As of right now I've gone for the more "expensive" route, but I feel it's worth it... I try to buy all the stuff on sale when I can and more time than not I'm able to find a coupon code or something floating around online.

The difference between some of the more expensive brands is the technology used and the cut of the clothing. There's a surge of cycling centric clothing companies within the last few years who actually care about the cut of the clothing and how things fit so you can wear it on or off the bike.

Rapha Softshell Trousers
Rapha 3/4 Shorts
Outlier 3 Way shorts
Outlier Keirin Cut

So far, this season I have worn nothing but, Rapha Softshell trousers, and the Outlier Keirin Cut. Both in the rain, both at work, both off the bike to go out etc. Aside from a few days that I feel like I want to wear my denim I pretty much live in these pants.

Pricey? Yes I'd say so, but after having it, feeling it, using it, and seeing the results I'm extremely happy I took the plunge. Rapha and Outlier both provide a no questions asked return policy. I could pretty much email both of them right now, request my money back, ship them the pants, and get my money back + shipping costs. However, the fact I'm not even considering that option says a lot.