We were first introduced to the Merlin brand watching Charley and Ewan on the Long Way Up, and since that moment we’ve been intrigued with what they could offer riders locally. So we decided to slide on a pair of their Holborn Jeans.
If you’re a regular reader, you may remember that Kristian tested the Merlin Ridge D30 jacket late last year. Fast forward to now, and we’ve spent the last few months putting the aforementioned jeans through their paces during our riding endeavours.
First things first, having a good pair of bike jeans in your kit is essential, and they are perhaps one of the more underrated bits of gear you will own. They’re also likely to be the most used, which means they need to look good, be comfortable and above all, protective.
They’ll also need to stand up to the rigours of wear and tear, both on and off the bike. The Merlin Holborn jeans are a stylish offering. Constructed from denim cotton with a stretch fit, they feel soft and offer plenty of flexibility. They’re offered in a straight leg cut only.
There’s plenty of additional protection in the form of Slimline L1 Armanox armour in the knees and hips, which fits the areas it is aimed at protecting well, without being too intrusive or uncomfortable like some other biking garments.
Sporting two decent size pockets at the front, one featuring a coin section, and two pockets at the back, there is plenty of room for storing your wallet, keys and mobile phone without any hassles. There’s a connection zipper to attach your jeans to a Merlin jacket too.
Given we’ve been essentially living in the Merlin Holborn jeans, they’ve also seen plenty of the inside of the washing machine. At this point, we are happy to report that there has been no shrinkage, no fading and that they’ve held their shape well.
They’re an excellent choice for your motorcycling adventures, as they fit well, and feel safe. Off the bike, they look smart, but we’d like to see them offered in a colour other than black. Pricing starts at $349.95 for the Merlin Holborn jeans.
They’re available in sizes from 30 to 40, and can be had at your nearest motorcycle gear retailer. To find out more, you can visit Merlin Bike Gear’s website.
Pros – comfortable; fit well; look great, have thus far stood the test of wear and tear.
Cons – only available in black; dearer than rivals; some may prefer a different style.
Our test product was provided by Merlin Bike Gear Australia. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this product.
