I thought shants were more or less a hipster affectation until i made myself some after destroying some regular pants by getting them caught in my chain. Now I see the point and like em a lot! They keep your knees warm like pants, stay out of the chain without sketchy undependable rolling that unrolls at the worst time, and they aren't as funny looking as tights. Mine are a very light cotton that gets wet fast but dries really fast too. I'll stick with lycra on long rides but im loving the short pants for riding around town.