Gear Review: DRIRIDER Cruise Ladies Jacket

It was love at first sight when I saw the DriRider Cruise Jacket. I had an instant reaction of, ‘I want, I need, gimme, gimme, gimme’, and now I have the pleasure to review it for the Bike Review team.

DriRider Cruise women’s jacket, Classic jeans, Urban gloves, HJC FG-Jet helmet

For a bit of background, I have a strong preference for textile jackets. They’re great in hot, wet and cold weather. They fold up nicely when storing under seat. They’re lightweight and breathable. They’re the perfect all-rounder. And the Cruise jacket does not disappoint when evaluated against the same criteria.

The Cruise jacket is available in cherry and black. Naturally I gravitated to the cherry, and once you see it you’ll know why! The colour is extraordinary; it’s a lush, deep red that attracts the eye and fortunately is bright enough for the road.

DriRider Cruise Ladies jacket

The Cruise also includes a waterproof membrane and features a microfiber/ tricot lined collar and cuffs which is soft on sensitive skin and a great wicking material. I’m yet to see how the colour holds after exposure to sunlight and rain, but with the proper care I think the colour will keep.

In terms of armour, the jacket features decent protection with CE armour in both the shoulder and elbows, as well as an EVA back pad. It also features reflective piping on the back of neck and sleeves which is great for night time visibility, but lacks reflectors on the front.

DriRider Cruise Ladies jacket

For cooler weather the Cruise jacket features a detachable thermal liner, and for the in-between months a mesh breathable liner. Although most appropriate for the winter months or touring, the jacket does feature air-vents on both the sleeves and back for air flow.

This coupled with lapels that can be secured down with press studs on both sides, for both aesthetics and sunny weather, or zipped up to the neck for cooler or wet weather, ensures the Cruise is an all-rounder.

DriRider Cruise Ladies jacket

Given the colour and lapels the jacket is otherwise quite simple, with two discreet DriRider logos on the front and back, and a high quality bronze-tone centre zipper.

There are three outer pockets, and two inner. They all zipper close which is great for loading your pockets up with bits and pieces. All pockets are about the size of a smartphone, just don’t expect to fit your wallet or purse.

DriRider Cruise women’s jacket, Classic jeans, Urban gloves, HJC FG-Jet helmet

Retailing at $299.95 RRP, the Cruise Ladies jacket is available in women’s sizes 8 to 18. I wear a size 12, and found the Cruise the perfect fit, especially as I have long arms and torso. The sleeves reach the wrist and when worn with short gloves no skin is left exposed.

The torso also reaches past my hips, so no fear of exposure when pillioning. Couple that with accordion stretch panels on the back means I can easily move without restriction. The jacket also features waist and arm adjusters for optimum fit and warmth, as well as waist expander zippers.

To put it simply, I feel good wearing this jacket. I feel confident and attractive. I’m already regretting the long, hot summer days to come, I want to wear this jacket every day.

DriRider Cruise women’s jacket, Classic jeans, Urban gloves, HJC FG-Jet helmet

Special thanks to McLeod Accessories, www.mcleodaccessories.com.au

For more information see McLeodAccessories.com.au or the full DriRider range DriRider.com.au, or visit your local DriRider stockist.