Keeping Cool

Hello and welcome to Alex's Blog! I hope you're all doing okay with this heat (or even enjoying it!) and if you're not, just remember it will pass soon so make the most of it while you can. To help you combat this heat on your bike here are a few items that will help you cope a lot better:

Firstly, gloves. We sell a lot of summer gloves with mesh panelling and a shorter styling to encourage air circulation. We also sell lots of different brands too but one that's stands out for me is the Frank Thomas Sahara Mesh Glove.

“The Frank Thomas Sahara Mesh Leather Gloves are a summer glove in a short styling constructed from leather with mesh panelling for a cool ride. These also offer added protection in vulnerable areas, including carbon effect knuckle, added grip at the palm, suede effect at the palm and wrist, comfort liner, double stitching throughout and Frank Thomas branding.” At £34.99 they won't break the bank but they will ease your struggle in this heat.

Next up is perforated jackets. There are two that immediately spring to mind (although we have lots in stock for any budget from cheaper to premium) and these are the Oxford Estoril Air jacket and the Frank Thomas Nova Mesh Jacket.

“The Oxford Estoril Air 2.0 textile motorcycle jacket is constructed from heavy duty and highly durable Cordura, airflow mesh and Matt diamond dobby outer shell. This offers multiple hidden row stitching, with top quality Coates thread, critical "Bar-Tack" stitching for added durability, removable waterproof liner wearable inside or over mesh jacket, CE certified shoulder and elbow protectors, pocket for CE approved back protector, external elbow protector for improved comfort, adjustment at hips, upper arms and cuffs, upper chest and hand warmer pocket, vents on collar and rear with adjuster, direct bonded reflective transfer for night-time visibility, short YKK connection zip to join trousers and jacket, cuff designed to allow under-cuff and over-cuff glove fitment, internal smart phone touchscreen pocket and embossed synthetic suede collar lining with Neoprene edge for maximum comfort.” This is £89.99 and is highly effective in this kind of heat for keeping you cool.

For a little bit more money you have the Frank Thomas Nova Mesh Jacket:
"The Frank Thomas Nova Mesh Motorcycle Jacket is a textile jacket constructed from MAXTEX 600d Polyester with BALLISTIC 1680d Nylon and K300 mesh outer shell. This offers a removable quilted lining making this ideal for summer and colder months (but also a waterproof lining making it ideal for an unpredictable British summer!) CE approved armour to shoulders and elbows, memory foam back protector, multiple adjustment throughout for a great fit and comfort, Scotch- lite reflex panels and piping for subtle reflectivity at night, MAX zips used throughout, short connection zip and multiple external and internal pockets." This offers all the protection and mesh panelling as well as the liner and the waterproof membrane, but has a little bit more luxury to it.

For boots we have a whole range of ankle boots for you to peruse which offer ankle protection but without bulk and added heat. The prices vary from around £30 upwards but the Alpinestars SMX-1 Boots come with perforated panels for that little extra cooling air circulation.

"The Alpinestars S-MX 1 Motorcycle Boot blends the racing lines of the S-MX racing boot collection with low-cut comfort and convenience. The durable and ultra-light Microfibre upper is reinforced with rugged TPU armour while the shank reinforced sole uses a special rubber formulation for enhanced grip and durability.

The upper is constructed from lightweight and durable Microfibre and features breathable mesh inserts and perforated side panel improve airflow, plush 3D mesh inner liner offers enhanced comfort and feel, external TPU protection on the outer ankle, foam backed, double density impact protection on the inner ankle, external TPU shift pad, slider and heel counter, reinforced toebox layered under the Microfibre upper, integrated shank in the sole for extra rigidity, comfort and convenience, combination zipper and Velcro strap closure system for easy entry and precise fit, outsole constructed with the same advanced rubber compound as the S-MX 5 boot, anatomically profiled EVA foam footbed and for added convenience, the entire sole of the S-MX 1 boot is replaceable."

Another way to keep cool in a hot climate is to wear an open-face helmet. They are not for everyone but there is no denying the coolness (in temperature) when riding along. We sell a lot of styles from various brands but this one is a definite best seller for us: The Bell Custom 500 in matt black:

"Back in 1954 Bell founder Roy Richter formed his first helmet out of fibreglass and named it the 500. Bell's Custom 500 pays homage to Richter's original design while adding modern protective technology to bring the design up-to-date. The Bell Custom 500 has that great pedigree and originality but with all the modern touches you would expect from a manufacturer like Bell. The Bell Custom 500 is DOT and ECE 22.05 safety rated, has a fibreglass shell, padded chin strap and a quilted liner."

Now one more item to go, as we are in Britain and this may well end soon: The Oxford Rainseal Jacket for the inevitable thunder storms.

"The Oxford Rainseal Waterproof over Jacket is fully lined and offers reflective areas, adjustable cuffs, adjustable Velcro waist, water resistant seams and is lightweight."

This is easy to store under your seat but also makes sure you're prepared for a downpour, let's just hope it passes quickly and that the good weather is here to stay for a bit longer!

Until next time,
Stay safe!
Alex