Unboxing inspiration - BikeBrewers.com https://bikebrewers.com/category/unboxing/ Europe largest directory Cafe Racers, Scramblers, Bratstyles & other Custom Bikes. Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:53:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Gear Review: Rusty Stitches https://bikebrewers.com/gear-review-rusty-stitches/ https://bikebrewers.com/gear-review-rusty-stitches/#respond Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:14:37 +0000 https://bikebrewers.com/?p=4035 It was a first for the BikeBrewers team. As a concerted effort four members tested a great variety of Rusty Stitches gear and gave our honest and unadulterated opinion. Pictures paint a 1000 words and video does the rest. We decided to go Full Monty on this one with ‘both unboxing and review videos. Don’t watch those, we're awful at video's!

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Intro

It was a first for the BikeBrewers team. As a concerted effort four members tested a great variety of Rusty Stitches gear.

The manufacturer was keen to have riders test their apparel in all kinds of circumstances and asked us to give our honest and unadulterated opinion.  They shipped us a broad selection of their gear and we had some fun with it all over Europe and the Middle East. 

Pictures paint 1000 words and video does the rest. We decided to go Full Monty on this one with ‘both unboxing (Ron&Yvanka, Casper) and review videos (Ron: Jari V2 & Neill, Adnane: Cooper & Carl Thomas, Yvanka & Ron: Cliff, Joyce V2 & Claudia, Casper: Jari V2, Zack, Paolo). Don’t forget to check them out. We hope you will enjoy watching them as much as we had fun producing them.

International!

Yvanka took the Joyce jacket, Gloria V2 trousers, and Kathy gloves all the way to a Kawasaki press event in Italy. After some rides in his home country the Netherlands, Adnane shipped the Dorian and Cooper jackets, and the Johnny gloves to Dubai where he is currently residing. 

Casper had scheduled a roadtrip from his home in Berlin all the way via Italy to Wheels and Waves in Biarritz, donning the Jari V2 jacket, the Zack gloves, and the Paolo shoes. Ron decided to take the Cliff suit to go storm chasing, ending up in torrential rains in Belgium and France. Fortunately he managed to find some sunny weather to enjoy the Jari V2 caferacer jacket later. 

The Joyce V2 Women’s Jacket Review (Yvanka)

The jacket has a very flattering, lightly tailored fit. It has some very feminine yet tough looking stitching on the back. I received the black version with the pink patches on the shoulders and the yellow and blue stripes on the upper arm. In all honesty, I would never have picked that colour myself. 

So it was quite a surprise when I opened the box (check our unboxing video). But it grew on me, the more I wore it. It has a girly ring to it. But that does not have to be a bad thing, of course. And it actually matched quite nicely with the titanium coloured Indian Chief Bobber I rode at that time. I also took the jacket with me on a trip to Italy, where I got invited by Kawasaki Italia to ride their complete motorcycle line-up. We rode for hours. And while you would think of sunshine and warmth, when you think of Italy, well… we were not that lucky. It rained, almost the entire time. Mostly drizzling rain, mixed with some heavier downpours every now and then.

And that might have been the biggest surprise about this whole Rusty Stitches outfit: it actually kept me dry! This is something I really did not expect. I guess the wind while riding was enough to keep it sufficiently dry to not leak through. And I did not get cold either. So, that was a huge plus for the Joyce V2 jacket.

Pros: Styling, fit, surprisingly weather proof
Cons:

(Photo by Patricia Sevilla Ciordia,  http://pscfoto.net)

Jari V2 Men’s Jacket Review (Casper & Ron)

I (Casper) got ‘lucky’ enough to test the Jari V2 in all types of weather, heat, cold, sun and show. By now I have worn the jacket for over 5000 km, between 2C and 35C, and from sunshine to torrential downpours. The leather is soft and supple, and the fit is excellent (185cm, 70kg, size Medium). The jacket offers sufficient mobility on the bike and simultaneously creates a feeling of safety in case you inadvertently find yourself coming off the bike. It comes with elbow and shoulder protection and of course there is the internal pocket for a back protector. 

It is big enough to fit even the thicker Forcefield armour. The ventilation on the chest and back are functional without compromising the styling. Similar to any unperforated leather jacket, avoid traffic jams in the peak of summer. 

