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extremely strong products for BMX (mtb, skateboarding, etc) use. However, these aren’t your typical protective trousers - The jeans are stealthy and modish by design – Nobody would guess the technologies within.

Technologies: - As far as science is concerned, Urban Kreation use two special ingredients to ensure their jeans defend against skin and tissue damage:
1. “Kevlar® brand fiber is an innovative technology from DuPont that combines high strength with light weight to help dramatically improve the performance of a variety of consumer and industrial products.” (DuPont)
2. “Vectran® a gossamer thin liquid polymer fabric, developed by the American space agency NASA for use on its Mars landing capsule” (Urban Kreation)

Kevlar’s a sensible choice – It’s been tested successfully in safety products for decades - For example, It’s used as a component (part of a composite mix) material within the safety restraints (composite panels) of Military Combat Vehicles – And the Military ain’t messing! But remember, if the bombs big enough, even Combat Vehicles get blown apart – This is why some of the UK Pro team often wear knee and shin pads to compliment trousers.

Vectran’s another wise choice of materials – It ensures exceptional protection, hence reducing the likelihood of scratching/scarring, bruising and heat burns.

Personal experience: - I first got flowed my Jeans back in July – I started with a physical survey of the product:

Weight/ I was impressed by the comparative low-weight of the jeans - And in an era where BMX product designers are (usually) concerned with keeping weight minimal, it makes sense that Urban Kreation have done the same with their Jeans. I was interested in the amount of weight saved, so I conducted a short test – I weighed one set of general-everyday (un-branded) jeans, then the Urban Kreation jeans.

Results – General Jeans 800g, Urban Kreation 700g.
Note – These figures are to be taken as ‘rough’. Considering the level of protection in the Urban Kreation jeans, this is one light pair of jeans.

I went on to study the build quality – External/ The outside pockets and much of the fabrics are double-stitched, for strength. The cuffs and waist areas, are the only sections which aren’t double stitched - All stitching is discreet to the eye, keeping the product simple/stylish. The belt-loops are set at an angle – Style. The outer shell is made of cotton and Lycra – Smooth feel & strong. Logos are stylish, yet subtle – A good balance.

Internal/ The internal skin-defense system is heavily stitched for strength. The pant area of the Jean is also heavily stitched – I think this is vital for such a jean; In the past I’ve often ripped this region, usually with the seat.

Next/The ‘PUB’ (Going Out!) test –
Yes, a simple test to make sure the jean succeeded in terms of fashion – Results, good.

Furthermore, I felt confident wearing them, due to the slim cut. As Pim van den Bos pointed out earlier, the only minor scruple is that they get a little warm at times – With regards this point, every cloud has a vectran lining – The point falls into insignificance, when compared to their superior strength, style & comfort performance! Congratulations UK!

The logo received no feedback/comment.

Next/ The Riding Test – I went out on numerous occasions without pads – Just chilling. I felt agile in the jeans, this was helped by the stretchy fabrics. I also felt comfy and in keeping with the urban scene – Perfect.

On other occasions I wore the jeans with knee protectors – Despite being ‘slim’ fit, the jean easily accommodated my pads, whilst maintaining movement (stretchiness).

To be fair, I’ve been fairly lucky whilst wearing them - But on one session I spotted a wall-ride line around a bench – I had to try the line several times to nail it – On one attempt, I went pair shaped and smashed my leg (very hard!) on the bench – I was left with some swelling. But I’m confident, had it not have been for my Urban Kreation jeans, I would have been left with a more severe injury, including scarring.

Availability:
- The Urban Kreation Jean range consists of 3 styles; Skinny – Stretchy, Slim – Stretchy and Regular.
Colour Availability; Grey, Blue and Black.

And remember, they do further protective garments to compliment.

Conclusion: - The Urban Kreation Jeans are the best Jean I’ve used for riding – They do what they say – Go to any web-shop (or retailer/distributor), buy a set, they’re virtually worth every pound! I’m going to award this Jean 95% (this is the best product I’ve reviewed). The product lost a few marks on ventilation, single stitching to the waist/cuffs and the lack of a (subtle) zipped pocket - Again, nothing to worry about; and they’re snag-proof, so go, go now, get a set, whilst this technological approach is fresh!

Info:
• Words/Testing: C. Smith.
• Photography: S.Price.
• Additional Photography: C.Robinson @ Urban Kreation.
• Quotes taken from Urban Kreation & DuPont.

Links:
• www.urbankreation.com
• www2.dupont.com