Luggage for Xmas!

Held luggage has recently been awarded 'Best Brand 2011' from Motorrad Magazine (Europe's biggest selling biking title) and 'Best Buy' from the UK's best respected 'testing' magazine, RiDE.

Award winning luggage, reasonable prices- Great Xmas idea!!

Let's have a look why we've done well:

25 years of experience in the production of magnetically-fixed tank bags inspires confidence.

Held had considerable influence on the development of the modern tank bag, and have the patents and samples to prove it.

•     strong shatter-proof magnets

•     anti-slip under-surface for more adhesive power

•     base plates which double as map bags

•     2-piece tank bags with a sloping profile for maximum comfort

•     development of magnetic base plates for flatand curved tanks

•     steering-head straps for security at high speed

•     new and only from HELD – tank bags secured with Velcro and security straps, for plastic and alloy tanks

•     the first TÜV-tested tank bag, for your safety and comfort

Held Tank Bags: Safe, Secure and quality.

To see which tank bag is best for your bike have a look at this link:

http://held.de/files/gbop_tab_reisetextil.pdf

How about adding a Held Tank Bag to your Christmas list? using the above link you can even find the exact one to tell Santa about!

For more information and to find your nearest Held Dealer please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

'Real World' User review: Held 'Warm n Dry' Gloves

We convinced Michael Braybrook he should let us know how he got on with his new Held 'Warm n Dry Gloves'.

We can rattle on and show you all the promotional material in the world- but it's how the gear performs in the 'real world' that matters!

Held Warm n Dry Gloves. Warm, and, erm, dry...

Here's what Michael had to say:

"Well then... certainly a wet ride up north, and a cold ride back south but... not a drop of water got through the gloves.

Even when my other wet weather gear started to fail and fill with water the gloves didn't miss a beat. About an hour in hands started to get a little chilly but it was COLD and they're not full on winter gloves. Ride back south was even colder (but at least dryer) and the gloves did a great job on wind protection and keeping my hands warm. Finger tips started to get chilly but sticking the heated grips on helped quite a bit.

I'd just like to also add, the visor-wipe may be the greatest addition to gloves since fingers! Couldn't see a thing with the amount of spray without it.

I think the name says it all, 'Warm n Dry'. If you're after a full on winter glove go with something like the Held 'Freezer', but if you're after a glove that will keep your hands dry and warm in cooler temps, I can't recommend these enough".

Thank you Michael! We're encouraging more of you to let us know how your Held Gear is getting on in the 'real world'. Be sure to check back for more!

Some key features of the Warm n Dry Gloves:

• Gore-tex membrane - waterproof, windproof, breathable
• Goatskin palm- ultra abrasion resistant
• Gore-tex Thermo plush fleece on the back of the hand
• Scothchlite reflective piping
• Leather covered hard plastic knuckle protection

For more information on Held and to find UK stockists please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Chance to win some gloves!!

Here's a chance to win one of 3 pairs of superb

Held Orkney Winter Gloves - waterproof, windproof and breathable!

On our official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/heldriderequipment) we enjoy talking to motorcyclists, showing off our latest products and sharing interesting motorcycling-related pictures / videos and stories.

We'd like more fans (of course) and we'd like you to join us. And, in seven days time, we'll randomly choose 3 people that 'like' our official page to win the prizes and we'd like you to be in with a chance to win! All you have to do is follow the link above, click 'like' and that's it. We'd love to see you on there!

The Team
at Held

Held Sponsored Mike Edwards takes double podium in Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge

Brands Hatch: Ducati 848 Challenge - what a cracking race!

The opening round of the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge played out in front of a sun-baked Brands Hatch crowd with Hampshire’s Leon Morris winning both closely contested races.

