Cycleport Ultra Ii Air Mesh Kevlar
Cycleport Ultra II Air Mesh Kevlar
The ultimate riding suit?
HOW MUCH WOULD YOU SPEND ON A lightweight, fully lined and armored, two-piece textile riding suit that’s 10 times tougher than competition-grade leather? What if that same suit kept you comfortable and dry in all kinds of weather, in temperatures ranging from -20 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with optional zip-in liners, and up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit without the liners?
These are a few of the seemingly outlandish claims Cycleport makes about its new Ultra II Air Mesh Kevlar jacket and pants. What is Air Mesh Kevlar? It’s a kevlar-and-cordura blend that in a lycra, closed-weave version is approved by various sanctioning bodies for roadracing. It’s machine-washable, doesn’t shrink, harden or ever need to be conditioned, and because it isn’t coated with polyurethane for water resistance, won’t melt in the event of a crash. To the touch, it feels rough, almost medieval.
Available only by custom order, the jacket is offered in both 3Aand waist lengths, while the pants come in one style. Getting suited up can be exasperating, what with the many zippers, snaps and yards of velcro. Once you’re in-and looking as if you’ve gained about 30 pounds-the setup is pleasantly roomy, yet doesn’t flap in the wind. There are lots of pockets (one zippered over the right breast, the rest with velcro closures), and plenty of adjustment at the wrists, waist and ankles.
So what about those lofty claims? We’re not buying the -20 to 120-degree claims, but with the Sympatex liners ($129 jacket/$99 pants) in place and temperatures in the high-40s, the suit was toasty warm. Minus the liners, the resulting airflow put conventional vents to shame. Pretty amazing.
DETAILS Cycleport 970 W. Valley Pkwy. #438 Escondido, CA 92025 800/777-6499 www.motoport.com Price.. $698 A Armor at the chest, back, shoulders, elbows, upper legs and knees A Zip-in Thermoloft insulation a $60 option A Guaranteed for 7 years owns v Michelin-man looks v Coarse texture makes family shun goodbye hugs v If velcro were edible, there would be enough here to feed a small country
