In my restlessness In pursuit of motorcycle gear that is both stylish and comfortable, I came up with two products from Portland Motosport icon; Icon Superduty 3 pants and Icon Carga CE riding sneakers. But be warned – these only come in black.
Icon Superduty 3 pants Which ironically is almost all mine riding pants is denim, because I rarely wear jeans off the bike. My everyday style is best described as sporty; I like things that look good, function well, and feel comfortable to wear. Suggested Icon Superduty 3 motorcycle pants.
It’s fair to say that modern single-ply riding jeans are superior to the heavy, stiff numbers of yore. But the Icon Superduty 3 pants go a step further.
The Superduty 3 frame uses durable stretch canvas for sweatpants-like flexibility, with heavier-duty nylon panels woven into high-impact areas like the knees. You’ll notice that the knee area is hinged—but beyond that detail, these pants achieve comfort solely through the fit of the fabric.
However, that level of comfort brings a degree of compromise. Without actually hitting the floor wearing the Superduty 3s, I can only speculate how much abrasion resistance a lightweight fabric like this might actually offer, because Icon doesn’t publish any CE ratings or longevity. sliding time tested for it. Knee reinforcements are also noticeably lacking in areas like the thighs and posterior — and while that will add stiffness, it also gives you more peace of mind.
On the other hand, the Superduty 3 is fully armored from the factory. They use D30’s relatively new ‘Ghost’ pads in the hips and knees, which provide level one CE protection at a fraction of the weight. Less bulk means more comfort, which is why, once again, these riding pants shine.
The best gear is the one you actually wear, and the Superduty 3 has been in regular rotation on my trips. I fall between 38 and 40 in most pants; I got the Superduty 3 in the 38 and they fit the box perfectly. The closure is a typical button and zipper affair, with belt loops helping you fine-tune the fit.
Icon has given the Superduty 3s a straight cut with a slight taper. So they sit slim but not skinny; It helps if you like pizza and beer as much as I do.
They also have a pair of spacious storage bags. I’m not a fan of wearing cargo pants, but these pockets have proven useful many times. They’re easier to access on the bike than ‘regular’ bags and have a pleated design that keeps them low when they’re empty but still has room to expand.
Just above the pockets are zippers that reveal thin mesh vents. While the Superduty 3 is light enough to not need them, things are noticeably cooler when they’re open. And because they’re perfectly placed on the top edge of the cargo pocket, they don’t take away from the casual look of the pants.
Price $185 | Size 30 to 44 | Color Black | Than
Icon Carga CE riding sneakers It’s no secret that I own too many pairs of Vans sneakers, and I often choose them to wear on countless occasions. riding boots choice in my wardrobe. That’s changed recently, as equipment manufacturers have gotten better at creating low-top sneakers that don’t look like a pair of ’90s Sketchers.
The Icon Carga CE boot is one of my favorite boots, mainly because it’s simple. Modeled after a traditional skateboard sneaker, the Carga features a genuine suede upper with reinforced shifter overlays and a cushioned insole. Add the D30 ankle gusset, additional stiffness, and an oil- and slip-resistant sole, and you have a CE-approved shoe that doesn’t look like a shoe at all.
Available in three black variants (each with a different colored sole), Carga shifter pads and subtle Iconic logos are the only indication that this is a riding shoe. The sole’s tread pattern resembles Vans’ famous ‘waffle’ sole, while the closure uses a simple lacing system without the need for any additional zippers or straps.
While a thread retention system or rear pull tab would add functionality, their absence only reinforces the Carga’s easygoing styling. (The laces weren’t loose enough to worry them anyway.)
While I still needed to thread the top row of laces to get the Yeti on, a small cutout at the back of the ankle made slipping the Carga on a little easier. Once worn, these sneakers are noticeably stiffer than garden-variety skate shoes, but they fit true to size and provide enough compliance to handle the task of cycling. That also counts for their soles, which are tough enough to withstand time on foot pegs while still being walkable.
But the real treat here is the Carga’s good looks without compromising on safety. If you’re looking for a sophisticated skater-style sneaker that goes with everything and is designed for riding, this is it.
Price $125 | Size US7 to US14 | Color Black with black, white or rubber sole | Than
Image by Devin Paisley
