[advstreak]

Difference between EN 20345 and EN 13634.

Most Indian brands seem to advertise EN 20345 rated boots as motorcycling boots. This standard is actually for safety shoes and is not exactly suited for motorcycling.

https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/kno...fety-footwear/

Going through the above link and quoting verbatim "Footwear in accordance with EN ISO 20345 is intended to protect the wearer from bumps, crushing, falling or rolling objects, from walking into sharp or pointed objects, heat or cold, and hot substances."

Now EN 20345 has various protection requirements which are divided into various protection levels. The requirements that might have some mechanical significance are the protective toe cap, fully enclosed heel, Energy absorption under the heel and puncture protection. To classify a boot as EN 20345 certified it just needs to pass impact resistance of toecaps at 200 Joule and get the SB class. I am pretty sure that brands marketing the boots as EN 20345 CE rated only have SB level.



EN 13634 is explained quite well here:

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/art...ings-explained





Using the Leatt 4.5 owners as quick reference for the values for various levels.

As one can see, EN 13634 is much more suited for motorcycling use case. It does miss out on making the impact protection compulsory but it covered under the optional test.

[anurag344]

I am trying to find (at least CE-A rated, but would prefer AA) riding jeans with L2 hip & knee armors. But the Indian brands (Rynox/Viaterra) do not mention any compliance for abrasion resistance. So what are my options ?

Another noob question: How does one iron these fabrics with interwoven Cordura/kevlar ? Or are these fabrics wrinkle-free ?

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by anurag344

I am trying to find (at least CE-A rated, but would prefer AA) riding jeans with L2 hip & knee armors.

Check this out Anurag, lots of options to choose from.

https://www.lazyassbikers.com/collections/pants/denims

I have bought quite a few things from them. Good, safe people to deal with. No affiliation - a happy customer.

Cheers

[after]

Short gear review - Viaterra Grid 2 Gloves

Purchased in Jan 2024 for Rs. 6000

Pros

• Full gauntlet, goat skin leather construction
• Pinky bridge
• Knox sliders
• Two-strap closure system
• Vents around the knuckles = nice cooling draft on highway rides
• Very comfortable once broken in
• Fairly priced

Cons

• Velcro on main strap became weak within 3000km riding in the dry. Requires to close with wiggling motion to make velcro stick. Hasn't got much worse since then.
• Visor wiper is unable to wipe the visor
• Limited amount of perforation in leather = sweaty city rides
• Leaches black colour onto hands if you get it soaked. Colour doesn't come off for a couple of days
• Slightly heavier than gloves using carbon fiber etc. for protectors

Overall rating: 3.75/5

• -0.75 for velcro issues
• -0.5 for all other issues

Overall decent product, would recommend

[sumazure]

But the Indian brands (Rynox/Viaterra) do not mention any compliance for abrasion resistance. So what are my options ?

Rynox one that I have has Knox CE level 1 pads. I remember that the shop guys suggested I could replace with level 2 pads if I wanted for the price difference in pads. But I kept the L1 as per my usage.

Another noob question: How does one iron these fabrics with interwoven Cordura/kevlar ? Or are these fabrics wrinkle-free ?

The cordura fabric doesnt wrinkle as much if you hang up to dry without wringing after wash. Let it drip dry in shade.

[sunejarahul]

After much deliberation and a handful or decent, sour and/or bitter experiences with riding boots I decided to buy another pair to buy yet another pair. A little context before the details, my riding includes purely leisure and travel. I have a RE Himalayan so the requirements were somewhat clear: a comfort boot that can be worn for long durations with minimal discomfort while trotting around during breaks while riding.

Back in 2020 when I had bought the bike, with whatever little riding gear knowledge, I had bought the Orazo boots. They lasted about a year and a half and barely 8000 kms before the sole gave up.

