Paddy Tyson, of Overland Magazine fame, slips into something cool and Italian…
Living in the sunny South East you may already be familiar with Tucano Urbano as a brand and associate it entirely with scooters and commuting. But oh how mistaken you’d be. The Italian brand certainly started making kit for the scooter market back in 2000, everything from aprons and handlebar muffs to chic open face helmets, but they have been constantly expanding and are now even producing adventure overland clothing. But whatever they make, it seems that Italian style is at the heart of it.
I have been using this urban-chic ensemble all summer and it’s transformed me into believing I’m the coolest kid on the block. But if my own misguided vanity already achieved that, then I’ve certainly at least had a confidence boost.
Timeless-style jacket
Starting at the top, the Pol 2G jacket (catchy name…) is “Classic and timeless in style… the perfect jacket for everyday wear, on and off the bike.” Or that’s what the marketing says, but I must admit that I really like it.
The diamond quilted pattern across the shoulders, the neat round collar and wax-cotton appearance all pay homage to trials jackets of half a century ago. I’m wearing it more and more when I leave the house whether I’m riding or not, so it seems it is “…the perfect jacket for everyday wear…”
It is lightweight and immediately feels more ‘fashion’ than ‘function’ when you pick it up, but it’s fully CE-Class A certified in accordance with directive EN17092. This ensures it has been independently tested for rip, tear and abrasion resistance, as well as impact force absorption, without limiting the rider’s movements on the bike.
The removable armour for shoulders and elbows is discreet and doesn’t make me look like an American footballer, which is another reason I like it off-bike. There’s a pocket for back armour but that isn’t provided as standard.
As for other pockets, outside there are two large ones on the chest that close with press studs and aren’t guaranteed waterproof and two lower handwarmer-style ones that do close with a waterproof zip. Inside there are two huge pockets and a smaller zipped ‘wallet’ one which is easily accessible just inside the main zip. There’re also ventilation zips on the chest, or at least under the arms, but it’s that main closure zip that concerns me. The teeth are very fine, which is disconcerting, though neat, and I feel that in time, or if caught on another item of clothing, it might fail. But maybe the practical ex-dispatch rider in me is being too harsh.
I really like that the reflective bits on the collar and the cuffs can be rolled away when not in use, like when you’re in the pub…
Reflactive System trousers
The Tucano Urbano Leocargo GAG trousers in green (darker than the image shows) have also become something that I just wear whether I’m on the bike or not. They look like a well-tailored pair of cargos with a strong brushed cotton finish and are supremely comfortable. The outer shell is a stretch cotton and they have a total of 6 pockets, 4 of which are press-stud closing.
Protection is not wholly comprehensive, but there are aramid fibre inserts on knees, hips and bum and there’s CE level 1 armour in the knees. I admit that I took that out immediately, but I am wearing them as trousers as well as riding gear. There’s the facility to add hip armour, but that doesn’t come with them.
I’m no fashion expert so I won’t try to describe the fit and tailoring, but the REFLACTIVE® SYSTEM is great. It’s effectively visibility on demand. Turn up the bottom of the legs and a reflective material is exposed. There’s also a bit that sits on or in the thigh pocket. It’s a great idea, like the collar and cuffs of the jacket, which means you can look like you ride or not, when off the bike.
Note, the online size guide makes no sense at all. I have a 32/33 inch waist but the ‘L’ size fits perfectly. According to the size guide I should be wearing a XXS!
And so to the Marty ‘sneakers’.
The first thing to note, commensurate with the style, is that there is no separate heel. That’s fine of course when off the bike, but I do like something to locate me on the footpeg and remember my instructor being very insistent back in ’92 when I finally got around to doing my test. The flat sole is rubbery though, so provides a lot of traction.
These ankle boots are a narrow fit, so if you are a 43 normally you may find you want a 44 (though they don’t appear on the website), but they have been loosening up with wear and becoming more comfortable with every day. They are deceptive of course because the mind wants them to be a cool light sneaker, but they are a protective item and are CE Certified, being category 2 compliant with EN13634:2017 directive.
They are leather, there’s extra protection around the ankles and there’s a 100% (so far!) waterproof and breathable membrane. I confess I’ve only tested them in showers because if it’s a really wet day I wear my normal calf-height riding boots.
Getting them on can be a pain when they are new because the laces have to be loosened all the way down, but that too is becoming easier and now I realise there isn’t a halfway house. I just have to loosen all the lace rather than try, adjust a bit more, try again, and slowly get angry…
On of off the bike — I feel trendy
So there you have it. I’m wearing this stuff much more than I thought I would. Maybe it’s a mid-life crisis, but it’s making me feel so trendy I have even grown a beard. That’s just how shallow I am!
Available in black and khaki colours, the Pol 2G jacket comes in S-3XL RRP £159.99.
Available in green or brown, the Leocargo GAG trousers come in XXS – 5XL RRP £139.99
In black only, the Marty Sneakers come in 39 – 43 RRP £129.99
Visit www.tucanourbano.com/en/ for more information but it’s not an easy site to use. You’ll find the boots in the ‘Equipment’ section…
