Excerpt from: Happenings
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| September 22, 2008 | | Protective Clothing Changes Due to WOmen Riders | Omigod! What a difference in riding gear. I saw an ad for a white, with sparkly stuff on the sleeves, textile riding jacket. And graphics - like something out of a comic book, in some cases.
Riding gear is waking up like never before in the history of motorcycles. This is, in my opinion, a good thing, and I also believe this change was brought on by the increase in women who ride.
I have written many posts about Kevlar, Schoeller stretch Kevlar, Cordura, Leather, body armor, and so on. Now there are many vendors with a variety of jean products. This has been going on for some time.
Nothing, however, compares to the new colors, graphics, and styles. One of the big issues with safety gear has always been whether or not it was cool. This is meant both literally and figuratively. It is very unpleasant to be bundled up in the high heat of summer. It is also unpleasant to look like you are wearing a snowmobile suit. The new gear deals with both issues.
I remember when it was a big deal for leather clothing to be pink, or white. At one time, that was a breakthrough. Now, the number of women riders has the protective gear industry on their game.
Of course, the fall off is that riding gear for men has better graphics, the increased use of textiles provides cooler temperatures for riders, and the better use of the materials also means cooler looking gear for men. We are all big winners as the result of these improvements.
Next I expect to see changes in the bikes themselves. This has already started, but as a trickle, not a stream. Hang on. It will just get better. Much.
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