(Photo by Cäthe Pfläging)

When you find yourself in fresher weather or out late, pull the liner out of your bag! It packs small for easy stowage and zips in easily. And if you catch an unexpected rain shower, this jacket will hold up for a bit. In all, it is a true three season jacket! 


(Photo by Vincent Burger)

What can I (Ron) add to my fellow BikeBrewer? Having led a motorcycle life for many decades I have been able to try out many different jackets in all sorts of styles, materials, fits etc. Rusty Stitches would not have been my first ‘go to’ brand for a street cred cafe racer jacket, until I received it and put it to the test.

Yes, it has everything Casper has claimed above, but also, the reactions I got from fellow riders while wearing it, gave me the confidence to state that Rusty Stitches have done a pretty good job.

Pros: Styling, fit, CE level 2 protection, three seasons.

Cons: Limited ventilation in the peak of summer.

Rusty Stitches Dorian Men’s Jacket Review (Adnane)

The Dorian jacket from Rusty Stitches is a blend of vintage style and modern functionality. The matte finish exudes a high-end feel, appealing to classic bikers with a contemporary fit. The 100% soft cow leather construction provides a luxurious touch, while the satin lining makes it exceptionally comfortable. 

The CE-approved elbow and shoulder protectors, coupled with the universal back protector pocket, prioritize safety without compromising comfort. The adjustable features at the hips and wrists, along with the modern fit, enhance the overall riding experience. The jacket’s four pockets, both inside and outside, offer practical storage. The Snap Claws add a nice touch to the design.

Pros: Stylish matte finish, high-quality leather, comfortable satin lining, CE level 2 protection, adjustable fit.
Cons: Limited ventilation for warmer days.


(Photo by Vincent Burger)

Singing in the Rain in the Cliff suit (Ron)

It was an early summer morning. Very early actually.
I had to be way down in Belgium at 8AM that morning. A three-hour ride for which I had to be on the road way before commuters were having their breakfast cereals. 

With over 40K+ motorcycle kilometres annually I am used to all kinds of weather and the forecasted rain looked perfect to test the Cliff pants and jacket. After all it is advertised as “The ultimate adventure jacket for a fair price.”

Humming the Cliff Richard song ‘Summer Rain’ I set out for my trip. After an hour the rain set in and it ended in a nightmare of torrential rain for the remainder of the trip. Water splashing down from the black clouds and washed left and right from spray coming from trucks ahead and while passing them.

The suit was brave and the membranes managed to keep me quite dry for an hour and a half. After that it just gave up and let it go. Honestly, there was no other way. Even suits twice the price will give you a similar experience. 

So kudos to Rusty Stitches for being able to give more expensive brands a run for their money. It is a very good package for the price you pay.


(Photo by Vincent Burger)

Pros: Definitely water proof for ‘normal’ rainy circumstances. Very good membrane and both the jacket and pants have easily removable layers for warm weather. Good ventilation options

Cons: The waterproof membrane did not have elasticity at the wrists. Taking the jacket off resulted in tearing off the little loops with clips on the inside of the jacket sleeves to keep them in place. Those loops could also be a bit sturdier by the way.


(Photo by Vincent Burger)

Rusty Stitches Cooper Men’s Jacket Review (Adnane)

The Cooper jacket seamlessly combines retro aesthetics with contemporary safety features. Crafted from 100% Buffalo leather, it exudes a nostalgic charm. The removable thermal-padded polyester lining ensures versatility in varying weather conditions. CE Level 2 protectors for elbows and shoulders provide robust safety, and the option to upgrade with a D30 back protector enhances the jacket’s protective capabilities. The adjustable features at the waist and wrists contribute to a customized fit, while the seven pockets offer ample storage space, including a dedicated phone pocket.

Pros: Retro look, CE level 2 protection, versatile thermal liner, upgradeable back protector, adjustable fit.

Cons: Limited breathability in warmer weather.

Rusty Stitches Ruben Review (Casper)

This mesh jacket is an absolute dream and comes highly recommended when the quicksilver passes 25C! The ventilation is excellent, as expected, and the fit is adjustable at the hips and wrists due to the velcro straps. The upperarm width is adjustable with two press studs, the underarm width unfortunately is not. This results in a shift of the position of the elbow protectors.

