Yes, I CAN Ride in 40 Degree Weather...

I didn't think it was possible, for someone as sensitive to the cold as myself, to enjoy riding in cooler temperatures.  Yes, it was really just my own mind limiting me, but I didn't believe any gear could really keep me warm.

Until I did my research, and decided it was time to try some new gear.  See ya checking account!

And REV'IT! did more than just deliver on promises of amazing gear...

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...their stellar customer service helped me decide which pieces were right for me.  Yesterday, my brand-new-to-me Triumph Tiger was begging to be ridden on, what felt like, a mild day.  So it was the perfect opportunity to dip out of work early and test the new gear.  And it was better than I could have ever imagined.

Leaving the office as the sun was going down, I was rushing to get home and geared-up before  the cooler temps set in.  I watched the thermometer drop from 49, to 48, to....

I thought, I NEVER ride in weather this cold.  What am I thinking?  But the excitement of the new bike, and new gear kept me motivated.  

I put on my Under Armour, heated socks, cashmere sweater, and lastly, my REV'IT! gear.  I instantly felt like Ralphie's brother from The Christmas Story in his snowsuit.  I was unable to move - although the gear fit, was fully armored, and had multiple layers (on top of my Under Armor) stiff Forma ADV boots, and men's gloves - it was a foreign feeling.  The bike was new as well as everything involved with riding the bike.  Uncharted territory, to say the least.

But after ten minutes on the bike, getting used to all the feels of an ADV bike, I was smiling and I was warm. The feeling of stiff protection within the gear seemed to disappear, the bike felt nimble beneath me, and most importantly, I felt like one with the bike.  I'm sure it helped that Mr. North Fork Moto tuned in the suspension for me, and I had the heated seat and grips on the highest setting.  

What I was most impressed with was my gear.  How was I able to ride at 70mph over bridges spanning the Atlantic, in February, with a chilly wind blowing, and still stay warm?  Because, quite simply, REV'IT!'s gear delivers.  Before purchasing, I was back and forth between the Horizon and the Sands product lines.  Both seemed to be multi-seasonal, both seemed to have waterproofing properties.  But what was the best for me?  I reached out to REV'IT! customer service, and they were beyond helpful at explaining the differences so I could determine the best choice for me.

The main difference between the Sand 4 and the Horizon is in how they are set up for waterproofing. The Horizon uses a laminated waterproof material that is part of the shell of the jacket/pant and the Sand uses a removeable waterproof liner that attaches to the inside of the item. Basically, the Horizon is better set up for wet weather because the shell of the jacket won't absorb water so you stay warmer in cool, wet, weather. The plus side of the removeable waterproof liner in the Sands is that it is quite a bit cooler in hotter weather and is overall more versatile.   

Due to the fact that I don't plan on a lot of wet-weather riding, but I do plan on many rides that will experience temperature changes, I figured that the Sands was a better option for the jacket.  But I AM hoping to ride through water crossings, I never get too hot on my legs, and would rather dry legs and feet under any circumstances, so I was leaning toward the Horizon pants.  REV'IT! was even helpful in assuring me that items from two different lines would still be able to zip together.  SOLD!  

So I believe that making this decision, and keeping the thermal layers in my gear for yesterday's ride, allowed me to have the warmest cold-weather ride in my life!  Only downfall is that the gear is pricey (although, not Klim-pricey).   It's so well-made that I'm confident this was a worthwhile investment, and seeing as that it's going to extend my riding season, it's priceless!

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​Clay also was fully geared head-to-toe in REV'IT! gear and had the same feedback as me!  He doesn't get quite as cold as me, so he was able to wear his Sands jacket and Sands pants without anything but a T-Shirt underneath.  He was equally as warm - other than his hands.  But that's because his Honda Africa isn't like the full-loaded Triumph Tiger - he didn't have heated grips.  One last comment - the REV'IT!  gloves run extremely small.  He ordered a mens XL for himself which was MUCH too small.  They ended up fitting me (fingers were a bit long but should be perfect once I get my summer nails done) and he ended up getting a mens XXXL for himself.  

Again, I can't speak highly enough about this incredible gear!  Once I got used to it, I felt warm and protected with premium gear that should last for years.  Thanks, REV'IT!

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