woven throughout the jeans fabric.

I could ride with more focus as there was no distraction which can come from uncomfortable gear.

These jeans are also cooler than the pair I previously tested and well suited for warmer climate riding, I am not sure how they would perform on a cold day in London (most days) but it would be possible to wear them over some thermals if that was an issue. Pando Moto Dyneema versus Cordura rider jeans

I tested them in 30-35 degrees and they were very comfortable. They are quite light and feel just like a regular pair of jeans even when combined with the CE-approved hip and knee armour*.

*The armour is noticeable for the first 5 minutes or so when you first put them on, but when they are warmed up by you body heat, they become softer and barely noticeable.

The hip inserts don’t have velcro at the top of the pocket to keep them in place like the other jeans – below.Pando Moto Dyneema versus Cordura rider jeans

However, when wearing them, the pad is pressed against your body so it doesn’t move out of position. The only a minor issue when you take them off as they can fall out which is annoying.

Another safety feature is the reflective strips on the inside of the pants so they reflect headlights when the cuffs are turned up – as with the other pair tested – a nice innovation.

Handy pantsPando Moto Dyneema versus Cordura rider jeans

Apart from the usual jeans pockets, the Steel Black slim jeans have a small gum/key pocket which I found handy.

Another handy item is the round clip ring on the buckle to clip on your keys or hang your sunglasses from when wandering around road side cafes.

StylingPando Moto Dyneema versus Cordura rider jeans

I’m reasonably slim and the jeans fit well, if you are more of a pie eater then they might not fit as size range is limited for the larger waist owner (max 36 inches).

These jeans could pass for smart casual and worn out to dinner without looking out of place.

The jeans are well made, but I did notice some white specs here and there where the Dyneema weave shows through. However, the fabric hasn’t deteriorated so it must just be part of the weave.

Pando Moto Jean Specs Quick list:

  • Classic slim fit cut
  • Dark navy color (almost black).
  • Made of single layer stretch 25% Dyneema® 13 oz (15 times stronger than steel, 1800 protection).
  • It has high heat conductivity, reflects the heat.
  • CE officially approved PPE under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70 km/h).
  • 2 position knee armor pockets.
  • KNOX® Micro Lock CE approved (EN1621-1:2012) knee armor INCLUDED.
  • Hip armor – optional (not included).
  • Reflective cuffs for safety ride.
  • Made in Europe.

About Pando Moto

Pando Moto produce a range of men and women’s jeans (and other clothing) to meet your needs – unless your waist is above 36 inches (which is as large as their range goes).

Their jeans are designed to achieve decent levels of safety, while also being comfortable and stylish.

The company was founded in Lithuania in 2011 and position themselves as a “premium motorcycle clothing brand”.

Their marketing ‘bumph’ says they “use the very latest in textile technologies with urban riding culture along with European standards EN 17092 (PROTECTION ZONING SYSTEM)”.

You can check them out and find more information on their website

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Pando Moto jeans have style and safety

(Pando Moto jeans review by contributor James Wawne)

Trying to find the right pair of jeans to ride in can be quite difficult, especially if you want to achieve decent levels of safety, comfort, and style.

Pando Moto claim to have the answer to this problem. They produce a range of men and women’s jeans (and other clothing) to meet your needs – unless your waist is above 36 inches (which is as large as their range goes).

The company was founded in Lithuania in 2011 and position themselves as a “premium motorcycle clothing brand”.

Their marketing ‘bumph’ says they “use the very latest in textile technologies with urban riding culture along with European standards EN 17092 (PROTECTION ZONING SYSTEM)”.

So we decided to put a pair of their Karl Desert EL jeans through their paces turning them inside out to look over the key features and wearing them in a number of different scenarios to see how they performed.

Pando Moto jeansPando Moto jeans

The Pando Moto jeans arrived nicely packaged along with the included SAS-TEC® knee and optional hip armour inserts.

The first thing I like to do with any jeans review once I have removed the outer packaging, is to turn the trousers inside out to have a look at what you can see.

Laying the garment on the floor I can immediately recognise the construction format as depicted on their website.Pando Moto jeans

The fabric is Cordura® stretch denim (6.6 fiber) with DuPont™ Kevlar® lining and feels good quality, the cut is sharp and finish of the seams and stitch work is excellent.

The protection pads are quickly and easily installed, secured in tailored compartments which have Velcro strips at the top to ensure that they are secured.Pando Moto jeans

With the protection panels in, these are not the lightest of single-layer jeans in market (for my size (33W34L) came in at about 1200 grams) but they were snug fitting and comfortable and didn’t feel overly heavy when on.

These jeans did not have the ‘cool’ feel of the Saint unbreakable we reviewed, but equally, I didn’t overheat on a middling UK summer’s day (25 Centigrade). Further testing in Brisbane summer temperatures will be interesting (check back for future update in November).

A minor gripe is that there are only four pockets – the small cigarette lighter/gum sub pocket is absent which is unfortunate.

The top of the waist is secured with a standard button/fly combo for quick access and even though these are slim fit the flex of the fabric means that the ankles can readily accommodate riding boots.

The turn-up has a reflective band which is a bonus though you might end up being called a hipster … or worse.Pando Moto jeans

One feature that I found particularly functional was the flexible ‘stretch-panels’ built into the knees and the lower back/waist.

You can really see this contracting/expanding as I straighten and bend my like on the fitting frame (Thanks to Pete at Bike Stop for letting me pose on his rig to demonstrate the performance in various riding positions).Pando Moto jeans

This flex prevents constriction and discomfort that can occur with some jeans which lack this design when in more aggressive riding positions.Pando Moto jeans

The fabrics include 12.5oz Cordura® stretch denim and feature a thick mid-layer made of DuPont™ with Kevlar® yarns lining and reinforced Kevlar® stitches.

The jeans are CE officially approved PPE under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70 km/h) and the site includes quite an entertaining demonstration of its abrasion resistance that mirrors one originally done by Australia’s Draggin’ Jeans.

The look of these jeans, paired with a rather ‘directly captioned’ T give an undeniably cool aesthetic, though that comes at a mid(ish) range price of €249 (about $A405, £220, $US275).

And so, to the closing question then: Do these jeans provide a solution to the problem of finding a blend of safety, comfort and style?

The answer to this has to be a resounding: Yes!

They are pretty good on all dimensions of evaluation  – just so long as you are 27-36 inches around your waist! 

Pando Motor Jean Specs Quick list:Pando Moto jeans

  • Made of 12.5oz Cordura® stretch denim.
  • Lining: thick interlock-knit made of DuPont™ Kevlar®.
  • CE officially approved PPE under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70 km/h).
  • Featuring Kevlar® reinforced stitches.
  • Equipped with stretch panels on knees and back.
  • Reflective cuffs for safety ride.
  • Knee armour and inner hip armour slots.
  • SAS-TEC® CE approved (EN1621-1:2012) knee armour. (included)
  • Optional: SAS-TEC Hips – EN1621-2 approved. (not included)
  • Colour: Light blue, hand-made aged style.
  • Made in Europe.

Click here for more information on CE approved clothing.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com