Check out some cool stuff from Redwings, Rev’it, El Solitario, Duke & Sons and Draggin in this weeks Gear Guide.
PRODUCT REVIEW – REV’IT WINDSOR JACKET
Rev’it have yet again come up with a great technical solution in the Windsor jacket that keeps out the elements, offers protection and looks great. Its parka style is perfect for the city, easy to stash, and get on and off quicky. It also works well off the bike.
The Windsor is made from a lightweight breathable fabric that’s suitable for the spring, summer and autumn weather. It has a removable hood, a two way front zipper and a chest air vent system. It has stash pockets, a napoleon pocket and an inner pocket. It’s adjusted via tabs and a draw-chord and lined with 3D mesh.
It offers a moderate level of protection with Knox Lite CE approved protection at the elbow and shoulder as standard, and has a compartment for a back protector.
I’ve had mine since the summer, and it works really well. It’s cool in the warm weather as it’s well ventilated, but zipped up it provides good insulation. It’s water resistant and very practical for a city commute. I personally prefer it with the hood removed, but the hood does come in handy when off the bike in the rain.
The Windsor provides “…a great balance between performance and fashion”.
PRODUCT REVIEW – REDWING 213 BOOTS
I’m a Redwing junkie. A hopeless case. I’ve worn them for years and have loved every pair I’ve ever owned. They are my staple on and off the bike. I recently picked up a pair of 213s as a more dressy alternative to the thick white Vibram soled mocs and Engineer boots.
The 213 was built “…with a purpose in mind and a job to do.” Introduced at a time when the growth of America was on the rise and seeing a boom in industry, these moc toe oxfords were designed for the American factory worker. The moc toe style is classic Red Wing work with Oxblood Mesa leather, brown Neoprene cushion, triple stitching, and a Goodyear welt construction.
The 200-Series was originally introduced in 1959 for factory workers who needed a work boot able to stand up to the demands when climbing ladders and walking the factory and still deliver superior comfort.
This leather is water, stain and perspiration resistant, and has a more natural look and feel because less finishing materials have been applied, allowing its natural beauty to shine through. Oil-tanned leather is exceptionally durable.
These are terrific, they’re a great colour and as comfortable and hard wearing as you’d expect from Redwings. The stepped sole sits well on the pegs and they work well with jeans and smarter chino.
If you look after these and oil them regularly, these will last decades.
EL SOLITARIO MAXWELL PATERNOSTER LIMITED EDITION SILK SCARF
It’s about to get chilly out there, so the scarves are coming out. The best scarf I’ve seen in ages is the result of the collaboration between some the Shed’s great mates, El Solitario and Maxwell Paternoster. Mavericks and anarchists alike, the design on this is both mad and brilliant.
Made in conjunction with French manufacturer A Piece Of Chic, these hand-made and printed silk scarves are made in Lyon, where silk printing has been a tradition since the Renaissnance. It measures 70 x 70cm.
Silk is perfect, it’s warm and insulating in the cold, and breathable in warmer weather. This is a little bit of luxury that’s a welcome relief from the itchy crusty old fleece thing that’s been giving me a rash for years.
DUKE & SONS LEATHER – TOOL ROLL
Jan at Duke & Sons is fast garnering a reputation for producing stellar quality leather goods. Anyone who witnessed him working at the BSMC III at Tobacco Dock earlier this year will have seen the care and attention to detail he dedicates to his products.
His latest creation is a hardy tool rool that can be mounted on your ride via the frame, bars, or rack. The handmade leather tool roll is made from two different leathers and the ten pockets are reinforced with rivets. The handmade straps are 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) thick to make sure you can mount the roll to your bike. The roll measures 30 x 50 cm (11.5 X 19.5 inch) and is big enough to store essential tools when going out for a ride.
The tool roll is handmade like all other Duke & Sons Leather products and made to order. Looks pretty damn good too!
DRAGGIN JEANS – K SHIRT
So we’ve all got a leather jacket to wear on the bike, and we all know leather is the best protective material to wear on a bike. But sometimes you just want to wear a denim jacket or a flannel shirt, which of course looks cool and is light and airy and all fine until you take a spill. Then you’re not feeling so clever.
This shirt is the ideal compromise. This long sleeve shirt is fully lined with knitted DuPont™ Kevlar®, and is Double Kevlar® lined at elbows, forearms and top of shoulders. It can be worn against the skin and under a light jacket, and heaven forbid you take a tumble, your flannel shirt will almost certainly disintegrate, but this will hold.
It’s fully washable and the fabric softens with wash and wear, although it’s fine against the skin out of the box. It’s fully breathable, and feels just like a light sweatshirt.
The K Shirt is not armoured, but will prevent you from getting skinned in the event of a slide up the tarmac.
The unisex K shirt is the sister product to the K-Legs reviewed last week.
via The Bike Shed
