Service: Comparison test of biker jeans

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Service: Comparison test of biker jeans
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Service: Comparison test of biker jeans

Service: Comparison test of biker jeans
Comparative test of biker jeans

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Walking through the city in summer temperatures in leather? Unpleasant! It doesn’t have to be, after all, there are biker jeans. But the pants are actually good for motorcycling? PS tested nine models.

Sebastian Lang

04/20/2010

A leather one-piece is often only fun in summer as long as riding a motorcycle is actually driving. When you stop at a cafe or ice cream parlor, the leather sticks to your skin soaked in sweat after a short time, and the one-piece suit isn’t really practical in everyday life either. But what alternatives are there? Gore-Tex pants? Uncool and often too warm. Jeans? Suitable for everyday use, breathable, but unsafe. The motorcycle clothing trade answers this dilemma with biker jeans: ideally, these pants combine the positive everyday properties of jeans with the protective properties of full-fledged motorcycle pants.

The trendy trousers sometimes cost five times as much as normal jeans. Can you manage the balancing act between security, comfort and a reasonable price-performance ratio? PS tested nine models from seven manufacturers for precisely these properties. To anticipate: none of the test candidates manage this balancing act perfectly, and not every pair of jeans that the trade offers meets the criteria of biker jeans. You would want a denim outer fabric that offers the feel and look of normal jeans, plus increased abrasion resistance.

With Hein Gerickes “Jake Jeans” These are polyester trousers with a jeans cut, Ducati offers unreinforced ones “Company Jeans” that the Italians don’t even care about “Biker jeans” to name. The brands Dainese and Buse did not want to take part in the test.

The manufacturers interpret the term “Biker jeans” very different: Louis, Draggin and Ixon offer normal denim, on which reinforcements are sewn on the inside at places relevant to falls. Such pants are very similar in weight, wearing comfort and air permeability – with the exception of the protectors – to ordinary jeans. Belstaff uses abrasion-resistant polyamide and stretch material in the denim, which makes the trousers very comfortable, but lacks the typical jeans feeling.

BMW and Esquad also process abrasion-resistant yarn directly with the denim. The French trousers become a bit scratchy and stiff as a result of this process; The Bayern jeans with huge protectors, on the other hand, look very safe, but also extremely heavy and warm. Even heavier than the BMW trousers are those from Rokker, for 349 euros without protectors the most expensive model in the test. It consists of normal denim on the outside, while a thick Dynatec lining from Schoeller protects against fall injuries on the inside.

Keyword fall injuries: Almost all knee protectors sit incorrectly in the driving position. This is particularly noticeable on the Belstaff Dynatec, whose protectors are clearly too high up and at most protect the thighs while driving. Most of the other protectors are also not completely convincing: The protectors from Vanucci, Rokker, Draggin and Ixon are too small and do not cover the outside knee, with Esquad the protector sits similar to that of the Velcro, despite the possibility of adjusting it with Velcro polo a little too high.

Rokker does not offer its own protectors. According to the manufacturer, however, the protector pockets should be suitable for all CE knee protectors. However, the Harley protectors supplied by Rokker for the test are not recommended: They only reach the CE standard with difficulty and perform worst in the impact test. The BMW trousers show what a good protector looks like. Large, with residual force values ​​of less than 10 kN, the orange knee pads are the measure of all things. However, like the thick jeans material, their sheer size comes at the cost of wearing comfort: the protectors are permanently noticeable when strolling through town.

Not every pair of jeans is factory-fitted with protectors. More information is available in the data boxes under the point “Furnishing”. If a manufacturer only offers the protectors as accessories, the information can be found there “Accessory protectors”. For reasons of comparability, the price including protectors was included in the price-performance ratio. The grades for BMW, Esquad and Rokker were rounded up for this criterion because the pants are exceptionally well made.

The price was scored as follows: up to 100 euros 5 stars, up to 150 euros 4 stars, up to 200 euros 3 stars, up to 250 euros 2 stars, up to 300 euros 1 star, over 300 euros 0 stars. Back to the subject of protectors: BMW equips its trousers with knee protectors as well as hip protectors, while Esquad also includes hip protectors in the accessory protector package. the Vanucci has corresponding pockets on the hips, the corresponding protectors are available from Louis for 8.95 euros.

