How to keep my pants out of my chain?

[Slb3]

I though this may be an appropriate place to post this, since most ride to work here. I am starting a new job next week and I have decided to commute via my road bike most days. Its only a few minute ride so I'm not going to get kitted up to ride five blocks. Can anyone recommend something that will keep my pants leg out of my chain? I know of the velcro bands, etc. Is there any other options? Thanks in advance.

[LesterOfPuppets]

There are also metal clips.

I often do this.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2001590_pinch-roll-jeans.html

Some folks jam their pants into their socks for the trip in.

[zeppinger]

It its warmish outside then I just roll up my pant legs. Feels good while riding as an added bonus. If its cold outside then I fold my pant leg so it wraps tight around my angle and then place (not jam) it into my sock. This way, when I take it out it wont be wrinkled. If I am wearing sandals and dont have socks on then that means its warm enough that I can roll my pants up.

I dont like the velcro straps because I am always losing them. Sometimes I do use them though, the reflective kind for extra visibility at night.

[Artkansas]

Rubber bands work.

Or you could do this.

[tony_merlino]

A rubber band works for me. I also like the sock idea.

[Jaywalk3r]

I often do this.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2001590_pinch-roll-jeans.html

+1

Usually I do nothing at all, but if I'm wearing especially nice or expensive pants, I use a pinch roll. Most times, however, I rely on a combination of wax chain lube (doesn't stain clothing) and freewheel technology (on the rare occasion my pants get caught in the chain it is a minor inconvenience, not a major safety issue).

[ThermionicScott]

Tuck the inner side into your sock. If you do it right it won't be very conspicuous.

[chasm54]

Trouser clips.

[Snowman219]

There are also metal clips.

I often do this.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2001590_pinch-roll-jeans.html

Some folks jam their pants into their socks for the trip in.

Ow.

[Mithrandir]

I was using a metal binder clip to bunch up the excess bagginess, but I just bought this and am going to try it out today: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GD5FLU

[Mauriceloridans]

Black elastic strap sewn to just fit ankle over sock. Works like rubber band but inconspicuous all day over sock. Ready when time to roll. Just put it on every morning when you put on sock.

[Hippiebrian]

I just use those velcor straps. They are usually found in a big jar or something at most lbs's for a buck or two.

[Slb3]

[URL="http://www.ehow.com/how_2001590_pinch-roll-jeans.html"]http://www.ehow.com/how_2001590_pinch-roll-

Haha! The 80's. Thanks. I think I'll just use the old velcro straps, or just pull my sock over the pant leg. I had seen a 'pant leg protector' that went over bottom portion of your leg but I think that is a bit more then I need for my commute. Thanks for the all the suggestions.

[Ekdog]

I've been using the tried-and-true metal clips for decades. I keep one on the handlebars of each of my bikes and a few more in the garage.

[dcrowell]

I fold my pant leg around tight, then put a small bungie cord around it. If I forget the bungie, I'll pull my sock over the pants.

I do have some of my slacks with grease stains from when I forgot. Oops.

[Roody]

My impulsive son, whom I respect a lot, summed it up for me. One night, a few of us were getting ready for a late night pancake run. Everybody was fussing around with pants clips and velcro bands and so forth. My son finally blurted out, "C'mon eveybody! Just cuff 'em up and go!"

[Mithrandir]

I was using a metal binder clip to bunch up the excess bagginess, but I just bought this and am going to try it out today: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GD5FLU

Ok I just used it on my morning commute. First impression: it's too small! But then again, I'm a pretty big guy. However I was able to get it buckled (just barely) with no issues, and it did keep my bulky sweatpants out of my chainring. So, it works, and it wasn't uncomfortable. And it's got a reflective strip. I'll continue using it.

[echo]

I save and use those large, wide rubber bands my local supermarket uses on produce, they last quit awhile and when you run low on em you know it's time to eat more veggies.

[Artkansas]

I use the reflectorized velcro bands. They are so comfortable that I often forget they are on and wear them the whole day.

[Spudd]

I have a reflective band that springs back into a circle. I think they call it a slap wrap. I just put it around my pants and I'm off to the races. It's easier to put on than a velcro strap.
It's something like this:
http://www.high-reflective-material....mband-252.html

[DX-MAN]

Walfart sells tiedown straps made from elastic, with a plastic ball on the end, 4 for $2-3. They can be used as is, or (like I did), bust off the ball, shorten it by tying a knot where you need to, and looping it over your foot, onto your ankle. Just snug enough to keep the pants from slipping....

The slap-bands for wrists are coming back, some are stiff enough to work; the above-named retail purgatory also sells slap-bands specifically for this purpose.

[gerv]

[Artkansas]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned using lengths of old inner tube and tying a knot.

[FrenchFit]

My tip: Quiksilver and similar watch bands are velco, one size fits all. They are perfect for pants cuffs, waterproof, and they make a decent wrist band if you don't wear a watch. Perfect solution yo, though checking the time while you are riding is a little ackward.

[echo]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned using lengths of old inner tube and tying a knot.

I've done this but the inner tubes I had weren't stretchy enough, probably just lost their stretchy-ness.