Roadskin Tyrian jeans review | Quality jeans with timeless styling for years of casual riding

4 out of 5

Roadskin Tyrian Jeans

from Roadskin
£159.00 View offer
Updated: 11 September 2024

The Roadskin Tyrian motorcycle jeans for men are produced by a UK based family run company that have put our biker needs at the core of their design. They make classically styled jeans and gear, enabling you to wear them all day with the peace of mind you are getting AA rated protection.

Tried and tested by Adam Oldfield for three months and 2,400 miles

Pros

  • Great length and cut, figure fitting but roomy
  • Enough leg room to get them over a boot, but not too much that you couldn’t tuck them in if you wanted too
  • Good amount of elastic comfort and manoeuvrability
  • Decent pocket depth for modern phones
  • Hard wearing – thick denim and reinforced stitching
  • Stealth look – not easily recognisable as riding jeans
  • Luxury premium feel, from the point of receiving them, opening them up, and trying them on for the first time
  • Decent overlaps on the armour pocket holders so you don’t get a foot caught as you are pulling them on
  • CE level armour is highly malleable and is supply enough to move with you and leave in, without being intrusive, abrasing or annoying when off the bike

Cons

  • When pulling the jeans over the boot you may find the inside liner gets stuck as it hangs and isn’t stitched in
  • Lighter colours do tend to mark easier, but that can be said for any jean or item of clothing
  • Any exposed Velcro of boots that are placed inside the trouser quickly deteriorate the inner when caught, as threads start to get pulled due to the Velcro’s abrasiveness
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Reinforced stitching, with a blend of 75% CORDURA denim, polyester, nylon and Lycra
Type Jeans
CE Rating AA
Armour Hip and Knee Level 2 armour
  • Triple stitched seams
  • Cool mesh lining
  • Adjustable length, shorter mesh lining so they can be turned up
  • Double belt loops to attach top layers
  • Classic five pocket design

How comfortable are the Roadskin Tyrian jeans?

From long days in the saddle, to short rides and wearing them all day for walks, and even around the office, the Tyrian jeans are very comfortable. The Lycra blend in the material means there is plenty of give and stretch, not restricting your movement throughout the day.

How practical are the Roadskin Tyrian jeans?

As practical as jeans get, with a traditional five-pocket design, four of which are deep enough to fit a modern large smartphone in. They’re easy to slip into due to the mesh liner, which has conveniently been left short on the inside of the leg, should you want to rock turn ups for your look. One downside to the inner mesh ending short of the full leg is the bottom edge isn’t sewn in, however. Understandably, it would then create a stitch line on the outside of the jean around the mid shin height, making them look odd.

Rider sat on a BMW motorcycle wearing Roadskin Tyrian Jeans

Do they look good?

Timeless, classic, ageless: all these words spring to mind when you look at the Tyrian jeans. A simple design that will stand the test of fashion trends. They’re a decent fit, even with the bulkier Smoothway armour in (you have the option to upgrade to the slimmer Rheon level 2 armour) that is hardly noticeable. The overall look and design do a great job of hiding the fact you’re in armoured jeans.

Are the Roadskin Tyrian jeans good quality?

I could see myself getting several seasons out of these jeans, and they are of the type of build and quality that you would want to investigate getting them repaired before having to chop in your favourite jeans for a replacement. The jeans are not waterproof, and the lighter stonewash colour does tend to highlight any rain and watermarks. They do breathe well so when riding should the rain stop the wind does dry them quickly.

Roadskin Tyrian Jeans logo label

All the pocket hardware, zips, buttons, and studs are of good quality with little to no signs of wear across my 2400-mile use so far. The only noticeable wear is forming on the inside mesh liner to the lower shin area where the Velcro of my boots is abrasive and is starting to pull the threads of the liner. There are no obvious effects of this on the outside of the jeans, though.  

How protective are they?

CE rated protection to AA standard coupled with level 2 knee and hip armour as standard does give you as a rider peace of mind. No one wants to crash at any point, but if it happened, I would be confident that the Tyrian jeans would stand up to the slide and impact. There is a quality and confidence that the company give to their product. Even down to how you receive them in the post, well boxed, individually bagged in a cloth draw string. It all feels like a purposeful quality product designed to protect.

Roadskin Tyrian Jeans hip armour

Are the Roadskin Tyrian jeans good value for the money?

