For someone that doesn’t ride a Harley, I’m at the parts counter of my local Harley Davidson dealer pretty often. I know what you’re thinking — what’s a DR350SE rider buying from HD Continue reading »
May 292010
May 272010
Manufacturer: Thor
Product: Quadrant Boots (2008 version)
Bought From: Modern Motorcycling
When: June 2009
Overall Modern Motorcycling Shopping Experience: Recommended
- Great deals (thanks Aaron!)
- Good product selection
- Clearance items are dirt cheap
- Can be a little chaotic being that it’s such a small store
There’s a good chance you have a riding buddy that wears these boots. Simply put, Thor’s hugely popular Quadrant boots are bang-for-the-buck champions. Yes, there are numerous boots on store shelves that offer more features and higher quality components, but at what cost? If you’re on a budget but still want a quality product with the protection and features found in more expensive boots, put the Quadrant at the top of your shopping list.
thor_quadrant_boots_2008
These leather boots are comfortable right out of the box. Within 15 minutes Continue reading »
Manufacturer: Alpinestars
Product: Web Gore-tex Boots
Bought From: Holeshot Racing
When: August 2008
Overall Holeshot Racing Shopping Experience: Recommended
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff (thanks Cam!)
- Very clean store
- Didn’t have to wait long for service
- Plenty of parking
The Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex is billed a waterproof and breathable touring boot that can be worn every day of the year. After owning these boots for almost two years (I am a four seasons rider) and 20,000 km, I am happy to say they have not let me down in any respect. My feet have remained both warm and dry even during the sleet and sideways-rain filled winter months. Heck, these boots even saw some dual-sport duty (before I bought my Thor Quadrant boots), but the Web Gore-Tex boot is not really suitable for that type of riding. During the warmest months I did find that the boots became quite warm, however this was partly rectified by wearing only ultra-thin sock liners.
alpinestars_web_gore-tex_boots
From the get-go it’s easy to see the fantastic quality and attention to detail that Alpinestars has put into this mid-range boot: the full-grain leather still looks great, the vulcanized rubber sole has barely begun wear, the zipper and stitching Continue reading »
Manufacturer: Unknown (Dakota is the house brand)
Product: Dakota Boot Dryer
Bought From: Marks Work Warehouse
When: December 2009
Marks Work Warehouse (Marks) is not a franchise that requires an introduction to Canadians. Part of the Canadian Tire Company, Marks has laid footing in over 350 locations across the country, selling quality “Clothes That Work” since 1977.
I received the Dakota Boot Dryer as a Christmas gift from my girlfriend, and believe Dakota is simply the ‘house brand’ found at Marks locations. This little gadget has quickly become my new favourite toy; normally, if I’m lucky enough to go out riding two days in a row, I would usually start the second day’s ride with damp boots — but not anymore 
It’s been a long time since I’ve owned a boot dryer — the last one being at least 20 years ago. Furthermore, this dryer uses thermal convection technology, not a fan like my old dryer, but more on that later.
dakota_boot_dryer
The Dakota Boot Dryer is advertised as Continue reading »