Discussion
I'm starting to build up my riding wardrobe from scratch...
I watched the marketing video from Knox, and am now wondering about their armoured jackets (Urbane Pro III and Honister) and layering options.
Some aspects seem good, such as closer-fitting armour, and the ability to pile warmer layers on top, dependent on weather.
I can see that it would work well if you were dressing for only riding a bike, but perhaps not ideal for commuting or other rides where you'd ideally want to wear something different at the other end.
I suppose suits like the Aerostich are at the other extreme, where they simply go over whatever you're wearing, but in summer, when you're not needing to wear multiple layers, they might be quite baggy, and in winter they might be restrictively tight!
Has anyone used the Knox gear for commuting and utility riding, and if so, what do you think of it?
I watched the marketing video from Knox, and am now wondering about their armoured jackets (Urbane Pro III and Honister) and layering options.
Some aspects seem good, such as closer-fitting armour, and the ability to pile warmer layers on top, dependent on weather.
I can see that it would work well if you were dressing for only riding a bike, but perhaps not ideal for commuting or other rides where you'd ideally want to wear something different at the other end.
I suppose suits like the Aerostich are at the other extreme, where they simply go over whatever you're wearing, but in summer, when you're not needing to wear multiple layers, they might be quite baggy, and in winter they might be restrictively tight!
Has anyone used the Knox gear for commuting and utility riding, and if so, what do you think of it?
Recently bought a Knox urban pro mk3. I was looking to buy the Klim Marrakesh but it just didn’t feel right. The Knox is excellent, the better part of £200 cheaper than the Klim and has level 2 armour as standard. I’ve paired it with a Klim Zephyr as wind layer underneath when needed. So far very happy with the combination. Left home at 13c this morning with both and was comfortable. Also worn the Knox at 29c and it flows a lot of air 
I have recently bought the Urbane Pro 3 and it works very well in 20degs plus with just a T-shirt underneath.
Not sure if I 'buy' into their whole layering ethos though. If I'm going to be riding sub 15 degrees with rain I would rather just have ONE jacket to take off and put on rather 3.
The KNOX 3 in 1 which is designed to be worn over the armoured shirt is not even waterproof so you will have to purchase an additional waterproof Knox shell.
Not sure if I 'buy' into their whole layering ethos though. If I'm going to be riding sub 15 degrees with rain I would rather just have ONE jacket to take off and put on rather 3.
The KNOX 3 in 1 which is designed to be worn over the armoured shirt is not even waterproof so you will have to purchase an additional waterproof Knox shell.
I’ve been through all sorts of kit over the years and as a year round commuter swore by goretex textile suits as a do it all solution. On only a few days out of the year did I find it too hot but it did happen.
Now I only ride for pleasure, I’ve still got the textiles but have also bought the Urbane mkiii to have some more options. For a day ride I just pick the best fit and away I go, you can predict the weather pretty well and dress accordingly. Sometimes the Knox is ideal and far more comfortable than leathers or textiles, after all as a fair weather rider it tends to be in the higher temps.
When it comes to the layering system I find that is most useful if on a multi day trip when you might need to ride in very different weather conditions. For example at the ABR festival this year we rode down from Glasgow early in the morning (chilly), arrived at the festival and did some physically demanding riding in the low 30’s, and then rode back home a couple of days later in biblical rain storms. I wore the Knox in all 3 situations but added/removed layers depending on the conditions. I already had the other layers for wearing off of the bike so it didn’t take up any additional space. I also like the fact that my warmth/waterproof layers don't have to be bike specific and carry the inevitable bike tax. Specialist soft shell jackets by bike clothing manufacturers can be £400, mine was £20 from Costco. Same goes for waterproofs.
One last benefit I may not be as useful for purely road riding but as someone who ventures off road and therefore falls more than usual I’m much happier damaging a £20 outer layer than a £1000 laminated goretex jackets.
The downside is it is more of a faff. Changeable weather can result in extra stops and I feel like the girlfriend oohing and ahhing over my outfit compared to the old days.
Now I only ride for pleasure, I’ve still got the textiles but have also bought the Urbane mkiii to have some more options. For a day ride I just pick the best fit and away I go, you can predict the weather pretty well and dress accordingly. Sometimes the Knox is ideal and far more comfortable than leathers or textiles, after all as a fair weather rider it tends to be in the higher temps.
When it comes to the layering system I find that is most useful if on a multi day trip when you might need to ride in very different weather conditions. For example at the ABR festival this year we rode down from Glasgow early in the morning (chilly), arrived at the festival and did some physically demanding riding in the low 30’s, and then rode back home a couple of days later in biblical rain storms. I wore the Knox in all 3 situations but added/removed layers depending on the conditions. I already had the other layers for wearing off of the bike so it didn’t take up any additional space. I also like the fact that my warmth/waterproof layers don't have to be bike specific and carry the inevitable bike tax. Specialist soft shell jackets by bike clothing manufacturers can be £400, mine was £20 from Costco. Same goes for waterproofs.
One last benefit I may not be as useful for purely road riding but as someone who ventures off road and therefore falls more than usual I’m much happier damaging a £20 outer layer than a £1000 laminated goretex jackets.
The downside is it is more of a faff. Changeable weather can result in extra stops and I feel like the girlfriend oohing and ahhing over my outfit compared to the old days.
i have the original urbane pro, bought as it just has to be the best ventilated close fitting option and i ride through 40degC+ summers.
its very close fitting but i like it, and its comfy AF once moving. i commute in it occasionally but then my office is very casual, it does crease a shirt.
i'd buy another for sure once this one starts to wear, but no sign of it doing so, looks almost new.
the mk2 seems to be on sale for sub 140, that's a bargain imo.
its very close fitting but i like it, and its comfy AF once moving. i commute in it occasionally but then my office is very casual, it does crease a shirt.
i'd buy another for sure once this one starts to wear, but no sign of it doing so, looks almost new.
the mk2 seems to be on sale for sub 140, that's a bargain imo.
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