Held-wearing Edwards on the podium (left)

In race one Morris lead the field into Paddock Hill with Cheetham close on his tail followed by Edwards and a hastily patched up Fry who had suffered a heavy crash in qualifying. Cheetham quickly dropped back as the lead group set a challenging pace with ex-National Superstock-man Gilbertson closing the gap to form a thrilling five-way battle.

Edwards was now putting the pressure on Morris and by lap six had moved into the lead. The race had become a four way battle with Edwards, Morris, Fry and Gilbertson all vying for the lead. A costly missed gear around Clearways allowed Edwards and then Fry to pass Morris, and it was Edwards who led at the half way stage. Morris wasn’t giving up though and moved back into first place on the twelfth lap, and despite concerted pressure from Edwards, Morris took the chequered flag. Feeling the effects of his qualifying crash, Fry faded towards the end and so it was Gilbertson who took third on his Ducati 848 Evo.

Race Two saw the grid line up in the order of the fastest laps from Race 1, so Morris was in pole with Gilbertson, Edwards, and Fry alongside him on the front row.

Morris again led the field from the start, with Fry, Gilbertson, and Edwards settling in right behind him. Still suffering from his earlier crash, Fry was unable to hold off the challenge from the two bikes behind him, as Cheetham, Poll, and Jordan continued to stick with this leading group. Now getting into his stride on the 848, Gilbertson slipped into the lead on lap four and put three tenths on Morris by the end of the lap, while his team mate, Hasler, also moved up the placings on the same lap.

The competitive, close racing was to see Morris and Gilbertson swap places several times, before Gilbertson crashed out on Graham Hill Bend losing the front as both he and Morris went for the same racing line. Edwards was now again Morris’s nearest rival, while Fry settled for third place without the strength now to push the leading two riders.

Although unable to stick with the front group, Cheetham had put some space between him and a second group of Poll, Brown, Skipper, and Ivanov, with another tight group of Jordan, Holden and Hopkins chasing hard. Despite a late Edwards charge on the last lap, Morris held on for his second win of the weekend, with Fry taking third and Cheetham fourth.

Close and exciting racing!

Reflecting on his two race wins, Morris said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend for myself and the team. We made a very late decision to race this year, so this is a great reward for all the hard work the team have put in over the last few weeks.”

The Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge now moves on to Assen, where Round Two will be certain to be just as hard fought and action-packed.

Mike Edwards is in second place in the championship after 5 of 8 rounds.

We're pleased to Sponsort, supply and support Mike 'The Spike' Edwards. For more information on Held Bike Gear please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

For more information on The Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge please visit www.ducati848challenge.co.uk

Thinking of new gear? This may help.....

We know what it's like - you need something new- you're not sure which one to go for- you quite fancy a couple of things - are they any good? 

We also know how important it is to be right when buying biking gear - It's a VIP (Very Important Purchase). So, we could show you all the pretty photos and technical data in the world, but it's the 'real world' that matters - the people who have ridden thousands of miles in our gear, who've skidded on their butts on a racetrack at 100mph, who have remained comfortable wearing it in the Desert at 55 degrees celsius,  people who wear it day in, day out. 

Enough waffle! here's what they say:

•  Got my new Slade race suit yesterday! Wow spot on and fits very well indeed. It will be getting a test this Sunday at Jurby! Tim D

• My Titan gloves saved me whilst sliding down the road on saturday :) Well Held! Scott Smart, racer

• Held Carese jacket, Torno trousers: After 3000 miles and 15 months It’s all good. No, seriously, it’s a stupendous on/off-road suit that has stood up to arid desert, snow-topped mountains and sheet rain with the odd tumble along the way, 5/5 Trevor Franklin MCN

• Kavir desert, Iran. Survived up to 55°C with Held Carese/Torno Igor D

• Gave my Held Slade leathers and Titan gloves the ultimate test at Snetterton BSB. Sliding down the track at 100mph+ you would have thought the leathers were dead and burried!... think again.... scuffs only and not a scratch on me with every seam in perfect condition ready to go again. A******* for Held :) Seb Bulpin, racer, BSB Superstock 1000