Now, I am not one for spending money on jeans for the purposes of fashion. Most of my ‘everyday’ wardrobe is made up of hard wearing work jeans, and not the high street copies or equivalent, as from experience, they just don’t last and it’s fast fashion – a waste of money. Subsequently, paying £159.00 for a single pair is a decent wedge of money, but worth it. If you can budget for it, they will be a pair of jeans that will likely out-last your entire wardrobe. Plus, you can wear them off the bike leisurely as well, ditching the high street jeans and saving one there.

Price: £89.99 (was £149.99)
Tested by Rich Newland for three months and 1200 miles

"The trade-off between protection, comfort, style and versatility is one that rages almost every time we get on a bike. I’ve tried to get the options down to two set choices over the years: Jacket and jeans, or a textile suit. Even I can usually make a fast decision between only two options. 

"My absolute default – even in winter when it’s dry – is riding jeans and a jacket, so having highly protective but comfortable jeans is crucial, especially as I often spend all day in them, either in the saddle or while wandering about having ridden to a destination. I’ve tested a large number over the years, and these Bull-It jobbies are definitely in my top three (Draggin and Spidi make the other two on my podium). 

"These Tactical Icon IIs were superbly comfortable from the moment I put them on. Much of that is thanks to the construction and stretchy feel of the material, and the fact that they’re single-layer, meaning they’re almost indistinguishable from normal jeans in terms of weight, flexibility and comfort. Where they differ, is that they’re certified AA rated for protection and, if you want to, they can be fitted with knee and hip armour as well. Personally, that’s one of my trade-off items, and I don’t have the armour fitted, but I have ridden with it fitted, and the armour is comfortable in position. The supplied protectors slot into sewn-in pockets within the jeans which fasten with Velcro closures.

"The armour doesn’t move, sculps well, and doesn’t look cumbersome beneath the material. The armour is CE161 Level 2 at both knee and hip. And while the jeans are single layer, there is a mesh liner to knee height on the front and the aforementioned pockets for armour, but all the extra bits are integrated without rough seams or scratchy panels – so they don’t detract from the feeling of a lightweight jean. On the bike they offer a good connection to the seat – they’re not overly sticky or slippy – and are stretchy enough to offer some give. In hot weather they stay appreciably cool, and they’re just like a normal jean to walk around in.

"They come in sizes 30-44 for men, with different leg lengths available. In my size, they’re ever so slightly large, so try them first. A ladies’ cut is also available (see Tactical Icona II below) in sizes 4-16. 

"After 1200 miles and four washes they still look new, and I really like the detailing in terms of the 5-pocket design, branded button – and the use of a proper YKK zip. They look and feel (and perform) like a quality high-end garment, for a price that feels like exceptionally good value."

Pros

  • Soft to the touch
  • Pliable material
  • Comfortable and protective to a high standard

Cons

  • Try before you buy to ensure a good fit – mine came up large
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Construction Lined Covec
CE rating AA with level 2 armour at hips and knees
  • Tactical Oneskin outer shell with premium Covec stretch recovery yarns
  • Covec high-performance AA stretch denim CE Level II hip and knee armour included
  • Water resistant finish
  • Adjustable protector pockets
Price: £99.99 (was £149.99)
Tested by Ben Clarke for three years and 5000 miles

"I’ve reviewed a few pairs of riding jeans for MCN now and, despite most looking pretty similar, there is a massive range of difference between them. Some use multiple layers to achieve a higher safety rating, which obviously improves their performance in a crash but also means they’re bulky looking, hot and heavy to wear.

"Others look pretty much like a normal pair of jeans but achieve this to the detriment of safety. This pair from Oxford manages to walk the line between the two perfectly – they don’t look strange when you’re off the bike, keep you cool in hot weather but still retain an AA safety rating.

"So, when I open my wardrobe to pick out gear before I go for a ride, these are usually the first pair I pick up. Over thousands of miles on various test bikes these have remained comfortable and aside from a little discolouration on the knees from crawling around securing chains and padlocks they look pretty much new.

"They come with CE level 2 armour at the knees and hips although for most of the time I must confess I do without the slightly bulky hip armour. This isn’t a criticism of these jeans in particular, though, as I do the same in other jeans too. The knee armour is sewn into a fixed position rather than the adjustable arrangement on some other pairs but they sit in the right place for me in my usual trouser size.

