O'Neal Mayhem and Hardwear Gravity Riding Gear

O'Neal Mayhem Gravity Gear: This is definitely the highlight of the O’Neal range. Cut longer than the Hardwear also shown in this article, the aim of these are to be a true versatile trouser, and on the face of it, they seem to succeed.


Performance: Having experienced the 2010 kit, there were some noticeable changes to the 2011 model pictured here which utilised a slightly different cut and added a faux-leather exhaust panel on the inside of the right knee. No, that’s not something you’re going to have much call for on an MTB, but useful if you also ride moto and want to run the same kit. Cut longer than the Hardwear, this is more of a trouser than a true race pant which, thanks to its lighter construction, actually proves to make it a better all rounder. There are multiple stretch panels to allow for very good knee articulation even with bulky pads and the materials used seems to withstand crashes well despite not being as heavy duty as those found on some more expensive options. There are Velcro tabs on each side of the waist to adjust the fit and overall they prove comfortable, hard wearing and versatile. No cuffs stop the trousers riding up your legs and the result is something that feels very natural to wear unlike some and makes for a very versatile kit.


Pinkbike's take:

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O'Neal Hardwear Gravity Gear: The Hardwear is O’Neal’s top end motocross kit and here you see it in vented guise. Appealing to racers, there is a wide range of designs and colour options to suit most tastes.


Performance: There are two styles in the Hardwear range: the standard, and the vented that you see here. Having used the older Hardwear Volt kit for nearly two years I have been very impressed by how well it’s stood up to abuse but left thinking on occasion that it was perhaps a bit thick and heavy duty to be wearing all the time. Which is why we opted this time for the vented alternative. It’s the same basic combination except the trousers are now punched with hundreds of tiny perforations. It may not look like much but when stood on top of a hill on a breezy day you can definitely feel the benefit. It also comes into play when riding, especially in hotter climates, not that there’s been much of that around this summer. Flexibility is high despite the thicker construction when compared to the lighter Mayhem thanks to multiple stretch panels throughout.

The jersey is made of a fine mesh and so offers less protection than standard but makes up for it by being so breathable. As with many motocross kits the legs are a little shorter than some dedicated downhill trousers, but we never found that to be a problem, there being plenty of articulated panels to prevent them from riding up. The belt is well designed as unlike some trousers it is a true belt rather than a ratchet at the front which can bunch excess material up, making it uncomfortable when wearing for a long period of time. Like many motocross style trousers they can come up a little short but that isn’t really an issue for many, it’s just the style and cut that they happen to be as a result of their motocross intentions. If you prefer something longer legged then have a look at the Mayhem covered below.


Pinkbike's take:

Thanks to the guys at the Fli Distribution, O'Neal's UK distributor, for arranging our test gear.

www.oneal-europe.com

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