New Gear for Spring/Summer 2018 from REV'IT

There are so many new products for us this Spring, I'm going to keep this limited to my top 4 favorites. 

If you follow my Instagram feed, you know I practically live in my Gear 2 Leather Pants almost year round. As long as it isn't below 60F, I'll pretty much live in them because they're so comfortable. 

This Spring, Rev'it is updating the Gear 2 with a new name but basically the same pant with a couple nice armor upgrades. 

The new Ignition 3 Pants (right) is pretty much the same pant as it's predecessor, the Gear 2's but with upgraded Level 2 Seeflex Knee Armor and Seesmart Level 1 Hips. Unfortunately this also means a price upgrade to $429 for the pants (previously $399). But worth $29 extra in my opinion for softer and more protective armor. 

The matching Ignition 3 Jacket is pretty much the same as the 2 with the same armor upgrades for elbows and shoulders for $30 more:

Another new pant for us is the Varenne. 

The Varenne is a ladies version of the popular Axis Unisex Waterproof Overpants which are now discontinued. 

These feature full hip to knee full length, two way zippers on each leg for those of you looking for easy commute wear.

Instead of riding in your skinny jeans, tights, shorts, chinos, and anything else that's not worthy of abrasion, check out these overpants. 

They're waterproof all the time and offer Seesoft Level 2 Knees and soft Seesmart Level 1 Hip protectors.  

They're simple, black and easy to wear and less than $200. And as always, available in (some) short and tall sizes for women (and the mens versions too). 

There are quite a few new additions to the rider looking for modern classic leather jackets.

Three new jackets; the Clare, Rosa and Erin offer slightly different leathers, styles and colors. I want to see someone in that gorgeous red Clare.  

Softer Seesoft Level 1 armor is included (except the back) to make them even more comfortable while riding.   

I think this Spring is going to be awfully cool and protected.... 

Clare - Dark Brown

Clare - Red

Clare - Black

Rosa - Black

Erin - Black

Stay tuned for a review of my Rev'it Neptune GoreTex Suit !

Spectrum Ultra Sport Vests are Back!

Riding down the California Coast back in 2013 wearing my original Red Spectrum Ultra Sport Blitz Vest. Who knew reflective vests could be so cool?

This vest came out 3 years ago and for a short time offered a unique, hi viz vest with a cool factor that other vests had not yet reached. Unfortunately they went out of business but under a new owner, they are reviving the brand and trying to start production again through their Kickstarter here. This time, the prices are much lower with the same bright designs (simplified color options) and a special price if you buy in as a supporter. 

I plan on purchasing one for my husband, since he has yet to jump on board the hi viz boat. I really want him to wear one at night, as that's when I find my vest to be the most useful. Especially since he pretty much wears black without any reflectivity. 

Of course I have to back this project and pick up a Black and Gold Blitz Vest! I convinced the man to pick up a black and silver one as well. The Kickstarter is going through Tuesday, September 6th.

You can read my review here, then sign up to be one of the first ones to receive a new and improved Spectrum vest. 

Women's Sportbike Motorcycle Tee

 

I'm so excited about this tshirt! I hope you like it as much as I do. No, that's not me but I believe it's also a Street Triple :D

I will be bringing these with me to the Women's Sportbike Rally in a couple weeks. If you are interested in purchasing one, CLICK HERE for more details!

New Women's Motorcycle Jacket from Aether Apparel

It's always great when new gear comes out for us, isn't it? This time it's from a more fashion based, motorcycle "inspired" company. The Aether Apparel Horizon jacket is $595 and is available in 3 different colors up to a size XL (~44" chest). 

I'm always skeptical of these sorts of companies (fashion based) making riding gear, because riding gear requires a certain fit that isn't easy to figure out. Especially when you add women's bodies into the mix. I want to say that this jacket was launched recently as of this week from Aether, but I'm not 100% sure about that.

This jacket has a built in waterproof membrane and a couple of vents which I'm going to guess doesn't allow for direct ventilation (which allows the air to flow directly to your body and isn't blocked by a membrane like the Klim Altitude). It also features full D3O body armor in the back, elbow and shoulders, so you know it offers some real protection.

However, I still question why the Horizon is so expensive, given the lack of technical features such as direct vents, a connection zipper for riding pants or a removable thermal liner. Not to mention the multiple seams running down each arm, which can make them more vulnerable in a crash. Perhaps they're using an advanced construction technique that I'm not aware of, I have no idea.

There aren't very many truly stylish, fashionable jackets that have the technical features many of us want and need out there, so it's definitely awesome when we get something else to choose from. Looking at this jacket, it competes with something like this Dainese Elysee D Dry which doesn't offer the extra vents, but it costs $200 less. Besides $150 worth of body armor, what else do you get for almost $600?

Either way, I just hope that this really works the way it should be intended; crashing, not modeling.