Top Layer Pants
 

I was wondering if anyone eschewed traditional cycling/running pants as a top layer and went to a straight-fit pair of Carhartt or Dickies. Both have a good variety of slim/skinny/straight fit work pants in pretty hardy fabric, so my thought was a pair of those over the top of my Specialized tights. Who's been there and done it?

I prefer stuff from Underarmour. Great stuff.

Got any specific examples?

Gives "cycling bibs" a new twist.

It is too wet where I live to wear cotton, but my commuting gear is not cycling specific. I have found that "trekking" gear from REI is well designed for motion and usually has a reinforced seat. I am on my third season wearing a pair of Taku pants I got on clearance for $75 and they don't show a single sign of wear, and I use them 4-5x per week from November through April.

I wear jogging pants. Stretchy but loose. Tights would be freezing riding in 40 degree weather. :)

I've worn tights under Levis, Lee, Guess and other denim jeans and Dickies-like work pants from a uniform supply company. Works for me. With older jeans it can leave a bunch of little white fuzzies all over your black tights, but that's no biggie.

My tights are pretty comfy in 40°. Of course, I've been known to wear shorts down to 50° on occasion.

My top layer is always just a pair of running shorts over my cyling tights, except when it's cold and wet, then it's just a pair of rain pants to stop the spray, thin, but built for exercising so strong enough to not rip. (except for the right ankle, stupid chain).

I've been known to wear track pants over a pair of Dickie's.

I'm still trying to sort out the various layers- I'm trying to avoid wearing thermals if at all possible.

As much as I swore I would never buy anything from UnderArmour due to their advertising and high prices... I have to admit that my favorite cycling pants are UA too.

I was using C9 wind pants from Target, which are fairly okay, but I couldn't find any more in my size at the local store. I looked at other brands at the local Dick's - Addidas, something else I forget, and UA. Tried them all on and loved the UA. I swallowed my pride, paid too much for them, and have absolutely been wearing them every day since (even doing laundry at night just to have them again the next day). UA Bandito Woven Pants, here is a link:
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...lePLA:13242937

They are great in the wind and yet seem to breathe better than the C9 pants, I sweat less. They also fit me better (YMMV) and, of all things, are quieter - less noise, particularly when walking.

They are too damn expensive, but I love 'em.

I wish a manufacturer would offer the same product, but with some retroreflective piping. And make it in the USA. That would be truly great. I don't like spending so much on a foreign made product (supporting mainly advertising during ballgames), but I do like these pants.

Look for their base layer stuff. Go on their website and look around. Where are you at? I can look to see where their closest store is to you or you can buy online. Sometimes you can find their stuff discounted but to be frank, it is worth the money.

Took the wife to the UA store in PA and she got some awesome deals. Couldnt believe it.

this time of year in oregon ... i wear paradox baselayer bottoms and a LL bean rain pants over them ...

Chromed pro loop knicker pants are absolutely fantastic. Expensive, popular with the kids, etc, but also extremely well made and utilitarian for cyclists. Im 6'2 and 240 and the XL's are a perfect fit for me. http://www.chromebagsstore.com/appar...o-knicker.html

I wear slacks over my cycling shorts when the weather is cool enough so I don't break out in a soaking sweat. My preference of slacks is Roundtree and York from Dillards! :)

I got some Track suit bottoms, fabric fleeced on one side, smooth on the other.

3 pockets. black..

+1 on REI.

I was looking for non baggy (i.e. no running pants) pants that are not cotton. It helps if they are wind proof and quick drying. $140 for Chrome is too much.

These are two good $50 options:
Lighter weight
http://www.rei.com/product/784060/re...mens-32-inseam

Medium weight
http://www.rei.com/product/809850/re...mens-30-inseam

They did have something a little heavier weight for around $100 too. Can’t remember what that was.

Hope that helps.

I regularly commute in bike shorts with chamois and Dickies work pants over them. Today, it was 45 degF leaving the house and shorts + dickies was perfect.

I'd hesitate to wear heavier 100% cotton stuff like Carhartt workpants and the like. 65/35 poly/cotton blend and weight of Dickies (Red Kap, Wearguard, Sears brand, etc.) works for me.

I just bought the Endeavor on clearance and went back for another pair after wearing them a couple of times. They are soft shell, so they will soak through quickly, but they dry very, very quickly. They are also slim enough that you do not need a pant strap to keep them out of the chain. Great at blocking wind, which is really what you want.

Yes, I wear Dickies over old worn out rode shorts I've retired from regular weekend road rides. I like to wear Dickies for several reasons. They look presentable as I roll in to work or if I stop and run errands after work. Also, they wear well and offer great protection. I had a nasty fall once and the pants didnt even rip protecting me from what could have been a nasty abrasion

Glad it helped.

I was looking for something wind blocking and highly breathable (so I don't sweat in them) and they fit the bill perfectly.

There is a 4 way stretch water resistant softshell made by schoeller, and used in these pants:
http://shop.outlier.cc/shop/retail/4season-og-pant.html
or
http://www.thunderboltsportswear.com/

the outlier ones are cut for biking, the others cut likes regular jeans.

anyone use these?

not cheap, but the fabric sounds like a good compromise between waterproof and breathable

Looks like the $50 REI pants I listed above (Endeavor). I rode in with them today (freezing temps). They worked great. Not baggy, stretchy, gusseted crotch, 4-way stretch, Water Repellent, wicks moisture and dries quickly, etc. works for me.

Any reason you want to pay 2-3 times as much? Just curious...

I also recently picked up a pair of Gore Fusion knickers and they are probably one of the most functional pair of cycling pants that I own (right up there w/the chrome knickers) - http://www.windstopper.com/remote/Sa.../1274220743917

my vote is for Novara Headwinbd pants, hands down they are terrific for most cold weather ways. when it gets really cold then you need thermal layers or outright water proof snow pants

Best *&^%$# pants I have ever had for riding below 50 deg F. windproof and unless its a downpour you will stay dry. I have 5 pair of them so I never have to worry about not having a clean pair. Not very good for work though so you need to pack a pair of regular pants for work but I have worn these down into the lower 30's and stayed warm. Not skin tight like regular tights but snug. If its a downpour put the rainpants over them. I don't ride if its below about 28 degrees since we get black ice around here and I've gone down a couple of times on it I'll just drive to work.