Spidi was founded in 1977 as an Italian motorcycle racing glove manufacturer by Renato Dalla Grana. The company quickly grew over the years with a focus on using technology to enhance safety. In 1996 it was the first to receive the CE certified protectors in motorcycle jackets. As with most things that emphasize safety, the aesthetic usually takes a beating, think of the boxy but good Volvos of the 80's. Moto apparel would fall into the same category, one would usually have to give up some safety features to actually look good. Spidi introduced the Worker Wax Jacket merging classic styling usually reserved for Belstaff or Barbour with the safety technology of the most modern jackets earlier this year. We took one for a test ride...

Collaborating with Halley Stevens in Dundee, Scotland on the exterior shell of Egyptian Cotton soaked in linseed oil, Spidi has come up with an excellent blend of old and new tech. This technique of waterproofing has been around since the early 19th century when sailors would make smocks out of linen and drench them in the oil for protection from the elements on the decks of their ship. This process has been in play at Halley Stevens since 1864, creating their own cotton yarns, dyes and procedures to constantly improve this old technology. Spidi added its  CE Force-Tech Protectectors between this 200 year old technology and newer 20 year old technology it developed as a waterproof/windproof membrane that it calls H2Out. There is also an additional layer that comes in the form of a quilted vest with a nice plaid flannel lining. The butter corduroy lining in the neck of both the jacket and the vest is a very nice touch.

The jacket has a slim fit with subtle branding, wearing around town doesn't let on that it's from a motorcycle company.

We took the jacket up for a quick run on Angeles Crest on some of the first few days of cool weather Southern California has seen in 6 months and can't wait to wear it all winter long.