Still the GOAT of Short Motorcycle Boots & Now Gloves: Indie Ridge

[rdprdp01]

When I wanted to purchase a 2nd pair of motorcycle riding boots, there was absolutely no question who I would call.

Steve, the owner and operator of Indie Ridge, helped me a year ago find the right boot. During our first call, I shared with Steve that I had never owned a true motorcycle boot and was having some trouble separating truth from marketing pablum. I also told Steve that my wide foot has posed challenges all my life, and I tend to have to pay more for a good shoe because of odd genetic traits. He laughed and assured me that I would get a great price and a fantastic boot from Indie Ridge.

Although I did not schedule a time with Steve, the man stopped whatever he was doing to share his knowledge about motorcycle boots and helped me dial in the right choice. A week after I received my boots, he had sent me a thank you email which included his cell number and a request that I contact him if I ever had a problem with the boots I recently purchased from him. He wanted to make sure those boots "lasted a lifetime" and asked that I call him directly if I ever had a problem. Please click on the following embedded hyperlink to learn more about Indie Ridge.

Indie Ridge Motorcycle Boots, Gloves, and Apparel

I reached out to Steve again last week. He remembered who I was and my incredible "red Honda." I am certain the man has sold thousands and thousands of boots since our last conversation and I assure you I am infinitely forgettable, but Steve remembered me, my motorcycle, and my unique situation. I asked him about ventilated boots and what safety tradeoff I should know about. Once again, Steve stopped what he was doing, relocated to a place where I could hear him more clearly, and focused on our conversation.

After he answered all of my questions, which most people would have found tedious, he told me to call anytime and thanked me for reaching out to him. He told me the last thing he wanted was for me to regret a purchase at Indie Ridge. He also thanked me for remembering him and sent me a coupon for a free set of gloves "that you can use when you make your final choice."

I ultimately decided to purchase the Apache Motorcycle Boots, a couple of pair of full gauntlet gloves, and a few seven year t-shirts which appear to be worthy of the bold claim. Please click on the embedded hyperlinks for each product listed above to learn more.

All items shipped within 24 hours, were beautifully packed, and exceeded all representations made by Steve and those on the website. I have posted a few pictures for your consideration. When you look for motorcycle apparel in the future, I strongly recommend that you check out Indie Ridge. I am not special, but Steve definitely is. He has manage to combine the convenience of the Internet with a personal connection that has earned my loyalty.

[peterbaron]

Were the 7-year old t-shirts included in this set as well?  
I like these gloves!

[pdedse]

Very nice looking products. I've been looking at light motorcycle boots of late, so...

And I feel as if I'm right there with you as the box is opened and the boots / gloves are being tried on.

: )

[misterprofessionality]

Looks good for colder weather riding! Though I'm a bit worried by the lack of a slider on the heel of the glove.

[rdprdp01]

Were the 7-year old t-shirts included in this set as well?  
I like these gloves!

The t-shirts were included in the package for an additional $17 per shirt! I did receive a $7 discount from the list price of $24 per shirt.

I do like the shirts very much. Although I usually purchase 100% heavy cotton t-shirts, the cotton blend is thinner but as durable. Although hot and cold temperatures do not affect me (I have lived in Alaska and Saudi Arabia after all), most Forum members will find these shirts more comfortable in the Spring and Summer, I suspect. For me, the added benefit for these is avoiding starting each ride with a clothes iron in my hand. They are wrinkle free.

To be candid, the gloves were my favorite part of the purchase. They are 100%, high-quality leather with outstanding padding and stitching. The touchscreen finger patches actually work and enabled me to manipulate my smartphone without having to take off the glove. I also like the appearance and I believe they "match" the motorcycle nicely.

Unlike the boots, the gloves have not been tested to the European EN 17092 standard. My informal certification process suggest that are at the same level as the AA tested gloves I own. The slide protectors are thicker, the leather is better, and the stitching is flawless. Like the boots, they are snuck fit. The gloves retail for $85 before discount and should last a lifetime provided that they are cared with gentle cleaners and a good leather conditioner.

When you log onto the the website for the first time, a coupon registration option appears. If you are looking for gear that has a retro, cruiser-style vibe to it, you cannot go wrong with Indie Ridge.

Now I am off to take a picture of my motorcycle near a wind farm. I will update this post if any of the new gear proves to be uncomfortable or problematic on my two-hour ride. David