I've updated my review of the Revit Xena Pants, since a new version was released recently. My version is on sale everywhere right now, and the new ones have an updated fit profile that I think will work much better for everyone. Take a look at my review above and read the differences between the old and new models.
Fall/Winter Gear Recommendations
Rev'it Pegasus Waterproof Gloves MSRP $129
If you missed my November newsletter, I sent out a list of winter gear recommendations including jackets, pants, gloves and boots.
Here's a link to it in case you didn't get a copy!
Bull-It SR4 Flex Women's Riding Jeans
You may have seen these on Revzilla recently. The Bull-It SR4 Flex Women's Riding Jeans offer a full length lining of abrasion resistant material called Covec. I finally had a chance to try them in size 24 and they actually fit me quite well. They still had some room for me in the thighs/butt, so I would say these are fairly bootyfriendly.
Let me just say that I am NOT a size 24 in any other casual jean, except Uniqlo's skinny stretchy jean. (And only because those were so damn stretchy.) I normally buy size 27 in other brands, and I have virtually no booty (flat as a table, although I'm working on it). I would probably get these as a Spring/Fall jean but would probably too warm to wear in hot, humid, summer weather. I would stick to mesh pants or mesh leathers instead. I like the plethora of inseam options as well.
I thought the fit was nice, a straight leg with a slight bootcut, just enough to get over your boot but not a flared leg. The rise was also Mid but not as high as men's jeans. On a bike they didn't feel terribly low in the back, but I could see it being a little too much in a really aggressive riding position. The lining is really warm, but decently breathable.
In addition to this version, they offer 2 others for women for $149.95-$179.95. Buy them here at Revzilla, and for more details about the company, visit their website.
Replacement Knee Armor
UPDATE: This Forcefield armor is discontinued.
The other day I posted about Dainese Knee Armor that I think works well as hip armor. This time around I want to show you some killer knee protectors that you might want to upgrade with asap.
The yellow armor above is made by Forcefield. The "Net Replacement Armor" as it's called is soft, pliable and molded. It also meets the CE Level 2 Standard, which is more than most of the back/shoulder/elbow armor that comes with your gear. I've upgraded the knee armor in my Revit pants to make riding in them more comfortable.I love Forcefield because it's not as vulnerable to cold and it offers Repeat Performance Technology; which means you can use it again even if you crash on it. The Net Armor is also vented and super smushy. It hardens on impact much like a competing technology called d3o. As much as I like d3o, I prefer the shapes that Forcefield has to offer since it molds better to my petite frame.
dainese_newdrake_womens_used 4 (1)
Many of you might have Dainese riding pants, either textiles or leathers. I want to recommend this form of d3o armor from a company called Rukka (Finland). The d3o Air Knee Pads are about the same height as Dainese knee protectors but offer a full length shock absorption which the hard shell Dainese does not. The width is about the same as well.
I've recommended these to many of my customers and highly highly recommend them to upgrade any of your Dainese pants (mens and ladies). Also, these would work really well in dirt / adventure pants that might have really long pockets in the knees. The coverage is longer than the other knee armor options as well!
rukka_replacement_d3o_knee_armor
PS
Of course you can find replacement back protectors, shoulders and hips with d3o and Forcefield as well.
