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THE BIKER’S ARMOUR

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  • Serious biking is set to hit India in a big way with the Government deciding to increase speed limits on its highways. Check out some gear that can ensure your safety on the ruthless tarmac, even at hair-raising speeds

    HELMETS
    Cost: below Rs 5,000
    Both Indian and foreign makes are now available in the market. Indian brands like Studds, Aerostar and Steelbird are good enough for serious riding. High-end helmets like Vemar, Dajiya and STM will cost anywhere between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000. The shells are made of shock-resistant fibreglass with comfortable, removable and washable padding. The visors are made of scratch-resistant Iridium tinted plastic and are also designed to prevent fogging. But care should be taken to discard any helmet that has undergone a severe impact.

    JACKETS
    Cost: Rs 4,500 to Rs 25,000
    Specialised riding jackets come with shoulder, elbow, back and chest protectors that prevent injury in case of a fall. They are mostly made of abrasion-resistant material, which are also dust and water resistant. Some also come with an insulated inner thermal layer to provide protection from cold. DSG and Cramster are available at Rs 4,500 upwards, while US brands like. Alpinestars and AXO cost above Rs 8,000. Alpinestars and AXO also make leather jackets that cost between Rs 15,000 and 25,000.

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    RIDING PANTS
    Cost: Rs 5,000 plus
    Specialised riding pants come with knee, shin, thigh and waist protectors. The outer fabric is generally made of high-quality nylon to provide protection against abrasion. The inner lining is polyester. These pants also boast of air vents to allow breathing. Some of the popular brands are AXO, Alpinestars and Cramster.

    GLOVES
    Cost: Rs 1,200 to Rs 8,000

    Gloves come in different materials to suit different riding requirements. Some are made of leather and others of fabric. But all good quality gloves come with carbon-fibre knuckle and wrist protectors. The base versions cost around Rs 1,200 and prices can go beyond Rs 8,000. There are also specialised insulated gloves for riding in wet or snowy conditions. Some of the popular brands are DSG, Cramster, AXO and Alpinestars.

    RIDING BOOTS
    Cost: Rs 7,000 to Rs 16,000
    Riding boots cater to different purposes, like motocross, racing and touring. They are made of PU and high-quality rubber to provide ‘abrasion and impact’ protection to the ankle and the feet. These boots also come with air vents to facilitate breathing. Specialised riding boots for use in racing and motocross also provide protection to the shin and the calf. AXO, Alpinestars and Cramster are the major brands.

    PROTECTORS
    Cost: Rs 1,700 plus
    Separate protectors are available for the knee and elbow. Alpinestars and AXO also manufacture bionic knee-guards that fold at the knee.
    A pair of Alpinestars bionic kneeguard costs around Rs 3,500, while the AXO kneeguard costs Rs 2,200. Alpinestars also manufactures a base model that costs Rs 1,700. Progrip, another US brand, manufactures elbow and knee protectors. Their base model knee guard comes with three straps to enable knee movement and costs Rs 1,850. Specialised kidney belts, chest, spine and neck protectors cost anything between Rs 2,400 and Rs 8,000.

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