Vanson Women's Motorcycle Jacket

The Drifter Lady. I had to take this pic of myself, but you can see a full pic here.

I'm totally in love with this. It's offered in Wonder Woman red and blue. But there's something about the black one that I am absolutely obsessed with! The fit is great and you can add soft armor or TPro with some velcro. This would make the perfect jacket around town, or commuting in nice weather. I may need to save up for this one. 

Besides Vanson's website, you can find it at your friendly local dealer, Scuderia West :) (for less than msrp!)

Spectrum Reflective Safety Vests

Looking for an ultra reflective vest with funky stripes? These new vests by Spectrum are a little better than your average safety vest. 

Using a combination of Corduro and 3M Reflective tape, these vests are more durable, brighter and will last longer than most reflective vests. 

 Pictured Above: Blue Chrome E Reflective, $149 http://www.spectrumultrasports.com/blue-chrome-e-reflective-vest/

I've seen a couple in person and they're pretty strong visually. I'd wear one, but I really really like my jackets and they way they look. (Yes, I do value style over function to a degree) 

I definitely would wear one for night riding. I generally don't ride long distance at night, mostly riding around San Francisco. My jackets all have a little bit of reflectivity and I'm normally carrying my Timbuk2, which has a huge center reflective strip. 

If you are considering a safety vest and want something durable and dare I say it, cool, check these out. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. 

Prices:  $149 - $189. 

Where to Buy: http://www.spectrumultrasports.com/

Summer review, REVIT Galactic

Landing in my hot little hands April 1st, this will be the perfect start for summer gear reviews!  

Modeled after the Ignition 2, the Galactic ($499) is designed as a sporty summer jacket with a removable waterproof liner.

Of course, for those of us in mild climates like San Francisco, the Galactic would be perfect as a year round option. A couple of differences between this and the Ignition 2 from what I can tell is the fitment: more hourglass through the middle, vs. boxy on the Ignition 2; and sport cut for a full forward riding position. Now that my body shape has changed, I definitely am looking forward to this newer fit.

I'll also be trying out the Challenger insert ($89), which is a cooling vest that zips in. Genius!

I've got a nice list of weekend trips/rides planned to hot places so I'm sure this will come in handy. 

The Vika has a new sister, meet Renee

 

When Alpinestars launched the Vika line, everyone wondered where was the champagne version that was so falsely advertised in their overly marketed video? Well it looks like they came up with something that's close, but with twist. Introducing, the Renee. 

The Renee was developed to as a slightly less expensive ($399 vs $429) alternative to the Vika with the same fitment and function. Lightweight, form fitting, styled for city riding and casual riding. Whether it's a scooter or motorcycle, the Renee is a stylish, lightweight alternative to a heavier 1.3-1.6mm leather jacket. 

Many of us have been waiting for someone to design a really really stylish jacket with armor and protection. But does seeing this make you think that it's protective? I thought, wait, it's too pretty. But is it? 

I think we've seen so much pink, glitter and glam over the years that it's convinced us that no jacket that's pretty can possibly be safe. No, this outfit or the Vika for that matter isn't going to be the best option for a cross country trip or a track day. But it is good enough for a quick ride across San Francisco to the movies or out to dinner. 

Both versions of the Renee are textile/leather hybrids for a lightweight, more comfortable jacket. 

Following the Vika, will one of these two styles of the Renee may make it into your closet? 

On a side note, I've been wearing the Vika around town as it's been a little warmer these days. And I've been wearing the pants as an overpant over my skinny jeans. For those of you looking for a leather overpant, that's probably as good as it gets for something that won't feel super uncomfortable with jeans underneath. I wouldn't advise riding that way for more than 10-20 min especially in summer, (ie. traveling or touring) but for cool, mild weather it's working well. 

Aside from my butt squeaking every time I reposition myself on my seat...... c'est la vie....