Spidi Poison 2 Piece Suit

I wanted to share this fabulous pic of my friend India, sporting a brand new Spidi Poison 2 Piece Leather Suit. It's the perfect 2 piece suit for your next track day, or day ride along your favorite twisties.  Everyone should have a 2 piece textile, and a 2 piece leather in their closet.

I would say that Spidi for the most part runs a little leaner, similar to Dainese in fit. I haven't tried this one on in person, but am very hopeful that we will have some Spidi gear in the near future as well.

She's sized in a Euro 46. If you're interested in this suit, send me an email through the contact link on the left and I'll help you get sized. :)

Reader Question: Are My Motorcycle Boots Too Big?

Hi There,

I'm in the market for my first pair of official motorcycle boots. I commute 60 miles a day on my 07 BMW F800ST which has very cramped footpegs. I have narrow feet with med/big arches. My budget is around $200-240 max.

It was suggested to me by several people to get the Sidi Fusion boots as they tend to run narrow unlike some other sidi boots. I couldn't find them anywhere locally, and I had a $140 store credit for cycle gear so i ordered them from the cyclegear website. I went ahead and ordered a size 45. The fit: The boot feels a tad bit loose, and it feels like my feet slide forward in them which cramps my toes. I slapped my FAVORITE insoles in (Sofsol Airr) and it tightened the boot up nicely, but then my toes were so cramped they now get tingly. Should I trade them in for a 46? Do i need to go to a different boot? Help! Love your podcast and always love to hear your feedback.

-Kyle

Hi Kyle,

I would definitely recommend a completely different brand for you. Sidis can run narrow in the toe box, but not everywhere else as your experience is showing you (heels, ankles). The reason your toes are smashing into the toe box is probably because the heel and ankle area isn't pulling your foot back enough to keep them out of the toe box. I have the same issue with my Sidis as well. Unfortunately my feet are so small that they don't make a size small enough!

My recommendation would have been anything from Dainese. Unfortunately you will have to spend just a little more to find something that fits in your budget. Dainese is the only brand that has this type of narrow overall fit everywhere:

• Dainese Giro-ST Boots: $259.95 These are identical to the protection you have on the Sidi Fusion boots, the fit is completely different.

For the price I think these would work really well for what you are trying to accomplish. Although they're a slightly larger investment I think you'll be *very* happy with the result. I would recommend a size 45.

Update 11/23/2014

Kyle wrote me back with an update!

So I went into cycle gear to order your suggested boots and they said they would give me the TR-Course Out for $5 less than the others. Got them for $250! Holy moley they feel great!!! Way overkill for my commute but I'm not complaining!

Wear This, Not That: Leather Jacket

Looks like a "motorcycle jacket". Feels like one, is this good enough to wear on your motorcycle?

I'm a sucker for a cool looking motorcycle jacket just like the next person. But, I value my body much more than that. The fact is this jacket is NOT good enough for riding on the front (or back for that matter) of a motorcycle. Here's why:

Anything can be labeled as motorcycle gear. Anything. I can make a jacket today and call it a motorcycle jacket without anyone enforcing standards or minimum safety requirements in order to sell it to you.

That's the problem with all of this casual motorcycle inspired gear. It has NOTHING to do with you falling off your motorcycle, pure and simple. It's not about racing, it's not about touring thousands of miles, it's all about you separating from you bike. If you're in denial about that, then that's a completely different issue. But the fact is, you could very well fall off and probably not because you did anything wrong. That's why I wear all this stuff, because I have no idea what could happen to me.

So what's a nice alternative? For $30 more, the REV'IT Roamer Jacket is a much safer, stronger alternative. Extras like body armor, abrasion resistant leather, precurved arms (more comfort in riding position) and a removable thermal liner are included. The seams are also constructed in such a way that the jacket will stay together and hold its structure in case something happens. A LOT of thought, time and money has been spent to provide something that will work in case you are separated from your motorcycle. That's it's primary job.

Along with all these features, you have a beautifully fit jacket that will look great on or off the bike. Of course, its not as light and thin as the casual Nordstrom option, so no, it's not going to fit or feel exactly the same.

The Roamer is ideal for Fall, Spring and mild winters (California, Florida, etc.). The leather is softer, and more forgiving so you don't have to spend as much time breaking it in. I like the Roamer because it's a little more relaxed than it's sportier counterparts.

My Recommendations for Women's Motorcycle Gloves for Winter

Winter is around the corner. The temperatures are already dropping if you live on the East Coast, so you might be looking for winter motorcycle gloves!

Here's a 5 minute review of 6-7 gloves to try to keep your hands nice and toasty. Click on the link below to listen:

http://www.gearchic.com/podcast/womens_motorcycle_gloves_winter_2014.mp3