Those of you who ride in cool/cold weather which do you prefer, Chaps or Riding Pants, and why?
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Those of you who ride in cool/cold weather which do you prefer, Chaps or Riding Pants, and why?
Riding pants for me. I have a pair of Tourmaster Flex and really like them. Takes about a minute to zip off the outer layer and I have mesh for the warm days.
Chaps here also.
That way I can jump on the V-Max and not look too sporty. Besides, I'd look like a stuffed sausage in tight leather:joke::joke:
Lew L
I use chaps here but in colder weather the ryding pants do a much better job as to the warmth. Chaps are more a wind deflector and do a good job keep you a bit warmer than just your blue jeans. The new materials they have now for warming and cooling do much better. So if it is a cold start with warm days go for the chaps as they are easier to put on and take off but if it will be a cold ryde all day get the ryding pants...:thumbup:
I have always used the can am pants with the zippers up the outside of the legs.
Also the below website has great deals on pants and jackets. I purchased 3 pants from them a few weeks ago. 2 leather pants and a 1 caliper pant for this winter. Haven’t used them but they are great quality. Also purchased a jacket. All brand new items for less than $300 total. What a great deal as the leather pants MSRP for 350 each!
https://leadersrpmshop.com/clothing-...eatured&page=1
Riding pants here. I never could see leaving the thing you are most likely to land on unprotected. JMHO
We have chaps from a company called CDI Wing Gear. They are textile, which, paradoxically, I have found warmer in the cold and cooler in the heat, and more waterproof than leather. They are in 2 seperate legs and connect to your pants belt. They are easy to put on and take off - Gloria can put hers on without getting off the passenger seat. They also store smaller than leather, and once a year I waterproof them with the tent waterproofing spray.
Chaps, easy to take off at work. I have a leather pair and a denim with Kevlar knee inserts pair
Pants with long johns underneath.. yes, when it's sunny but in the 40's outside.
I wear Firstgear pants; if really cold, like freezing or below, I add Freeze-Out base layer pair of long johns.
I prefer the Firstgear riding pants with the winter liners when it really gets cold. Have chaps and also a pair of full leather pants. I use both for warmer weather riding--when I want the "biker" feel a little more. Part of my "Vulcan" uniform most of the time. :thumbup:
I like my Klim Goretex pants.
Aerostich AD1 pants. All seasons, all weather, all the time. Chaps manage to not properly protect my jiggly bits, and I like them protected! YMMV.
If it is cold enough for me to wear my chaps, you can bet that I have on my long johns underneath. But if I am going to be in the cold for extended periods of time, I replace the long johns with my freeze out under pants from cycle gear. They deflect the wind better and trap your body heat inside. Because of that, if it is not under 40-45 degrees, they will get too hot.
I also have lined, and unlined chaps. The lined ones are for when it is really cold. The unlined ones are for just when it is a little chilly.
My snowmobile suit and/or ski pants are easier on and off than my chaps, and are a whole lot warmer. Everyone has their own ideas about what to wear, chaps came about more for protection than warmth, and today many wear them becasue they think the are cool. If you are really a rider, a good riding suit is the way to go.
I have chaps for short rides in cool weather and Tourmaster pants for longer rides in colder weather. I agree that chaps are quicker to get into to.
I was thinking about these until I saw the sizing....i need short and wide☹️ https://m.newchic.com/casual-pants-4...SAAEgIolPD_BwE
Thanks for all the input. I think I can now make an informed decision for my needs. Thanks Again
You are kind of asking an apples and oranges question. Are you looking for protection or warmth? Chaps offer very little protection in a crash were riding pants typically have armor in the knees, shins and hips. I started riding again in 2008 and bought a pair of chaps. After a year I moved to riding pants for the protection. I own both a summer and a cool weather set of riding pants.
You dress for the crash.
Riding SUIT(s) here. Been wearing Aerostich since 1990s, did have it repaired (minor) after truck attack in 2006.
Advantages:
- waterproof (don't worry about rain suit, etc)
- HIGHLY abbrasion resistant
- room for layering underneath
I think it's all about choices available. Over my twenty plus years of riding I pretty much have every weight and style of gear for riding. I pick and choose for the mood of the day. The good thing, the stuff hardly ever wears out. Pick wisely my friends. You will have it for a long time. :yes:
When cold enough not just cool I like my flannel lined jeans. If it's wet & cold then the chaps too, just for the spray off tires, I can leave chaps with the bike when I reach destination.