Review | RST Roadster 3 jacket and gloves/Tech Pro riding jeans

British brand RST does everything from casual commuter kit to modern adventure textiles and full race leathers, all sharing the same combination of quality and value for money. This combo is based around the Roadster 3 leather jacket from its ‘Classic Collection’ for riders less enamoured with the Power Ranger look of more technical riding clothing. That doesn’t mean you have to skimp on protection, though, the Classic Collection including the latest tech like airbags and with materials ranging from leather to classic textiles like cotton canvas.

One of several leather jacket options in the Classic Collection, the Roadster 3 is subtle enough not to look too ‘biker’ in more casual situations while still offering enough protection for cruising on your retro machine. The understated design looks good, with zipped chest and waist pockets as well as additional ones in the lining and some smart ‘quilted’ detailing on the forearms and shoulders. AA rated with Level 1 armour as standard in the elbows and shoulders there’s a sleeve for a back protector as well, though you’ll need to swap this out of another jacket or budget the extra £30 or so to ensure you’re fully armoured up. Available in black or brown and in sizes from 40 UK to 4XL we went with the smallest based on previous experience of RST sizing, the fit a fraction more relaxed than the Sabre jacket we also have in that size and flapping about just a fraction on the motorway. Our brown jacket looked a little ‘fresh’ out of the box and will likely get better with a bit of wear and patina, the leather meanwhile soft and very comfortable from the outset. You’ll need to layer up for cooler days but for all round conditions it’s a nice balance, and if you do want a similar look for hotter days (if they ever come) there’s also a vented version, albeit with only single A protection. A dedicated ladies’ cut is also available.

Designed to go with the Roadster 3 jacket and available in black or brown goat leather, the Roadster 3 is a similarly traditional looking riding glove with a perforated top and neatly integrated knuckle protection. It’s on the shorter side so expect a bit of skin between glove and cuff and, while the Medium size was comfortable, it was both a little loose and a fraction short in the finger, so perhaps try before you buy to be sure of the fit and factor in a bit of stretch as they break in.

Riding jeans are a great innovation meaning you can ride to work or social occasions without the faff of having to change when you get there. Protection levels aren’t always up there with that of more traditional materials, though, meaning the AAA rating of these Tech Pros is appealing if your riding takes you beyond low-speed urban posing. That inevitably means they’re a little heavier and hotter than some riding jeans given the cotton-lined Cordura denim construction, and the ribbed material at the knees and small of the back is a giveaway they’re more than your usual Levi’s. But they’ll still pass for the pub or more casual workplace and these are acceptable compromises for the extra protection. RST sizing seems on the generous side compared with European brands, meaning we went down from our regular 32-inch jean size to a 30 and the fit was bang on, though we did reposition the knee pads to sit correctly when in a seated riding position. A bit of stretch in the fabric helps comfort and there’s thankfully enough length not to be showing any ankle on the bike, or have any annoying gusts blowing up your legs!

RST’s combination of style and sensible pricing means you’ll see plenty of riders using its kit, and it’s nice to see this available to riders favouring a more trad and understated look. The Roadster 03 jacket is a perfect example of this, combining a nicely understated look with a good fit and sensible protection levels. Raceheads will want something with more than the AA rating offered here – and you need to pay extra for the back protector – but whether you’re riding a modern retro or a genuine classic it does the job nicely and represents decent value for money. The gloves set it off nicely and make for a great combination for warmer days, too.
The jeans, meanwhile, appeal for their fit and protection levels even if they’re a little less discreet than others, and a little sweatier on hot days. We’ll take that for the peace of mind of the AAA rating, though.