Fieldsheer Warrior Gauntlet Gloves
My new Fieldsheer gloves weren't comfortable right away. That took about five minutes. They slipped on smoothly and stayed that way, with no liner bunching, intrusive inner seams or pinching. Pre-curved fingers help, as does the intelligent design and construction.
Most of this pair of roadrace-style gloves is made of cowhide, combined with Schoeller Keprotec for added strength. But the palms are kangaroo leather. Thoughtful touch, that. Each finger has an air vent, tiny holes along the sides and pads covering the second and third joints. There are also tough knuckle pucks and large back-ofhand pads. Thumbs get similar pads and elasticized leather panels.
The wrists are expandable, and boast hook-and-loop adjustment straps. The gauntlets combine stretch panels with plastic armored plates around the circumference. Closures are hook-and-loop, and should accommodate any riding jacket. Leather and stitching reinforcements appear all over the place. In all, a very impressive piece of goods.
On the road, the Warriors have soldiered on (sorry) without complaint or misstep for two riding seasons. They're robust and have great build quality-barring a crash, I don't doubt they'll give years of service.
Mostly, you hardly notice you're wearing them. And that's the best compliment you could pay any gloves.
Verdict
A stylish and highly protective gauntlet glove for not much more than a Benjamin.
Sidi Strada Evo Air Boots
OK, while the other attire around here is pretty much ace, the feet have gone begging. Stupid, really. I mean, I'm an adult, and ride a powerful bike in a dangerous urban environment. The ol' hiking boots deserve some appropriate company.
These Italian-made Sidi Strada Evo Air boots fit the bill. They're made mostly of Lorica-a microfiber leather synthetic. This, Sidi says, affords equal flexibility and breathability, plus great strength, light weight, near-waterproofness and vast abrasion resistance. In truth, they look impregnable.
Armor includes replaceable shin plates, polymer ankle pucks and fortified heel cups. Calves are padded. Toe sliders, sadly, are AWOL. Nice consolations, though, are hardy polymer shift pads and footpeg-hugging composite-rubber soles.
Inside, a woven Teflon/nylon mesh wicks perspiration and moisture, while lateral compression is resisted by the composite inner sole. The diagonal zips are stout and the Velcro closures widely adjustable. Nice.
One detail is especially welcome: the "Kent Vents" at the instep and along the outside bottoms. Named for Sport Rider magazine editor Kent Kunitsugu, the little ram-air ducts really work. At any speed above 25 mph, it's like mini-fans are spinning up in there. Strange, wonderful sensation.
Appearance-wise, the black-with-whiteaccents Evo Airs are just right. They don't shout, "I'm too sexy for my boots," but whisper, "Quiet competence." I like that. And I like these boots: They're tough, handsome, glove-comfy, light and affordable. They also provide a degree of confidence no hiking boot can match.
Verdict
High-zoot boot, high-tech spec.