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I am considering wearing pants now because wearing tights to school is not really class appropriate attire. I've never worn pants on a bike before but have heard they get in the way of the cranks and chainrings. Is this only the baggy pants? I have some nike running pants, windbreaker material, and wondering if that would work. I would prefer not wearing those reflective leg ties if I can help it.
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The key is to "peg" them.
plan a: go to staples, get a box of 10 "binder clips". $5. Fold your right pants leg at the angle, and clip from the bottom.
plan b: Get a reflective velcro ankle band at your LBS. $5. Wrap around your pants at the ankle and go dorkily on your way.
plan c: do nothing, and watch pants be eaten by sprocket, usually while climbing some nasty hill.
Edit: Make that a box of 144 Binder Clips (http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=0&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=15983&cmArea=SEARCH) for $5.58
plan d: (caution: fasion backward solution) tuck right pant leg inside sock. When you get to class, un-tuck.
wait... you've never worn pants on a bike before??? You must have gotten some strange looks when you were a kid...
I use these (http://cableorganizer.com/wire-wrap/) for everything. Including tying my pants out of the way. You can buy a whole roll of them at Lowes for $3.
wait... you've never worn pants on a bike before??? You must have gotten some strange looks when you were a kid...
I've only been cycling seriously for about 3 months.
wow looks like there's really no way out of getting the dorky "peg" on the pants huh? lol
How about the cycling specific pants? do you have to clip the ones that seem to taper at the leg without risking getting them eaten up?
Roll up the legs. I say legs because if you only roll one, the other leg will eventually look a lot more worn on the bottom cuff. Get some tall, warm socks for the cold.
Polycotton hiking pants are good for cycling. Get a model with less flappy material.
You can secure the bottom using trouser clips (http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/cgi-bin/quikstore.pl?category=Trouser_Clips&and=1):
I commute almost 30 miles a day in stretchy polyester track pants that have an elastic cuff. I buy the "small" size, for about $6/pair at "Factory-2-U," even though my waist size would normally dictate a medium or large. So they fit a bit snug, but they're not at all uncomfortable. They've never even come close to getting tangled with my chain.
plan d: (caution: fasion backward solution) tuck right pant leg inside sock. When you get to class, un-tuck.
Jeans really work well i the cold. When I ride with jeans, I do this...as I ride the last block or so before arriving, I give the pant leg a yank (while pedaling) and arrive non-geek style.
I use these (http://cableorganizer.com/wire-wrap/) for everything. Including tying my pants out of the way. You can buy a whole roll of them at Lowes for $3.
+1 for the cable ties. Or a large rubber band. Pull it off before you get to class and look less dorky.
Or rock shants and long wool socks ala hipster style. No one will mess with your coolness.
Not trying to be a jerk, but what kind of school do you go to where fashion plays an important role? I understand not trying to stick out,but like myself you already ride a bike to school. I figure it is a free pass to dorkdum and therefore roll with the one rolled pant leg all day. On my bike or in class. Wear my cleats some of the time aswell. My helmet is clipped to my Timbuk and I've sat through lectures full commuting dress.
Perhaps this may very well be the reason I am single.................
Craig
I wear wind pants. Yeah the bottom of the right leg is now stained but so what? The only damage to the pants are from when I have encountered black ice.
Jeans really work well i the cold.
I used to ride in jeans the whole time but they soak up water and take hours to dry. They also have really thick seams which are probably more of a problem as you get older, I never noticed when I was young. They are OK for cold, dry, short rides but not recomended.
"C'mon already! Just cuff 'em up and go!!"
--my stepson Jerry
I used to ride in jeans the whole time but they soak up water and take hours to dry. They also have really thick seams which are probably more of a problem as you get older, I never noticed when I was young. They are OK for cold, dry, short rides but not recomended.
Well in comparing a really old pair with a new pair. The new pair's seams are thicker (where you'd least want thickness). So I and trimmed the seams back in the legs and crotch (but not to close).
A chainguard is the first line of defence. Depending on the bike you have, this could range from a ring that bolts on top of the big chainring, to a plastic top guard bolt-on, to a full chaincase (Dutch style bike).
With a typical front chainring (no guard), I find that wide leg openings (flared, etc.) are easier to tuck and roll that straight or tapered pants. You might also find hiking pants (or similar style) that have adjustable openings, like a strap and multiple snap or button positions. Finally, check LLBean or Nashbar for loose fit "tights" like these (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=sugoi-espresso-tights&categoryId=35661&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=4720&cat4=1022&shop_method=pp&feat=4720-tn).
(edited by cooker)I use http://cableorganizer.com/images/riptie-wrap/lt1.jpg[these] for everything. Including tying my pants out of the way. You can buy a whole roll of them at Lowes for $3.
Takes too long to feed the end through the slot.
Just roll your pant legs up? Thats what I'd do when I used to ride to class.
I'm working now and my commute is longer. I always wear long cutoff cargo shorts on my bike, year round. In the summer I just wear them over undies or a chamois, in the winter I wear them over tights or winter cycling pants that taper down the calf. Its really functional, as I can't deal with the no pockets of my tights or single pocket of my winter pants (think of it as a utility vest for your crotch). Plus if I wash out, the road is going to eat my cargo shorts rather than my expensive bike pants.
