A few years back, I wore their zip-offs from Cape Town to Nairobi (6.000 kms in three weeks). Their kneepad inserts were utterly useless. Not only were they uncomfortable, but they were attatched using velcro. It was difficult to both position them correctly and to keep them in place. The soft hip pads were bulky and not very comfortable as well. I ended up using neither.

As for the pants, the pockets were deep and tight and difficult to use. Further still, the pants were quite hot as the fabric was thick, especially the areas lined with Kevlar. The pants themselves were comfortable, but did not exactly make a fashion statement. With the legs sipped off, they were still a bit too hot for shorts, but far better than many other alternatives.

As for protection, I think they are adequate for touring on good surfaces and predictable riding conditions where eating pavement is ones only real concern. Slow speeds on terrible roads is ok also.

The one good thing was that they were casual and there was no need to pack a second pair of pants (other than another pair of draggin jeans for when the first pair went to the cleaners). Also, being able to zip off the legs was a great asset.

Over all, I think that these pants are a bit hot for warm/hot summer days, and that one would be better off to pack some street wear and wear some real motorcycle pants with built in protectors and plenty of ventilation for warm days. But for temperate climate regions, they are really good. Fall, spring, or mild summer days, they are a really great alternative. Since I live in Norway, I use these a lot in combination with a Cordura jacket (street look), and pack a rain suit. I don't wear the pads, ever.

Would I buy them again? Probably yes - but for long trips taking you through all sorts of weather conditions and riding conditions, you should invest in something safer.

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