Hey, everyone! Since it’s coming up to winter soon and having to cram myself under layer upon layer just to keep warm and safe is already getting to me, even this early on in the Autumn. It’s a hassle, wanting to be warm while we’re out riding, yet also be safe but not have to faff about with a time consuming suit-up at the start of the day. But recently the Knox Layering System was brought to my attention and it really got me thinking about what our options are when it comes to finding that middle ground between comfort, safety and practicality.
The Knox Layering System actually solves this dilemma for us in a way. By using a series of layers- a base layer, armour, a mid layer and then an outer jacket we can pick and choose what we feel like we need on a ride-by-ride basis depending on the weather.
The advantage of having the armour beneath a mid layer and beneath the outer jacket is that the armour is closer to the body. If it’s closer to the body it’s able to fit better, stay in the right place and do it’s job to the best of it’s ability.
Many people already use Knox armour for this reason, it’s definitely a safer way of wearing armour. You’d think layering up so much would get hot and cause more problems than they solve but that’s the beauty of this system. If it’s too hot- forget the mid-layer. If it’s too cold- put it on! Lots of the armour and gear packs away quite small too, so you can keep it in a backpack and change your mind on-the-fly.
————Base Layer———————Armour Layer————————Mid Layer—————————Over Jacket————
Many people also get the Knox armour because it’s so breathable. It’s a softer armour and comfortable to wear but you’re not going to sweat buckets in it, which is why lots of riders who are going riding in hotter climates come in to find a breathable armour such as the Knox Venture Shirt. But you have plenty of options that come in a variety of shapes with different kinds of armours in different configurations, like t-shirt styled armour with soft spine protection or a full mesh shirt with chest armour and solid spine protection.
The Knox Jackets have a dual fit system too. The jacket can be worn normally for when you’re off the bike and it can be expanded for when you’re wearing armour underneath it. This is a great idea if you’re out and socialising, you can pack away your armour layer and slip back into your jacket to blend in, nice and flexible with no big bulky jacket giving it away that you’re on a bike.
Over all, the Knox layering system is a well-thought-out design intended to make riding safer, gearing up simpler and wear ear more appropriate for whatever weather you’re riding in. And it cuts down on the “what should I wear today” in the morning unless you develop a collection of bike gear. You’re not weighing whether it’s going to be too warm with a hoodie on while riding but too cold without the jacket when you’re not. The Knox Layering System has taken all that stress out of the equation and gives you a more comfortable, fitted and safer riding experience.
If you want to know more about the Knox Layering System, you can find more info at planet-knox.com. Thanks for reading, everyone! Until next time!
– Matt W at Ghostbikes.com
