Alpinestars new Fall Collection now on sale

One interesting new item is the new 365 Leather Gore-Tex® jacket. Constructed utilizing the new Gore® Pro Shell leather, the 365 jacket has the abrasion protection of leather with the all-weather capabilities needed by the urban rider. The Pro Shell leather features a chemical treatment that makes the material water-repellant (claimed to allow it to soak up only 10 percent of its weight in water, plus allowing quicker drying time), in addition to a special dye that is claimed to reflect up to 30 percent of the sun’s radiation energy and reduce heat soak temperature by 20-30 degrees F; the process is also claimed to not affect the leather’s natural aniline texture, whether used in perforated (as with the 365 jacket) or solid leather. In order to completely keep the elements off the rider, the Pro Shell leather also features a Gore-Tex® membrane that is laminated to the inner surface of the leather with a special process, with a liner on top to protect the membrane and keep it from getting stuck to your skin, as well as preventing leather abrasion on your skin in the event of a crash. Because the membrane is directly attached to the leather, it can’t bunch up, and moves and stretches with the leather for better comfort. The 365 Leather jacket features Alpinestars’ usual tailoring for riding comfort, with pre-curved sleeves and long back panel profile, inner forearm and rear shoulder Gore® stretch panels, zip-out fleeced thermal vest with high knitted collar and two internal pockets, and a neoprene collar liner. Impact protection is provided by removable Bioarmor elbow and shoulder protectors, with internal chest and back protection compartments using PE foam inserts (can be replaced with different protectors if desired). Two external pockets with 100% waterproof YKK zippers and three internal pockets handle personal items, with large reflective stripes on the sleeves and integrated into the back styling ensure nighttime visibility; a built-in waist connection zipper allows pairing with matching 365 Gore-Tex® leather pants. Because of the high cost of the Gore® Pro Shell leather material, the jacket is a bit pricey at a $1299 suggested retail, but rest assured you’re getting a high-quality product.

A sample from the City collection is the Kinetic DRYSTAR® jacket. Constructed from a cotton-based fabric with dual-layer polyurethane coating for weather resistance and durability, the Kinetic jacket features a fixed Drystar® 100% waterproof and breathable membrane laminated with polyester mesh on the inside for complete waterproofing. Center front closure zipper covered by a snap-closed flap with hidden hook-and-loop fasteners with additional inner flap provide even more water and wind protection. A removable, full-sleeved vertical quilted thermal liner with knitted collar and wrist cuffs is fitted for colder climes, and two chest and two rear air vents with waterproof zippers aid cooling on hotter days. Contoured neoprene wrist and collar edging and a micro fleeced collar prevent chafing, and the medium-length cut with sleeves designed for comfortable riding position ensure all-day commuting comfort. Removable CE-certified Bioarmor elbow and shoulder protectors and internal chest and back protection compartments with polyethylene foam inserts offer excellent impact protection, and the Kinetic jacket also has an internal waist connection zipper for attaching the matching Kinetic DRYSTAR® pants. Available in anthracite and “Tarmac” colors in sizes S-4XL, the Kinetic DRYSTAR® jacket retails for $299.95.

For the serious sportbike rider on a budget, there’s the Monza one-piece leather suit (also available in two-piece). Constructed from 1.3mm full-grain premium leather for outstanding abrasion resistance, the Monza features all the usual hard protection (injection-molded shell with dual-density foam padding) in the shoulders, elbows/forearms, and knees/shins, with internal chest and hip protection compartments using padded inserts (chest inserts can be upgraded to Alpinestars Bionic chest guards if desired). Aramid-reinforced stretch panels in the armpit, arms, crotch, and back of knees work with the leather accordion stretch panels in the shoulder, elbow, knee, calf and back to ensure comfort and ease of movement in a sport riding position. Soft neoprene wrist edging and micro-fleeced lined collar prevent chafing, and the removable/washable mesh liner with built-in stretch panels work with the external stretch paneling to maintain a close, comfortable fit. The low-profile Sport back hump with printed logo is integrated into back panel for streamlining, and perforation on hump circulates air to the rider’s back. The Monza is available in black, white, red, orange, and a special “Tricolor” motif (“…instantly distinguishes the Italian bike enthusiast” says Alpinestars), and retails for $899.95.

More budget-minded apparel comes in the form of the SP-8 leather sport glove. Utilizing 0.85mm premium full-grain leather, the SP-8 has the usual pre-shaped fingers and internal seams, along with a stretch Lycra panel on the wrist for comfort and feel. EVA foam padding on the thumb, wrist, and fingers works in conjunction with the polyurethane plastic knuckle protection to ward off impacts, and the synthetic suede palm with reinforcements provide excellent grip. Adjustable dual cuff closures ensure the glove stays on in the event of a fall, and the full-length wrist cuff features a polyurethane profile around the outer wrist for additional protection. The SP-8 is available in black, black/white, red, blue, orange, green, and yellow in sizes S-3XL, and retails for $79.95.

The rapidly increasing female riding population hasn’t been forgotten, with the Stella T-Lux Waterproof jacket just one of the additions to the growing Alpinestars Stella women’s apparel line. The Stella T-Lux features an abrasion-resistant Polyamide shell with a fixed 100% waterproof membrane (plus double metal snaps for outer closure over a zippered inner closure with crossover neoprene flap for water drainage) for all-weather capability, with a removable and separately wearable full-sleeved thermal liner with knitted collar for colder days. Removable elbow and shoulder hard protection is provided, with polyethylene padding in the back and chest pockets ready to install Bionic Chest guards in the front offer excellent impact protection. Contoured neoprene collar and wrist edges and micro fleeced collar prevent chafing, and forearm and waist metal snap adjusters and lower expansion gusset help the hip-length, femininely shaped shell with pre-curved, multi-paneled sleeves keep unwanted bagginess to a minimum, and a decorative epaulette at the top of the shoulders, 3D ribbed elbow finishing and flat ribbing at wrist and waist, and metal Alpinestars top pocket label and metal snap closures keep everything looking stylish. The Stella T-Lux Waterproof jacket is available in black and cream in sizes XS-XXL, and retails for $249.95.