Page 40 - LHR Biker September 2025
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details (which level? 1 or 2? The Sun: Real-world verdict
what standard?). If that detail is from the field trials Temu-
missing, treat the claim as style gloves:
marketing language, not a Great price, good initial fit for
safety guarantee. casual rides, but thin palm
padding and fast wear of
The Sun: Comfort, fit and stitching. Good for errands and
real-world usability l e a r n i n g r i d e r s , n o t
Premium jackets and gloves are recommended for long rides or
designed for hours in the saddle as primary crash protection.
— pockets that make sense,
vents that work, and liners that Budget textile jacket: Decent
dry quickly. Cheap gear often weatherproofing initially, but
skimped on practicalities: armor was sub-standard and
ventilation felt cosmetic, cuffs seams opened under heavy
rubbed, and vents leaked in the stress. Zipper corrosion and
rain. Gloves from budget liner separation occurred after
ranges sometimes sacrificed extended exposure to rain and
protection for feel: slim and UV.
nimble, yes — but with thin
knuckle shells or foam padding B u d g e t h e l m e t
that won’t absorb a heavy (uncertified/unclear): Even
impact. when comfortable, the lack of
c l e a r c e r t i fi c a t i o n a n d
That said, some bargain inconsistent shell quality makes
items surprised in comfort. it a no-go for highway riding. If a
Lightweight city jackets with cheap helmet does carry a
stretch panels and breathable recognized certification,
liners were pleasant on warm independently verify the label
rides. The lesson: budget gear and batch.
can be comfortable and useful,
but you must accept shorter E s t a b l i s h e d - b r a n d
expected life and lower equivalents: Higher upfront
protective thresholds. cost, but superior protection,
Warranties, returns and the durability, and rider support.
hidden costs They survived the field trial wear
a n d t e a r w i t h m i n i m a l
Premium brands back their degradation and preserved
products with multi-year their protective features.
warranties, local dealers and
clear service networks. Cheap Practical buying guide — how
marketplace items often ship to mix & match safely
from overseas, with limited Never compromise on helmet
returns, no local repair options, certification. If the helmet lacks
and opaque manufacturing verifiable ECE/DOT/Snell info,
histories. Factor the “hidden” don’t use it for anything above
costs: replacements, failures in slow-town riding.
the first year, and the non-
monetary cost of reduced Buy known protective elements
safety. When the price is so low new: CE-rated back protectors,
it’s laughable, ask why. boots with ankle support, and
Investigations have flagged gloves with proper palm and
product safety and materials knuckle protection — these are
concerns in mass-market apps; worth spending on.Use budget
these aren’t hypothetical — pieces for low-risk roles:
regulators and media have commuter rain shells, over-
highlighted real problems. pants for storage, or warm liners
are sensible budget buys —
provided they’re not the only
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LHR Biker Magazine October 2025
LHR Biker Magazine October2025
