Universal : Riding Gear Thread

[Doga]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

I am on the lookout for some decent riding boots and confusion reigns supreme!
I had basic gear but never boots. Part of the reason was I found those full knee length boots too bulky and sweaty in our tropical climes. There were no proper short urban boots made for riding available in India. Yes there are these Orazo boots which are not really made for riding but are good value, but they won't win any design awards, would they?
Also any decent boot with all the bells and whistles was firmly out of budget.
Considering I am in the UK and have so many options, especially for waterproof boots given the weather here, I have now decided to splurge a bit.
Here is what I am thinking:
Get a decent urban riding boot: I have almost made up my mind and there is no confusion here. This one would serve as the daily commute boot. It has decent ankle and heel armour, but being a short boot nothing to protect the shin, that's a compromise I am willing to make. Proper boots would be too cumbersome for short commutes to office or the mall.
Would be either of the two below. Any further suggestion/advise/insight would be very welcome though

Spada Icon WP Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY
RST Urban Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

Apart from the above, I would buy a touring/race boot for those long rides and the almost improbable track day
This is where the confusion arises.Can't really decide what to do. I have these options I think:

1)Buy a high spec waterproof boot with a proper breathable liner(Gore tex/sympatex/Hipora..whatever) so that it is usable in summers too without too much discomfort. This would be a bit expensive but if dual use is possible I'll go for it.
Now I am not too sure what too much discomfort is as I have no previous experience of a full length riding boot. I am not asking for trainers like breathable boots, but I should not have my legs all sweaty and steamed as soon as a long summer ride in a waterproof boot starts!
Here in the UK all the online reviews are raving for Gore tex or other breathable boots, but considering their peak summer is barely like early November in Mumbai or late autumn elsewhere in the plains, I am not too sure on the suitability of even a supposedly breathable waterproof boot for summer riding in India.
Can someone who has a proper full length waterproof boot with a breathable liner advise if such a boot is OK in the Indian summer?
Does anyone use a full length Gore tex boot here? Gore tex is the best possible waterproof breathable liner you can get and I am curious to know if this liner makes summer use possible.

Here are the options. I am not really asking for suggestion on exactly which boot from among the options in each category(although suggestions are welcome), but rather which option category to go for!

This one is available with SPG in India, but I get it cheaper here. Armour is great.
Falco Oxegen 2 WTR boot
Falco Oxegen 2 WTR Boots - Black / White - FREE UK DELIVERY

RST Adventure boots
RST Adventure Waterproof Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

ARMR moto montegi 2 Race boots
ARMR Moto Montegi 2 Race WP Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

I am leaning the most towards this
TCX S-Sportour Waterproof Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

This one appears to be the best among this lot due to the Torsion Control system, but I don't think that system would still be there after even a very low speed crash and slide Looks like one time use
TCX S-R1 Gore-Tex Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERYMerlin Aragon Boots Mens WP - Black


2)Buy a summer riding boot with proper venting for summer and a decent winter waterproof boot: a bit expensive proposition considering not only the cost of two boots but probably the checkin cost of an extra/overweight luggage as I don't think I have space for 3 extra boots in the baggage allowance given! Although the need of fancy liners then vanish and I can get proper winter waterproof boots without caring much about breathability. Also the waterproof boots can be basic touring cut which can be cheaper. Although all waterproof boots claim to be breathable, but surely these cheaper boots come with basic liners which won't help much in summers.

Loads of and somewhat cheaper options here for waterproof boots.
Merlin Tempest
Merlin Tempest Boots WP - Black ★★ FREE UK Delivery | FREE UK Returns

Richa Monza WP boot
Richa Monza Waterproof Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

Spada Seeker WP boot
Spada Seeker WP Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

RST raptor WP boot:
RST Raptor 2 Waterproof Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY


3)Buy a proper vented summer boot only and don't bother about waterproof boots:
I don't really mind getting wet. I have never been susceptible to cold and flu and rain rides are very rare anyway. May be one or two per year. So makes sense to get a very good summer boot which is possibly quick drying In this regard man made upper on boots appear very desirable as I won't have to worry about them if caught in a deluge.

