Chaps
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 34
From: Ca
RE: Chaps
ORIGINAL: cmhfguy
Anyone who thinks chaps will protect you when you go down is dreaming. They will separate at the zippers or snaps and you will have zero protection.
I used to wear chaps when it was cold out as they do a good job of blocking the wind. However, now I wear textile pants with armour at key locations. I can wear the pants without jeans underneath even on a 35 degree day. (Haven't tried them when colder yet) They cut the wind nicely, and have a zip in waterproof liner for when it rains. My jacket is also textile with armour and a zip in waterproof liner for when needed. Both items are Joe Rocket products.
Both the pants and jacket have zip out sections that reveal mesh in areas that don't need protection for ventilation on hot days. Perfect.
Yah, I know it isn't "leather". I am more interested in function than looks.
Anyone who thinks chaps will protect you when you go down is dreaming. They will separate at the zippers or snaps and you will have zero protection.
I used to wear chaps when it was cold out as they do a good job of blocking the wind. However, now I wear textile pants with armour at key locations. I can wear the pants without jeans underneath even on a 35 degree day. (Haven't tried them when colder yet) They cut the wind nicely, and have a zip in waterproof liner for when it rains. My jacket is also textile with armour and a zip in waterproof liner for when needed. Both items are Joe Rocket products.
Both the pants and jacket have zip out sections that reveal mesh in areas that don't need protection for ventilation on hot days. Perfect.
Yah, I know it isn't "leather". I am more interested in function than looks.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 56
From: California
RE: Chaps
I have the HD chaps that i had to get on a trips through Oregon last summer, was freezing! Stopped at a dealership and picked some up. They have the expandable inner thigh part for ease of movement. i Like how easy they on and off. Once you get used to them (couple of times putting on/off) they are a snap.
I wear them when it is cold and also like the added protection,though my *** would still have road rash; but I wear the kevlar jeans under them, and use the jeans without chaps in the summer. I use a mesh jacket with them when hot out. I have a pair of jeans called Sliders, but would get the Draggin if doing it again, as they are US made and lighter in color.
I also wear a full face helmet.
I wear them when it is cold and also like the added protection,though my *** would still have road rash; but I wear the kevlar jeans under them, and use the jeans without chaps in the summer. I use a mesh jacket with them when hot out. I have a pair of jeans called Sliders, but would get the Draggin if doing it again, as they are US made and lighter in color.
I also wear a full face helmet.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 0
From: Tri-Cities, Washington
RE: Chaps
I wear chaps almost all the time. Helps when it's cold or wet, and what very few have mentioned so far is how they also shield you from heat from the motor in heavy (slow) traffic. A short trip when it's warm out - sure, skip em', but for any planned longer distance, they're standard. I feel more durable in them. **** on the village people.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 522
Likes: 1
From: Work and ride in sunny San Diego
RE: Chaps
If all you are interested in is protection from the wind and weather, ski pants are actually a better choice as they go on and off easier, are washable, and cost a heck of a lot less than chaps, not to menttion that chaps don't protect your tenderest area during rain or hail. If all you do is recreational riding, picking and choosing what days are good enough to ride in, then chaps might work, but if your bike is your daily ride, something that covers the entire bottom half of the body is a better choice. I arrived at work witha wet crotch just once before I decided against chaps.
Having said that, nylon doesn't do jack if you go down, but neither does a skid lid.
Just my .02
Having said that, nylon doesn't do jack if you go down, but neither does a skid lid.
Just my .02
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
RE: Chaps
Well I figured if I ever went down, I wouldprobably be sliding on my azz, so chaps didn't make sense to me. Also for cold weather, they don't provide any warmth for the "twins". So I went the over-pants. They are easy on and easy off (If I am off the bike for awhile I don't walk around in them). The ones linked to below are lined. I wanted a pair of leather bib overalls, but the ones they had did nothave zippers up the legs, so I settled on these over-pants. (they did say they were going to get the overalls with the zippers up the legs, but I haven't been back to check) I sure do like the wife's chaps however
http://www.bransonwholesale.com/leatherpants.html
[IMG]local://upfiles/35296/25FA513822ED4C7B98303F7400156662.jpg[/IMG]
http://www.bransonwholesale.com/leatherpants.html
[IMG]local://upfiles/35296/25FA513822ED4C7B98303F7400156662.jpg[/IMG]
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