When it comes to accessory protectors, however, Draggin shoots the bird: The customer receives a package with cheap-looking knee pads, Velcro strips and instructions for use. According to this, the Velcro should be glued into the jeans, the protectors should adhere to it – with direct contact to the skin. That feels very uncomfortable, and the protectors rub against the shin.

For the abrasion test, the biker jeans were loaded with a hard 30 x 15 cm and 8 kg heavy weight in the thigh area and pulled 40 meters over asphalt at 40 km / h. In a direct comparison with normal jeans that went through the same test procedure, all candidates performed well to very well. The unreinforced trousers hung in tatters after the test, the biker jeans only had smaller holes. The corresponding pictures can be found in the jeans boxes below the price-performance ratio.

The Ixon suffered the most in the grinding test, the two Draggin models survived the load without major damage. With BMW, Rokker and Esquad, the outer fabric chafed through, the lining remained intact.

Belstaff Dynatec


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When opening, the closure of the protector pocket tore. Snap fasteners change the width of the pants.

Price including protectors: 249.00 euros
Furnishing: Protection by 53% polyamide in the outer fabric, knee protectors
size: 46 to 58
Contact: Polo Express Shipping, 41363 Juchen, Tel .: 0 21 65/8 44 02 00, www.polo-motorrad.de

security: 2 out of 5 stars
Comfort: 3 out of 5 stars
Price-performance: 2 out of 5 stars
total: 7 out of 15 stars

Conclusion:
Polo offers two types of biker jeans from Belstaff: the “Dynatec” with protectors and the “Dynatec Basic” without knee protection. The outer material of both models consists of a mixture of polyamide, cotton and elastane. The polyamide increases the abrasion and tear resistance, the elastane ensures high wearing comfort. Unfortunately, the Dynatec is very large, which affects the fit a little. There are also deductions for the position of the protectors: the shells sit much too high in the driving position, the residual force values ​​are decent.

Belstaff Dynatec Basic


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Where does Belstaff have its jeans produced? No idea – according to the label, definitely in Asia.

price: 229.00 euros
Furnishing: Protection by 53% polyamide in the outer fabric
size: 46 to 58
Contact: Polo Express Shipping, 41363 Juchen, Tel .: 0 21 65/8 44 02 00, www.polo-motorrad.de

security: 1 out of 5 stars
Comfort: 4 out of 5 stars
Price-performance: 2 out of 5 stars
Total: 7 out of 15 stars

Conclusion:
The Belstaff Dynatec Basic is the only model in the test to have no protectors. That gives deductions in terms of security – even the decent results in the grinding test are of no use. The basic model fits almost like a glove. Thanks to elastane, the Belstaff is very comfortable to wear. The jeans are very long, which is an advantage when driving: Even on motorcycles with very tight knee angles, the Dynatec still covers the ankles. At 229 euros, the Dynatec Basic is expensive for biker jeans without protectors.

Test winner: BMW City Denim


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All BMW bags have a zipper. The calf area is adjustable in width.

Price including protectors: 185.00 euros
Furnishing: Protection through 35% Cordura in the outer material, knee and hip protectors
size: XS to XXXL
Contact: Bayerische Motoren Werke, 80809 Munich, Tel .: 01 80/5 00 19 72, www.bmw-motorrad.de

security: 4 out of 5 stars
Comfort: 2 out of 5 stars
price/perfomance: 4 out of 5 stars
total: 10 out of 15 stars

PS test winner

Conclusion:
The test winner of the biker jeans comparison comes from BMW. No other offers as much security as jeans from Bavaria. The knee protectors are huge and deliver the best residual strength values ​​in the impact test. The hip protectors also score well. So much security comes at the expense of wearing comfort: the BMW is thick, heavy and warm. In summer, sweaty legs are almost certain. In addition, the protectors interfere with walking. The clever details such as the zippers on the pockets and the belt should be emphasized.

