On the Road Again!

Since I started riding I have been on a budget. Not a tight one but not one that allows big purchases.  The most extravagant purchases would be either the Shoei Eddie Lawson replica or the truly crap Schuberth C2. Both stretched my budget at the time. At least the Eddie rep was a decent helmet. But never liking the cold or wet I have always liked to have waterproof boots and gloves.   Goretex and the other breathable and water resistant materials have been a god send for bikers.  My old Oxtar boots reached 20yo last month. They have given good service and once I has a tiny spot getting in, but the more I look at it, maybe that was sweaty toe syndrome. Back in 2013 I bought a new pair of TCX Explorer boots. They are Goretex lined. If you follow the link you can see the original pair needed replacing and the new ones ended up in the wardrobe. They will have to move up to pole position as the Oxtars, after gorilla gluing the gear change patches bac...

These boots have oddly managed to avoid being reported on for a few years.  In fact, they hardly get a mention and there might be a reason for this. I bought them way back in 2013.  My Oxtar boots were getting long in the tooth and a bit battered.  Although 99.99% waterproof they were looking scruffy.  So before the Ashes Run to Scotland I ordered these. They were not that expensive as it goes and have a Goretex waterproof lining rather than some unknown liner.  This was a major point for me as I have had non-Goretex liners before and they have been less successful at keeping out the rain! Although the Explorer has a very light gear change. On the Ashes Run it wore through the gear change pad on the left boot.  On my return I reported this to the sellers and they asked me to return and they send out a new pair.  Being sceptical, and out of pocket for postage (!), the new pair arrived and I put the box, unopened, into the wardrobe where th...

Still wearing them. The Oxtar (super) Boots . They are still 99% waterproof. Very battered. The gear pads on both boots have been superglued on and need re-treating with something stronger. But. Still alive. More comfortable than the TCX Explorer boots I bought in 2013 to replace them. And then we have the Spada boots.  I bought them a year ago but they are so uncomfortable and my ankles don't seems ot bend enough to force them on!  Anyone had cramp in the calf trying to get a boot on.  Yes?  Welcome to my club! https://invictamoto.blogspot.com/2017/12/spada-pilgrim-grande-wp-boots.html

This is what my new boots look like after a week since I took them from the box. In fact. The first small hole appeared after about 250 miles. I've reported it to the shop and am now waiting for the offer to send them back. But. Won't another pair do exactly the same. Bugger.