Riding gear offering contemporary technology in materials, construction, and crash protection doesn’t need to look like something RoboCop would wear. Some of the coolest-looking gear today melds classic vintage style and comfort with modern safety features. We’ve assembled five sets of kits spanning a broad price range that wear well and look great on or off the bike.
SPIRIT OF 79 Quality and craftsmanship in these items from Swiss apparel producer iXS had us hard-pressed to find a stitch out of place. The soft and supple bovine nappa leather Elliott jacket celebrates the brand’s late ’70s origin, has a polyester mesh lining, zip-out thermo vest liner, shoulder and elbow armor, with plenty of pockets inside and out. “Super duty” best describes the stone-washed Cassidy II jeans, featuring aramid fabric in seat, thigh, and knee (the last with adjustable armor cups). Goatskin leather with thin polyester lining throughout makes the Taran glove ultra comfortable. Don’t let the court-shoe look fool you. The nappa leather Strada riding sneaker has a soltoTEX membrane that’s waterproof and breathable.
| iXS |
| ixsusa.com |
Sizes |
Price |
| Elliott jacket |
38-50 |
$409 |
| Cassidy II jeans |
26-48 |
$439 |
| Taran gloves |
XS-2XL |
$69 |
| Strada boots |
4.5-12 |
$209 |
BADASS MIX Of all the leather jackets I’ve worn, none gets comments like the
Roland Sands Design Oxblood Ronin. Its rugged hand-finished, washed, and waxed Airborne cowhide exterior is contrasted by a satin lining. Rotated, pre-curved sleeves, internal slots for acces-sory armor, and plentiful pockets have you covered. Signature forehand flex ribbing/zipper, padded finger knuckles, and the pre-curved fit make the RSD Dezel glove a knockout hit and fit. Premium denim with DuPont Kevlar in the knee, hip, and seat make the Diamond Gusset Defender V2 jean a safe choice, and its unique gusset crotch design improves comfort on and off the bike. The full-grain leather TCX X-Blend boots have a vintage look with modern waterproofing and reinforcement in ankle and heel. They felt properly broken-in right out of the box.
| Roland Sands Design |
| rolandsands.com |
Sizes |
Price |
| Ronin jacket |
S-3X |
$620 |
| Dezel gloves |
S-2X |
$90 |
| Diamond Gusset Jean Co. |
| gusset.com |
Sizes |
Price |
| Defender V2 jeans |
32-46 |
$165 |
OSCAR COLLECTION This outfit pays homage to the prestigious Italian fashion and design “Oscar” awarded to Alpinestars in 1972–’73. The Ray jacket features a super-comfortable water-repellent heavy waxed-canvas cotton and nylon outer shell with shoulder and elbow cups and internal pocket for add-in back protection. Charlie jeans have a regular/slim fit and are made of heavy denim incorporating stretch elastane for comfort and fit with aramid reinforcement in seat and knee areas and removable knee armor. Rayburn gloves are made of goat’s leather with synthetic suede reinforcements on the palm and outer hand, along with molded polyurethane knuckle protection. Rayburn riding shoes are constructed of supple full-grain leather with heel/toe/shank reinforcement and dual-density ankle protection pads.
| Alpinestars |
| alpinestars.com |
Sizes |
Price |
| Ray canvas jacket |
S-3XL |
$299.95 |
| Charlie denim |
28-38 |
$259.95 |
| Rayburn leather gloves |
S-3XL |
$99.95 |
| Rayburn riding shoe |
6-14 |
$249.95 |
RUST AND REDEMPTION As the name implies, Speed & Strength Rust and Redemption textile jacket and denim jeans plus Cruise Missile leather boots are a retro-inspired ensemble for the rat bobber rider. The jacket has a lightweight water-resistant AR-700 (polyester and nylon) shell with reflective trim and microfiber-lined collar and cuffs, perforated panels, and a removable insulated vest liner. Shoulder, elbow, back, and knee armor and Kevlar panels in the seat and knees enhance protection. The gloves have hinged knuckles, reinforced palm, and a pre-curved fit that feels great from day one. A bit biker in style and design, the Cruise Missile boots feature an outer-calf stretch panel and inner-ankle zipper for what I like to call a ballistic entry.
| Speed & Strength |
| ssgear.com |
Sizes |
Price |
| Rust and Redemption jacket |
S-3XL |
$199.95 |
| Rust and Redemption armored jeans |
30-40 |
$149.95 |
| Rust and Redemption gloves |
S-2XL |
$69.95 |
| Cruise Missile boots |
8-13 |
$139.95 |
ICONIC OLD SCHOOL Icon 1000, a brand within the brand, caters to the cruiser and retro segments. The Vigilante jacket has a herringbone textured nylon torso, pliable cowhide sleeves, and a zip-out insulated vest liner. The outfit includes D3O impact protection for shoulder, elbow, back, knuckles, and knees. While water resistant, the relaxed-fit waxed-canvas Royal Drive jeans do not have aramid reinforcement. Traditional work glove styling meets modern moto protection with the studded palm cowhide Rimfire. A personal favorite is the mid-height El Bajo boot constructed of heavy-duty top-grain leather in Goodyear welt fashion. Inside ankle zipper allows easy entry, while cast-metal buckles, stamped heel plate, and embossed leather lend vintage style.
