Spyke winter gloves with quick-dry Clarino

Spyke Absolute Zero – in a nutshell:

Spyke's Absolute Zero waterproof gloves are designed with touring, commuting and city riding in mind, where comfort, feel, and fast-drying are paramount. They’re constructed using Clarino™ – a high-quality, abrasion-resistant synthetic leather – which, unlike cowhide, is also water resistant, dries quickly and won’t lose flexibility when exposed to low temperatures and moisture. A soft and flexible synthetic shell and TPU reinforced knuckles also feature, which help keep hands dry, comfortable and protected throughout the ride. RRP £69.99.

Spyke Absolute Zero - In Depth:
Subjected to persistent rain, cowhide quickly loses its water-resistant properties, becoming waterlogged, losing flexibility and, in some cases, feeling slimy and slippery to the touch. It also takes a considerable amount of time to dry - a particularly unappealing property for motorcycle gloves, as riding in wet gloves is not only unpleasant, it can also dramatically increase the rate of temperature loss from the hands and fingers.

It’s for these reasons Spyke chose Clarino™ for their new Absolute Zero winter gloves. Widely used in work and sports gloves, Clarino is a high quality man-made leather substitute which, like leather, is breathable and offers high abrasion and tear resistance.

Unlike leather though, Clarino is washable, can be easily treated with water repellents and maintains flexibility when exposed to cold and damp conditions.

Absolute Zero gloves feature a full Clarino palm – double layered in key impact areas – married to a water-resistant synthetic upper shell to help prevent water-logging, aid articulation and feel and reduce drying times.

Stretch panels are incorporated at the fingers for increased dexterity and comfort, while an elasticated wrist and fully adjustable Velcro cuff fastening aid entry and exit and allow fitment over the cuffs of winter riding jackets.

Hard-shell protectors feature at the knuckle and finger joints – the back of the fingers have additional Clarino panels for increased abrasion resistance - and reflective detailing is incorporated as an added safety feature.

Spyke Absolute Zero gloves are available in black only, unisex sizes XS-3XL, priced at £69.99. Call The Key Collection on 0117 9719200 or visit spyke.it for details.

ZX-6 of the best with Skidmarx.

Skidmarx race bodywork for the Kawasaki ZX-6R was developed for the Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R, ridden to runner-up spot in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship by Ben Wilson, who finished just one point behind the eventual 2011 title winner.

The Gearlink Kwasaki is a showcase for Skidmarx, Britain's largest manufacturer of motorcycle screens and bodywork. Based in the seaside-resort of Weymouth, Skidmarx have an enviable track record – their screens have been fitted to the winning machines in Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes at the Isle of Man TT races for the past four years – and the Gearlink machine features the trademark race 'bubble'. These are manufactured from 2mm acrylic, for enhanced optical clarity, whereas the road versions are made using 3mm acrylic sheets to reduce flexing. Double bubble screens for road bikes cost £54.95 in clear or tinted options and a range of colours are available for £60.95 (including VAT).

Produced from lightweight 450gm CSM material that is backed up with woven cloth, the fairing and single seat unit are pre-drilled to fit onto existing mounting points. Supplied with quick-release Dzus fasteners, both fairing and seat unit are manufactured in the UK and are designed to directly replace the original body parts. Unlike the road fairing, the race version has no headlight aperture or indicator mounting points, but is fitted with an enclosed belly pan with a catch tray to comply with ACU rules. Skidmarx produce their race bodywork in plain white, ready to be painted in team colours; the race fairing sells for £269.95 and the single seat unit costs £114.95 (including VAT).

Other accessories for the ZX-6R include a front guard and hugger, both made from GRP. The front guard retails at £59.95 and the hugger sells for £74.95, complete with tailored fitting kit.

For more information on the full range of Skidmarx products to fit most popular models call 01305 780808 or visit skidmarx.co.uk..