Draggin Jeans Biker


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Areas relevant to a fall are reinforced with Kevlar. The double belt loops are a matter of taste.

Price including protectors: 227.40 euros
Furnishing: Protection by 100% Kevlar in areas relevant to falls, accessory knee protectors
size: 28 to 44
Contact: Draggin Jeans Germany, 49624 Loningen, Tel .: 0 54 32/80 38 08, www.dragginjeans.de

security: 2 out of 5 stars
Comfort: 2 out of 5 stars
Price-performance: 2 out of 5 stars
total: 6 out of 15 stars

Conclusion:
If you disregard the protectors, the Draggin Biker goes through as everyday jeans that are a bit scratchy due to the Kevlar inserts. It was probably designed as such, because to attach the protectors, the manufacturer requires the buyer to stick a strip of Velcro into the jeans in order to attach the knee protection to it. The cheap-looking protectors are uncomfortable on the skin and impair the wearing comfort. The residual strength values ​​are mediocre. The Kevlar inserts survive the grinding test without any problems.

Draggin Jeans Traffic


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The Traffic’s Kevlar inserts are too high and only reach up to the middle of the knee.

Price including protectors: 222.99 euros
Furnishing: Protection by 100% Kevlar in areas relevant to falls, accessory knee protectors
size: 28 to 44
Contact: Draggin Jeans Germany, 49624 Loningen, Tel .: 0 54 32/80 38 08, www.dragginjeans.de

security: 2 out of 5 stars
Comfort: 2 out of 5 stars
Price-performance: 2 out of 5 stars
total: 6 out of 15 stars

Conclusion:
The main difference between the two Draggin models is the cut. The traffic falls significantly further in the lower leg area, but sits a bit narrower at the top. Which cut you like better is ultimately a matter of taste. In terms of safety, both models are identical: the Traffic also protects its pilot with Kevlar reinforcements on the knees, thighs and buttocks. Unfortunately, the drag protection only extends to the middle of the knee in the driving position; longer Kevlar inserts would be desirable here. The protectors also cost the traffic points.

Esquad Strong


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The protectors adapt to the body shape. The raised waistband protects the kidneys from drafts.

Price incl. Protectors: 333 euros
Furnishing: Protection by Armalith and Nomex, accessory protectors for knees and hips
size: 36 to 52
Contact: Shark Helme Germany, 21224 Rosengarten, Tel .: 0 41 08/45 80 03, www.shark-helmets.com

security: 3 out of 5 stars
Wearing comfort: 3 out of 5 stars
Price-performance: 2 out of 5 stars
total: 8 out of 5 stars

Conclusion:
Esquad takes an unusual approach to ensure the abrasion resistance of its jeans: a high-tech fiber is wrapped with cotton threads. In practice, this mix is ​​a bit uncomfortable, the Strong looks quite stiff and scratchy. In return, the material leaves a very stable impression. The outer material suffered in the abrasion test, but the heat-resistant protective lining made of Nomex remained intact. The protectors in honeycomb design sit a little too high when driving, but deliver the second best residual force values. The price is steep.

Ixon Evil


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The Evil can be shortened in just a few simple steps: turn it inside out, button it down, done.

Price incl. Protectors: 159 euros
Furnishing: Protection by kevlar at areas relevant to falls, knee and hip protectors
size: 46 to 64
Contact: Shark Helme Germany, 21224 Rosengarten, Tel .: 0 41 08/45 80 03, www.shark-helmets.com

security: 2 out of 5 stars
Comfort: 3 out of 5 stars
Price/perfomance: 3 out of 5 stars
total: 8 out of 15 stars

Conclusion:
In everyday life, the Ixon Evil feels like normal jeans: the cut is good, the wearing comfort is high. In the driving position, however, it should be a little longer – then the ingenious button system for turning the jeans would be worthwhile. The protectors look extremely cheap and do not leave a good impression in the impact test despite decent values. In addition, they are too small and hardly protect the knee. The Ixon was also not completely convincing in the abrasion test: the jeans tore open on the unprotected thigh.

Rokker original


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In contrast to most other manufacturers, Rokker uses buttons instead of zippers.

