Riding pants

[Thundurburd]

I am shopping around for new riding pants for this year and would like to get some opinions. I will probably get two different types to account for different riding conditions, hot or cold for example. The only thing I know at this point is I don't want leather.

Beyond that the ads are confusing to me. Some are riding pants, others are overpants. Some are reinforced jeans and some are reinforced with nylon or kevlar. The price range is from $70 to $250. Since I will probably go the mail order route rather than retail I need a pretty good idea what will work out before I buy. Another problem is that I'll need a larger waist size which eliminates a lot of options.

Can jeans be adequately reinforced to be worthwhile? There's a lot of those types available.

For example, are two layers of denim strong enough?

Is nylon a good enough material?

Are their any good mesh pants?

Are some brands more serious about this than others?

So far I like Joe rocket Ballistic 7s or O'Neal Apocalypse pants.

Knee protection in pants is optional since I have already ordered knee guards for use when needed.

Does anyone have recommendations or other experiences that could be helpful? A recent experience with road rash has given me the extra incentive needed to get some more gear and get it fast. BTW I'm a cruiser rider.

Thanks.

[Clint]

It's going to make a difference whether these are for touring, commuting, or cruising. I'd never get "jeans" for touring or commuting because they'd be terrible in the wet.

I prefer built-in armor. I wouldn't want to deal with multiple, seperate pieces. Look for heavy-weight fabric and the amount of ventilation/insulation you prefer. Those are the things that affect price, along with brand.

[Thundurburd]

Thanks for the suggestions Clint.

I'll probably get jeans for the around town cruising where it doesn't matter if I get wet because I'd just go home anyways. I saw one report where a guy did a long slide in "Joe rocket Ballistic 7s" and was very impressed with the results, and that's why they're on my short list. I think they have hip pads which would have been nice a few weeks ago.

I see lots of other jeans advertised but they appear to be reinforced only in the knees and butt area, and with what, another layer of denim. Some have a little kevlar in some areas but I'm not sure how much.

It's the second pair of pants that is more of a question to me. These would be for touring and more "serious" riding, probably with more padding. I don't have much of an idea what to do yet, most cruiser riders around here wear t-shirts and jeans. Retail stores are more into sport bike attire, Harley stores mostly leather.

[kay]

Jeans will rip badly whether they are reinforced or not if there's an accident. Like Clint said, built-in-armour is the best and in my case, I wear leather (yes, all seasons) because leather is the strongest material you can get.

Over pants are good in cold weather tho, as you can wear them over your jeans and then take them off if you are commuting on a bike, for example. But again, not as strong as leather.

[Clint]

I have the Joe Rocket Alter Ego and really like them. The removable strip provides great ventilation. They can be worn as overpants or alone (I've done both extensively). My only gripe is that the hip pads have folded over inside their pockets. I may try to open them and replace the pads.

[wiggiebear]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

I have the Joe Rocket Alter Ego and really like them. The removable strip provides great ventilation. They can be worn as overpants or alone (I've done both extensively). My only gripe is that the hip pads have folded over inside their pockets. I may try to open them and replace the pads.

Ditto on the Alter Ego pants. I really like mine.

I get a little warm in them when the weather gets hot, but that's not really surprising, considering that they're pretty sturdy. The removable strip definitely helps.

Besides, what's riding without a little sweat or occasional shivers?

[Thundurburd]

Thanks Kay, and I'm sure you look good in leather too. (sorry, I couldn't resist)

So, as far as I'm concerned jeans (denim) are out. That's not so say there's not a place for them in riding, but it might be worth a few extra dollars for something more durable if it can help keep you out of a hospital and off an IV.

Joe Rocket impresses me as a good quality brand.

Thanks.

[rogerl]

I bought a pair of Olympia Airglide II pants and I realy like them. They have a waterproof, removable inner liner that is like a seperate pair of pants. I use them to commute to work and I like the idea of the overpants. When I get to work I can easily unzip the zippers on the sides of the legs and they are easily removed. The outer is 500 denier nylon with nylon mesh that breaths pretty good. I bought the silver/grey pants to hope that they are cooler in the summer.

Roger L