We seem to be on a never-ending mission of a "good" pair of riding boots. Either so stiff that they poke your foot to the point of blisters, or so soft that the pieces fall off after only a few months of shifting abuse. We finally bit the bullet and thought we'd see how the other half rides - how about a QUALITY boot for a change? The best? Gaerne.

Since it would be a second boot, and not necessary for EVERY day riding, we agreed to try out a unique offering - the Balance Oiled Trials boot. Gaerne does have a line that is much more the typical MX boot - stiff leather and much plastic. However, with recent advances in their Trials line, they were excited to spread the word. We figured we'd give it a whooping and see how it handles the open desert!

The main differences you'll notice with the Trials boot immediately. It is built for a very specific use - in Trials competition, the idea is to ride clean, so the buckles on the Balance are set in as sleek and tight against the boot as possible. Trials doesn't call for the constant shifting of desert racing or other intense MX use - so the Balance foot and toe remain a smooth one piece, with no reinforcement pad at the shifter. Even the sole is different - it is rather flat, with a soft rubber sole. The entire boot is built to flex and move with the rider.

The first thing noticed was how difficult the sleek buckles are to un-do, compared to regular bulky MX boot buckles. Good for not getting caught on things and they never pop open accidentally, but a bitch to take off... a trade off of ease of use for functionality.

After one test ride, it was already apparent the leather would be hard-abused by the shifter. However, after more than three months of heavy use, both pleasure and competition riding, we assure you the leather on this area, and the whole boot, is holding up well.

Easy to step in, there are no odd inner strings or cheap velcro. The buckles adjust easily, and latch tightly.

While the small (or no) heel is a new feeling to get used to from a regular MX boot, the sole has a lot of grip and slipping off the pegs has surprisingly not been a problem.

If stylin' is your thing, the Balance Oiled also comes in red...

...or blue!

The Sales Pitch
"This trials boot has been worn and loved by multi-champions for years. Now you too can experience the same winning comfort and feel. Produced of the highest grade oiled leather, this durable boot features an injection molded front shin plate & three removable / replaceable buckles. A gum rubber sole provides great feel & control.

Colors: 1. Oiled Brown: 2505-001 2. Blue: 2505-004 3. Red: 2505-003

Sizes: USA 4 - 13

Okay, the punch line? These babies are PRO quality. They'll set you back over $200 if you pay full retail from RYP-USA. That's it for US distribution so you may have a tough time talking Ryan out of them any cheaper. But man, what a sweet boot...

Gaerne Motorcycling

US DISTRIBUTOR
RYAN YOUNG PRODUCTS
1234 WEST BROADWAY
LOUISVILLE KY 40203
TEL 502-722-2253
FAX 502-722-2255
ryoung@rypusa.com
www.rypusa.com