rat_factory

okay so its geeky i know, but i usually tuck the inner of my pant leg into my socks when commuting. i also have to re-do this about every stop light as it comes out. the other day i had to sprint out of a stop because someone ran straight through the stop perpendicular to me and i was about to become commuterburger . The guy in his 4x4 white truck was oblivious i was even there of course, but I realized i ripped the cuff of my jeans doing that. I've never really had a problem with this before, so how do you guys deal with chainrings and jeans?

ken cummings

Rubber bands is one way. Another is to keep the chain and gears clean so marks are not left. Get a chain guard, something rarely seen on high end bikes.

PaulH

Partial chaincase/chainguard.

paul

dynaryder

https://www.bicycleclothing.com/Legbands.html

Works like a charm.

Vatn

Snap reflectors are nice, and help keeping you visible, too.

GTcommuter

I'm heading to the LSBes this afternoon to track down a bashguard or chaincase or something. I peeved about a grease mark on my work pants from lunch today. Luckily I don't have a high-end bike.

Otherwise I roll up my pants legs messenger style or use a reflective velcro leg band.

marqueemoon

I roll both legs up to just below the knee. Problem solved.

WhiteRabbit

Rubber bands work, but can cut off blood flow if they are too tight. Your LBS probably sells some reflective strips that velcro closed designed to hold your pant leg out of the way.

sathomasga

REI sells velcro ankle straps in multiple colors for $3 each. They're reflective, and the advertised purpose is increased visibility. The velcro area is substantial, though, and they work well for battening down pants legs.

Wil Davis

Velcro™ straps are what I use on those rare occasions when I wear long pants on the bike. Although a true OCP would use a pair of these:

PurpleK

Okay, I use those. So now I just gotta know what an OCP.

ItsJustMe

Alfred E. Bike (aebike.com) has leg clips. I used them all through college; they're the way to go.

caloso

Reflective dork bands. My LBS stocks them in a jar on the counter.

rks1157

New guy here - I used to use the velcro bands but for whatever reason they'd pop off at the most inopportune time.. I'm a sock stuffer now

As You Like It

I mostly either tuck 'em in my socks/boots or roll 'em up, depending on the weather and the pants. I have some that are really slim cut that I don't have to worry about getting into the chain or pedals.

If I am riding my bike with the chainguard, I might not do anything with my pants legs at all, unless they are really baggy.

jyossarian

I just ride w/o my pants. It's very liberating and people always see me.

cooker

Not sure if you are asking what OCP is...looks like you've been on BF longer than me, but anyway:
OCP...obsessive compulsive poseur. Self mocking name of an informal clique on BF who have to make sure every bike component and every article of clothing are stylish, matching, and, usually, expensive.

cooker

I have velcro reflective straps but I find in a pinch that binder clips work well, Grab two folds from the front of the cuff (sort of an "M" shape) and clamp them in the clip.

Guest

Velcro leg bands. Works like a charm.

Koffee

Sluggo

The best velcro leg bands I have come across are made by jandd. In addition to the velcro, they have a buckle which takes the pressure off the velcro so it lasts a lot longer and holds more reliably.

squeakywheel

Velcro leg band here too. Any LBS should have a stack of these sitting on the counter by the cash register. Should be less than $5.

Technique is important when installing the leg band. Pull the loose pant leg left. Crease it and wrap the flap around your leg. Hold the pant leg flap in place while installing the leg band about 4 inches above your ankle.

Edit: Some people call these "geek straps".

cooker

This is uber geeky, but the velcro can take some practise to use skillfully. It works well with jeans because the actual hem of the pant cuff is fat and stays below the velcro, but with light material with a simple hem, sometimes the pants pull up through the strap. Also you have to apply the velcro very low, near the ankle bones, because if it's higher up the calf, the leg is wider, and if it then slips down a bit it becomes too loose. But if it's too low it pulls the pants too tight and interferes with the top of the pedal stroke. I put my foot up on a curb to pull the pant cuff up slightly, then apply the strap as low as I can.

squeakywheel

Yea, it works best if you bend your leg before installing the geek strap. Otherwise, the pant leg is under tension during the high part of your pedal stroke.

cooker

Oops, sorry, I missed your earlier instructional post!

jyossarian

I actually put my foot on the top tube when I put my geek strap on. The leg's bent past where it would normally bend on my bike so I don't have to worry about the hem working its way loose.