Page 30
BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022
rain, Cousin Jeremy kept me dry and warm. Aerostich recommends a retreating of the waxed cotton periodically to keep its water shedding properties. They offer Martexin Wax or Otter Wax (which does not use paraffin, silicone or other petroleum-based synthetic ingredients). I have yet to do this, as it really hasn’t been compromised. If you are a commuter and need ‘civilian’ clothing at work, Aerostich, literally, has you covered. You will arrive wrinkle-free and looking your best while truly enjoying your ride to and from work. Similarly, if you are an adventure or long-distance seeker, Cousin Jeremy will fit your needs as you will lose the need to carry rain gear and cut down the amount of clothing as this suit will keep what’s underneath clean. Women’s sizing runs from 2S through 20L and are all customizable for the perfect fit. I will say this about a ‘Stich; it may not be the most flattering gear you’ll wear, but it is, BY FAR, the most functional. Pricing for the Cousin Jeremy pants start at $627 and jacket at $700. While that may seem like a steep price to pay, consider that Aerostich gear has been known to last for a VERY long time. I have had suits for at least 10 years and, with the necessary care and feeding, there is no reason why you shouldn’t keep them as long or longer. It is not for everyone: if you live in a dry, hot environment – look elsewhere. Should you be a more aggressive off-road rider, perhaps this isn’t the best gear for you. But if you are a long-distance rider or commuter, this may just be the perfect suit to be hanging in your garage. More info: aerostich.com
DUNLOP MUTANT TIRES “Mutation: it is the key to our evolution. It has enabled us to evolve from a single-celled organism into the dominant species on the planet. This process is slow, and normally taking thousands and thousands of years”. ~ Prof. Charles Xavier Last summer Backroads got a press release about a new tire from Dunlop. The Mutant. Que? Mutant? My “raised on Marvel comics self ” cheered and screamed ‘NO!’... at the same time. Yet the rider in me was very curious. Dunlop is one of the oldest tire companies in the world, it was founded back in 1888, originally called the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company, it took its name from John Boyd Dunlop, the founder. Although years back we called Dunlop tires by different lettered designations – K-81s. Who didn’t want these on your Z-1 or Suzuki GS1000? But things changed and here we are almost half a century later and marketing has gotten much sharper. Still, Mutant? Well, it certainly got our attention, but would they come through. Well, here we are at the halfway point with our mid-term report and we can forcefully say, Yes, they have. We have logged nearly 4,000 miles on these on the street and test-rider extraordinaire, Sandra NilandMahwhinney, has nearly met these same miles, but with two VERY hard days on the 2.25-mile north track at Virginia International Raceway. Her impressions on these tires were telling indeed. Especially when the conditions dropped from superb to deep wet! As you can see from the image the tire did what they are supposed to do, but still held onto the basic purpose of an all-around 3-season tire. But, first a bit about the tires… and know that tire technology and informa-
