Hi Craig.. excellent video! I have the same boots.. yes, they do squeak like crazy, and I asked several people what to do about it. Many said to use WD-40, but WD-40 is a solvent, not really a lubricant, and it evaporates after a while. So, another friend said he uses chain wax and liked it. I had some Maxima Chain Wax that I use on my Ducati, so I coated every spot where plastic meets plastic, and even where the fake leather rubs on plastic, and haven’t heard a peep out of them since (over four months ago!) I imagine I’ll have to give them another coat sooner or later, but chain wax worked great for me!
Am watching this while I'm sitting on my couch with my ankle wrapped after having in crushed between a dr650 and a rock yesterday. Was wearing Forma Adventure Boots, super comfortable and great to walk in but have the protection of a pair of Doc Martens. My researching has led me to these tech 7's and Gaerne SG 12 enduros...Thanks for the review!
Sorry to hear about your injury...I too went with the Tech 7 Enduro. Great book, but squeaky. You will have to learn to shit again and maybe adjust your shift lever
@@mjohnson6703 good bike, simple, solid, low tech and easy enough to bush mechanic fix if needed. Shes no light weight though so dont expect nimble handling but with a few rides under your belt, youll be able to keep up with most and torque through the trails with minimal shifting. Just remember its a trail bike NOT an enduro, it CAN do single trail however but takes a bit of effort. The mate i ride with is a better rider than me and has a wr250f. I can stick with him in every type of terrain except the real technical stuff. Im 70kg wet so she can be a pig in the tight stuff for me though. Also I crash all the time so am always picking her up which can be done by a little fella like me but it gets old fast. Conclusion, its the wrong bike for me and im thinking of going back to smaller lighter bike
I'm glad I found your videos. Decades of riding (4) and I just bought an awesome Klim Marrakesh in BLACK thanks to your Light vs. Dark video. I also just pulled the trigger on some Tech 7 Drystar to be more supportive than my TCX Desert X for an upcoming ride. We're getting older and have to protect what good bones/ligaments we have left. Your sizing decision (we're the same) made me feel better about my size choice. Thanks for the review.
Post your first post, I bought the Alpine Stars Tech 7 boot (also migrated from TCX). Your review is spot on and I am VERY pleased with these boots. Your discussion / explanation regarding shifter and shifting is accurate. For my bike, I lowered my foot pegs and learned to place my boot differently to shift. That said, the first ride with the boots was a challenge.. a few hours later ... I loved these boots. Thanks for the recommendation and coaching!
... Thanks for the review!! ... I have been searching boots for weeks for Dual Sport and ADV. The Gaenre Fastback and SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex were on the short list. I ended up deciding on the Alpine Star Tech 7 Enduro Drystar. They are expensive but I typically try and, "buy one, cry once." From what I researched: - It would be the driest of them all. Once I know the fit is correct, I am going to stand in a local stream and test them. - Offered the most protection. - 4 buckles that didn't have issues in the testimonials I watched. - Top is small enough for over the boot pants. - One year waterproof warranty. - Weight at 3.9lbs. - Looks/styling. I hope they are not too hot for summer but if they are, I'll use moisture wicking socks, etc. Thanks again, . Jeff .
I did the MABDR in these and they actually allowed me to ride longer. Although they are stiff, the support they give lends itself to less stress on my ankle, feet and calf muscles.
I have had my AlpineStar boots for about 15 years now and put a lot of miles on them. Love them as much now as I did when I first got them although I should replace some of the velcro. Thanks for the review.
Funny thing i have tcx boots i love them but they have very little side to side support..i have leather upper and lowers which soak alotta water now that they are worn..was looking for a video of these tech 7s drystars ..tyvm for the video..i am set on the tech7s now
Thanks Craig for this great video. I’m going to ride a heavily laden V-strom solo around Australia, overwhelmingly on paved roads. This video has really made me think about the compromises I want to make with my boots on this trip, to try to avoid a broken ankle or foot in the foreseeable event that I drop a heavy bike on my foot in the middle of nowhere. This could seriously injure me and ruin a very expensive trip. I’m gonna try these boots, and if I end up buying a pair, I just need to accept that any side hikes off the bike will probably need a change of footwear. So be it.
For off road riding you need this kind of protection, but if you are on the road most of the time, they may be over kill. Depends on where you will be traveling. Worth trying to see if they will fit your needs.
Hi, thank you for all this no. I run the toucan since 5 years and this week i just decided to upgrade my protection with the Tech 7 enduro boots( no drystar) . Andi m sure i m gonna like this one.... and yes i saw few review about shifting... i m gonna learn how to, no problem.
Ive had tech 7s (not drystar) for 4 years with about 400 hours of enduro riding. They’ve been great and I recommend them. One thing they were always terrible for was waterproofing. They would let water in but not out. I was hoping to know how the drystars compare. Have they been waterproof for you?
