I have to admit to being a bit of a dinosaur. I have only ever ridden in leathers since I was about 18. With the hotter temperatures and the possibility of using the bikes to commute on nice days, I am looking at proper bike jeans. So far Roadskin look the best. Hood also seemed pretty decent. I am interested in level of protection over anything else, with not being super thick a secondary consideration. I have looked at a load of reviews, and searched on here, but can’t find any real life experiences based on longevity and crash resistance. Anyone have any recommendations or brands to avoid? Ideal budget is around £200-250 which I think covers most on the market but could easily stretch to more if the extra quality/ protection was worth it.
I use Roadskin - I just happened to be near their shop a couple of years ago and tried on a couple of sizes. They were the original UK Draggin' Jeans supplier so I was pleased when they brought their own design to the party. Incidently, what's your waist size @TBay? I need to put up an advert for my original lined Draggin jeans that are too large for me....
I'll get the ad written then! My too-large ones are 36" For info - I think Draggin' pioneered really-durable riding jeans but they were too hot for the summer, being Kevlar-material lined. Feel bomb-proof tho'...
I have 2 pairs of Taranis AAA from Roadskins, I much preferred their ‘single’ layer jean, which actually has a mesh lining, because they fit me like my normal jeans. Had a minor test that they showed no evidence of and I much prefer their latest armour. Their ‘lined’ jeans are highly rated, like for like against other brands by that Bennetts Social bloke, he did an extensive article on them vs leather. This is his latest article, https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesoci...st-motorcycle-riding-jeans-kevlar-pekev-covec. Andy
I'd stay with Weise leather Hydra pants. Vent zips and a waterproof drop liner included. I think when you're used to leather protection everything else feels feeble. Good luck.
Happy with my Rokker single layer ones, I think being comfortable is a big part of being safe on a bike. Being too hot and uncomfortable just to get a maximum protection value feels like a negative if your main aim is to stay cool. I had a pair of Hood semi lined ones a few years ago (they may be better now) and they were not very comfortable or cooler and were itchy.
I use Hood Jeans - have probably 7 or 8 pairs (different sizes - to match my weight....) I like the jeans - fully lined and mesh inner lining - they work great in the Winter and also had no issues in the hotter days - up to like 30'C despite 3 layer and Armour. The Halvarssons Rogen Jean is also recommended by others as a Good Buy.... at around £200 - Single Layer or Rokker Jeans - but double the price. No experience of either - but have been thinking about the Rogen
I already have single and two piece leathers but neither work for me during a working day, hence the post. Changing at work and taking all the stuff with me is a PITA.
Rocker jeans rock. I haven't actually tested them in an accident. They are well cut and comfortable, waterproof and allegedly protective. https://www.eu.therokkercompany.com/
Another vote for Rokker jeans here. Would have bought a 2nd pair except they stopped doing the dark grey worn look, now only making a variety of blue or full on black (I already have the Rokkertech in blue). So bought a pair of John Doe Tylor Mono jeans, they're good, not quite as nice a fit as the Rokkers (acceptable though, I'm a fussy bugger). The big minus for me is that I'm finding the included knee armour uncomfortable over multiple days, so much so that over a recent 10 day tour they went though the skin on one of my knees... Looking for alternative inserts at the moment. The XTM armour in the John Doe jeans is a lattice with the inner face presenting a lot of quite sharp edges, albeit made of a rubber type material it's enough to cause irritation after one ride and wear a hole in my knee over successive days. Currently thinking of trying out 3DO or Knox inserts instead. I crash tested the Rokkers in France last year, though I didn't make contact with the road surface so not really an acid test of their abrasion resistance. I ran out of road before coming off and hitting the dirt. Broke my lower fibula but that was because I landed on my feet having gone though the upper fairing of my Multistrada, as it dug in, and cartwheeled onto a sandy gravel track. My boots at the time, a pair of TCX baseball style, were maybe a touch inadequate for the 'event'. I've since invested in some Daytonas, albeit still semi shorties. The Rokker jeans, as well as my Klim Marrakesh and Klim summer gloves were as good as new after a wash/clean. Helmet appeared OK but it was due for replacement anyway. Like @Twin4me; I value comfort and accept, if there is one, a slight reduction in protection. Having toured in hot climates in leathers and, on other tours, textiles I find the single layer jeans with amour a good compromise. Being hot, sweaty and uncomfortable doesn't make for an enjoyable experience and can be potentially distracting. Combine these jeans with something like a Klim Marrakesh or Knox Urbane vest and, so long as you're moving (in city/town traffic you still get sweaty though arguably less so than other clothing), you're so much more comfortable.
my draggin jeans were cut off me couple of months back. suffice to say they did their job got some Knox ones and will probably also get some Hood ones as they are local to me