Rusty Stitches Claudia Trousers Review (Yvanka)

The fit of the Claudia V2 pants is a bit difficult for me. I have a small waist, but slightly stronger legs. So they are a bit tight around my thighs, but fit really well around my waist. They look good and accentuate your female curves. Which is always nice. 

We female riders may actually look like women on the bike, every now and then. Oh, and these pants are quite warm. A bit too warm maybe, for 30+ degrees ride outs in summertime. But very pleasant during normal European temperatures. 

The only ‘bad’ thing I have to say about the whole outfit, is that the stitches of the Claudia V2 pants are a bit, well… ‘Rusty’? Maybe it is because the pants are a bit tight around my thighs. But the seams opened up, and the stitches broke. It is not that I have to squeeze myself in them, they are not that tight. Just slightly, which should not have been enough to wreck the stitches. This is really the only thing I can think of, in terms of future improvements. 

Rusty Stitches Kathy Gloves Review (Yvanka)

My first impression: the material feels really, really good. The leather is of very high quality and even the gloves feel luxurious when you put them on (we think they are VERY sexy – other team members-). 

The design of the Kathy gloves has a ‘less is more’ look to it, and it definitely is more. They literally fit like a glove, which can be really hard with a pair of motorcycle gloves. They also look tough and feminine while wearing them. I am extremely picky when it comes to gloves. They play such a big role in the connection with the handlebars and therefore your motorcycle. Luckily, Kathy gloves and I were a match straight away.

Rusty Stitches Johnny Gloves Review (Adnane)

The Johnny motorcycle gloves exemplify Rusty Stitches’ commitment to style and comfort. Made from soft leather, they are ideal for riders seeking a retro or classic look. The Velcro closure ensures a snug fit, and the leather double-layered palm adds durability. The stretch at the wrist enhances comfort during rides, making them suitable for summer. The outer seams provide extra comfort, and the unique colours add a touch of individuality to the overall outfit.

Pros: Stylish retro design, comfortable fit, adjustable wrist closure, durable double-layered palm.

Cons: Limited insulation for colder weather. Not water-proof


(Photo by Cäthe Pfläging)

Rusty Stitches Zack Gloves Review (Casper)

Comfortable straight out of the packaging! They look cool, tough, and classic, and the leather is supple. Plus, the fit is excellent. There is minimal room for improvement, from great to perfect, perhaps? 

In terms of ventilation, I think that the perforations could be relocated to the sides of the fingers, rather than on the top and bottom. When you are gripping the handlebars, the air does flow in, but it cannot flow out, whereas perforations in between the fingers could improve airflow. In addition, the seams at the thumbs are exactly at the point of contact with the handlebars, which was a bit uncomfortable on the longer riding days. In short, excellent price quality ratio!

Pros: Design, fit, comfort
Cons: Stitching and limited ventilation


(Photo by Cäthe Pfläging)

Rusty Stitches Paolo Shoes Review (Casper)

Capable riding shoes that look good! Nice suede that does not require a break in period. I got the lighter coloured variant, which was rather quickly marked with the characteristic gear lever grease stain on the left shoe. They are rather thick, which makes them pretty warm in summer, great in spring and autumn, and hopefully rather safe in the event of a slide. Lastly, they are comfortable on and off the bike! 

Overall conclusion

Rusty Stitches impresses with their jackets and gloves. The blend of style and safety, along with the thoughtful features like adjustable fits and quality materials, sets these items apart. Despite the daily 130km commute, the extended tours, and the abuse of rainy weather, the gear exhibits durability and reliability. 

What is truly commendable is the affordable price point, making Rusty Stitches a standout choice for riders who prioritise both quality and budget. Whether you are partial to the vintage-inspired jackets or the classic gloves, Rusty Stitches delivers on style, safety, and value for money.

They are still a young brand, and we have been testing their gear since the beginning. We believe they are headed in the right direction. Keep an eye out for them if you want to look stylish for a comfortable price. 

