</intolerance>

So now that it is cooler in Tucson, I've switched from my mountain bike shorts to regular old jeans, but I've already worn a hole into the seat of the jeans.

I don't want tp wear tights or anything, but I am wondering what you all have found to be best.

I'm thinking I want something that I can dedicate to commuting then change into my jeans when I get to work.

Recommendations?

zpl

I've been riding lately with a pair of softshell running pants. Also, I ride with a Brooks B17 saddle and its smooth surface probably helps reduce wear on pants too.

Scott

wheel

how many miles did they last?
I suggest Goodwill. (patches)

Is it rubbing at a point?
I have had clothes for years and the show only a little wear.

TRUMPHENT

Cotton does not wear well on a bicycle. I have found that wearing compression shorts underneath cotton hiking shorts makes a big difference in how long they last. you'll be wearing tights but, only you will know.

</intolerance>

All my jeans tend to wear out at the rear pockets, but the riding in them seems to have sped up the process. I'd say maybe 200 miles. Although, I am not sure how worn they were before then.

The softshell pants seem like they might work. It isn't that cold here in Tucson, so I think something that breaks the wind would probably work.

ghettocruiser

Back when I rode BMX I'd seriously burn through jeans pretty quick.

I now use MTB Freeride or Motocross pants. Take years to wear through.

Not for everyone.

But some of them even look a lot like normal pants. I.e. not like my avatar.

gerv 

I bought a pair of cold weather running pants at target. $22.99. No chamois or anything, but they are mostly polyester with a small amount of spandex.

The photo confused me, but when I tried them on in the store, I realized they would work.

HtheCommuter

I wear Dockers. I've never had a problem with them wearing thin. The back pockets are sown on in a way that you don't get wearing on the corners like you do with jeans. When it gets really cold I'll wear a pair of long-underwear under them.

gerv 

Last year, I did a lot of commutes with an older pair of polyester Dockers. They were surprisingly durable and, unlike jeans, no ridges.

I did get sick of having to keep a pair of velco straps around the legs though.

EKW in DC

I usually just wear athletic shorts to ride my bike (sometimes swim trunks in the summer - better air circulation and the mesh provides some support in critical places). As it's gotten colder, I've taken to wearing a pair of pants/tights (similar to what gerv mentioned) that my wife spotted at Costco. It's less running pant and more base layer, so I just wear my athletic shorts over the top of them. This setup has served me well on colder and/or wetter days so far this fall. When it gets even colder, I'll just wear some soft-shell full-length pants over them instead of shorts.

Mind you, unless it's less than 40-45 (or a little warmer but raining) in the AM, I'm probably just wearing shorts by themselves w/o any kind of leggings, but I'm kinda crazy like that. Always too hot.

ItsJustMe

I wear cheap lined running pants. I'm on the 3rd winter with these pants, I'll probably need new ones next year. I pay about $12 each at Target and they last me about 3 years. I wish it were a little easier to get ones that weren't black though.

cyclezealot

You all had better luck than I did with non designated cycling gear.. . I got tired of my favorite polyester shorts coming apart at the seams. If bike saddle friction will wear Levis' thread bare- it would seem other materials would have even a shorter life span.

BarracksSi

It takes three things to wear out the crotch -- your skin, the fabric itself, and the saddle. Compression or bike shorts under your jeans will help to allow the fabric to move freely against your body, but that's just one side of it.

If you're willing to try a different saddle, look for one that has a smoother surface that won't grip your pants' fabric as much. Saddles that have stitching or suede/lycra inserts start chafing me quicker than ones that have smooth leather, for example -- and if it's chafing my skin, it's also wearing my pants' fabric more quickly.

JPprivate

not sure if you saw this: https://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/200...how_index.html

ItsJustMe

Levis aren't real jeans anymore, they're fashion items made in China for looks only.

Buy some Carhardts or Dickies, or one of the US brands like Texas Jeans (which also uses US made fabrics made from US grown cotton).

Personally I can get away with cotton shorts for a little while on my leather saddle, but it's not my favorite thing to do.

ItsJustMe

I ain't paying $100 for a pair of pants, I don't care what their "features" are.

aadhils

Cargo Pants

JPprivate

Yeah, I hear you.... but I thought, I'd share...

xtrajack

I wear Carharts exclusively on the lower half. BDU shirts exclusively on top.

cyclezealot

US made jeans still. Thanks , I am impressed.

</intolerance>

I'm riding a Brooks, although it isn't broken in. I don't think it is a friction issue from rubbing. I think it is pulling on the down pedal stroke. I was thinking dickies might do the trick. I've had a pair that were rock solid. The are just too big now. Might be time to invest in another pair.

I might try the running pants first though. They seem like a cheaper option, although you might get what you pay for.

zpl

Just another quick tip about the running pants: try to find some that have reflective piping on them. Many have it down by your ankles. I have a pair of older North Face ones that have a reflective stripe all the way up the outside of the leg. It really helps my side visibility at night.

Scott

BigDaddyPete

My commuter has a 90s Brooks GelLight saddle that I took off of an older bike and my single speed has a B17. When I ride in all the way, I wear lycra, but my job has me all over town all day. I find that my Wrangler Cargo pants, $17.50 @ MalWart seem to be holding up pretty well. I wouldn't want to do my 20 mile commute into the city in them, but for the 15-20 I do in the city all day, they seem to be just fine.

Stryver

You mean the brown or black t-shirts, or the blouse?

ItsJustMe

Yeah, amazing, isn't it? I just found out about them a couple of months ago. I haven't worn out any carhardts since then, but when I do I'm buying some. They're not even expensive, even for cheapskate me.