ABOUT THE RIDER GEAR

I started The Rider Gear after a ride that should’ve been simple: a few hours of highway, then back roads home. Instead, I spent the day thinking about two things—hot spots from “touring” boots that didn’t flex where my foot needed it, and a helmet that got louder the faster I went. When I tried to shop for replacements, the advice was either vague (“buy the best”) or obsessed with looks, not fit, safety labels, and real-world use.

This site is where I write down the gear research I wish I’d had.

Most of my work is on motorcycle apparel and helmets—how to choose it, how it should fit, and how to read the standards that actually matter. I cover CE/EN certifications like EN 17092 for clothing, EN 1621 armor ratings, and EN 13634 for boots, including a practical EN 13634 boot safety checklist. I also compare gear for specific riding problems: heat, commuting, touring, and noise.

A few examples: I break down “Best Motorcycle Boots 2026: EN 13634 Street to Casual” (including models like the Daytona Road Star and TCX Dartwood WP), I rank “Best Motorcycle Pants for Hot Weather & Touring (2026),” and I’ve done several Shoei-focused pieces—like decoding US vs worldwide model names and how replacement pads can fix fit.

Editorial standard: I only recommend products I’ve researched thoroughly, with attention to safety ratings, fit, and ownership details.

Pick the category you’re shopping for (boots, pants, or helmets) and start with one article that matches your riding style.