The personal riding gear timeline is an interesting topic to examine. In the beginning we would slap on some jeans, grab a helmet (if it was required in our state), and slip into the first jacket we could pull from the closet. As we progressed we soon realized just how inadequate our "gear" was in protecting our bodies from abrasion and impacts. It's about this time that we invest in dedicated motorcycle apparel that looks unmistakably like it belongs on a motorcycle-what with its bulky padding and distinctive design.
Then somewhere along the way Alpinestars-themselves partially responsible for outlandish motorcycle apparel design-dialed it back a notch and decided to go back to basics. Its City Collection features gear for both men and women that looks like casual apparel that can be worn on or off the bike. With this Verona WP (waterproof) jacket, we've found something that we'd actually want to wear not only to our destination but at our destination as well. If first impressions are anything to go by, then one would think the Verona isn't very road worthy. But that's where you'd be wrong. Constructed from 450D polyamide cordura with PU coating for durability, the jacket is 100 percent waterproof. Not only that, but the Verona has an inner full-sleeve removable thermal liner with a single connection zipper that's easily removable-making for a jacket that'll keep you warm when it's cool out and vice versa. The tall collar with a contoured neoprene edge and micro fleece interior features an extension that shields the rider's neck from the zipper and completely surrounds it with a soft fleece lining. So not only is the neck free from irritations, but it's also kept warm thanks to the collar extension blocking the air.
Not only does the Verona give the subdued look, but it also provides ample riding protection as well, thanks to the CE certified Bioarmor in the elbows and shoulders. Subtle touches like the embroidered logo, micro suede cutouts and a stamped logo at the back of the collar complement the jacket. Multiple-paneled sleeve construction forms a curved sleeve for comfortable city riding, though we've also worn the jacket during some canyon jaunts with no complaints about the fit. Speaking of which, fit at the waist can be adjusted via Velcro tabs.
As non-assuming jackets go, we're thoroughly impressed with the Verona. Its light weight means it's not bulky to put on nor is it bulky while riding. With the liner attached we've comfortably ridden in 40-degree climes with only a t-shirt underneath. The Verona blocks the wind like a winter jacket, and the fleece-lined collar keeps the neck warm while keeping wind out. Reaching for something inside the inner pocket is also made simple thanks to the cutout within the liner. With all this talk about staying warm it should be noted that the Verona's lack of ventilation makes it less than ideal for a summer jacket, but for all other temperatures it should prove adequate with or without the liner. We've even had the chance to test it on a rare soggy day here in southern California and came away completely dry; the waterproof liner keeping all of the rain away from our bodies.
One negative side effect of the subdued styling of the Verona is the lack of reflective piping usually seen on more traditional riding jackets. This could obviously cause problems during night riding as you're less visible to other motorists. Thankfully we haven't had the opportunity to put the jacket through the ultimate torture test, but if it performs anything like other Alpinestars products we've used in the past then we won't have much to worry about. That being said, one complaint we have is that the jacket doesn't feature a full circumference zipper, meaning that it can't be attached to riding pants, leaving the midsection exposed in the event of a fall-a major downfall in our opinion.
All in all, the Verona is an impressive jacket that provides all the technical benefits we've come to expect from Alpinestars without the fancy production that we've also come to expect from Alpinestars. It's available in black, "Desert" and the Dark Grey shown here in sizes ranging from small to 3XL and retails for $179.95. A bargain if you ask us.