New kit: Richa Memphis jacket review
Part of Richa’s ‘Vintage Garments’ collection
I WAS lucky enough to stay in Memphis a couple of years ago. The city is home to the Stax Museum, Sun Records, Graceland and a Gibson Factory. There's also the iconic Beale Street, where a whole array of shiny bikes lined up one evening.
I can’t say for sure that the Memphis bike scene was the inspiration for the name of this retro jacket from Richa, but it certainly wouldn’t look out of place there. Or in many other cities come to think of it.
Made with supple Buffalo leather, the Richa Memphis jacket has some stylish details, with quilted leather around the top, shoulder areas and elbows. This gives the jacket a luxurious retro feel. But the Memphis certainly isn’t a case of fashion over function.
It may have vintage styling but it's cut for riding and the safety inside is bang up to date. The leather jacket features a removable D30 back protector. If you’re not aware of D30 armour it’s essentially a soft, flexible armour that hardens on impact. As a result the back protector feels less bulky than a traditional stiff foam version and makes the jacket more comfortable to wear both on and off the bike. Removable CE protectors are also present on the shoulders and elbows but they’re slim enough to avoid bulking out the jacket.
There are four external pockets and two inner ones, plus one for a mobile phone in the removable thermal lining.
Additional features include a zipper connection for trousers and a neoprene neck lining.
Don’t worry if the cognac colour isn’t your thing, as black and dark brown versions are also available. But if you like the look of the Memphis, then you might also want to check out this video review of the Richa Daytona jacket, also part of the Vintage Garments collection and on sale soon.
The Richa Memphis jacket is available now priced at £249.