• Out of all of the brands that we stock here at Moto Central, i must say that since taking on Held Rider Equipment, no other brand has impressed us as much with the quality and customer appeal.  Fantastic range of gloves, superb 'soft' leather gear and a Gore-Tex range that we feel rivals and succeeds that of 'Rukka' who the market seems to feel is the very best. We stock a lot of fantastic brands, but Held is our personal favourite.  Jamie, Moto Central
  
• Can still type after coming off the Bonneville thanks to Held gloves. Jim W

• My new Held back protector is fantastic! Mike Edwards – racing coach and racer

• Held Slade suit: 10 star review in actuality and fully deserving of every single one! A truly impressive suit! Leigh – ‘Bikechatter’

For more information on Held including stockists please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

The Held Quattrotempi GORE-TEX® collection

Don’t let the weather spoil your ride!

Translating directly from the Italian as ‘four times’, Held has named its excellent GORE-TEX® collection ‘Quattrotempi’ because the company recognised the need for motorcycle clothing to perform faultlessly in four different ways.

Comfortable + safe = happy!

 Professional standard motorcycle apparel should keep the rider comfortable throughout all four seasons, protecting from the elements and offer outstanding protection in four key areas, while being completely suited to pretty much any bike.

Using only the best quality materials available at the customer’s desired price point, along with the highest level of workmanship and a keen eye for detail, Held has created the most competitive GORE-TEX® available today. The Sento and Arese combination offers an affordable entry into the Quattrotempi collection, while models including the Carese and Rezzato offer the last word in premium bike kit technology.




Remember: 4:

1. 4-Seasons – Year-round performance
2. 4-Bikes – Looks right on any bike
3. 4-Elements – Deals with heat, wind, water and dirt
4. 4-Protections – Innovative cloverleaf protectors (see below)

View the collection here! Quattrotempi - The Held Gore-Tex collection

Held Gear Care Tips Number 4 - Gloves

Gloves care

It's instinct to put your hand down should you have an 'off'. Your gloved hands grip the bars in all weathers and need the best protection from the elements for throttle control, braking and clutch control. So, looking after your gloves is important and we've put together some tips. (Must admit, I used to be guilty of not air-drying my gloves!)

Washing instructions for leather gloves

All unlined gloves are exposed to sweat, especially on the ball of the thumb and the fingertips. This sweat hardens the leather until it breaks. HELD gloves are as sweat-resistant as we can make them, but you can extend their durability with the right care:

• Clean your gloves in tepid water by using mild soap or special leather cleanser
• Do not use fabric softener or bleach
• Wash in clean water aferwards to remove chemical residue
• Put the glove on when still wet and clench your fist to mould them back into shape
• Wrap the gloves in a dry cloth and squeeze it (no mangling!)
• Air-dry the gloves(no heating, direct sunlight or hairdryer)
• Put on the dry gloves and knead to make them soft
• Treat the gloves with a leather care product

Washing instructions for textile gloves and gloves with membrane

• Wash the gloves by hand with mild soap
• Do not use fabric softener or bleach
• Do not dry-clean
• Wash the gloves with clean water afterwards to remove chemical residues
• Don’t squeeze or mangle the wet gloves
• Air-dry the gloves (no heating, direct sunlight or hairdryer)

TIP: If only the inner lining of a climate membrane glove needs to be cleaned, you can use water with a little mild detergent on the inside of the glove without having to clean the (leather or textile) outer shell.

Impregnation:

Properly impregnated gloves are dirt- and waterrepellent. A soaked outer shell causes a loss of heat from inside as the water chills or evaporates. Effective impregnation also increases thermal insulation and protects against windchill. The outer shell comes ready-impregnated, however over time this will wear off. So, If the impregnation loses its effect (i.e. if water doesn’t roll off anymore) you should re-treat the gloves as recommended.

