Spidi Admiral

Spidi Admiral

Brooks Brothers for bikers

CW EVALUATION

MUCH LIKE THEIR RACY LEATHER brethren, one-piece fabric riding suits are always a compromise, in their quest to create a product that can be everything to everyone, designers inevitably make concessions to comfort, protection or weatherproofing.

Flying in the face of this trend is the Spidi Admiral. Aimed at commuters and touring riders, it is packed with features favored by around-towners and longdistance types.

Manufactured using a breathable, waterproof membrane known as H20ut, the medium-weight, all-black garment is designed to be worn over street clothes. A SCUBA-spec, full-length zipper extends from the neck to the left ankle, providing a barrier against moisture and the basis for the step-in “Fastwear” system. Further easing ingress and egress, a conventional zipper runs along the right leg.

Pockets in the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees hold CE-approved armor. A three-quarter-length back protector is also standard. As for storage, there are nine pockets-six outside, including a large pouch on the back, and three inside-in various shapes and sizes with velcro and/or zippered closures. One of the inside and two of the outside pockets are waterproof.

Spidi uses six measurements to determine correct sizing. These dimensions differ greatly from those used for the

DETAILS company’s leather jackets and racing suits. Even if you’re a sponsored professional racer and Spidi has your size on file, plan on pulling out the measuring tape prior to placing your order.

If you’re tall, pay particular attention to “internal leg length” or inseam, as the range from Small (31.1 inches) to 3XL (33.4 inches) is just 2.3 inches. On bikes with wide gas tank/seat junctures, pantlegs that are already on the short side ride up (along with the knee/shin armor), exposing all but the very tops of your boots. Fold-down panels help but cover only the area along the Achilles tendon.

With a nip here and a tuck there to better accommodate 6-footers, the Admiral would be a five-star suit. Getting in or out takes just half a minute, plus there’s room underneath for layering or an electric vest and space aplenty for billfolds, cell phones, garage-door openers, road maps, even a light lunch.

Verdict, then?

Not quite perfection but awfully close. □

Motonation

1100 N. Magnolia Ave. #A El Cajon, CA 92020 877/789-4940 www.motonation.com Price.. .$900

Jps Convenient step-in, step-out design Suitable for commuting, touring, even sport riding Large reflective panels on shoulders, arms and lower legs help make up for lack of bright color options

Waterproof zipper is bulky, needs regular lubing with supplied silicone Hand wash, drip dry to protect H2Out membrane Could use bigger vents and more of `em