£189.99 each | www.tranam.co.uk 01425 620580 | Tested by: Bob Pickett, MSL contributor
The Akkor jacket is built for dryness and warmth – it features a waterproof and breathable insert, plus removable thermo-alu lining. The cuffs and storm flap fasten by Velcro allowing for accurate fitment.
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It’s made from a 500-denier material with CE protection at shoulders and elbows, and can be zipped to other Bering kit (though I have not had any issues leaving it as a separate). All zips and fastenings can be operated in gloves, and the Akkor has four outer pockets (the top two fasten with storm zips and the lower ones Velcro) plus a wallet pocket and mobile phone pocket inside.
Normally I remove the lining and wear a base layer; this time I left it in – and it has done the job. Wearing nothing more than a t-shirt underneath, it has kept my body warm in all but the coldest conditions (-3°C). Waterproofing has worked, except once when over an hour in conditions that have you taking crash courses in boat-building and zoology, a teaspoon-sized damp patch got through. But that was the second ride and I might not have secured the storm flap properly. I’ve been out in heavy downpours since without a drop reaching me. The breathable layer also wicks away moisture, leaving me dry.
The Akkor is a snug fit, so I recommend trying one on; it features a range of adjustment points (waist and sleeves), so if you go a size larger you should be able to alter it to suit.
The collar is low for a cold-weather jacket – great for head movement (no risk of snagging against your helmet), but it leaves your neck exposed; I recommend wearing with a snood/neckwarmer. When hot weather finally arrives, the Akkor could get warm as there are no additional vents, but it’s kept me comfortable in adverse conditions – I use it as a half-year jacket, with a leather one for summer.
The Ride textile pants are great all-year round – they have the removable thermo-alu lining, plus thigh-vents (which open/close via storm zips) to allow airflow. They’re made from the same material, with CE-approved knee and hip armour, and a small back zip to attach to a jacket.
They’re easy to get on and off thanks to a mesh inner, and putting on/removing boots is a doddle thanks to the long side zip. Removable straps can go under the boot and fasten to the pants by loops.
As winter wear they have been perfect. Even when the temperature fell below zero my legs remained warm, and not a drop of water has penetrated through the heaviest rain, with the breathable layer keeping my legs dry. I would have liked a little more give in the crutch (stretching the legs round a wider saddle is a bit of a pain), but adding elasticity could compromise their protective and moisture-wicking properties.
The Ride pants have proved a superb choice. Like a lot of Bering kit they fit snugly, so trying before buying is a must.
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