For best results, we recommend following products:

1. Plain Leather Detergent	Held Product ref: Art. 9073
2. Leather Balm	Held Product ref: Art. 9011
3. Leather Impregnator	Held Product ref: Art. 9078
4. Active Polish	Held Product ref: Art. 9022

Oulton BSB: Smart mugs Richards for debut Evo win

Moto Rapido Ducati’s Scott Smart took his first win in the British Superbike Evo class at a soaking Oulton Park yesterday, passing championship rival Glen Richards on the last lap and also beating many full Superbikes in the process.

The Maidstone-based rider (and his favourite HELD gloves) showed good pace in both wet and dry conditions over Friday and Saturday, with no sign of the engine problems that plagued the team at Snetterton returning, and qualified in 20th place overall and third in class after a dry session.

Scott Smart- image from Bonnie Lane

Come Sunday, however, the paddock awoke to heavy rain and Smart went out in the late morning warm-up to get a feel for the conditions. As the lights went out for race one, Smart got a lightning start and stayed out of trouble into the first corner where fellow Evo rider Patric Muff dived out of contention but was unhurt.

The race settled down with Smart slowly making his way towards the front, picking off bike after bike until the safety car was brought out for oil on the track at Lodge, the final corner. As it peeled back into the pits, Smart only had Richards to beat but managed to not only pass the Australian but also three-time BSB Champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and James Ellison to finish tenth overall.

“I’d had a pretty good ride through the field and I could see Glen in the distance. I was edging closer to him but it wasn’t enough so when the safety car came out it was a bit of a blessing. I had to pass another couple of Superbikes and managed to catch him at the Shell Hairpin,” said Smart.

“I thought to myself I had to have a go, so I went past at the next corner but my legs and hands slipped off as I had a bit of a moment. I had no drive but he had to roll off too. I was helped by the last corner being slippery so it was pretty-much one line through there. I’m over the moon to give the team their first win, they’ve worked so hard to get us here.”

Scott Smart - from Maidstone. Scott's gloves - from www.held-uk.co.uk. This story - from www.bikesportnews.com

Held Gear Care Tips: Number 3- Helmets

Helmet outer shell

Clean the helmet shell regularly with lukewarm clean soapy water or a micro-fibre cloth. Let the helmet dry, keeping it away from excessive heat, then polish the helmet with a soft cloth. Please avoid contact with solvents, such as paints, glue or fuel.

Visor

Clean your visor regularly with lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth.  Washing-up liquid is helpful to shift really sticky bugs.Use a cloth or a clean towel to dry your helmet.  Never use a hair dryer. Do not use polish, window cleaner or solvents. These products could damage the coating of the visor and weaken its surface.

Detachable inner lining and cheek pads

Detach the cheek pads and the inner lining and wash them with mild detergent (baby shampoo is ideal) in hand-hot water. Rinse thoroughly, squeeze out the water, and let them dry slowly. Do not use a washing machine or spin dryer!

 Non-detachable inner lining and cheek pads

Use lukewarm soapy water and apply with a sponge.  After that, use clean water and dry slowly.

Held Helmets are comfy, stylish, quality and EC approved. For more information and to find your nearest stockist please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Held Gear Care Tips: Number 2- Textiles

Welcome to our second gear care blog - looking after your textiles.

Textile care

•     Held textile can be washed in your washing machine (however, please use mild detergents only, no fabric softener)

•     fill your washing machine no more than half-full

•     IMPORTANT: Body armour (such as shoulder/elbow or special foam CE back protectors) must always be removed before starting the washing process

•     avoid intensive rinsing or spin-drying

You should re-impregnate waterproof textile garments after each wash.  If this is done, water will continue to pearl off the surface of the outer fabric as it does on a new garment.


