I'm looking for a lightweight, thin overpant for wearing over my dress slacks when I ride to work. I just want something that will simply cover for the purpose of keeping the pants clean from road grime, and keep my legs covered. What I have been able to touch (at a Cycle Gear) was very heavy. I've read several posts with different recommendations, but cannot easily put my hands on the various brands of pants. Specific opinions on the lightweight piece would be appreciated.

 

The overpants I’ve seen all seem to be made for warmth and/or abrasion resistance and would be heavy.

You might want to consider inexpensive rain pants. I say in expensive because they are likely to be thinner and lighter- just have to be a little more careful if they don’t have heat resistant coating on the inseam to protect from pipes.

 

Have a look at Aerostitch Darien Light or AD! pants. Not cheap but light and high quality.

If you want cheap look at Frogg Togg pants.

 

You need a pair that have a breathable membrane built in. That narrows it down to Gor-tex and other brands like Outdoor Research, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, etc. I have a pair of Gor-tex pants and a Woolrich jacket that both have a breathable membranes and they are not nearly as hot as other rain gear without it and they are a lot lighter. I'm sure there are other jacket that have the same feature but mine has an inner sleeve that your 4 fingers fit through a hole and your thumb fits through another hole so that your sleeves can't ride up letting water in. I've had this set of rain gear for about 10 years now and can still ride in comfort and stay dry.

 

I have First Gear mesh pants hat I use for that purpose. Mine are old, so no point mentioning model type. Search out First Gear mesh and get ones that have full side zippers. Check the usual sources like Motorcycle Superstore, etc for closeouts. You should be able to easily find some for around $150.

 

+1 on moderately protective mesh pants and/or jumpsuit.
If protection is not what you seek (you should) a pair of cotton "bibber" overalls from Carhardt, Walls or the like are easy on and easy off. Depending on the weight you select, some abrasion protection may be provided as well. Just upsize to go over everything and because they don;t use a belt or waistband are very comfortable over pants.

 

What about simple scrubs, like worn in the medical profession? Cheap option.

 

First Gear.

 

Wade fishing pants would work well. And can be found cheap

 

If you are going to want overpants then you are going to need a place to store them so why not just wear a pair of riding pants and bring your dress slacks with you? Change when you get to work. You probably change your shoes also, right?