Frank Thomas Strike Leathers
Frank Thomas Strike leathers
CW EVALUATION
More for the money
IT SAYS SO RIGHT ON THE TAG: “DEsigned in England by Frank Thomas Limited,” and then in much smaller type, “Made in Pakistan.” Which largely explains how this two-piece, zip-together leather suit can retail for under $500: $299 for the jacket, $199 for the pants.
Obviously, this is not a high-end roadracing suit with the body-hugging fit of the better Italian and Japanese brands. Instead, it’s generously proportioned, tailored for British riders who spend a bit more time at the pub than their Colonial counterparts. The suit isn’t just big in the waist, but at the wrists, ankles and knees, too-the first time we touched down a puck, the pants leg spun around and the dye was scraped off the leather! The legs really ought to be tighter or the stretch panels stretchier.
Fit issues aside, this is a pretty nice suit. Made from 1.4-mil leather-as thick as that used on roadracing leathers-it’s certainly up to the rigors of street riding. Ditto the body armor, with CE-approved padding at the shoulders and elbows, closed-cell foam at the back and hips, and molded-plastic knee cups.
Both the jacket and pants are punch-vented to allow airflow in warmer weather, while for cooler days there’s a zip-in quilted lining with a velcroclosed inner pocket and an elastic-topped cell-phone stash. Exterior pockets at the hips provide a place for coins and keys.
Offered in men’s and women’s sizes, the jacket and pants come in six different color combinations, and are compatible with the textile, mesh and waterproof garments that make up the rest of the Strike line so you can mix and match. These aren’t the best leathers on the market, but considering the price, they may very well be the best value.
DETAILS
Cycle Gear, Inc. 4705 Industrial Way Benicia, CA 94510 707/747-5053 www.cyclegear.com Price...$498
Ups Loose-fitting, if that’s a good thing The “VV” on the breast could stand for “very versatile” Tightwads rejoice!
Downs Loose-fitting, if it’s not Is that a Star Trek uniform you’re wearing? Who’s Frank Thomas? No one-he’s a fictitious character
