Okay, so, first of all let me say yes, I understand that this is the commuting forum and I'm about to say something unrelated to commuting. Or is it? As I posted above, I commute in work clothes. But the point i'd like to make is, I also ride long distancesdis the clothes not made for cycling.

Case in point: a week or two ago I bought a pair of Italian dress pants (think; cheap suit) on eBay for ten bucks plus shipping (so about $15). They are black dacron, which was what I wanted because I am a slob and I will get chain grease and other nastiness on them. They are very thin material, but rather baggy except for the waist, which fits snuggly.. they are just my size

Today I finally tried them out... Cotton briefs and the dacron trousers, wool socks and roomy boots, platform pedals, two wool jerseys and yellow nylon shell, fleece gloves and bar mitts, balaclava and helmet. A hard plastic saddle (no padding, just plastic) Then we rode 148 miles.

The pants are a success. The pedal/boot interface was good, but the boots had insufficient insulation. The gloves were also inadequate, even with chemical hand warmers. It was a good ride, but effin' cold, and I am totally beat now. But the cheap dress trousers worked fine, better than any cycling pants one ended tried. I never wished for other pants.

I'm not recommending everyone do this, but please note, this works for me. If you have cycling bibs or whatever that you love, please ignore me. But if you have any issues with cycling pants, try something else. Think outside the box.

That's all. Carry on!