| Icon |
| rideicon.com |
Sizes |
Price |
| Icon 1000 Vigilante jacket |
XS-4XL |
$300 |
| Icon 1000 Royal Drive pant |
28-44 |
$100 |
| Icon 1000 Rimfire gloves |
S-4XL |
$90 |
| Icon 1000 El Bajo boots |
6-14 |
$190 |
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Riding gear offering contemporary technology in materials, construction, and crash protection doesn’t need to look like something RoboCop would wear. Some of the coolest-looking gear today melds classic vintage style and comfort with modern safety features. We’ve assembled five sets of kits spanning a broad price range that wear well and look great on or off the bike.
SPIRIT OF 79 Quality and craftsmanship in these items from Swiss apparel producer iXS had us hard-pressed to find a stitch out of place. The soft and supple bovine nappa leather Elliott jacket celebrates the brand’s late ’70s origin, has a polyester mesh lining, zip-out thermo vest liner, shoulder and elbow armor, with plenty of pockets inside and out. “Super duty” best describes the stone-washed Cassidy II jeans, featuring aramid fabric in seat, thigh, and knee (the last with adjustable armor cups). Goatskin leather with thin polyester lining throughout makes the Taran glove ultra comfortable. Don’t let the court-shoe look fool you. The nappa leather Strada riding sneaker has a soltoTEX membrane that’s waterproof and breathable. 
BADASS MIX Of all the leather jackets I’ve worn, none gets comments like the Roland Sands Design Oxblood Ronin. Its rugged hand-finished, washed, and waxed Airborne cowhide exterior is contrasted by a satin lining. Rotated, pre-curved sleeves, internal slots for acces-sory armor, and plentiful pockets have you covered. Signature forehand flex ribbing/zipper, padded finger knuckles, and the pre-curved fit make the RSD Dezel glove a knockout hit and fit. Premium denim with DuPont Kevlar in the knee, hip, and seat make the Diamond Gusset Defender V2 jean a safe choice, and its unique gusset crotch design improves comfort on and off the bike. The full-grain leather TCX X-Blend boots have a vintage look with modern waterproofing and reinforcement in ankle and heel. They felt properly broken-in right out of the box. 
OSCAR COLLECTION This outfit pays homage to the prestigious Italian fashion and design “Oscar” awarded to Alpinestars in 1972–’73. The Ray jacket features a super-comfortable water-repellent heavy waxed-canvas cotton and nylon outer shell with shoulder and elbow cups and internal pocket for add-in back protection. Charlie jeans have a regular/slim fit and are made of heavy denim incorporating stretch elastane for comfort and fit with aramid reinforcement in seat and knee areas and removable knee armor. Rayburn gloves are made of goat’s leather with synthetic suede reinforcements on the palm and outer hand, along with molded polyurethane knuckle protection. Rayburn riding shoes are constructed of supple full-grain leather with heel/toe/shank reinforcement and dual-density ankle protection pads. 
RUST AND REDEMPTION As the name implies, Speed & Strength Rust and Redemption textile jacket and denim jeans plus Cruise Missile leather boots are a retro-inspired ensemble for the rat bobber rider. The jacket has a lightweight water-resistant AR-700 (polyester and nylon) shell with reflective trim and microfiber-lined collar and cuffs, perforated panels, and a removable insulated vest liner. Shoulder, elbow, back, and knee armor and Kevlar panels in the seat and knees enhance protection. The gloves have hinged knuckles, reinforced palm, and a pre-curved fit that feels great from day one. A bit biker in style and design, the Cruise Missile boots feature an outer-calf stretch panel and inner-ankle zipper for what I like to call a ballistic entry. 
ICONIC OLD SCHOOL Icon 1000, a brand within the brand, caters to the cruiser and retro segments. The Vigilante jacket has a herringbone textured nylon torso, pliable cowhide sleeves, and a zip-out insulated vest liner. The outfit includes D3O impact protection for shoulder, elbow, back, knuckles, and knees. While water resistant, the relaxed-fit waxed-canvas Royal Drive jeans do not have aramid reinforcement. Traditional work glove styling meets modern moto protection with the studded palm cowhide Rimfire. A personal favorite is the mid-height El Bajo boot constructed of heavy-duty top-grain leather in Goodyear welt fashion. Inside ankle zipper allows easy entry, while cast-metal buckles, stamped heel plate, and embossed leather lend vintage style. 