In 2022 I was gifted a pair of RE Huntsman leather boots. While they felt sturdy and comfortable, the laces were a pain to get used to after the velcro on Orazos. The stitching around the sole started to come off within 6 months, 2 long trips and about 3000 kms. I was disappointed and took it up with RE with a lukewarm response.



After a lot of back & forth with RE customer support I was able to get some compensation from them in the form of a discount since the Huntsman boots had apparently been discontinued. As per their recommendation I went ahead with a similar looking (but better) RE Mudbound boots. These felt sturdier, had a zipper in addition to the laces and notably firmer protectors at the toe, heel and ankle; comfort was similar.



While these did not fall apart like the others I started to feel a lack of protection and with age (about 1.5 years again now) I feel the stitching might start coming off on these again purely because of rains and wear-tear and I now intend to use these casually as work boots or very short commutes if any.

Procrastinating on the new boots for about 4-6 months I decided to take a trip to Karol Bagh last week to see a bunch of shoes in the flesh. I had gone through details of a few boots within my budget, shortlisted some:

RE E-39 (missed the discount spree)
Viaterra Bronson (very much like RE)
Raida Tourer (bad fit)
Raida Discover (too stiff & uncomfortable)
Rynox/Cramster Flux (almost bought)
Korda Tourmaster low (very promising)
Gadsyll G-Star 9 (well built, size/trial unavailable)

Finally, after a close call between the Cramster (₹5,999) and the Korda (₹7,999) I picked up the Korda primarily for better ankle protection (D3O), sole comfort and overall quality. The Cramsters are good but there are glaring finish issues and a less cushiony feel. On paper the Cramster were the better deal but after trying both for about 10 min each and walking around the showrooms it was evident that the Kordas were superior.





Bought these at Riderz Planet, Karol Bagh, same place where I had gotten my MT helmet as well - great showroom experience, knowledgeable salesperson and the best deal compared to other showrooms, both times. A little sad that these do not come in a different colour like the brown on the Cramster Flux but I guess I'll live with the better protection over better style anyday...

So far I've only worn them for a short 40 km long breakfast jaunt and I'm happy to report they remain as comfortable as a riding boot could be with barely any getting used to or breaking-in required.

[neil.jericho]

While visiting the Reise Moto store in Koramangala, I had tried out the Ixon GP4 Air gloves and felt like it was a high quality pair of gloves that suited my riding needs. Since I didnt know much about the construction and features of the GP4 Air gloves, I decided to do a bit of research before buying it. Incidentally, I also tried out the Reise Rhodes gloves and was genuinely surprised by how nice it felt, especially given the Rs 4,999 price point. To the best of my knowledge, Reise Moto has tied up with Spidi to manufacture their riding gear.

Fast forward a few weeks and when I finally got time to go pick up the Ixon GP4 Air gloves, it was out of stock both in the Reise Moto store and the 6KIOM store. Since I could get no insights into when the GP4 gloves would be available in the near future, I decided to look at other options, partly as a stop gap measure. I leaned on the top of the line choices from Indian riding gear manufacturers, including the newest entrant, to make a final decision.

Viaterra Grid (3 IIRC) - On paper, this comes across as the most feature packed Indian made pair of full gauntlet gloves. At Rs 6,999, the Grid is probably at the upper end of what Indian motorcycle enthusiasts are willing to pay considering the brand, but once you check it out, it does start to feel like a VFM offering. However, some very minor rough edges, coupled with the fact that the palm sizing was a tad too big for me, resulted in it being dropped from contention. While simulating a closed throttle position, the leather on the palms was folding up, which is a big no-no, as it will cause significant discomfort to the rider. Overall, I was impressed by the Grid and wished that it fit me better.

Rynox Advento Pro - The natural rival to the Grid 3 let me down on the quality front. I tried out the Advento Pro in two different stores and the right glove fit me differently each time! In one store, I couldnt really get my right hand into the glove, while the left hand easily fit into the other one. Meanwhile, in the second store, I was able to wear the right glove but I could feel the inner stitching on the palm pressing down, while it didnt on the left glove. I have posted earlier on this thread regarding inconsistencies in Rynox's gloves and while they have made significant strides with the rest of their riding gear, the company does have quite some way to go when it comes to manufacturing gloves.