I think it looks cool, in that 'I'm alternative and don't care how I look' kind of way. I think chicks dig it, shows your tough and confident
Reflective dork band for me.
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/NA-AB.gif
Two of them, actually, because I can't stand to be assymetrical. You can buy them at the LBS (big jar of them on the counter at City Bike Works last time I noticed), or online (look under "safety products" at Nashbar).
I've also used binder clips, electrical tape, and zipties. These work too.
Here's a better option than jeans. Jeans can be warm if it's very dry but the minute thay get damp or wet they are the worst things going.
This inexpensive solution might work for you: 100% polyester stretch jeans from Wrangler.
http://www.denimexpress.com/wrangler-wrancher-jeans.html
Then you can carry a lightweight rain pant in your pack in case of heavy rain
Here's a better option than jeans. Jeans can be warm if it's very dry but the minute thay get damp or wet they are the worst things going.
This inexpensive solution might work for you: 100% polyester stretch jeans from Wrangler.
http://www.denimexpress.com/wrangler-wrancher-jeans.html
Then you can carry a lightweight rain pant in your pack in case of heavy rain
Those are what the old dude cowboys in my hometown used to wear. I'm glad to see that they're still available (even if the old dude cowboys probably are not....).
plan b: Get a reflective velcro ankle band at your LBS. $5. Wrap around your pants at the ankle and go dorkily on your way.
Are these considered Dorky?? ****, no wonder I never see anyone else using them!
Yes, they are dorky. But they are 8 million times less dorky than showing up for work with your right pant cuff a shredded, greasy mess.
Yes, they are dorky. But they are 8 million times less dorky than showing up for work with your right pant cuff a shredded, greasy mess.
I show up to work with pants that are a shredded greasy mess. Then I change into my slacks.
These are on my Christmas list...
http://www.railriders.com/store/RailRiders___Men_s___PantsXTP2?Args=
Edit: Ok I just bought a pair to give em a try.
Ya,
I call those Wrangler Polyester jeans grandpa jeans. But hey, with all the retro stuff that people are wearing nowdays they don't seem so bad. They look comfortable. Cowboy Angel Flights. :D
I just ordered three pair. One I will make into shorts to wear under my shell pants. The others I will keep long to see what kind of winter pants they are. Probably not as warm as cotton jeans but they should be much more breathable and easy to dry out.
Check out this picture of the navy blue poly jeans. They don't look half bad. And hey, you can order them in black which will hide nearly any styling uncoolness. The boot cut should be OK for biking as they are not so baggie at the bottom but could be altered a bit for a narrower cut. This goes to show that if you are in shape and your clothes fit you can look good in anything. Well, almost.
"Sometimes when you are a man, you wear stretchy pants". Nacho Libre
change when you get there wear your bike clothes and then change when you get to school,
people at my work give me a hard time about bike clothes just dont listen to them, they will rib you about it but soon it will stop,
I can wear any pants and cinch them with a simple bungee cord. the bungee is about 7-8 inches long and about 1/4 of the diameter of a pencil. Simply hook ends together and you're ready to roll. Use one on each leg for a symetrical look. I found these years ago at a True Value Hardware. You probably have to look around to find them now.
Yes, they are dorky. But they are 8 million times less dorky than showing up for work with your right pant cuff a shredded, greasy mess.
caloso wins for best post, and NOTHING in the world is geekier than those stretch jeans. I am willing to do a lot for the sake of logic and praticality, but I would club baby seals before I wore those things :)
The best thing to do is to use a reflective ankle band.
In a pinch, tuck your pants legs into your sock. Yes, it is the ultimate dork thing to do, but if you don't, your pants are almost sure to get snagged on the crank sprocket and tear/oil/ruin your pants cuff AND pull your leg off the pedal. If you are clipped in to the pedals, then it REALLY sucks.
alright i wore pants for the first time with cuffs and i am never wearing pants to bike again. I had a pair of breathable lightweight shell running pants that i cuffed with a reflector band. wasn't a prob until I hit the 18% grade climb for one-mile to my school. holy crap my legs were drenched with sweat and it was 40 degrees F. I ride pretty hard and it was uncomfortable. I think i'm just going to wear underarmour leggings or leg warmers under shorts from now on (might look dorky but i don't care). i say shorts because i like the extra pockets and i can clip my ipod to my belt lol
A pair of breathable polyester grampa jeans may be the answer. A lot of the nylon shell pants are not breathable enough for heavy work. What might really work good is some winter mountaineering pants like the Winter wonderland if you want to spend 100 USD for some pants. Or some Tokyo tights.
IF it's only around 35-40 degrees and not too far to school you would be better off with highly breathable pants.
