Why are chaps so important?

You might ask yourself “why might chaps be so important when riding?”. Some answers vary from keeping you warm to having superior protection if you happen to wipe out. Lets take a look at when chaps first became popular.

In the early 1800’s, armas were worn by Spanish and Mexican riders that herded cattle. They were really more of a leather apron that went around the front of the horse and over the riders legs. This cumbersome design was later replaced with protection for just riders.

The Shotgun style is the most famous. They are narrow and straight, staying close to the body to keep in warmth. They are the most common riding chaps.

The Batwing style is very loose fitting, allowing for maximum movement. These style of chaps are most common for active riders, and bull riding as they give the most flexibility. They usually have only 2 or 3 fasteners around the thigh, and are much cooler for those hot days.

Chinks are a short chap that comes just below the knee. It has long fringes around the bottoms and down the outside leg. (Not to be confused with gaiters, which go from the knee to ankle.) These chaps are ideal for hot climates.

Woolies are just a variation of the shotgun, made of fleece or hair on cowhide. These are for warmth.

Chaps were worn by riders for protection from the elements. Wind burn and thorny vegetation were often things riders had to be aware of. They mainly kept the riders legs safe and warm. Leather chaps also stick to the leather saddle or bareback horse much better than fabric. This allowed greater stability for riders.

Although the look of chaps have not changed over the years, the purposes have, mostly for safety. Motorcycle chaps give riders that added protection from kicked up rocks and sand to keeping you warm. They also provide that security that if you happen to bail off your bike, you won’t leave your skin on the pavement. Shotgun motorcycle chaps are a great piece of safety equipment and have become popular in the motorcycle subculture. Riders have just moved from ranch horses to the metal pony’s.

Interested in checking out some chaps to add to your motorcycle safety gear? Check out Nomads Leathers to find your ideal style today!

 

Cowhide Vs. Buffalo Hide: Which leather is best for motorcycle jackets?

There has been a long debate as to which leather hide is a more durable material for motorcycle leather jackets. Lets just take a look and compare some of the differences.

Firstly, the most common misconception is where buffalo hide comes from. It is not the north american bison, but rather the water buffalo. In it’s natural state, the buffalo hide is thicker than the cowhide. However, when manufacturers make the garments, they end up splitting the hide into several layers. Top grain is referred to the layer that had the hair on it, and all other layers are called split grain. Make sure when you choose a jacket, your getting at least a 1.1 mm thickness of hide, but the thicker the leather, the better quality and safety properties they have.

A second misconception is that a buffalo hide jacket is thicker than cowhide jacket. All leather is cut down, and measured in MM so unless it is a jacket that is 1.5 MM buffalo hide compared to 1.2 MM cowhide, the thickness of the leather is absolutely equal. One insignificant difference is that you might find the buffalo hide to be a little softer than the cowhide.

The next question is which is more durable? Cowhide or Buffalo hide? Well, if we compare similar jackets made from each, and they both have an equal thickness of leather, you will find that they are both, well, about equal. Neither cowhide nor buffalo hide leather have proven to have one supreme over another. When compared side by side, you will find they both have about the same strength and durability. Some people might disagree, but this is the truth. The only way one hide might offer better protection is (and only in this case) if one leather is made from a split grain, and the other is from a top grain. Top grain leather is a little stronger than split grain, so if your interested in getting more of a premium leather, you should be looking for a top grain (also known as full grain) leather, in either buffalo or cowhide.

Any other questions or if your interested in checking out some premium leather gear, go to Nomads Leathers and check out some of the great products. We would be happy to answer any questions you had regarding motorcycle leather gear!

 

Is the rain becoming a problem? No worries, check out the Bike Condom!

Chance of rain? Hate having to lug around a big, cumbersome cover? Check out Bike Condoms. They come in pocket sized packages and are made of environmentally friendly materials. If you decide you don’t want to fold it back up, you can toss it away guilt free! They cost a minimal $9.99, with free shipping, and the site even features a section if you want to have your cover custom painted. They were just won the grand prize Dealer’s Choice Award in the Third Annual Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo Kickstart New Product Contest.

You and your fellow motorcycle club friends can now cover up in unity, and why not get your club logo matching on your covers as well as your biker leathers. With inexpensive choices like this, why not keep your ride protected.

Check out Bike Condoms online at www.bikecondoms.com

Interested in updating your biker leather wardrobe? Check out www.NomadsLeathers.com

 

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents…

With increasing popularity of motorcycles, the road is now shared among riders and cars alike. Although rider gear has become increasingly more and more safe, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. It is estimated that about 5% of all road accidents involve a motorcycle. These accidents also pose a larger risk to the rider as there are no airbags or a secure metal cage to absorb the impact. With this being said, there are ways a rider can prevent accidents, and it starts by wearing the right gear.

A helmet, although not required in some states, should be a no brainer. Protecting your head can greatly increase your chances of survival in the case of a collision. A good leather jacket or vest will protect the vital organs. It is recommended that the leather is about 1.1 mm cowhide (or equivalent leather) to be safe. Recently, the textile jacket has offered better airflow and can be a little easier on the bank account, and proves to be as safe as the leather counterpart. Leather chaps can be a bold fashion statement, but can also protect the skin on your legs from road rash or even hot tail pipes. Instructors will also suggest a good set of leather gloves to protect your palms in the case of a bail out. These articles of clothing protect your skin from what bikers call road rash, and you will find most bikers wear their leathers with pride.

A few riding tips to keep you safe also include:

-First and foremost, lets be clear that drinking and driving is against the law and extremely hazardous. It can be even more dangerous if you decide to get on a bike.

– Do not ride between slow moving vehicles.

– Use signals whenever necessary.

– Be courteous and aware of other drivers on the road.

– Avoid riding in another driver’s blind spot.

– Be cautious when approaching intersections.

– Remember that a bike can stop at a much faster rate than a car. Avoid stopping quickly with traffic behind you.

– Always maintain control of the bike, making sure you can brake if you need to.

By being alert and keeping an eye on your surroundings, you can be sure of a safer ride. Anticipating problems before they happen is something most riders have to learn, but as long as you keep yourself aware and not let yourself get distracted, the better off you will be. We unfortunately don’t have a VIP lane for riders, so we have to share the road. Respect for other drivers will keep you alive and riding for years to come.