Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126510
PRODUCT EVALUATION Esprit boots By Mark Kariya Besides his helmet, one of the most important pieces of body protection a rider wears is a pair of boots, especially for those who do it the dirt. MOlt boots on the market today provide good protection but are, quite frankly, uncomfortable and a pain to put on and take off. The new Esprit Professional Racing Boot, though, pro· vides an attractive solution to the problem. Constructed of blad and tan leather, the Esprits feature three wide leather straps with Velcro sewn to them and a quid-release/locIr.ing speed lacing system in front of the well·padded tongue for additional support from the anlr.le up. These two features combine to make it a five-step snap to get the boots on and off. They probably take about as much time to pull on as a pair of runningshoes. A short blurb on the box they come in says, "easy to wear from the tint day on - no break-in required." This certainly seemed to be the case. There was ample padding in the ankles, collar; behind the plastic shin guard and in the tongue for good. comfortable protection. Two "windows" cut into the tan leather fore and aft of the ankles aid flexing and all the leather inside the boots seemed blissfully supple from the tint time a foot was slipped inside. In addition, the Velcro "buclr.1es" allow near infinite adjustment possibilities so you're not left with something that's just a little too loose or a little too tight. You can cinch it down until it's just right for you. In the time we've used the boots so far, the "buclr.1es" haven't come undone accidentally. The bottom of the boots have upturned toes with steel guards and the smooth sole is stitched on and replace· able. The toe guards have gotten rather bent out of shape in the course of use, however. Made in Italy to Wheelsport's specifications, the boots have been tested and developed by the LO P motocross team. They have a six·month warranty and should last quite a while judging from our experience with them. With a suggested retail price of $149.95, the Esprits are available in medium width with the smooth motocross sole or a one-piece [SDT sole in sizes 6·13 and half sizes in 8, 9 and 10. For more information, contact your dealer or Wheelsport, P.O. Box 4768, Portland. OR 97Z08. • THE LOWEST PRICES!! THE HIGHEST QUAUTY!! THE FASTEST SERVICE!! THE GYPSY SCOUT •• AIOU""9~' STllEET IIOlITS. Sharjl looking, bigh quality leather touring boots that feature an e"'ra thIck leather pad to prevent boot wear resubing trom sbifting. Aback zipper makes n easy to get them on and off. The pebble grained leather is sob and supple, making tbese boots very comfortable. Boots are black wnb red, lOMe and blue accent stripes. Available in tull sizes from 6 througb 12 biker 5 beSt trltOd elg .. now Cirnes Ihe only top Quality all weal her r.ldar detector deSloned SpecIfically lOr mOtOrcycles The Gypsy Scout II IS it lOUQh shock -reSIstani water-reSISlanl -. '. \ \" ::;"-... radar delectOt lhal alens you 10 speed Iraps or mobile ,adar emmmg sources ""U05 miD a ctgarerte IIghler socket or noa up directly to your banery ThiS top quahty Uul1 gives you iii detection range of two 10 69.50 tour miles II emits iii lou