DG/JT Enduro Outfit
With DG’s recent expansion into the enduro bike field, appropriate enduro clothing has also been added to the DG inventory. DG is a disattributer of JT Racing Products’ popular clothing, so ... it seemed only logical to evaluate a complete outfit while testing the modified IT175.
BOOTS
The JT boots are made in Sweden from top quality leather and weigh a full pound less than most others. They have distinctive yellow shin and ankle guards, made by Jofa from high-impact plastic, and may be replaced if damaged. The shin guards, ankle guards and other stress points are riveted for extra strength and long life. Soles are Vibram; smooth MX style or the traction type, and stock replacement parts are available. JT Champion boots are available in black, blue or red, all with yellow shin and ankle guards. If you are looking for color coordination, these are the ones.
The light weight is noticed as soon as you slip your feet into them. Break-in time is rapid. $90.
UNLEATHERS
Nylon riding pants are very popular around our office, in fact our resident desert nuts won’t wear anything else. Nylon pants are cooler in the summer and just as warm as leather in medium cold climates. Nylon is much lighter in weight than all leather, and most people think they are more comfortable.
The saddle area and inner knee are covered with leather to improve grip on the tank and seat. The waist band, belt and leg stripe are also made from leather. Hip padding is foam, nylon covered and snaps into place, making removal for cleaning easy. The knee-shin guards are also removable. They slide in from the bottom of the leg, between the lining and outer leg, then a strip of Velcro closes the opening.
The shin-knee guards are made from a tough plastic and are felt backed for comfort. Knee-shin protection is exceptional.
The knee guard wraps around the knee, giving protection to the side of the rider’s knee and adding comfort. The shin guards extend into the boot, helping support the lower leg and protect the normally exposed area between the boot top and knee guard.
The only complaint we have with them is the lack of pockets. One small inside pocket is furnished but isn’t enough for an enduro rider if he isn’t wearing an enduro jacket. Otherwise, they are excellent. $95.
ENDURO JACKET
An enduro jacket from JT has been rumored for a long time and it was k worth the wait. Made from lightweight nylon, it boasts six large weatherproof pockets; four in front and two in back. The pockets extend up into the flaps, making it difficult to lose articles and effectively sealing out leaves, sand, water etc. An adjustable nylon waist belt is standard and, like all enduro jackets, feels like it is placed too high, a position required to allow large pockets. A bottom draw string combined with the waist belt ensures against cold drafts. The front utilizes a large zipper and an overflap with snaps. The neck sports a straight-up typè collar with a soft lining to prevent neck irritation and uses a Velcro fastener. The complete garment is lined with a quilted material for comfort and warmth. Available colors are blue and yellow or red and yellow. Both combinations have white stitching and look sharp. Fit is good and the quilted lining makes it one of the warmer riding jackets available. Cost is $85.
CHAMPION II GLOVES
Another office favorite, these gloves have nylon backed foam padding sewn to the inside to cushion the rider’s palm. This padding is overstiched to prevent bunching and more padding wraps around the thumb. The back of the gloves also have protective foam to ward off bruised knuckles and is applied so it protects without binding. Top grade leather is used throughout and the quality is superb. They are soft and very comfortable. Leather is dyed blue, the backing yellow. $25.
JT SUPER CROSS BAG (not shown)
This bag is big enough to carry a complete set of practice gear and separate race-day outfit. It’s made from heavy canvas, is double zippered and has double nylon carrying straps that wrap around the body of the bag. The bag measures SO-in.xló^-in.x^'/i-in. Colors are red or orange. $39.
DG TEAM HELMET by Electro
This open face helmet is popular with both MXers and enduro riders. It offers comfort, light weight and good looks. We installed a JT Mikkola replica rock guard and five-snap team peak bill to it. The rock guard is made from shatter-resistant plastic and utilizes a ribbing on the edges for increased safety. It may be snapped to the helmet or secured permanently with screws or pop-rivets. It protrudes far enough forward to clear even the biggest noses and it is vented to improve air flow.
The five-snap bill eliminates the need to duct tape the bill to the helmet for extra support. Five snaps provide the proper support and the shape of the bill is popular with many riders. The helmet is $75; bill, $5.50; face guard, $9.
DG Performance Products 1170 Van Horne Anaheim, Calif. 92806
(714) 630-5471