Fortunately, the cycle

enthusiast is no longer considered

an outcast if he appears tastefully

dressed. The major problem is in

trying to combine the practical aspects

of safe cycling attire with the need for

good looking, welcome-at-hotels-and-

restaurants type of apparel.

In selecting cycling threads, we keep

in mind three basic factors: 1) func-

tion; 2) fashion; and 3) availability. To

be of any use to the motorcyclist, the

clothing must provide a certain meas-

ure of safety; yet be comfortable which

means air tight around cuffs, waist and

neck. At the same time, said clothing

must look good whether the wearer is

on or off his (or her) machine. But, all

this is for naught if only a few are close

enough to an outlet.

Thus, we limit our shopping to mail

order or nationally distributed mer-

chandise of proven quality and reputa-

tion. However, you can shop your own

area with great success if you consider

your requirements as a motorcyclist

first and foremost. Sportswear which

is easily adaptable for cycling can be

purchased from clothing stores in your

area, particularly those specializing in

ski gear.

For maximum protection and for

winter use, leather is the basic mate-

rial. Hence, we have selected a wide

variety of well-made, comfortable

leathers. In addition to the ready

made-leathers, we have also included

some custom manufactured pieces that

are available only on special order.

Bob Shipp of “The Rack,’’ 400 East

85th Street, New York, N.Y. 10028

offers some of the finest custom leath-

ers available for the discriminating

rider. Consider seriously purchasing

custom leathers because the few extra

dollars are well worth it in terms of

additional comfort, appearance and

satisfaction.

If your riding is confined to areas of

the country where wearing leathers

would be intolerable, investigate the

line of jackets made by Catalina-Mar-

tin. They’re sold in men’s shops and

department stores nation-wide and

many are just what the cyclist needs. In

slacks, A-l Kotzin, Haines and Levi’s

are among the style leaders with a

great variety of sturdy, wash ’n wear

garments in styles ranging from ivy

league through continental to western.

Accessories such as boots and gloves

are more easily found in Gong Gong,

North Dakota; but we have included

some excellent examples that are avail-

able by mail order. When con-

templating the purchase of a pair of

gloves for cycling, take the extra time

to insure a proper fit. Do not hamper

your sense of touch by purchasing a

pair that are too heavy or have seams

across points of contact. Ideally, they

should be long enough to fit over your

jacket at the wrist.

When selecting a pair of boots make

certain that the tops are high enough in

a sitting position so that no bare skin

shows between the pants cuff and the

boot top. From a safety standpoint,

lace-ups or zippered boots are prefer-

able to slip-ons. Whatever you do,

don’t buy leather soled footgear for

motorcycling and remember too that

certain types of synthetic soles become

very slick if planted in gas, oil or even

water.

Before you shop our clothing guide,

keep in mind the type of riding you do

most often and tailor your wardrobe to

suit. What’s good for the brush buster

may get the touring rider bounced out

of‘Ye Friendly Pizza Parlor.’ Remem-

ber that the image you project through

your riding attire can be a good mark

or a blight on the motorcycling sport in

general...