While it may be a little cold to be riding your bike right now, spring is just around the corner and then it’s back to cruising. So while you’re waiting for the weather to warm up, now is the perfect time to start preparing for the warmer months. And while there are many benefits to wearing the multi-colored riding gear, that’s not exactly office friendly.
Urban riding gear is a stylish way to stay fully protected. Above all else, you’ll want to be prioritizing apparel and equipment that both keeps you warm, protects you from road hazards, and is still comfortable.
Here at American Harley-Davidson®, we take your safety very seriously, so we’ve provided some great ways to find and choose the best gear for your needs. If you also need to pick out the right bike still, then stop by our location in Tonawanda, New York. We proudly serve Buffalo, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Batavia, and Rochester.
Jackets & Pants
Let’s cover the biggest parts of your body first by looking into some jackets and some pants. There are a lot of great riding jacket options available to you made of leather, which will not only look good but will hold up over time. The benefit of getting a riding specific jacket is that they often come equipped with additional padding to provide even more protection.
Stylish riding pants are a little trickier. Generally, jeans are not the best option. Your average pair of jeans won’t provide any protection if you take a spill, as durable as they may seem. Not to mention, if it starts to rain, you’ll get soaked pretty quickly. There are special jeans with waterproof coating, but really the best jean-looking riding pants are made of some of the strongest materials you can find, including Kevlar. This is the only way you’ll ensure your safety when you’re out on your bike.
Shoes
Next, you’ll want to make sure you have the right shoes. With your feet so close to the ground and playing such an important part of controlling your bike when you’re at a stop, you’ll want to make sure your shoes will hold up over time. Luckily, there are a lot of riding shoes that also are stylish and suited for the office or walking around town. Most reach over the ankles to provide you proper protection, although after that it’ll be up to your riding pants. But when it comes to safe, urban shoes, you’ll have your pick.
Helmet
Finally, you’ll want to find an urban riding helmet that still offers you lots of protection. This may be even easier to find than the shoes. There are lots of stylish helmets that will perfectly fit your aesthetic. Some of these are half helmets or bucket helmets. While you may think these look nice and are the least obstructive, they don’t provide you with nearly enough protection, particularly in the face. There are, however, many full-face helmets that are easy on the eyes and properly protect all your head, including your face. These urban helmets are generally completely blacked out to make them as sleek as possible. If yours doesn’t come with a face shield, you’ll still want to make sure your eyes are well protected with a pair of goggles. You can also find goggles in a more stylish, urban fashion.
Urban riding gear is a great way to stay safe and not have to bring an extra set of clothes with you to the office or when you’re walking around town. Some of these items will be easier to find than others and their price ranges will greatly vary, but as tempting as it might be to just wear your normal clothes, it’s important to know that your clothes won’t hold up in an accident, which is why you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycle riders. If you’re having trouble finding this gear, then come talk to our experienced staff at American Harley-Davidson®. We’re in Tonawanda, New York, welcoming all riders from Buffalo, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Batavia, and Rochester.