Gear 101: What is Lorica?

Lorica is synthetic leather. Manmade, and completely artificial! 

"Lorica is a hi-tech material created from a remarkable combination of extremely thin microfibres.  This interlacement of microfibers, soaked in special resins, has a microporous structure which is very similar to the collagen of natural skin.  This gives Lorica excellent softness, durability and breathability." -Sidi Care Brochure

Sidi, like many other brands such as Alpinestars and Dainese are incorporating Lorica in their street and race motorcycle boots.  You can't really tell the difference, as they look and feel just like boots made of cowhide. I would never know the difference just by looking. 

For some reason, I thought that Lorica wouldn't stretch out as much as cowhide, but it seems the opposite is true. 

In reviewing the Fusions, I found that they stretched out quite a bit. I'm looking forward to breaking in a new pair of Vertigo Leis, to see how much they give and perform, especially under hotter riding conditions. 

Sidi Vertigo Lei Women's Motorcycle Boots

After having to send back the beloved Fusion Leis, I was thrilled to find out that I would get to review a pair of Vertigo Leis as well. So far, they fit a little wider at the ankles and aren't as skinny below the toeshifter.

A few differences between these and the Fusions: 

• Stronger shock absorbing heel cup
• Sidi's Tecno VR calf adjustment system for a fully adjustable calf fit. (great for going between textiles and leathers)

First impressions to come after about 200 miles this weekend. :)  

Most comfortable motorcycle helmet.

Is this the most comfortable motorcycle helmet? For me, YES! 

For me, and my small, intermediate oval head (XS, 53-54cm), the Arai Vector-2 is a perfect fit. It cradles my head so perfectly and feels like it was made just for me.   I chose Diamond White, which is a pearlescent white with little sparkly specs when it's in the light. 

The Vector was designed for someone who's head is longer from front to back vs. side to side. If you aren't sure where to start, you should measure your head (see helmet fitment guide link below) and start from there. Figure out which way your head is longer, side to side or front to back. 

When searching for  a helmet, especially your first one ever, I know how difficult it can be to find something that fits well and falls within your budget. That's the #1 complaint I hear about helmets is how expensive they are. But isn't protecting your head/brain worth that investment? 

Think about something you spent $400-$500 on recently. Was it a fancy kitchen appliance? Fancy speakers? A new chair or a computer? Why is it so easy for us to drop money on superficial items, but when it comes to our delicate heads, the idea of spending a few hundred dollars is simply ridiculous?  You don't have to spend more on an Arai, but consider spending a little more than the bare minimum. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to helmets.

After sporting the Shoei Qwest for a year and a half now, I'm excited to wear an Arai again. When I first started riding, I remember trying on an Arai Quantum and knowing that it was the perfect helmet for me. But I just couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $ on my first helmet so I settled for something less expensive yet Snell certified.  I knew that I was an Arai girl and I still am. Woop!

Useful Links:

Helmet Sizing

Helmet Fitment Guide

Gaerne Rose Womens Motorcycle Boots

Features: Waterproof/breathable membrane, reinforced at the ankles, toes, shins and heel cup, grippy durable soles, reflective strips on the heels 

Size/ Fit: Euro 38 / 7.5-8.  (I had to go up a size from my normal Euro 37 in these, because they are very narrow at the arch and ankles. I simply couldn't get my foot in the boot in the 37. I typically wear a 6.5 or 7, depending on the shoe. If you are normally a Euro 37 or a 6.5/7 like me, these will fit you.  I have average width feet and my calves measure a whopping 14.75" at the largest part.  

Are they comfortable? They're very light, and comfortable enough to walk in all day. 

What else should I know? If you don't wear a long sock that goes over your calves, then the seam on the inside of the boot may irritate/scratch your calf. For this reason, I recommend a calf size of no more than 14.5" so that there's room for a nice long sock.  

One issue is that since the zipper is full length, there's no adjustability for calf fit. You'll have to wear your riding pants over the boot.  They also have a breathable, waterproof membrane.  

Review Coming, Stay Tuned!