Crash Tested: A Hidden Icy Danger and the Gear That Took the Hit
March 21, 2025
Tuscany is famous for its scenic roads—winding curves, rolling hills, and breathtaking views. But even in seemingly perfect riding conditions, danger can lurk where you least expect it. Tommaso learned this firsthand when an invisible patch of black ice suddenly sent his motorcycle sliding out from under him.
Fortunately, his Pando Moto Onyx gloves absorbed most of the impact, protecting his hands from what could have been a serious injury.
A Winter Ride Through Tuscany That Ended in a Fall
It was a cool but pleasant December afternoon in Florence, Italy, with temperatures around 12°C (54°F)—a perfect excuse for a ride through the Chianti hills.
The sun was shining, the road was dry, and Tommaso was enjoying the crisp air as he rode his Triumph Speed Twin 900.
But as soon as he entered a shaded stretch of road, everything changed in an instant.
The sunlight hadn’t reached this part of the road, leaving behind a thin, invisible layer of black ice. At 40 km/h (25 mph), his rear wheel lost traction, and within seconds, his motorcycle slid out of control.
Before he could react, Tommaso was airborne.
The Impact and the Gear That Protected Him
Tommaso fell onto his back, instinctively putting out his hands to soften the landing. At that speed, he could have suffered severe road rash, fractures, or deep abrasions, but thanks to his Pando Moto Onyx gloves, his hands remained completely unharmed.
The plastic palm sliders on his gloves absorbed the impact, leaving deep scratches and tearing the seam between the leather and textile on his right middle finger. The damage was so severe that the gloves were no longer usable, but they did exactly what they were designed to do—sacrificing themselves to protect him.
Other than a minor bruise on his elbow, Tommaso was completely fine, thanks to the Pando Moto Onyx gloves and his leather jacket with built-in armor. His motorcycle, however, wasn’t as lucky:
- The center stand snapped in half, but absorbed much of the impact.
- A bent clutch lever and a broken foot peg added to the damage.
- The left exhaust suffered dents and scratches.
But things could have been much worse.
Why Proper Protection Makes All The Difference
Tommaso’s story is a perfect reminder that some accidents are simply unavoidable. Black ice is nearly impossible to see, and even the most experienced rider can lose control in seconds.
If he hadn’t been wearing protective leather motorcycle gloves, his hands would have suffered severe abrasions from the asphalt, leading to painful injuries, medical expenses, and a long recovery time. Instead, he was able to get up with just a few bruises.
His Pando Moto Onyx gloves played a crucial role in preventing serious harm. Made of matte 0.8 mm fully perforated cowhide leather, with strategically placed PU palm sliders and abrasion-resistant materials, they provided:
Impact protection – the palm sliders absorbed the fall, preventing his hands from scraping against the road.
Abrasion resistance – the leather construction helped minimize damage, ensuring his skin remained unscathed.
Flexibility and comfort – despite the damage to the gloves, they remained intact enough to complete their protective function.
Lessons Learned from the Crash
Looking back on the incident, Tommaso shares one key piece of advice:
“Always wear your protective gear, no matter how good the road conditions seem.”
Even a perfect ride can turn dangerous in an instant. Some hazards—like black ice, gravel, or oil spills—are impossible to predict, but proper motorcycle riding gear can make all the difference.
Tommaso learned this the hard way. His leather biker gloves took the hit, but his hands remained unharmed—a small but critical detail that turned what could have been a serious injury into just another lesson on the road.
Over again, Pandomoto riders’ gear shop goods prove their worth—crash tested, rider approved.