Options are :
A* SMX 5 (synthetic upper)
Alpinestars S-MX 5 Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

Falco Oxegen 2 Boots (summer version, synthetic upper)
Falco Oxegen 2 Boots - Black / White - FREE UK DELIVERY

Dainese Giro ST Boots
Dainese Giro ST Boots - White / Black / White - FREE UK DELIVERY

Prexport Sonic Evo boots
Prexport Sonic Evo Boots - White / Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

ARMR Moto Montegi 2 Race Boots(summer version, Cheapest of the lot)
ARMR Moto Montegi 2 Race Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

RST Tracetech EVO boot
RST Tractech Evo CE Boots - Flo Red - FREE UK DELIVERY


Sorry for the really long post, but confusion means a long post

[prateek2210]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Have been seeing the pics of these boots lately. . .



Anyone have used/are using this. . ? What is your opinion on this, especially protection and comfort. . ? Thanks in advance. . .

Cheers!!!

Not waterproof, finishing not upto that level, the vents will break after some usage. Good for someone who is entering track days. Wearing them on normal riding days is a pain.

[Rakesh Rok]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Not waterproof, finishing not upto that level, the vents will break after some usage. Good for someone who is entering track days. Wearing them on normal riding days is a pain.

What about the safety. . ? Is it safe, I mean does it provide adequate protection at the time of a crash. . ?
[MENTION=48967]Doga[/MENTION] what about the shipping charges from that website. . ?

Cheers!!!

[prateek2210]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

It might but the shin area plastic is too flimsy as compared to branded ones.

[Shaktiv3]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Guys, any reviews for the tarmac street?


and the Knox Guerilla Knee

[Abishek94]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

and the Knox Guerilla Knee
[ATTACH]191900[/ATTACH]

Just a suggestion, you can go for the spartan/aspida Perseus knee guards which are almost same as these Knox knee guards. The Perseus is cheaper, comes with two velcro straps and best part is, comes with Knox armour itself :P
So it is basically the same knee guards for lesser price. Knox guerilla knee guards cost nearly 5k.. The aspida ones cost 2.6k if prices have not increased been using it for 5-6months now..

[Shaktiv3]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Just a suggestion, you can go for the spartan/aspida Perseus knee guards which are almost same as these Knox knee guards. The Perseus is cheaper, comes with two velcro straps and best part is, comes with Knox armour itself :P
So it is basically the same knee guards for lesser price. Knox guerilla knee guards cost nearly 5k.. The aspida ones cost 2.6k if prices have not increased been using it for 5-6months now..

Ya, initially i thought of opting the spartan perseus but getting the knox guerilla for 2.5k KNOX Guerilla Knee - PROTECTION - RIDING GEAR so, i asked for suggestions.

[Abishek94]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Ya, initially i thought of opting the spartan perseus but getting the knox guerilla for 2.5k KNOX Guerilla Knee - PROTECTION - RIDING GEAR so, i asked for suggestions.

If that's the case then the difference comes down to the number of Velcro straps. The Spartan Perseus has two straps, one just above the the knee and the other just below the knee. Going by the pics, the Knox guerilla knee guards have a single strap on the knee cap. Your call now

[arunv_911]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

I am on the lookout for some decent riding boots and confusion reigns supreme!
I had basic gear but never boots. Part of the reason was I found those full knee length boots too bulky and sweaty in our tropical climes. There were no proper short urban boots made for riding available in India.

