Motorcycle Riding Gear And Accessories - Dirt Rider Tested

The problem with gear today is that almost all of it looks great. The hard part is determining what works and what doesn't. That's why I'm here: to beat the crap out of pretty gear and tell you what's up.

Speaking of pretty, have you seen this new Alloy set for 2005? Alloy is once again on top in the style game. The colors are bright, the lines bold and the logo, well, it looks good plastered all over the gear.

The Viper jersey is 100 percent polyester with fade-free sublimated graphics. Every gear company has this construction combo in its lineup because it feels good, is attractive and lasts. I'm pleased to say Alloy's bulky rubber logos are absent from the Viper, replaced by lightweight, sonic-welded details. This jersey fits dreamily when riding thanks greatly to the "Hi Rise" comfort neck, spot-on sizing and micromesh underarms. It is available in adult S-XXL in seven colors and retails for $49.95.

Adding to the ensemble is the SX-1 pant. What this pant does well is take abuse. The base fabric (texture-weave ballistic nylon) is more than adequate to protect your hide from all but the hairiest get-offs. Mine suffered its share of high-speed corner wash-outs without so much as losing a stitch. Pants that can slide are great, and this does it well. Unfortunately, that durability comes at a cost. The pant fits loosely in the knees and thighs. Alloy could ditch the bulky rubber treatments and still have a durable, fashionable product (like its Viper jersey!). The SX-1's ventilation system is great-in theory. If the intake vents above the knees didn't pinch shut when braces or large pads are worn, then the pant would breathe more easily. The SX-1 is available in adult sizes 28 to 38 inches and youth sizes 22 to 28 inches. Seven color combos retail for $139.95; youth, $119.95.

The Atom glove's precurve is noticeable and effective, and the silicone treatments in the palm offer a confident connection to your bike's grips. The direct-inject rubber "armor" isn't thick enough to protect against anything substantial, so I think the glove could lose them. Airprene and mesh panels on the top provide good ventilation, and the flex points are right on. The $39.95 Atom comes in seven colors and adult sizes S-XXL and youth ($34.95) sizes S-L. -Jesse Ziegler

Godfrey EntertainmentTravis and the Nitro Circus 2 DVDWhen I met Travis Pastrana in 1994, I wouldn't have guessed that this extremely polite and outgoing kid would become arguably the most well-known motorcycle competitor in the world. Pastrana has had great success in motocross, including the 2000 AMA 125 MX Championship, but he is best known for his incredible freestyle accomplishments and crazy stunts. This second installment of his Travis and the Nitro Circus DVD shows just how loony he really is. Pastrana is an adrenaline junkie who appears to have complete disregard for his or his friends' well-being. While I would not want my children or friends to attempt any of the ridiculous stunts in this movie, I found it incredibly entertaining, though it is truly disturbing to see what some people are willing to do for a rush or a camera. If you liked the MTV "Jackass" series or movie, you will probably enjoy Pastrana and his gang making Johnny Knoxville and company look nohow.