Featured Goldtop Bobber Gloves

Oh for goodness sake.
They're bleedin gloves...that's all.
Look I'm sorry but I ride 18000( yes, that's right-18000) miles a year.
Sumner I wear cheap thin gloves...autumn I add a pair of thicker gauntlets..winter I switch the heated grips on.
I don't mean to cause offence but please let's not fetishize a pair of gloves

 

there's nothing like a good pair of gloves... that fit like a glove

 

I know...maybe a bit rash of me but to me it's all about riding, the bike, the experiences we have on the way.
Buying a posh pair of gloves is not high on my list of esoteric memories.
Sorry...I meant to say ' sorry' but,er, I'm not sorry

 

I won't respond to the personal comments...but I'd like to make a serious point. As motorcycling has moved from being transport to a ' leisure activity' we are now prime targets for marketing campaigns....I've rarely found the expensive and hyped stuff to be worth the huge difference charged.
Maybe I could have said that differently in the first place...so please, don't leap to be offended where no personal slight was intended by me.
We all have more in common as motorcyclists than we have our differences.

 

I'm not defending rubbish gear...only questioning the impact of marketing on the consumer.
I did start to write about the work of Michel Foucault...but on reflection this isn't the place for that sort of epistle.
I suppose what I mean is that I know many folks who tend to equate cost with quality/ suitability for purpose.
Beyond a certain level of quality there is a law of diminishing returns in terms of value for money.
So ' very expensive' may not be that much better than ' good'.
My own experiences of falling off would confirm a) that I'm still here and b) it hurts no matter what you're wearing.

 

Your secret is safe with me.

 

Whilst there is a little merit to what you say, I believe it worth researching and buying riding gear that is the best quality that your budget allows. Afterall if you have quality wear that will not only protect in the event of an off, but also is comfortable it allows you to enjoy your riding more. As it is "all about riding" then for many of us having decent quality and comfortable gear allows us to focus more on our riding pleasure and enjoying our surroundings rather than being distracted by cheap uncomfortable/unsuitable clothing.

Yes some manufacturers take the piss a bit with their pricing (and price is no guarantee of quality), but if you are intelligent enough then you should be able to purchase quality equipment at reasonablly acceptable prices.

 

I all about gloves. When I find a pair I really like, I will buy two pairs, once I bought 3 pairs because of closeout. I found that If I really like the way a glove fits and behaves, by the time I wear them out or damage/lose one, they will be discontinued. Get what you like and get two if you really like.

 

Goldtop jackets are made in India and imported to the UK. A shop then sews in the coloured collar trim. I would love to buy a proper Foxcreek jacket from the US. USA leather and USA made.

Best pair of gloves I've ever bought were gardening gloves from Waitrose years ago.

 

So maybe we're not so far apart on that topic after all.
Often you get what you pay for...but by no means always
I currently have a cordura jacket from a famous German maker ( not cheap, ouch) which is no match at all in quality and durability for the one I had before....which I bought for a fraction of the price in a budget supermarket.
In UK there is a boot maker who'll take your order and make your boots if you pay enough and don't mind waiting. These are good boots but, at the price, not that good compared to other bike boots.

 

Aldi used to do some super bike gear. Not seen it for a few years.

 

Mine were from LIDL... excellent at £76 for jacket and trousers
Used them for almost 10 years.

 

And I wanted to replace my old leather jacket....' proper' shops wanted upwards of £150.
I bought off eBay for £45. Same quality.
I rest my case M'Lud.

 

I bought a Lewis leathers jacket, trouser and boots in about 1983 at the London Bike Show. Got a great bargain on the last day of the show. Superb quality. But I was only working as a clerk, so doubt I would have spent that much. However, I think the leather shrunk over the years, ahem......Anyway, got rid of them to a friend I think.

ps - wasn't dissing Goldtop, just remarking that nowt seems to be made in the UK. Although a little leather shop I know in East London would make a bespoke leather jacket for about £300. But, as per previous posts, how can this compete against a £45 item on ebay?

 

I got a fantastic Lewis textile winter jacket 3 years ago.
30 quid on eBay.

 

I think the point is that it is worth finding good quality equipment but there are many different outlets now which allow you to hunt down the good products for less money.
Not sure how well gardening gloves would be in a slide down the road but hopefully you'll never have to find out.
You are absolutely right, this is a clothing section and reviews of your kit is exactly what it should be used for. People can agree or disagree but it is your opinion and will be helpful to some.
Everyone has their own budget and views on safety equipment so buy what you want, wear what you want but don't diss other people because they aren't doing what you do...........unless it's polite vests, then destroy them with banter