I'm really enjoying your highly informative content. Thank you. Here's a potentially tricky question. Had you been wearing your Tech 7's during your spill, do you think that you would not have broken your foot?
@@LivingOffTheSlab - Well ... I've been eying the Tech 7's too. Being highly safety-conscious, I think I'll go with these. Again, great review and thank you!
Do you have a long term review on the Tech 7 Enduro with Drystar? I am curious if they are waterproof and breathable as the Gore-Tex? Are you pretty happy with waterproofness and support? Kam
The waterproofing is good. I have walked through mud puddles with no problem. They do tend to be a little warmer than Goretex, but not bad. I think the trade off is worth the protection.
Sold My toucans ! Had them for a few months. But didint feel protected in THE Woods!. Have leatt 5;5 but getting your feet wet in Cold weather is not an option. So i hope i just need One pair of boots
While these boots are stiff, as any truly protective off road boot will be..................I had some Gaerne SG12's..................and that is a whole nuther level of stiff, and heavier as well. The SG is known as the king hell toughest MX boot made. For ADV and more general dirt riding and even god forbid some walking, the SG is not at all good to walk in. It doesnt really break in, its made to be stiff and it stays that way. Ive got some Tech-7's on the way. I outgrew my old Tech-6 boots that I really liked, sucks to get older and feet grow.
Hi Craig.. excellent video!
I have the same boots.. yes, they do squeak like crazy, and I asked several people what to do about it. Many said to use WD-40, but WD-40 is a solvent, not really a lubricant, and it evaporates after a while. So, another friend said he uses chain wax and liked it. I had some Maxima Chain Wax that I use on my Ducati, so I coated every spot where plastic meets plastic, and even where the fake leather rubs on plastic, and haven’t heard a peep out of them since (over four months ago!)
I imagine I’ll have to give them another coat sooner or later, but chain wax worked great for me!
Thanks for the tip!
Lanolin spray...
Great info, valuable advise. Thank you. I ordered these yesterday!
Am watching this while I'm sitting on my couch with my ankle wrapped after having in crushed between a dr650 and a rock yesterday. Was wearing Forma Adventure Boots, super comfortable and great to walk in but have the protection of a pair of Doc Martens. My researching has led me to these tech 7's and Gaerne SG 12 enduros...Thanks for the review!
Sorry to hear about your injury...I too went with the Tech 7 Enduro. Great book, but squeaky. You will have to learn to shit again and maybe adjust your shift lever
I'm thinking of getting a DR650. How does it do off road and on trails?
@@mjohnson6703 good bike, simple, solid, low tech and easy enough to bush mechanic fix if needed. Shes no light weight though so dont expect nimble handling but with a few rides under your belt, youll be able to keep up with most and torque through the trails with minimal shifting. Just remember its a trail bike NOT an enduro, it CAN do single trail however but takes a bit of effort. The mate i ride with is a better rider than me and has a wr250f. I can stick with him in every type of terrain except the real technical stuff. Im 70kg wet so she can be a pig in the tight stuff for me though. Also I crash all the time so am always picking her up which can be done by a little fella like me but it gets old fast. Conclusion, its the wrong bike for me and im thinking of going back to smaller lighter bike
Glad that you can ride another day. God Bless.
Thank you!
I'm glad I found your videos. Decades of riding (4) and I just bought an awesome Klim Marrakesh in BLACK thanks to your Light vs. Dark video. I also just pulled the trigger on some Tech 7 Drystar to be more supportive than my TCX Desert X for an upcoming ride. We're getting older and have to protect what good bones/ligaments we have left.
Your sizing decision (we're the same) made me feel better about my size choice. Thanks for the review.
Post your first post, I bought the Alpine Stars Tech 7 boot (also migrated from TCX). Your review is spot on and I am VERY pleased with these boots. Your discussion / explanation regarding shifter and shifting is accurate. For my bike, I lowered my foot pegs and learned to place my boot differently to shift. That said, the first ride with the boots was a challenge.. a few hours later ... I loved these boots. Thanks for the recommendation and coaching!
Thank you sir! I look forward to getting out boots even dirtier!
Omg this was a huge help to me thank you shifter was so hard can’t thank you enough 😊
... Thanks for the review!! ...
I have been searching boots for weeks for Dual Sport and ADV.
The Gaenre Fastback and SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex were on the short list.
I ended up deciding on the Alpine Star Tech 7 Enduro Drystar.
They are expensive but I typically try and, "buy one, cry once."
From what I researched:
- It would be the driest of them all. Once I know the fit is correct, I am going to stand in a local stream and test them.
- Offered the most protection.
- 4 buckles that didn't have issues in the testimonials I watched.
- Top is small enough for over the boot pants.
- One year waterproof warranty.
- Weight at 3.9lbs.
- Looks/styling.
I hope they are not too hot for summer but if they are, I'll use moisture wicking socks, etc.
Thanks again,
. Jeff .