"Riding a motorbike requires a certain level of flexibility (quite a high level on some sportsbikes) and the stretchy property of the denim used in these jeans means this is simple. Whether you’re swinging your leg over a tall bike seat, flexing to reach an awkward sidestand lug or unexpectedly chucking out a leg to steady yourself during slow speed manoeuvres these jeans have got you covered.

"It also makes them very comfortable over distance as the fabric doesn’t constrict at the joints and cause any numbness. Over a very long distance – a whole day of riding - you start to get a little saddle sore in sensitive places but that is true of every pair of denim jeans I’ve ever worn on a bike (including Matalan’s finest)."

Pros

  • Balanced design that doesn't compromise on appearance or safety
  • Retain an AA safety rating while looking like normal jeans
  • Keep the wearer cool in hot weather
  • Include CE level 2 armour at knees and hips for enhanced protection
  • Stretchy denim provides flexibility and comfort during various riding manoeuvres
  • Durable and maintains appearance over long-term use, with minimal discolouration
  • Comfortable for long-distance rides due to fabric flexibility

Cons

  • Hip armour is slightly bulky, often removed by the wearer
  • Knee armour is in a fixed position, which might not fit everyone ideally
  • Can cause saddle soreness over very long distances, similar to other denim jeans
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    3.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Abrasion resistance AA
Hip armour Level 2
Knee armour Level 2
  • Triple-needle stitched, fully felled seat
  • Durable twill pocketing
  • Riveted pockets
  • Ultra-secure belt loops
  • Reinforced lined yoke
  • Lined back pockets
Tested by Ben Clarke for 12 months and 3000 miles

"When it comes to this kind of summer and casual kit I’ve always aired on the side of comfort – using the theory that if I’m comfortable I’ll be able to focus on the ride better. But the Roadskin Taranis jeans let me keep that level of comfort with the added peace of mind that they won’t fall to bits in a slide.

"No, they’re not the cheapest, but they look great on and off the bike and achieving a AAA rating for a denim garment should be applauded.

"I would certainly spend my own money on a pair without thinking twice."

Read our full and in-depth Roadskin Taranis review

Pros

  • Comfortable on and off the bike
  • Look like normal jeans
  • Peace of mind from AAA rating

Cons

  • Not the cheapest but in line with similar spec alternatives
  • Partial liner a the top
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    3.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Construction Cotton, Kevlar, PE, Cordura, Lycra
Type Denim riding jeans
CE rating garment AAA
Armour CE-level 2 hip and knee
  • Available in three lengths
  • High and low knee armour positions
  • Stretch fabric
  • Single layer (partial mesh lining)

So what’s the verdict?

Budget is always a consideration when buying riding gear. If I had to spend my own money on the Tyrian jeans, I think it would be money well spent. The jeans are set to serve your riding career well and will be the perfect a compliment to your riding adventures. Sometimes, spending a little more for a great fit and quality product is worth it, and these definitely are.

Tried and tested by Adam Oldfield for three months and 2,400 miles

Pros

  • Great length and cut, figure fitting but roomy
  • Enough leg room to get them over a boot, but not too much that you couldn’t tuck them in if you wanted too
  • Good amount of elastic comfort and manoeuvrability
  • Decent pocket depth for modern phones
  • Hard wearing – thick denim and reinforced stitching
  • Stealth look – not easily recognisable as riding jeans
  • Luxury premium feel, from the point of receiving them, opening them up, and trying them on for the first time
  • Decent overlaps on the armour pocket holders so you don’t get a foot caught as you are pulling them on
  • CE level armour is highly malleable and is supply enough to move with you and leave in, without being intrusive, abrasing or annoying when off the bike

Cons

  • When pulling the jeans over the boot you may find the inside liner gets stuck as it hangs and isn’t stitched in
  • Lighter colours do tend to mark easier, but that can be said for any jean or item of clothing
  • Any exposed Velcro of boots that are placed inside the trouser quickly deteriorate the inner when caught, as threads start to get pulled due to the Velcro’s abrasiveness
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Reinforced stitching, with a blend of 75% CORDURA denim, polyester, nylon and Lycra
Type Jeans
CE Rating AA
Armour Hip and Knee Level 2 armour
  • Triple stitched seams
  • Cool mesh lining
  • Adjustable length, shorter mesh lining so they can be turned up
  • Double belt loops to attach top layers
  • Classic five pocket design