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protection you rely on. before they buy.
Inspect everything closely on arrival: seams, Final call: a no-nonsense recommendation
armor pockets, zipper quality, labels. Look for CE If you ride at speed, tour long distances or carry
marks and test fit. If something feels flimsy, return it. passengers, buy premium protective gear from
established brands. Your head, hands, spine and
Consider total cost of ownership: a R500 jacket knees are not good places to save money. For city
that needs replacing every year may become more commuting and backup layers, budget gear can play a
expensive than a R3000 jacket that lasts five years. supporting role — but only after strict scrutiny (CE
Factor replacement and repair costs into the decision. labels, visible quality, realistic expectations).
Ethics, transparency and the market impact Helmets are the line-in-the-sand: do not
Cheap gear floods the market because riders want compromise.
access — and not everyone can afford premium kit. If in doubt, spend a little more, buy from a reputable
But the proliferation of unregulated products also dealer, and keep your receipts. Riding safely doesn’t
pressures established brands and complicates have to be elitist, but it does demand honesty. If you
enforcement of safety standards. Media want to look like a road warrior on the cheap, that look
investigations and safety advocates have raised can be bought; the protection that lets you walk away
legitimate alarms about toxic materials and lack of from a crash cannot. Invest where it counts — helmets
oversight on some marketplaces, which should put and certified armor — and treat bargain finds as
riders on alert to verify sources and certifications useful, but secondary, tools in the kitbox.
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LHR Biker Magazine October 2025
