Looking good, staying warm

Clothes for the cold -weather biker

By Doran Dal Pra
doran@oxxcycle.com

Looking to stay warm on the road? Here is some gear to help you to keep from freezing up.



• Gerbing Heated Liners: Gerbing has been providing heated clothing to riders since 1979. Gerbing’s heated jacket liners (pictured at right) feature heating pads on the chest, back, collar, and sleeves. Power is delivered by a 12-volt DC hookup that directs electricity to the Power Distribution Unit. Some liners like the Lite Heated Vest Liner feature a Lithium Ion battery back instead of a plug-in unit. All the liners are designed to fit under other layers and are water-repellent, Teflon coated and insulated.

• Alpinestars Space Drystar Jacket: Alpinestars Space Drystar Jacket is a serious rider’s serious touring jacket. It’s 100 percent waterproof, features ballistic nylon reinforced panels on the elbows and knees, is equipped with a removable thermal liner, and can zip into other Alpinestars products like the touring pants, creating a fully connected and protected shell. The jacket also comes with CE-certified armor with the option to upgrade to Alpinestars Bionic armor and has space for a back protector. The retail price is around $329.

• Roadgear Ultra Glove: Roadgear’s slogan for the Ultra is, “Mother Nature doesn’t stand a chance,” and taking a look at what the Ultra has to offer, that statement seems pretty accurate: warm Thinsulate insulation, breathable, waterproof Hipora liner, and reinforced palms for extra traction on the grips and protection for minor spills. In a March 2008 review by George Obradovich on motorcycle.com, he experienced great results from the Ultra, even when riding in chilly 20-degree temps. For $68, you get a great three-season riding glove without breaking the bank.

Gerbing’s: 866-371-4328,
www.gerbing.com
Alpinestars: 323-325-9814, www.alpinestars.com
Roadgear: 800-854-4327, www.roadgear.com