The new Knox Zephyr Vented Jackets are designed for warm, summer riding, as well as looking stylish when you’re walking around or propping up a bar. The Zephyr combines features from mesh jackets and armoured shirts, wrapped up in styles for both gents and ladies.
High-impact nylon covers the shoulders, upper back and outside of the arms to give abrasion resistance, but to also be breathable and able to stretch to stay comfortable. Impact protection comes from Knox Lite+ CE-approved protection at the shoulders and elbows, plus a CE-approved Knox Back Protector, and the option to add a chest protector. Rather than hard armour, the Knox Lite protectors feature a low profile, smooth finish, thin edging and easier movement, but the tailored fit of the jacket help to keep them firmly in place.
And to keep you cool there’s Arrownet mesh for almost the full length of the front and back panels, plus down each arm. There’s also a soft-cotton lining to make sure you stay comfortable. You also get outside pockets, YKK zips, a soft-ribbed collar and both jackets can be machine washed if you take the protectors out first.
The Men’s Knox Zephyr Vented Jacket features a two-position popper at the waist and cuffs. It comes in sizes S-3XL (38″-50″) and costs £199.99
The Ladies Knox Zephyr Jacket gets zipped cuffs, plus a real leather waist belt. The sizes are XS-XL (UK sizes 8-20) and also costs £199.99.
If you happen to live somewhere which can go from boiling summer sun to torrential rain in an instant, then you might also want to pick up the waterproof overjacket which is also available in both men’s and women’s styles. It fits into it’s own zipped carry bag which can go into the concealed zip back pocket of the Men’s Zephyr jacket, or onto the leather belt of the Ladies Zephyr. The waterproof overjacket costs £49.99 for both the male and female designs.
Knox are definitely putting out kit which looks good at the moment, and the Zephyr jackets match up. Mesh jackets only started coming into the UK in the last 10 years or so, and have massively increased in looks and style since then. Particularly as they come in handy anytime you plan on riding somewhere warm, especially if it involves commuting or the desire to turn up somewhere without a litre of sweat sloshing around your boots and the inevitable loss of concentration when all you can think about is stripping off with a cold beer. There’s a reason professional racers wear cool vests and jump in paddling pools between races in hot conditions. £200 isn’t cheap, but the Knox Zephyr jackets do look good, and should last a good while.
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