GEAR ON TEST – Ixon Mike pants
I usually prefer riding jeans over textile or leather riding pants as they’re something I can wear off the bike without looking like MC Hammer in parachute pants. However, most of the jeans I’ve worn in the past have been super heavy as they’re made out of Kevlar, which restricts movement. They can also get hot really quickly.
Mike jeans from Ixon are made out of a single layer of Cordura, the same material that things such as luggage and military gear is made out of, so they’re super durable and super safe.
A lot lighter than Kevlar, Cordura is much more breathable, too, which is one of the main things I noticed wearing these jeans - they seem to let a lot more air in, which is a real bonus in summer.
As well as the Cordura denim, what gives these jeans their CE approval for safety is rubber pads in the knees and hips. You may notice the back pockets sit low - this is part of the design to allow for the hip pads.
The pads themselves are slim and don’t impact comfort on the bike, but for extended time off the bike, they can be removed. They’re zippered in, so you won’t have to worry about them falling out. On the knee pads, the zips are external, allowing you to take them out without taking the jeans off.
The Cordura fabric has a degree of stretch for comfort, with elasticated lower leg sections, so they’re a snug fit and won’t flap in the wind. There’s a zip fly and five pockets, with a d-ring on one of the belt loops for attaching keyrings.
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to Kevlar jeans, I highly recommend looking at a pair of Ixon Mike pants. They look great and are comfortable, but more importantly, they’re safe for peace of mind.
Available in classic blue denim and men’s XS-4XL sizes.
$239.95RRP
