A pant quandry....
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 278
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From: Lafayette, LA
A pant quandry....
So I have to make a decision. I can either buy a pair of chaps, OR a pair of waterproof pants - money is tight so its an either or thing for now, and I'm trying to decide what would be more important.
I live in S. Louisiana. It doesn't rain much here, and this morning was the first morning I was freezing down my legs in jeans. I do have a pair of waterproof pants, but they are the melts nice and fast on the pipes kind. I already have a decent waterproof jacket. I'm trying to figure out what is the most sensible thing to purchase first, and it'll probably be spring before I can buy the next item I need. I want to ride my bike year round and I'm leaning towards the chaps as being the next priority, but I wanted to check it out with some of you more seasoned riders before I went and made a boo boo.
Advice, opinions and other options are most gratefully accepted....
Cheers
Eva
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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RE: A pant quandry....
I have used my chaps about 200 times for every single use of rain pants. Chaps really make a difference on cold days. If it were me, I'd buy the chaps first, and get an el cheapo pair of rain pants for the days you get caught out in it. You can save up for some decent rain gear at a later date.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
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RE: A pant quandry....
I have a pair of chaps but currently they are hanging in the closet. I bought a pair of leather overpants and have been wearing them instead.....zip on and off just like chaps. They keep the butt and "other" areas much warmer than the chaps. I also treated them with leather conditioner and water proofing. They work great as full protection to cover the dress work pants on the ride to work. I paid about the same amount as I did for my chaps.
Brian
Brian
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lafayette, LA
RE: A pant quandry....
Brian -
Point me in the direction of the overpants - what brand, etc? I'm interested, so far I've been shying away from the idea of pants because they weren't zip on/off with ease, but what you have sounds like just the ticket. Especially if I could wear them over scrubs instead of having to change at work, that would be really useful.
Point me in the direction of the overpants - what brand, etc? I'm interested, so far I've been shying away from the idea of pants because they weren't zip on/off with ease, but what you have sounds like just the ticket. Especially if I could wear them over scrubs instead of having to change at work, that would be really useful.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,573
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From: NH
RE: A pant quandry....
I'd go with chaps any day. Keep you warm on colder days and even in the rain takes the sting out of rain drops. I've worn my chaps I don't know how many times.... I haven't had to wear my rainsuit/pants yet. Plus, I would count on my chaps for a little more protection.... just in case.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 517
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From:
RE: A pant quandry....
Hey scooter.....
I tried a couple different ones before I settled on a pair that was cost effective and fit well. The issue I have is large thighs compared to my waist size so I end up having to get larger than normal sizes. Then I have to worry about the crotch hanging down to my knees. The one thing I hate is when the pants bind when lifting my leg over the tourpak. That's one thing that is nice about chaps......plenty of movement in the crotch area. In any case I tried the Teknic Sturgis Overpants and no matter what size I went with they just didn't fit right. Not to mention they are a bit pricey. I ended up getting a pair from Jamin' Leather and I have to say they are great to buy from. I ordered 2 sizes with the intention of returning the size I didn't keep.....that was no problem. They fit well, look good and seem well made. I still have an issue lifting my leg that high to get it over the tourpak but it can be done, with the Teknic pants it was virtually impossible. Like I said, for the huge hundred dollar difference between the two the Jamin' Leather ones work fine.
Link to the Jamn' Leather Over Pants: Touring Over Pants
Hope this helps,
Brian
I tried a couple different ones before I settled on a pair that was cost effective and fit well. The issue I have is large thighs compared to my waist size so I end up having to get larger than normal sizes. Then I have to worry about the crotch hanging down to my knees. The one thing I hate is when the pants bind when lifting my leg over the tourpak. That's one thing that is nice about chaps......plenty of movement in the crotch area. In any case I tried the Teknic Sturgis Overpants and no matter what size I went with they just didn't fit right. Not to mention they are a bit pricey. I ended up getting a pair from Jamin' Leather and I have to say they are great to buy from. I ordered 2 sizes with the intention of returning the size I didn't keep.....that was no problem. They fit well, look good and seem well made. I still have an issue lifting my leg that high to get it over the tourpak but it can be done, with the Teknic pants it was virtually impossible. Like I said, for the huge hundred dollar difference between the two the Jamin' Leather ones work fine.
Link to the Jamn' Leather Over Pants: Touring Over Pants
Hope this helps,
Brian
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 785
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From: Harford County, Maryland
RE: A pant quandry....
I've always used chaps, but I checked out the site Brian was talking about, and the pants look pretty good for more "coverage" - I've been thinking about changing to pants, but never saw any I liked - I believe I'm going to try the jaminleather Brian mentioned - they look like a good fit, and probably much warmer.
Jim
Jim
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From:
RE: A pant quandry....
I'd buy the chaps. If you put some good leather conditioner on them, they are water resistant. However, they won't help you in a long downpour...
Ryan
Ryan
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 472
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From: Erie, PA
RE: A pant quandry....
This is my first response since introducing myself in July. Being a new rider this summer I haven't felt I have a lot to add, but I just purchased these leather overalls for 79.97 and was pleasantly surprised at the quality. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=80040
Regards
RCL
Regards
RCL
