I've now clocked up a few hundred miles in the set- and been dealt a few curved balls by mother nature along the way...
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| Smart! |
Out of the box
Lovely smell of new leather for starters. One of the first things I look for, and this goes back to a childhood obsession, is the zips. Over the years I always noticed zips- which ones were good, which ones weren't. My conclusion was that YKK always seemed to be the best, so I was pleased to see YKK throughout.
The next 10 minutes were spent examining the linings, stitching, the protection. Got to be sure I'm going to be happy putting trust in the gear. So far, so good..
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| First impression- excellent. |
First try on
The Mrs spent 10 mins with the tape measure before these were ordered, so we could ensure the right fit. The trousers were spot on- but the jacket felt a little tight. Then I remembered- this is a Sport Jacket so it needs to be a hugging fit- no good flapping about in the wind. What amazed me though was after just 20 mins sitting in it at the PC it started to mould to my shape- how's that for supple leather!
The trousers zipped nicely to the jacket- keeping out the wind and meaning that everything would stay where it should be if I end up on the deck. I chose the white and black colours, although I could have gone for black (with a bit of white) or red, with a bit of white and black. Yes, I know, 'Stormtrooper' or 'Power Ranger' Or 'Stig'- heard it all before- but let me tell you it not only looks smart in white but also maximises being spotted on the road. When I've come across flat-cap wearing Volvo estate drivers I've been glad to be in white, believe me...
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| Velcro patches- for them there knee sliders- if you want |
On the bike
For whatever reason, and I don't know why, but the hugging leather trousers felt superb on the bike. Maybe it was the lack of being buffeted, the way they felt supportive and therefore safe- of maybe I've discovered a fetish for tight leather.. ;)
The jacket's fit was superb too- again I noticed nothing flapped about- It all somehow felt streamlined and sporty- I guess it's supposed to!
I was expecting that it would all feel like a new pair of shoes- stiff, and a bugger to wear in. Wrong! as I mentioned earlier, nice and supple. The two inner pockets are just enough for cash, cards and phone and the comfort is enhanced by the stretch panels in all the places that need to stretch!
It's all double stitched too, and the armour in it feels very solid. So all good.
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| Looks 'The Biz', so I've been told.. |
After many miles
White needs a bit more cleaning that darker colours- in terms of you can see the 'muck' and flies more- but at least it means I don't ride around grimy!
A light wash down with a soft rag or brush and clean water does the trick. I always air the suit well after a ride- and dried it out at room temperature after a downpour! (Was surprisingly dry when I expected 'soggy'). I am pleased with how it has moulded to my shape, even the shoulders- the more I wear it, the more comfortable it gets.
I have to say I do feel very smart in it, and it does seem to turn a few heads. What I need now is a new bike to go with it. Am thinking MT-03 maybe, or Z750..... we'll see :)
For more information please visit www.held-uk.co.uk where you can find stockists or browse the online catalogue
