Each month SSB checks out what gear the top riders in the country are wearing. Eric Bostrom is a familiar face in the U.S. motorcycle roadracing scene. Nicknamed "eBoz" and "Boss Hog," Bostrom is now a factory rider for Yamaha aboard the 2007 R1. Since 1996, he has won four U.S. National Championships in four different motorcycle disciplines. We wanted to know what gear he chooses to protect himself.
1. Boots
Brand: Alpinestars (www.alpinestars.com)
Model: Supertech
Price: $359.95
Why: "When we started a decade ago, all roadrace boots were basically unchanged from the '60s and '70s. We started experimenting with an inner skeleton. We are now using a boot that offers a lot more protection than the boots of yesterday."
2. Racing Suit
Brand: Alpinestars (www.alpinestars.com)
Model: Race Replica Suit
Price: $1899.95
Why: "Safety is the number one concern. When you race you expect to crash several times a year, and you need a suit that won't split apart, armor that will take the impact and agility. The Alpinestars suit offers the best of all three."
3. Gloves
Brand: Alpinestars (www.alpinestars.com)
Model: GP Tech
Price: $239.95
Why: "Safety is also a concern with the gloves. You want intimacy with the grips but don't want them to blow out upon impact. My brother (Ben) and I have been with Alpinestars for several years and have a lot of research and development with them. They are the best out there."
4. Helmet
Brand: Shoei (www.shoei-helmets.com)
Model: X-11 TC-5
Price: $610.99
Why: "There are very few helmets I would wear racing. Shoei is at the top of that list. I'm lucky they pay me to wear it, but I would pay for the helmet rather than wear something else."