Reise Rhodes - The simple fact is that the Reise Rhodes gloves dont have the high CE certification ratings that the other two boast of, but what it does have in its corner, is the fact that the quality was consistent across the different pairs that I tried out and equally importantly, they fit me really well. At Rs 4,999, they do undercut the Grid 3 and Advento Pro by a significant amount. In the end, I picked it up from the 6KIOM store. I have done 1,000 + kms with them over the last weekend and quite like the feel of these Rhodes gloves. Let me do a few more trips with these gloves before sharing more detailed feedback on the thread.

[7000plusrpm]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

While visiting the Reise Moto store

Neil, I am looking for a full gauntlet gloves suitable for touring, within 10k. Did you get a chance to look at the Rev'it gloves launched by RE? I would love to hear your opinion on them.

Please help if you can, thanks!

[vits721]

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new to posting on team-bhp.

Just to give you a brief I'm going for a group ride in June to Ladakh and need some suggestions about the gear I feel would be essential.

I have a Scimitar jacket which I feel would be enough(Please suggest if I should consider buying a new one)

I want to buy a nice pair of Riding shoes, Winter gloves and Riding pants that can be used in Ladakh and for further rides for a few years.

My budget in total for them is around 25k. Please help

P.S. Is intercome essential too?

P.P.S. I do have an Axor Apex Carbon Fibre helmet too that I will be carrying for the ride.

[vinbex]

Hello,
Looking for a good boots purchase with a budget of around 15k. Will be used only for touring on highways. Can to be waterproof, but not the top priority.
Main issue is getting my size. Have particulary long and wide feet. Usually size 11/12 translating to 303cm.
Please suggest aome options.
All I could find where Raida, Solace and Tarmac. Royal enfield does not seem to have the non-lace versions anymore.

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by vits721

Just to give you a brief I'm going for a group ride in June to Ladakh and need some suggestions about the gear I feel would be essential.

I have a Scimitar jacket which I feel would be enough(Please suggest if I should consider buying a new one)

I want to buy a nice pair of Riding shoes, Winter gloves and Riding pants that can be used in Ladakh and for further rides for a few years.

My budget in total for them is around 25k. Please help

P.S. Is intercome essential too?

P.P.S. I do have an Axor Apex Carbon Fibre helmet too that I will be carrying for the ride.

I would suggest changing the jacket too. Here is my suggested list:

1. Jacket - Try Rynox - With inner liner + rain gear - Approx 12-13K.
2. Riding pants - Again I would say Rynox - 7-8K
3. Boots - You have from Gadsyll @ 8K to RE Boots @12-13K.
4. Gloves - You will need 2 pairs, one thermal / waterproof for Ladakh and one that will work in the plains. Thermal / Waterproof - Raida - 3K. Full Gauntlet - Viaterra / Cramster / Rynox - 4.5-6K.

Originally Posted by vinbex

Hello,
Looking for a good boots purchase with a budget of around 15k. Will be used only for touring on highways. Can to be waterproof, but not the top priority.
Main issue is getting my size. Have particulary long and wide feet. Usually size 11/12 translating to 303cm.
Please suggest aome options.
All I could find where Raida, Solace and Tarmac. Royal enfield does not seem to have the non-lace versions anymore.

I can see lace boots here - https://store.royalenfield.com/en/li...-apparel/shoes

[nidhinpr]

Originally Posted by anurag344

I am trying to find (at least CE-A rated, but would prefer AA) riding jeans with L2 hip & knee armors.

Oxford got A, AA & AAA Straight Fit riding jeans. You can get them from lazyassbiker. I have bought Knox Urban Pro Mk2 from them, they have a variety of options. You can go to the store, check their website out.