Calling all people that ride a bicycle to work.
07-31-05, 02:07 AM
#1
Telecommunication
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Fort Payne, AL
Posts: 604
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Calling all people that ride a bicycle to work.
What do you do to prevent getting grease on your pants?
07-31-05, 02:45 AM
#2
No longer in Wimbledon...
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 865
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Black cycling tights. Doesn't stop grease marks so much as make them unnoticeable.
Or shorts, and change into trousers at work.
Or shorts, and change into trousers at work.
07-31-05, 03:25 AM
#3
.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: .
Posts: 3,094
Bikes: .
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's funny, the more you ride a bike the more you develop an instinct for not getting chain "kisses" on your pants or on your bare legs ("fred marks"). You learn somehow, it's not conscious. Now, getting your pants caught in the chain is a different matter, to prevent that you roll them up or use those leg bands.
07-31-05, 07:01 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: South Michigan
Posts: 516
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Langster, 2005 Giant TCR C3, 2006 Bianchi Castro Valley, 2007 Redline Monocog 29er, 2007 Trek 5000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Penny roll the right pant leg to keep it out of the chain. I leave the left one down because I don't wan't anyone thinking I'm some sort of '80 freak who just can't let go of the exquisite fashion statements we made back then.
07-31-05, 08:26 AM
#5
Sweetened with Splenda
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Brooklyn, Alabama
Posts: 2,335
Bikes: Too many 80s roadbikes!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I actually haven't had a chain tattoo in a long time... thoguh I'd like one! (I've been thinking that chain marks might make a nice *real* tattoo - but it's been too long since I've seen any to be certain!)
Make sure to keep your chain clean; use a wax or teflon lube instead of an oily one. Makes a big difference!
-chris
Make sure to keep your chain clean; use a wax or teflon lube instead of an oily one. Makes a big difference!
-chris
07-31-05, 08:45 AM
#6
Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 39
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Usually, I wear shorts and change in the bathroom, but in the winter time when I wear long pants, I use a velcro strap. You can order them from bike catalogs or your bike shop should carry them. Alternatively, you can use a large rubber band or I knew someone who would use duct tape and just throw the tape out after words.
07-31-05, 09:01 AM
#7
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 15,762
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Roll up your pants. Or better yet, get cycling clothes.
I'd use electrical tape vs. duct tape, less residue.
I'd use electrical tape vs. duct tape, less residue.
07-31-05, 09:39 AM
#8
Commuter/Roadie
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Laporte, CO
Posts: 127
Bikes: De Rosa Giro d'Italia, Scott Tampico
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There are a variety of ways to prevent chain marks on your pants, as you can see. To sum up: wear shorts and change; use a rubber band; tight roll your pants like everyone did in the 80s; roll the leg up to your knee; tuck your leg into your sock; use tape of some sort; or get one of those fancy velcro bands from your LBS.
07-31-05, 09:45 AM
#9
POWERCRANK addict
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: North Acton, West London, UK
Posts: 3,783
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
it's impossible with the shape/size of my calves so, assuming a similar problem, you could either
use a dry or wax based chain lube
or
keep your calf area clear of clothing and wipe down/wash at work
edit: just had a check I can keep my calf clear of the chain if I concetrate but it doesn't rub all the time as implied above
use a dry or wax based chain lube
or
keep your calf area clear of clothing and wipe down/wash at work
edit: just had a check I can keep my calf clear of the chain if I concetrate but it doesn't rub all the time as implied above
__________________
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
07-31-05, 10:29 AM
#10
Enthusiasm on Wheels
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 725
Bikes: 1953 Schwinn Debutante, 1971 Hercules 3-speed, 1973 Schwinn Suburban, 1990 Huffy White River, 1990-something Bianchi Advantage, 1996 Trek 800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I roll my pant-legs up to at least knee height, if not higher. Or else wear old shorts or other grubbies while I am riding in and then go change in the restroom.
__________________
Wheeeee!
Wheeeee!
07-31-05, 03:45 PM
#12
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Originally Posted by PaulH
Chainguard.
Paul
Paul
Good grief!
07-31-05, 04:36 PM
#13
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Tightwad
11 responses and only one noted the obvious solution........a simple chain guard.
Good grief!
Good grief!
07-31-05, 08:42 PM
#15
Spandex Disaster
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Hillsville
Posts: 554
Bikes: Scott Contessa CR1 (2006); Kona Dew Deluxe (2005); Roadmaster Little 500 SS (1997); Peugeot UO10 (1980)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wear a skirt! 
08-01-05, 08:59 AM
#16
Rides again
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SW. Sacramento Region, aka, down river
Posts: 3,282
Bikes: Giant OCR T, Trek SC
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Most bikes can't use chainguards now. Easiest, is to put pant legs inside socks.
08-01-05, 09:17 AM
#17
eert a ekil yzarc
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Pasadena TX
Posts: 2,560
Bikes: many bikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Another shorts guy that changes at work (sometimes). I get away with wearing shorts at work, but my coworkers turn the AC down to "Meatlocker" temps. I also found the convertible pants/shorts work well. Just don't pack the khaki sections, when your wearing the green shorts. 
We made? Oh come on and admit, you developed it. Or was it the multi colored Fluorescent imitation wayfarers? 
Originally Posted by patrick07
Penny roll the right pant leg to keep it out of the chain. I leave the left one down because I don't wan't anyone thinking I'm some sort of '80 freak who just can't let go of the exquisite fashion statements we made back then.
08-02-05, 05:08 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
In the UK we have trouser-clips, springy metal/plastic bands which keep your "pants" from flapping around. They are much quicker than elastic bands and look better than rolling up your trousers or tucking them into your socks.
08-02-05, 07:50 AM
#20
45 miles/week
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 2,020
Bikes: Jamis Aurora
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've seen pants clips at the LBS (like MichaelW is talking about).
Never tried 'em though because A) I have a chainring guard (just a plastic ring outside the largest chain ring, not a full chain gaurd, but I've never gotten grease on my leg that I've noticed, and B) I sweat too much to wear long pants when riding. I think I'll be riding to work in the dead of winter with shorts on.
Never tried 'em though because A) I have a chainring guard (just a plastic ring outside the largest chain ring, not a full chain gaurd, but I've never gotten grease on my leg that I've noticed, and B) I sweat too much to wear long pants when riding. I think I'll be riding to work in the dead of winter with shorts on
.
08-02-05, 03:27 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Harvest, AL
Posts: 209
Bikes: Trek 1000C, Raleigh M50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Just a suggestion, but if you want to pose a question to "all people that ride a bicycle to work", I would go the "Commuting" forum. It's a pretty active group.
08-02-05, 04:04 PM
#22
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Originally Posted by HiYoSilver
Most bikes can't use chainguards now. Easiest, is to put pant legs inside socks.
A full guard that encloses the chain and all, the partial guard that covers at least the top 1/2 and
lastly the "bash" ring type that just fits outside the big chain ring. Then there are the few who just
won't take no for an answer and make their own guard.
All this point out that if you really want a chain guard there IS one out there for you.
08-02-05, 04:13 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I use a fancy elastic ankle band. It's reflective.
