Roland Sands Design Barfly Jacket

The Barfly is built from 12oz waxed cotton with leather panels, at around 3.5 pounds in a size medium, giving it a café-racer look that reads as everyday wear rather than dedicated riding gear. CE-rated armor pockets at the shoulders and elbows come with protectors included, while a back armor pocket accepts an optional protector for riders wanting fuller coverage. A removable thermal quilted liner extends the jacket into cooler months, and YKK zippers with adjustable snap cuffs handle closure at the wrists. An interior media pocket and zippered hand-warmer pockets round out the practical details. The overall silhouette stays close to a standard jacket rather than a bulky riding-specific cut, which is part of the appeal for riders who want it to double as everyday outerwear.

Worn on the bike, the waxed cotton and leather combination offers real abrasion resistance, and the tailored cut keeps the included shoulder and elbow armor positioned correctly rather than shifting during a ride. Weather resistance is solid in light rain and wind, though the waxed cotton needs occasional re-waxing to keep performing as intended, and sustained heavy rain will eventually get through. The removable liner adds welcome warmth on cooler rides without making the jacket feel bulky once it's out, and there's enough room built in for a hoodie or base layer underneath without the fit feeling tight. Airflow is modest given the waxed cotton construction, so warmer rides benefit from unzipping the front vents where fitted rather than relying on mesh panels.

The Barfly suits riders who split time between café racers, standard bikes, and city streets, wanting a jacket that performs on the road but doesn't look like dedicated safety gear off it. The waxed cotton and leather panels age into a worn-in look over repeated seasons, and the included armor holds its shape well. Riders wanting full back protection out of the box will need to add the optional protector themselves, and those wanting more colour or style variety will find broader ranges in full leather jackets. For café and street riding where genuine protection matters but the aesthetic can't look like gear, the Barfly remains a strong, distinctive choice.