Leather pants or chaps?
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 56
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From: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Leather pants or chaps?
I was in Nevada and California looking for a pair of leather pants since I've lost quite a bit of weight, and my FXRG pants look like clown pants. All I was able to find were chaps, or leather pants/jeans with no armor pouches.
Online I found a very nice pair of leathers from Alpinestars for cruising, complete with armor pockets in knees, and hips - although they appear to be discontinued. But it occurred to me that chaps might be a more versatile option. I have a pair of Sartso Killer kevlar pants with armor for cruising around town, and I could put on chaps for added protection on longer trips.
I'd like something that I can wear off my bike as well as on it. I'm also a bit concerned about excessive heat in the summer, as I sweat a lot - although non-perforated leather pants without vents are not exactly cool, either.
Any experience on pants vs chaps from those with more miles than me?
Online I found a very nice pair of leathers from Alpinestars for cruising, complete with armor pockets in knees, and hips - although they appear to be discontinued. But it occurred to me that chaps might be a more versatile option. I have a pair of Sartso Killer kevlar pants with armor for cruising around town, and I could put on chaps for added protection on longer trips.
I'd like something that I can wear off my bike as well as on it. I'm also a bit concerned about excessive heat in the summer, as I sweat a lot - although non-perforated leather pants without vents are not exactly cool, either.
Any experience on pants vs chaps from those with more miles than me?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 5,361
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From: auckland,new zealand
the alpine star pants look pretty good!
i would prefer pants to chaps!
for general riding i just wear jeans, but my bike is used daily to and from work starting out before 5.30 am ,can be pretty cold, and also if the weather turns and it rains the leather will keep me dry (approx 25 min) long enough to get home!!
dont wear the leather pants during the summer months, and never for general puttin around! on a really long ride i probably would though , for weather and safety
i would prefer pants to chaps!
for general riding i just wear jeans, but my bike is used daily to and from work starting out before 5.30 am ,can be pretty cold, and also if the weather turns and it rains the leather will keep me dry (approx 25 min) long enough to get home!!
dont wear the leather pants during the summer months, and never for general puttin around! on a really long ride i probably would though , for weather and safety
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
I don't know what to say.......I've been riding for almost 45 years and never ever worn leather pants or chaps??
Even when it's in the 40's I've never felt a need to wear leather pants or chaps.
I do have rain gear when it rains. Maybe I'm in the minority here?
Even when it's in the 40's I've never felt a need to wear leather pants or chaps.
I do have rain gear when it rains. Maybe I'm in the minority here?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
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From: PA
I like chaps because they're easy to put on & take off as needed. No need to take off your shoes, etc. and they protect really well. Heat in the summer would be an issue, though.
Spoken like a true homophobe...
Walking around in chaps will just draw attention to that 'village people' styling.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
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From: Dayton
Well I feel a bit of a tool for wearing my 'obligatory' leather jacket, but man that thing's nice and warm. Given the option and considering you want to also wear them off the bike, best to go with leather pants. Walking around in chaps will just draw attention to that 'village people' styling.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 44
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From: Phoenixville, PA
Dude, you're asking guys who don't even wear helmets about safety gear. Don't expect many sympathetic responses, not on this forum
Anyway, have you considered mesh or textile overpants? They will be much better in the summer, and you can wear whatever you want underneath, so that you don't look like a doofus once you make it to your destination. That said, I'm still using chaps and just some CE knee pads under my jeans. Still shopping for my summer pants, since road rash is more uncomfortable than some summer heat.
Anyway, have you considered mesh or textile overpants? They will be much better in the summer, and you can wear whatever you want underneath, so that you don't look like a doofus once you make it to your destination. That said, I'm still using chaps and just some CE knee pads under my jeans. Still shopping for my summer pants, since road rash is more uncomfortable than some summer heat.