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Unboxing SA1NT gear https://bikebrewers.com/unboxing-sa1nt-gear/ https://bikebrewers.com/unboxing-sa1nt-gear/#respond Wed, 23 Jun 2021 16:37:36 +0000 https://bikebrewers.com/?p=1930 Don't try this at home, we are professionals The BikeBrewers' team members are becoming true experts in 'unboxing' stuff in all shapes and forms. Recently we had received a box filled with gear from the guys and girls at SA1NT. Obviously we were anxious to see what Pandora was hiding and decided to share the [...]

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Don’t try this at home, we are professionals
The BikeBrewers’ team members are becoming true experts in ‘unboxing’ stuff in all shapes and forms.
Recently we had received a box filled with gear from the guys and girls at SA1NT.
Obviously we were anxious to see what Pandora was hiding and decided to share the unboxing with you all by video.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/mpZF6ImCoEA” width=”800″ title=”Unboxing SA1NT”]

HOT TIP!!
If you like SA1NT gear and you are looking for a good deal:
USE THE CODE ‘BB20‘ for a whopping 20% discount* on our behalf!
*European residents only

From down under to the top of the world
SA1NT originated in Melbourne Australia and, as with many other apparel brands it is designed for riders by riders. Which makes sense as riders know exactly what we need to protect ourselves.
Their team are passionate about motorbikes, but they grew tired of compromising looks for safety, or safety for fashion.

SA1NT apparel claims to delivers great freedom and form, with world first single layer protection. With no bulky layers or liners.
They boast about providing the very best in strength and impact abrasion resistant denim, while maintaining a classic style.

That made us very curious.

In their own words
“We create world first single layer protection by stretching, spinning and blending ballistic, industrial and military application threads with wearables like merino and cotton.
We are designing milling, weaving and knitting the latest impact abrasion resistant fibers with motorcycle denims, drills and base layer fabrics.

Designed to be worn all day and all night, our apparel allows the freedom to look as good on your bike as you do off it and most importantly stacks the odds in your favor when things go random.”

Hunter S. Thompson
They SA1NT team are inspired by a quote from this great writer who happens to be one of our all time heroes.
Part of the quote can be found on the SA1NT website, but we think it deserves to be presented to you in full glory:

“But with the throttle screwed on there is only the barest margin, and no room at all for mistakes. It has to be done right … and that’s when the strange music starts, when you stretch your luck so far that fear becomes exhilaration and vibrates along your arms. You can barely see at a hundred; the tears blow back so fast that they vaporize before they get to your ears. The only sounds are wind and a dull roar floating back from the mufflers. You watch the white line and try to lean with it … howling through a turn to the right, then to the left and down the long hill to Pacifica … letting off now, watching for cops, but only until the next dark stretch and another few seconds on the edge … The Edge … There is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over. The others — the living — are those who pushed their control as far as they felt they could handle it, and then pulled back, or slowed down, or did whatever they had to when it came time to choose between Now and Later.

But the edge is still Out there. Or maybe it’s In. The association of motorcycles with LSD is no accident of publicity. They are both a means to an end, to the place of definitions.”

― Hunter S. Thompson, Hell’s Angels

*Source: Wikipedia:
Hunter Stockton Thompson (July 18, 1937 – February 20, 2005) was an American journalist and author, and the founder of the gonzo journalism movement.
He first rose to prominence with the publication of Hell’s Angels (1967), a book for which he spent a year living and riding with the Hells Angels motorcycle club to write a first-hand account of the lives and experiences of its members.

Thompson remains best known for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971), a book first serialized in Rolling Stone in which he grapples with the implications of what he considered the failure of the 1960s counterculture movement. It was adapted on film twice: loosely in Where the Buffalo Roam starring Bill Murray as Thompson in 1980, and directly in 1998 by director Terry Gilliam in a film starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.

If you have not yet seen that movie, we strongly advise you to make up for this omission in your life.

Not just for boys!
It may not come as a surprise that SA1NT does not only produce cool gear for men.
They take good care of the ladies too.

Here are some examples of their female rider gear (jacket, pants)

Photo credtis:
‘Nubbs’ Sugrue
Pien Meppelink (riding shot – courtesy of Royal Enfield and Royal Enfield Benelux)
Female rider: Caroline Westendorp

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