1)Buy a high spec waterproof boot with a proper breathable liner(Gore tex/sympatex/Hipora..whatever) so that it is usable in summers too without too much discomfort. This would be a bit expensive but if dual use is possible I'll go for it.
Now I am not too sure what too much discomfort is as I have no previous experience of a full length riding boot. I am not asking for trainers like breathable boots, but I should not have my legs all sweaty and steamed as soon as a long summer ride in a waterproof boot starts!
Here in the UK all the online reviews are raving for Gore tex or other breathable boots, but considering their peak summer is barely like early November in Mumbai or late autumn elsewhere in the plains, I am not too sure on the suitability of even a supposedly breathable waterproof boot for summer riding in India.
Can someone who has a proper full length waterproof boot with a breathable liner advise if such a boot is OK in the Indian summer?
Does anyone use a full length Gore tex boot here? Gore tex is the best possible waterproof breathable liner you can get and I am curious to know if this liner makes summer use possible.

Here are the options. I am not really asking for suggestion on exactly which boot from among the options in each category(although suggestions are welcome), but rather which option category to go for!

I am leaning the most towards this
TCX S-Sportour Waterproof Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY

This one appears to be the best among this lot due to the Torsion Control system, but I don't think that system would still be there after even a very low speed crash and slide Looks like one time use
TCX S-R1 Gore-Tex Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY


2)Buy a summer riding boot with proper venting for summer and a decent winter waterproof boot: a bit expensive proposition considering not only the cost of two boots but probably the checkin cost of an extra/overweight luggage as I don't think I have space for 3 extra boots in the baggage allowance given! Although the need of fancy liners then vanish and I can get proper winter waterproof boots without caring much about breathability. Also the waterproof boots can be basic touring cut which can be cheaper. Although all waterproof boots claim to be breathable, but surely these cheaper boots come with basic liners which won't help much in summers.


3)Buy a proper vented summer boot only and don't bother about waterproof boots:
I don't really mind getting wet. I have never been susceptible to cold and flu and rain rides are very rare anyway. May be one or two per year. So makes sense to get a very good summer boot which is possibly quick drying In this regard man made upper on boots appear very desirable as I won't have to worry about them if caught in a deluge.

Options are :

Dainese Giro ST Boots
Dainese Giro ST Boots - White / Black / White - FREE UK DELIVERY

Sorry for the really long post, but confusion means a long post

For touring, I would suggest the TCX Sportour EVO rather than the Sportour waterproof or S-R1 you mentioned in your post. Its also available for 14K from High Note Performance in India itself. A waterproof boot (unless gore tex) in India could get very uncomfortable so would not really recommend that. The Evo is not completely waterproof but that can be solved by getting rain covers for boots from Quecha/Decathlon, in any case its not liek you will be doing river crossings/riding in torrential rains. If you can up your budget a bit (plus $100) the Dainese TRQ Tour GTX is an excellent boot from a protection standpoint. I am currently caught in two minds between the TRQ Tour and Sportour Evo.

[Doga]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

If that's the case then the difference comes down to the number of Velcro straps. The Spartan Perseus has two straps, one just above the the knee and the other just below the knee. Going by the pics, the Knox guerilla knee guards have a single strap on the knee cap. Your call now

The knox offering with only one strap may be uncomfortable at times and over long rides as it runs exactly over the middle of the knee and will bite your back of the knee,especially on bikes with rear set footpegs(like KTMs), not so much on cruisers.That portion tends to get sweaty and is prone to rashes. I personally would get the Perseus because of this reason as they would not tend to fold and bite as much. This is what I think would happen with no experience using either

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

For touring, I would suggest the TCX Sportour EVO rather than the Sportour waterproof or S-R1 you mentioned in your post. Its also available for 14K from High Note Performance in India itself. A waterproof boot (unless gore tex) in India could get very uncomfortable so would not really recommend that. The Evo is not completely waterproof but that can be solved by getting rain covers for boots from Quecha/Decathlon, in any case its not liek you will be doing river crossings/riding in torrential rains. If you can up your budget a bit (plus $100) the Dainese TRQ Tour GTX is an excellent boot from a protection standpoint. I am currently caught in two minds between the TRQ Tour and Sportour Evo.