I wear the MEC Samuri Pant for commuting when it's cooler out. Generall I'm a short whenever I can person too....
http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/CyclingClothing/5006459_v1_m56577569830552927.jpg
Now that it's colder out I wear a pair of North Face 3 layer Goretex Mountain Light Pants. I love them!
alright i wore pants for the first time with cuffs and i am never wearing pants to bike again. I had a pair of breathable lightweight shell running pants that i cuffed with a reflector band. wasn't a prob until I hit the 18% grade climb for one-mile to my school. holy crap my legs were drenched with sweat and it was 40 degrees F. I ride pretty hard and it was uncomfortable. I think i'm just going to wear underarmour leggings or leg warmers under shorts from now on (might look dorky but i don't care). i say shorts because i like the extra pockets and i can clip my ipod to my belt lol
I think your shell pants just aren't breathable enough. You'd have to fork out $$$ for the most breathable ones but maybe it's better to just look dorky.
I'd second the suggestion of mountaineering pants. These are designed for cold weather, lots of leg movement, breathability and durability (I never feel sweaty when wearing them, and I've had a couple of falls that would have ripped the knees of ordinary pants, but the abrasion-resistant double-layered knees are still unscuffed). I did, however, have to pay $100 for them.
http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/media/720551.jpg
I cycle in the winter with cheapo nylon pants and gaters. The gaters really help keep your feet warm, plus it keeps any splash out of your socks. If you're commuting, a colored pair can add a little "flash" to help you get noticed.
In any case, I use those gaters all the time during the winter. They're good things to have.
h2o polo boi,
Your moniker says northern California but depending on how close you are to the coast will effect what you need. I imagine near the coast it's going to be warmer and wetter during the winter. If your inland near the sierras you are going to need pants for colder temperatures.
I cycle in the winter with cheapo nylon pants and gaters. The gaters really help keep your feet warm, plus it keeps any splash out of your socks. If you're commuting, a colored pair can add a little "flash" to help you get noticed.
In any case, I use those gaters all the time during the winter. They're good things to have.
Good recommendation. I have used my OR gaiters a few times too, however my TNF 3 layer Gore pants stay down pretty good. If I know I'll be slogging in deep snow I'll use the gaiters
http://www.benchmarkoutfitter.com/store_image/product/large/5021.jpg
i wear amphib tights with Chrome Shins knickers over them. doesnt look too weird i dont thing.
Reflective bands never seem to work for me; they slide down too easily. However, wide rubber bands work well and are usually freely given by our mailman (or previously by our mailwoman).
I have reflective velcro bands and lately I just wish they were elastic, as well. This way they could slide up a bit as I ride into a more "natural" position. When I have a few layers of pants they can feel tight and affect my pedaling a lot, it's the pits. But for only one layer of pants I don't remember having a problem, it's just been since I am wearing long underwear + pants + shell pants that they are a problem.
HOWEVER! There is one thing re: dorkiness that nobody has yet warned you of. No matter what plans you have to remain un-dorky you will eventually forget it and spend half a day with your pant leg tucked into your sock.
Are these considered Dorky?? ****, no wonder I never see anyone else using them!
I use them all the time. Then again, I am dorky...
I typically use pants that I bought for running. Not tight like tights, but tapered and fit so that they don't catch too much wind, or the chain. Something like these:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/ASW467/
I don't think anyone else has said it yet, so I will.
One leg at a time. :D
I typically use pants that I bought for running. Not tight like tights, but tapered and fit so that they don't catch too much wind, or the chain. Something like these:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/ASW467/
Those look like exactly what I've been looking for for commuting. Loose enough to not scream "spandex", yet fitted ankles to not catch the cogs. And simple, plain, discrete black, without racing stripes or other attention getters.
They only list size XL. Are those one size fits all, or are they just out of stock on other sizes?
Anyone know?
Whole bunch of this kind of track pants here. (http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8000&crumb=Men%27s+Fitness+Clothing%5E%26link%3D1%26query%3D*%26title%3DMen%2527s%2BFitness%2BClothing%26 cat%3D4500260%7EPants+and+Tights%5E%26cat%3D4501403&link=1&query=*&title=Men%27s+Fitness+Clothing&cat=4501403&vcat=REI_SSHP_MENS_CLOTHING_TOC:N)
Personally I have a pair of jeans that I always bike in. Here's the trick, though : This particular pair flares out towards the bottom. I use a bobby pin to keep the jeans away from my chain, and because there's so much extra cloth there, it folds and wrinkles in such a way that you can't tell. It looks completely normal unless you look closely. Plus, since I'm lazy, I don't even take the pin out when washing. It's been several months & it hasn't torn yet. On the other hand, it's true about jeans & water... If it rains I'm in for a lousy ride. *shrug* It's not so bad that I can't deal with it once in a blue moon.
Kill multiple birds with the stone, pin your pant legs back with one of these
http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/400/40_1343.jpg
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15324&subcategory_ID=4323##
I use a variety of techniques. Pinning the pant legs back is the simplest.
Chain guard?
A chainguard is the first line of defence. Depending on the bike you have, this could range from a ring that bolts on top of the big chainring, to a plastic top guard bolt-on, to a full chaincase (Dutch style bike).
I spent countless hours on the net searching for an online retailer of chain guards: in Canada, then North America, then even UK. I don't mean the plastic circle that goes over your chain ring, but a real guard that covers your chain (for a single speed bike). I failed miserably, can you point me in the right direction?
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