96 | JULY 2019
PRODUCTS
HJC C90 helmet £119.99
http://www.oxfordproducts.com
Te s t e d by Martin Fitz-Gibbons,
deputy editor
HJC’S LATEST FLIP-FRONT is
pitched at the more affordable
end of the market. It’s
homologated only as a
full-face, so you can’t legally
ride along with the front flipped
open. There’s a good-size
drop-down sun visor operated
by a slider on top of the lid, a
two-position chin vent and a
three-positiontopvent.The
chinstrapisseat-beltstyle,the
visor is quick-release, and the
cheekpads and lining are easily
removed for washing. With its
polycarbonate shell it’s a bit
heavy (this Large is 1850g),
plus it’s not particularly quiet
and there’s no anti-fog visor
insert. But you can’t have
everything — certainly not for
£120. There are shortcomings
but, for the money, it’s a solid
commuter choice with some
welcome features.
Frank Thomas waterproofs
£44.99 (jacket)
£34.99 (trousers)
http://www.jsaccessories.co.uk
Te s t e d by Jim Blackstock, product editor
THESE REFLECTIVE WATERPROOFS
light up when other road users’
headlights hit them. The jacket is
well cut and styled, with waist
straps and hem toggles, elasticated
cuffs and a tall, fleece-lined collar
behind a double storm flap. The
trousers have an elasticated waist
with zipped sections at the bottom
of the legs to get over boots. In a
10-minute hose soak test, jacket
and trousers were completely
waterproof and the mesh lining
helps stop it feeling too sweaty.
They light up exceptionally well as
well. The only gripe is the gusset
gets caught in the leg zips too easily
- annoying if you’re hurrying.
Muc-Off Waterless
wash £11.99
http://www.muc-off.com
Te s t e d by Matt Wildee, editor
DESIGNED TO KEEP your
bike clean between major
washes, Muc-off’s waterless
wash cleans off light soiling,
flies and road film. You just
spray on, leave for a minute
and clean off with one cloth,
polish with another. And so
far, it’s proved adept at the
job.I’veused a few waterless washes before,
anditsperformance at dissolving flies and
road film is among the best. Likewise, it does a
respectable job at removing chain fling and
doesn’t leave a residue on black plastic like
some of these washes do.
Knox Handroid Mk4 Gloves £219.99
http://www.planet-knox.com
Te s t e d by Matt Wildee, editor
THESE ARE THE fourth generation of Knox’s race-inspired
summer gloves and technically, are the best yet. I’ve
ridden, raced in and crashed in all previous generations
but I’m not sure this would be the one that I’d choose.
The Handroids have always been the most advanced-
looking gloves on the planet with the exo-skeleton spines,
prominent scaphoid protector and Boa wrist closure.
Quality is impressive – the Korean leather and Kangaroo
palm inspire confidence and fit and finish are excellent.
However, the development of the new Boa system isn’t
to my liking. Previously the ratchet system just closed the
cuff, with a Velcro strap on the wrist restraint. However,
now they are integrated into one complex system and it
means more faff. I’d be more interested in the previous
generation Handroids which are being reduced to £80.
Comfy, easy to operate flip-front, decent value
Not dual-homologated, no anti-fog visor insert
Build quality, protection quality
Faff putting on, looks not for everyone
Very quick and easy to use
Could have more of a shine after buffing
Great value, light up well,
waterproof, adjustable
Leg gussets catch in zip easily,
bit bulky when not on
Comfy and great
value for money
Waterproof, not too
sweaty and very
visible at night
