Chaps vs. Leather Pants
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 684
Likes: 9
From: Indian Head, PA
I have chaps as well as ski/snowboarding pants. I find that for commuting to work, the chaps work the best for me. They go on and off over my work cargos and boots without having to remove the boots or sit down and they keep me warm enough down into the 40's for those chilly mornings. The overpants are just enough of a PITA that it would mean screw it, I'll take the cage!
Funny you should mention that... I am 6'6" and my g/f says she likes my buns...
unless you are6`6 and have a good bun
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: LaVale, Maryland
Any here bought from the leather discounters?
Leatherup, Jafrum, Jamminleather, etc.
Would like to try on some from Fox Creek if I am ever close
Any good or bad comments on leather overpants from any of the above or other companies
Leatherup, Jafrum, Jamminleather, etc.
Would like to try on some from Fox Creek if I am ever close
Any good or bad comments on leather overpants from any of the above or other companies
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
If you are afraid to wear chaps do to homophobia (yours or some anonymous forum members) don't get leather pants.
I spent $50 on a pair of inexpensive chaps. They work fine for my hour commute when the temps is around 40 deg or so, I am warm and comfortable. Leather pants would probably be fine as well. I don't have any so I can't say if they would be better or worse.
A few guys I work with wear the full one piece suits. They like them. One good thing is that they also function as a rain suit. Again, I've never had one so I couldn't say.
Biggest difference in all of the options is probably personal preference under a variety of conditions.
I spent $50 on a pair of inexpensive chaps. They work fine for my hour commute when the temps is around 40 deg or so, I am warm and comfortable. Leather pants would probably be fine as well. I don't have any so I can't say if they would be better or worse.
A few guys I work with wear the full one piece suits. They like them. One good thing is that they also function as a rain suit. Again, I've never had one so I couldn't say.
Biggest difference in all of the options is probably personal preference under a variety of conditions.
I have a pair of leather H-D "jean" style pants that I bought when I first started riding in Japan over 25 years ago. They kept me plenty warm down into the 30's up around Mt Fuji with snow on the side of the road. I still have them but hanger shrink took over. Hopefully I can wear them again. The only downside was like someone mentioned when it warms up during the ride. I now have chaps (summer weight and winter weight). Bought the heavy ones online when I was still a fat ***. Lost 30 lbs and instead of a permanent alteration, had the leather lady put a second zipper down the legs just in case.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 833
Likes: 221
From: Bridgeport, CT
Chaps are good for the ease of storage on the bike and quickly taking them on or off. That's it IMO. They look ridiculous and offer minimal protection against wind or abrasion. Leather pants are better but hard to store and lousy in the rain. Textile's great for cold weather and offers protection against rain and abrasion. The textiles are awful when it's hot though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
40 degrees? Oh I thought you guys meant when it got cold.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
Chaps are good for the ease of storage on the bike and quickly taking them on or off. That's it IMO. They look ridiculous and offer minimal protection against wind or abrasion. Leather pants are better but hard to store and lousy in the rain. Textile's great for cold weather and offers protection against rain and abrasion. The textiles are awful when it's hot though.
