Choco
10th November 2007, 19:32
This is a Review/thank you of Spyke Motorcycle gear that I feel compelled to write after I had a fall on my bike today (front tire lock up = bad.)
Many moons ago (about a month really) when I was searching for my first set of motorbike gear, I was looking for Comfort, Dryness, Afford ability most importantly Protection and Visibility. I am a strong believer that matte black is a silly colour to wear, on a bicycle or motorbike because people will not see you if you look like a shadow!
Spyke was the only brand that seemed to cover all the bases without going into leathers or spending $300-$400 a piece, as everything else was black or had little armour. The Spyke Cosmo Jacket I brought from Cycletrends for a steal at only $99 on special was perfect for my needs as a newbie:
It had such fancy features as...
Solid armour in the forearms, elbows and shoulders plus a foam back protector.
Waterproof in light to mild rain (but when is a new rider going to be riding in anything else?)
Removable quilted liner.
Bright if-you-cant-see-me-then-your-blind-and-shouldn’t-be-driving red colour.
Lots of fancy pockets including one for a cell phone.
Adjustable straps to stop unnecessary flappage.
But all that is really hogwash until you actually need the fancy features...
Well the jacket is waterproof in anything up to mild rain as far as i know (pulled over in anything heaver) and I have only had one idiot try to switch lane into me so I'm guessing people notice the red colour. Now the armour however...
... Works great! A 40km/hr hug with the road and I only have a single square one inch of road rash on my hip to show for it. (Jacket got pulled up at the end of the slide).
The jacket is a bit scratched up, as you would expect, but more importantly I could walk away and even keep on riding afterwards. The cell phone pocket is also good for putting your cell phone in (fancy that) so you can call for an car escort home!
So fellow newbie’s out there; I whole heartedly recommend the Sypke Cosmo Jacket (there’s also a blue ones) and their black armoured pants ($149 from Cycletrends so again a great price) as well even though they didn't see much action in the fall, but lack of road rash still proves their better than nothing.
I hope this is helpful to the newer guys out there looking for there first set of gear and will prove that if you do your research and take the effort to look around; your kit doesn't need to cost half your bike budget!
So Thanks Mr Spyke, keep safe guys and gals and please ATGATT!
Mike
Now looking for extra training and car park practice!
p.s
Just for those interested, I wear...
Vcan Red/Silver V100 Helmet (works well with glasses) $139
Nortech Dani XLarge Gloves (lots of armour and came in a size that fit my huge hands) $59
Spyke Black Textile Pants (with armour and quilted lining) $149
Spyke Red/Black Textile Jacket (as mentioned above) $99
As for boots? Nothing fancy just yet (I have a budget sorry) but Blue Trainers give a defensive bonus.
Many moons ago (about a month really) when I was searching for my first set of motorbike gear, I was looking for Comfort, Dryness, Afford ability most importantly Protection and Visibility. I am a strong believer that matte black is a silly colour to wear, on a bicycle or motorbike because people will not see you if you look like a shadow!
Spyke was the only brand that seemed to cover all the bases without going into leathers or spending $300-$400 a piece, as everything else was black or had little armour. The Spyke Cosmo Jacket I brought from Cycletrends for a steal at only $99 on special was perfect for my needs as a newbie:
It had such fancy features as...
Solid armour in the forearms, elbows and shoulders plus a foam back protector.
Waterproof in light to mild rain (but when is a new rider going to be riding in anything else?)
Removable quilted liner.
Bright if-you-cant-see-me-then-your-blind-and-shouldn’t-be-driving red colour.
Lots of fancy pockets including one for a cell phone.
Adjustable straps to stop unnecessary flappage.
But all that is really hogwash until you actually need the fancy features...
Well the jacket is waterproof in anything up to mild rain as far as i know (pulled over in anything heaver) and I have only had one idiot try to switch lane into me so I'm guessing people notice the red colour. Now the armour however...
... Works great! A 40km/hr hug with the road and I only have a single square one inch of road rash on my hip to show for it. (Jacket got pulled up at the end of the slide).
The jacket is a bit scratched up, as you would expect, but more importantly I could walk away and even keep on riding afterwards. The cell phone pocket is also good for putting your cell phone in (fancy that) so you can call for an car escort home!
So fellow newbie’s out there; I whole heartedly recommend the Sypke Cosmo Jacket (there’s also a blue ones) and their black armoured pants ($149 from Cycletrends so again a great price) as well even though they didn't see much action in the fall, but lack of road rash still proves their better than nothing.
I hope this is helpful to the newer guys out there looking for there first set of gear and will prove that if you do your research and take the effort to look around; your kit doesn't need to cost half your bike budget!
So Thanks Mr Spyke, keep safe guys and gals and please ATGATT!
Mike
Now looking for extra training and car park practice!
p.s
Just for those interested, I wear...
Vcan Red/Silver V100 Helmet (works well with glasses) $139
Nortech Dani XLarge Gloves (lots of armour and came in a size that fit my huge hands) $59
Spyke Black Textile Pants (with armour and quilted lining) $149
Spyke Red/Black Textile Jacket (as mentioned above) $99
As for boots? Nothing fancy just yet (I have a budget sorry) but Blue Trainers give a defensive bonus.