Textile care products:
1. Textile Detergent       Held Product Reference Art. 9076
2. Textile Impregnator    
a) spray                         Held Product Reference Art. 9065
b) liquid                        Held Product Reference Art. 9066

Hints to help extend life of mechanical parts

•     metal zippers should be lubricated with candle wax, pencil lead or oil

•     plastic zippers are maintenance-free

•     GORE-TEX© LOCKOUT© closures should be regularly lubed with a silicone oil pen

 To have a look at our full range of textile motorcycle clothing, leather motorcycle clothing, helmets, accessories etc. or to find your nearest Held stockist please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Held Gear Care Tips: Number 1- Leather

Your biking gear is a good investment - it keeps you safe, helps moderate your body temperature, can protect you from rain / wind and ensures you look the part whilst enjoying your bike. It's important to care for your gear to ensure it not only continues to look good but always performs as it should.

Over the next couple of weeks we'll be blogging some good tips for looking after your gear and start today with what bikers are known for: Leather! 

General hints for professional care and cleaning:

•     Each time you use it, air the clothing well and remove dirt with a soft brush and clean water

•     Do not store products in air-tight plastic bags

•     Never treat leather with solvents or chemical products

•     Do not use washing machine or spin-dryer for leather. We recommend only hand washing with tepid water (40°C) with leather detergent.

•     Dry all leather products at room temperature (avoid direct sunlight, artificial heating or hairdryers

Leather care


To slow the natural aging process of leather (formation of tears, crazing, reduction in strength or waterproofing etc.) and products with leather features , we recommend you use the following care products, which all retail at less than £10 each.



1. Plain Leather Detergent     Held ref. number Art. 9073
2. Leather Balm                    Held ref. number Art. 9011
3. Leather Impregnator          Held ref. number Art. 9078
4. Active Polish                    Held ref. numberArt. 9022

 

Remember that some treatments can change the original appearance of leather. You should not be concerned by this, since in use, the material and its characteristics will be improved by such treatment.

So remember, show your leather some love! 








Next care topic: Textiles. Be sure to check back!

Did you know- Held also do Motorcycle covers? Ben Wilkins, Editor Of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics does - he's had his for years and loves it... To view the full range of Held gear and accessories please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!

A warm welcome to the new blog from Held (UK division) - one of the most respected manufacturers in the motorcycle clothing and accessories sector, The Held company remains a family business made up of passionate bikers, still with its headquarters in the same picturesque Alpine town of Burgberg. 

Are our products good? Of course we'll say yes - but let us show you...

Take our gloves for example:

Grading

Every single piece of cowhide, kangaroo pelt and stingray skin is checked by hand – often by Erhard Held or his son Christian Held personally. Hides are very rarely perfect, but any faults such as marks from barbed wire, thorns or ticks are identified and the piece rejected. The leather is then soaked so that it can be stretched for punching, to ensure that the finished items will not lose its shape with use.

Punching


All Held gloves are punch cut. This is far more precise and provides a cleaner edge than cutting with scissors. A costly, sharpened metal die must be fabricated for each leather section. And when you consider that a pair of Held Phantom gloves has 156 individual sections, this means we need a lot of cutters! It then takes 18 minutes to punch out each pair.

Moulding

We only use carbon fibre of the highest grade, which we punch-cut and pressure mould ourselves to ensure a perfect fit. Once cut, each piece is heated to 450˚C and then subjected to 40 tons of pressure and shaped over our custom moulds. These custom protectors are often underlain with shock absorbing gel and sometimes even overlaid with Titanium.

Stitching

Each pair of gloves take a highly skilled machinist 90 minutes of sewing time.

Finishing

Finally every single Held glove is carefully formed on hot irons to create the perfect ergonomic fit. Once this is achieved, the material and workmanship of each one is carefully inspected. If even the slightest irregularity is detected, the glove will be rejected.

There! Hope you found that interesting. We'll be blogging lots more from now on - so please be sure to check back. Meanwhile, if you'd like to know more about Held, our range, our stockists etc please visit www.held-uk.co.uk