My alpinestars tech 7 drystar is ordered 😃
I did the MABDR in these and they actually allowed me to ride longer. Although they are stiff, the support they give lends itself to less stress on my ankle, feet and calf muscles.
Thanks Eric, they are nice boots.
I have had my AlpineStar boots for about 15 years now and put a lot of miles on them. Love them as much now as I did when I first got them although I should replace some of the velcro. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
JUst purchased the 2022 boots, and i think they amended some of the points you were talking about. Thanks for the video. You look fit and healthy BTW.
Thanks, I try. Glad to hear the boots have been updated.
Funny thing i have tcx boots i love them but they have very little side to side support..i have leather upper and lowers which soak alotta water now that they are worn..was looking for a video of these tech 7s drystars ..tyvm for the video..i am set on the tech7s now
Thanks Craig for this great video.
I’m going to ride a heavily laden V-strom solo around Australia, overwhelmingly on paved roads. This video has really made me think about the compromises I want to make with my boots on this trip, to try to avoid a broken ankle or foot in the foreseeable event that I drop a heavy bike on my foot in the middle of nowhere. This could seriously injure me and ruin a very expensive trip.
I’m gonna try these boots, and if I end up buying a pair, I just need to accept that any side hikes off the bike will probably need a change of footwear. So be it.
For off road riding you need this kind of protection, but if you are on the road most of the time, they may be over kill. Depends on where you will be traveling. Worth trying to see if they will fit your needs.
@@LivingOffTheSlab As the general said, “We want to avoid overkill, but not at the risk of underkill.”
Grate review. Really enjoyed to watch it and it was very informative. Will try this boots..
Hi, thank you for all this no. I run the toucan since 5 years and this week i just decided to upgrade my protection with the Tech 7 enduro boots( no drystar) . Andi m sure i m gonna like this one.... and yes i saw few review about shifting... i m gonna learn how to, no problem.
New boot squeakin'.
Thanks for the honest review mate old jimmy Aust
Try leaving the top of the boot a little loose for better ankle movement. I have two pair and love them.
Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for sharing your story. You might of made the decision for me 👍🏼 I’m looking for a good boot to ride on my Tiger 1200.
These are great boots. but remember you are going to have to relearn how to shift with them and you will most likely need to adjust your shift lever.
Excellent review thanks
Thanks very much for a very informative video.
Ive had tech 7s (not drystar) for 4 years with about 400 hours of enduro riding. They’ve been great and I recommend them. One thing they were always terrible for was waterproofing. They would let water in but not out.
I was hoping to know how the drystars compare. Have they been waterproof for you?
So far so good. I have wore them in the rain once and walked through mud and water. Everything stayed dry.
I'm really enjoying your highly informative content. Thank you. Here's a potentially tricky question. Had you been wearing your Tech 7's during your spill, do you think that you would not have broken your foot?
Thanks! Most likely not...still would have hurt the shoulder though.
@@LivingOffTheSlab - Well ... I've been eying the Tech 7's too. Being highly safety-conscious, I think I'll go with these. Again, great review and thank you!
Do you have a long term review on the Tech 7 Enduro with Drystar? I am curious if they are waterproof and breathable as the Gore-Tex? Are you pretty happy with waterproofness and support? Kam
The waterproofing is good. I have walked through mud puddles with no problem. They do tend to be a little warmer than Goretex, but not bad. I think the trade off is worth the protection.
i am wondering about the waterproofing too. did you ever brake the saturation point of the membrane and got wet feet?
How long have you been lifting? I’m 57 and been at it since I was 20.
I started when I was 15 with a few periods of inactivity. Being consistent now that I am not working. Trying to be a gym rat again.
I discovered that TECH 7's sole or insert replacements are impossible to purchase for my size (9)
Sold My toucans ! Had them for a few months. But didint feel protected in THE Woods!. Have leatt 5;5 but getting your feet wet in Cold weather is not an option. So i hope i just need One pair of boots
Staying dry is a must!
I found those had a pinch point on my foot.
Great review.
Glad you enjoyed it!
While these boots are stiff, as any truly protective off road boot will be..................I had some Gaerne SG12's..................and that is a whole nuther level of stiff, and heavier as well. The SG is known as the king hell toughest MX boot made.
For ADV and more general dirt riding and even god forbid some walking, the SG is not at all good to walk in.
It doesnt really break in, its made to be stiff and it stays that way.
Ive got some Tech-7's on the way. I outgrew my old Tech-6 boots that I really liked, sucks to get older and feet grow.
Thanq
Did you consider the Sidi Crossfire 3 TSAs?
I considered a lot of boots, but the Tech 7 Enduro fit all my needs
Awesome
Put chain wax on the pivot. It is the pivot, usually, not the buckles.
DryStar isn't working.
You are far less likely to drop your bike on your foot when riding on pavement at speed, than off road.
Rr
Bought a pair for my career as a thief, will be returning after my jail time.