In kit we trust
GEAR
Editor Matt on the stuff that works for him when it comes to riding in spring.
One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s freezing. Then it’s sunny again. Then it’s raining. Riding is spring is a joy after the misery of winter, but it’s easy to be in the wrong kit. However, I’ve found this stuff works well whatever the situation – and can be easily adaptable to any ride. I trust it all – and so can you…
1 Arai RX-7V Evo £699
RX-7V feels premium but not flashy, and is utterly reliable
I always gravitate to Arais – and the RX-7V is just a great all-rounder. Day-long comfy, stable at speed, offers great visibility, and has a plush liner. It’s a sports helmet, but I use it on a variety of machines. The excellent venting is a boon; the downside is the extra noise, but with the right earplugs it’s no problem. Build quality is impressive – the white metalflake paint is stunning – and you even get used to the gawky visor removal ritual.
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2 Richa Orion GTX £549
As a feel-good jacket there’s lots to recommend it
I’ve been using this for six months now. Its lightweight feel and narrow cuff openings mean it’s really a three-season jacket – and in this guise it works well. The thermal lining takes the chill off a spring day, and with the lining removed you really feel the extensive venting. It’s a premium product and build quality is good, and it works well on a variety of bikes. It looks and feels good to wear and so far it has been 100 per cent waterproof – as you’d expect of a Gore-Tex laminate. AA-rated, but I’d prefer Level 2 armour, although it is an option.
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3 Alpinestars SP-365 Drystar Gloves £111
Lots of feel and they’re resistant to spring showers
With the help of heated grips, these will stand you in good stead from November to March. They use Alpinestars’ Drystar lining, which works well when it rains, but they’re also breathable and acceptably cool in anything below 20°C. They’re thin enough to have the feel of a full-on summer glove and thanks to decent knuckle armour, a solid construction and joined third and fourth fingers, feel more protective than most. Online deals can be had for £79.99
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4 Trilobite Parado AAA jeans £199
Plenty to like about Trilobite’s Parado jeans
They’re the best jeans I’ve used. The stretch panels mean the armour never rides up, the venting works well, and I love the higher waist at the rear to prevent builder’s bum. They have the same tested level of protection (AAA) as a good set of leathers. I’d rather wear jeans than textile trousers and just carry waterproofs in my rucksack.
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5 Kriega R22 £185
It’s had a tough life but has stood up well to it
I was attracted to the R22 as it has a slightly lighter construction than the R25 and the single-clasp QuadlocLite system, but still good capacity. It’s seen 15,000 miles: lots of road-trips, lots of off-roading – including the TET in France and Portugal – and lots of rain. The outer pocket doesn’t profess to be waterproof, but the inner dry sack is. It’s filthy now, but it works as well as ever. I reckon it’ll last 20 years.
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6 Quad Lock phone mount From £110
Versatile, reliable and sturdy – you can use your phone for nav with confidence
Like politicians, I’m constantly disappointed by satnavs – but I love using navigation apps on my phone. I’ve found Quad Lock to be utterly reliable and sturdy. In five years I’ve suffered no failures. The accessories and range of add-ons mean you can tailor the mount to any application or vehicle. The anti-vibration set-up is worth opting for, and the supplied case saves your phone from impacts – mine was unscathed after a 30mph drop and run-over by another bike.
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