I agree that denim isn't the best material for cycling, however, I love denim because it looks awesome. Sure, I'm not going to wear them when I decide to go on a long bike ride just for fun, but if I'm going to class, to meet friends, etc, I don't want to show up wearing lycra or cycling knickers, because they look silly. Despite how my philosophies about bikes tend to be more practical minded (i.e. use a brake, drops with hoods, clipless, etc), I still like to look nice when I'm out doing things. So if these can let me show up for class when it's raining out and still be dry/not look like a tool in rain gear, then I'm in.