Thanks for your reply. Yes I have the feeling that waterproof would be very uncomfortable, Hence wanted to know how good Gore tex would be. Have you got any experience of using a gore tex boot before? Even a Gore text boot has a liner across the zipper to keep water out I wonder how comfortable that would be in summer.
My best bet looks to be buying a non waterproof boot(possibly synthetic) and use them in that odd Rain ride once or twice and not bother about wet feet.

[arunv_911]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

The knox offering with only one strap may be uncomfortable at times and over long rides as it runs exactly over the middle of the knee and will bite especially on bikes with rear set footpegs(like KTMs), not so much on cruisers. I personally would get the Perseus because of this reason as they would not tend to fold and bite as much. This is what I think would happen with no experience using either

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----



Thanks for your reply. Yes I have the feeling that waterproof would be very uncomfortable, Hence wanted to know how good Gore tex would be. Have you any experience of using a gore tex boot before? Even a Gore text boot has a liner across the zipper to keep water out I wonder how comfortable that would be in summer.
My best bet looks to be buying a non waterproof boot(possibly synthetic) and use them in that odd Rain ride once or twice and not bother about wet feet.

Gore tex will not be breezy and cool but will allow some evaporation, preventing clammy feet. Haven't used a gore tex boot but have used a gore tex jacket and it did help some. Personally any boot is going to be hot in Indian weather even the vented ones so gore tex is the best compromise available. Combine it with wicking sport socks (thin ones) and that's a workable solution. Alternatively, you can also consider tcx air tech boots. I don't like their looks but they are supposed to be better in hot environments.

[Doga]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Gore tex will not be breezy and cool but will allow some evaporation, preventing clammy feet. Haven't used a gore tex boot but have used a gore tex jacket and it did help some. Personally any boot is going to be hot in Indian weather even the vented ones so gore tex is the best compromise available. Combine it with wicking sport socks (thin ones) and that's a workable solution. Alternatively, you can also consider tcx air tech boots. I don't like their looks but they are supposed to be better in hot environments.

Hmm, so looks like a normal boot is what I should be looking at, may be the TCX sportour evo or A* SMX 5 or Dainese Giro ST or the Falco Oxegen 2.
I'd most probably buy either the A* or The TCX. And may be buy a waterproof sock for winter use(There are gore tex socks available too!).
A bit of user experience with Gore Tex boots would help though, before I take the plunge. Anyone?

[rachitkdogra]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Hmm, so looks like a normal boot is what I should be looking at, may be the TCX sportour evo or A* SMX 5 or Dainese Giro ST or the Falco Oxegen 2.
I'd most probably buy either the A* or The TCX. And may be buy a waterproof sock for winter use(There are gore tex socks available too!).
A bit of user experience with Gore Tex boots would help though, before I take the plunge. Anyone?

I have the A* SMX5. Mine is the air model I think. The air model is cheaper, around 11K. The waterproof one is more expensive.
Recently had an opportunity to ride in rain in them. They performed ok. I mean water did go in but not so much to make things uncomfortable. The socks were mildly wet not soaking drenched types. I rode for around half an hour in a pretty decent downpour.



Rachit

[Doga]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

I have the A* SMX5. Mine is the air model I think. The air model is cheaper, around 11K. The waterproof one is more expensive.
Recently had an opportunity to ride in rain in them. They performed ok. I mean water did go in but not so much to make things uncomfortable. The socks were mildly wet not soaking drenched types. I rode for around half an hour in a pretty decent downpour.
Rachit

Thanks Rachit. I have now decided to order the A*, unless someone chips in with some very good experience on a gore tex boots. I'd need the spare cash for buying some failing part on the duke when I get back

[Venkat0412]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Hi all

Can anyone please suggest me a riding boot for 10K ? Other than Tarmac venom..