Price including protectors: 388.00 euros
Furnishing: Protection through Dynatec lining, knee protector pockets
size: 29/34 to 46/34
Contact: The Rokker Company AG, 9443 Widnau / Switzerland, Tel .: +4 17 17 22/88 63, www.therokkercompany.com

security: 3 out of 5 stars
Comfort: 4 out of 5 stars
Price-performance: 2 out of 5 stars
total: 9 out of 15 stars

Conclusion:
At 349 euros without protectors, the Rokker Original is the most expensive pair of jeans in the test. Workmanship and comfort don’t justify this price, but they are convincing across the board. However, the large Dynatec lining makes the jeans very heavy and warm. Rokker does not offer any protectors itself and refers to the accessory trade. For the test, the Swiss Harley knee pads included, which performed poorly in the impact test. Thanks to the solid inner lining, the jeans passed the abrasion test with flying colors.

Prize hit: Vanucci Estivo II


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Vanucci offers decent biker jeans at an absolute competitive price with compromises in terms of safety.

Price including protectors: 79.95 euros
Furnishing: Protection through aramid lining, knee protectors, hip protector pockets
size: 46 to 68, short and long sizes
Contact: Detlev Louis Motorradvertriebs GmbH, 21035 Hamburg, Tel .: 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de

security: 2 out of 5 stars
Comfort: 3 out of 5 stars
Price-performance: 4 out of 5 stars
total: 9 out of 15 stars

PS price hit

Conclusion:
79.95 euros are a real competitive price for reinforced biker jeans including protectors. The fact that the Vanucci Estivo II still only receives four stars in terms of price-performance ratio is due to the high weighting of safety, where the Louis jeans are weak: The protectors deliver good impact values, but sit too high in the driving position and cover the outside knee Not. During the grinding test, the Estivo tore at a seam twice. The wearing comfort of the Vanucci is okay, only the protectors disturb a bit in everyday life.

High-tech in a jeans look

Almost every biker jeans manufacturer has its own philosophy to increase the abrasion resistance of its denim pants. The most common method is to reinforce normal jeans with abrasion-resistant materials on the inside. Draggin uses 100% Kevlar and sews it to the actual outer material made of cotton in areas relevant to the fall, such as the buttocks, thighs and knees. Ixon reinforces knees and buttocks with 5.7% Kevlar. Louis works on the same principle, but instead of Kevlar, the accessories retailer uses a mixture of aramid and polyester. Rokker goes a step further and misses his “original” a complete lining made from 100% Schoeller-Dynatec. BMW, Esquad and Polo integrate the abrasion-resistant materials directly into the outer fabric. BMW uses a mixture of 65% cotton and 35% Cordura, Polo mixes polyamide, cotton and elastane. Esquad is probably following the most complex route: the French wrap a polyethylene thread with cotton thread. The result looks like normal jeans and is called Armalith.

Protector test


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The knee protectors of the various biker jeans

Security or Convenience? This basic discussion about the most important properties of good biker jeans continues with the protectors. As you can see in the photo, they differ enormously in size, shape and materials. The results of the impact tests are accordingly: The oversized orange BMW protector with a residual force of 9.2 kN is more than 20 kN below the Harley protector from Rokker. The protectors from Draggin (in the picture above) and Ixon (above the BMW protector) consist of a honeycomb structure and some comfort foam and look extremely cheap.

Residual force values ​​impact test Belstaff Dynatec  Knee:   Size A; 21.7 kN
BMW City Denim  Knee:   Size B; 9.2 kN
   Hips:  Size B; 13.1 kN
Draggin Jeans Biker  Knee:   Size A; 27.6 kN
Draggin Jeans Traffic  Knee:   Size A; 27.6 kN
Esquad Strong  Knee:   Size B; 14.4 kN
   Hips:  Size A; 20.2 kN
Ixon Evil  Knee:   Size A; 23.6 kN
Rokker original  Knee:   Size B; 29.5 kN
Vanucci Estivo II  Knee:   Size B; 19.2 kN

Average residual force values ​​determined on the basis of EC standard 1621-1 by www.sas-tec.de

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