Fly Racing 2015 Evolution 2.0 Spike

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Fly seems to be growing more popular with each passing year, becoming a major player in the gear market. The Idaho-based company has a flair for creating products that cater to a broad range of consumers, appealing to both the younger crowd and the ever-growing vet segment.

My first contact with Fly gear was about six years ago, and I’m glad to report that their products have improved significantly over that time period. I was presented with the opportunity to test Fly Racing's Evolution 2.0 SpikeRacewear about seven months ago, as we were riding the 2015 KTM 450 SX-F for the first time.

Fly Racing Evolution 2.0 Spike Racewear Highlights:

Jersey:

• Mesh Ventilation Panels.
• Tagless Printed Collar.
• Sublimated Graphics.
• MSRP: $49.95.

Pants:

• Magnetic Fly Closure.
• Leather Heat Shield Panels with Kevlar® Stitching.
• Zipper Lock System.
• Relaxed Leg Cuffs.
• Internal Pocket.
• Sublimated Graphics.
• MSRP $169.95.

First Impressions

My first thoughts on the gear were very favorable, as the design and colors manage to stand out, but without resorting to the neon color ways that recently became fashionable again. Trust me, I wore my share of neon gear back in the 1990s, but I have no inclination to do so again.

The pant's quality of construction was noticeable right away, with the new buckle system, the thick leather knee panels, and the pre-curved shape of the legs making an immediate impression. It may not seem as light as some of the competition, but on the flip side, the materials felt like they would last a long time. The jersey has nice ventilation panels, with an extended tail and high quality graphics. As for the pants, I usually wear size 32 but in this case, I felt that I might have been able to get a better fit with a size 30, as the Evolution pants had a loose fit.

On the Track

Fly's gear sizing seems to be a tad bit on the larger side, plus the jersey and pants stretch in just the right places which allows for even more wiggle room. Regardless of the color and looks, the pant and jersey combo always felt very comfortable. The pant's baggier knees made sure that knee brace room was never an issue, both with the slim POD braces and the slightly bulkier CTi custom braces. The mesh ventilation panels on the jersey allow good airflow, and the materials feel very plush in contact with the skin. The jersey itself also offered excellent ventilation and plenty of room to move around, even with an under-the-jersey protector.

Long-Term Durability

White gear always seems to have a polarizing affect on people. Many of my friends complimented the gear based on its look, but just as many noted that they tend to stain easily and only look good on the first riding session of the day.

After quite a few wash cycles and a few muddy riding sessions, both the pants and the jersey are holding up very well. I always wear out pants before jerseys, but in this case, I'm pleased to report that the leather knee panels and the stitching on the pants are holding up. However, there's some wear and tear on the small ventilation panels in the pants.

The Last Word

Fly hit a home run with this gear combo. It combines great design, comfortable fit, and solid durability at a reasonable MSRP of $219.90 for the pant/jersey combo. Although there's a wide array of riding gear options from several manufacturers, I would place this gear from Fly as one of my top choices for 2015.

Vital MX Rating

For more information, please go to FlyRacing.com.

About the Test Rider

Andre Barbosa - is a part-time photographer / videographer, part-time film student, and full-time motocross enthusiast. He started as a mechanical engineer, because of his love for all things motorcycle related, but switched to the banking industry after getting his MBA. He currently lives in Irvine, and can be found riding the local SoCal tracks a couple of times a week. Although he regularly raced Districts 6 and 34 when he lived in NYC, currently his friends call him a professional practice rider.

Review by Andre Barbosa // Photos by Flavia Romagnoli