Armoured motorcycle riding jeans have become popular in India and for a customer looking for a pair, the choices are many across the price range. However, the more affordable options don’t have adequate protection, or the ones with good armour cost too much. For some, they don’t mind shelling out money for good protective gear – which is the right way to do it – while others are in search of good gear at a reasonable price.
Royal Enfield was one of the first to offer riding jeans with adequate Level 2 armours, however, the fit, is something that needs to be discussed. Some are comfortable, while a few have serious concerns, including me. There are other options as well, but the fit is a big worry unless one’s used to skinny-fitting jeans.
Via Terra Austin riding jeans
This was a search that led me to stumble upon Via Terra, a company known for its affordable riding gear that lasts a lifetime and can put some international brands to shame with the level of protection it can offer for the price. The Austin riding jeans proved to be worth every penny and more, given its price, armour, and most important, its fit.
Priced at Rs 5,999, the pair of jeans are available in a single colour and is made up of a triple blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex, which gives it breathability, comfort, and strength, making them ideal for short or long rides. Moreover, these are reinforced at stress points, a method known as bar tracking which needs a specialised sewing machine.
The protection and fit
While most jeans get either heavy armours or settle for just knee armours, the Austin jeans get knee and hip armours made by Sastech, a German company. These CE Level 2 armours are low profile, meaning one hardly notices the armours and the jeans can be used as regular wear to the office.
However, on my particular pair of jeans, I have swapped the knee armour for another pair, made by Sastec again, as I use them for longer rides, and the occasional media reviews, which keeps me comfortable all day while offering adequate protection.
The fit is another area I cannot stress enough, as they are regular-fitting jeans, meaning one does not have to be a contortionist to fit in them and ride a motorcycle. The trousers are wide enough to fit over full-length boots while matching them with regular sneakers also work well.
Should you get a pair of Austin riding jeans?
Textile trousers offer the best protection, however, if you are looking for something lighter for daily commutes, the Austin jeans are extremely comfortable. I’ve used them for approximately 5,000km and have zero complaints. They have been comfortable in hot and cold weather, as well as in the rain.
If these are to be your first riding trousers, I would suggest looking at a textile pair, which Via Terra also makes and exports to over 60 countries globally. As a second pair, I would strongly recommend them over any brand sold in India.
