by Paul Knox

Rizen Unlimited has outfitted bmxultra.com with their latest for the new session. The colour scheme is a real departure from the ultra colours used in the past, taking influence from JT’s Battle Gear from the 80’s.

Here’s the ensemble…

2022 Rizen Tachyon Pro Pants

In 1967, the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company created the best BMX pants ever, the Dickies #874. You could wear them to the track, ride all day, and ride home again (with a Macca’s stop on the way). Unfortunately though, to my dismay, many years ago the powers-that-be decreed that to race you need to wear Race Specific gear and that street clothes wouldn’t cut it.

Since then, I’ve run the gauntlet from MX inspired protection (that is invariably heavy, sweaty and generally uncomfortable) to criminally thin (that offer as much crash resistance as a pair a pyjamas).

What I missed was a pair of race pants I could put on in the morning before heading to the track, race in all day, and then travel home after in.

When I unpacked the new 2022 Rizen Tachyon Pro the first thing that struck me was the weight – or rather the lack off it. These are seriously light, which I admit concerned me at first (refer previous pyjama pant experiences). However on inspection, there’s anti-abrasive rip-stop 600D protection in the right places and weight saving lightweight 4-way stretch material where it’s best suited; sturdy enough to give me confidence that they’ll stand up to abuse.

Slipping them on I was pleasantly surprised to find three points of adjustment in the waist – you can virtually precision tailor them to find a perfect fit. What I didn’t expect was just how comfortable they are – loose enough that they’re not constricting anywhere with just the right amount of room for knee guards without being baggy. The leg length is nice and long too, unlike some MX models that are boot cut (ie, finish halfway up you shin). Black on black graphics are a nice subtle touch too.

I think I’ve found what I’ve been after… I’ve driven distances to tracks in supreme comfort in them, raced all day, then worn them home again. And you can even stop on the way for refreshments without looking like you’re in active wear.

Photo by Peter Stagg at Staggy’s Photos

Rizen Ultra Series Jersey

Rizen describe the Ultra Jersey as “M.A.T Technology (Motion and Airflow Technology)”. In layman’s term this means it’s multi panel – stretch for movement, air flow for comfort and shaped for movement. Like the Tachyon pants, the fit is perfect for me. Goldilocks style – not too loose, not too tight… just right. The neckline is slightly higher than some which is great – less sunburn.

I’ve done more than a few back-to-back practice laps in my jersey and can confirm the “strategically placed air flow inlets” work. With summer starting to heat up, this is a feature I’m going to appreciate; it’s great to have a jersey that’s comfortable for long practice sessions.

Photo by Andrew Jackson

Rizen Phaze 1 gloves

They fit great; nice and thin with no uncomfortable seams in the wrong places.
They match the Jersey.
I’ve crashed in them. A lot. They haven’t ripped.

Photo by Take Ike

Wear, wash, repeat.

Want to know more about Rizen Racewear? Check out their website at rizenunlimited.com.