Tough Clothes For Rough Riders

Ever since Hollywood embraced the veterans who, after the Second World War, called themselves Hells Angels and went looking for freedom and adventure motorcycle chic has never gone out of fashion fashion.

Bikers have a reputation for being tough, mean and wearing a leather motorcycle jacket makes you look tough by association. Billy Idol and Sid Vicious looked tough in their leathers, even George Michael managed to look, if not exactly tough, a little gritty with his biker jacket and stubble. Metal bands and metal fans always rock up in black leather and notwithstanding they scare your gran, you'll usually find them a friendly bunch (just don't spill their pint).

Another reason for the hard wearing connotations of motorcycle accessories is the durability and protection offered in motorbike clothing's construction. The clothes are designed to save your life, being the only thing to come between you and a stretch of gravel when you're travelling at over 30 miles per hour.

Motorcross clothing, designed as it is with padding, inserts and sometimes even airbags is far more 'hi-viz' than traditional biker gear, designed as it is so that the rider can be seen not only on the dirt track but in low light or fog when riding on the streets. Unlike fashion motorcycle boot s that you can pick up in most high street shoe shops, motorcross boots offer skid and twist protection. Designed specifically for use on a high performance bike they are usually lightweight, have ankle, shin and heel protection as well as being both waterproof yet breathable.

That being the case, if you're serious about safety when you're considering what to buy when it comes to protective clothing you're better off going to a motorcross accessories home page than getting something from your average town centre high street. It might look tough, but looks can be deceptive.