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Bulletproof pants

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Old 01-19-06 | 11:24 AM
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From: ankle deep in the gowanus canal

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Bulletproof pants

Levi's fall apart if you sneeze, which is why I bought a pair of carhartts, but even they're starting to fray at the butt.

I've thought about filson, but I have two reservations. One, unless they'll never tear, they don't seem worth the money. Two, is it even possible to ride in those things? Anyone ever try?

What are the burliest damn pants out there?
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Old 01-19-06 | 11:28 AM
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From: boston area/morningside heights manhattan

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wranglers. rock 'em commando. "brokeback" style.
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Old 01-19-06 | 11:33 AM
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You want bulletproof pants? Try Draggin Jeans. Reinforced with Kevlar in the ass and knees they are intended as an alternative to leather for motorcyclists. I have a pair I have never crash tested.

https://www.dragginjeans.com/
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Old 01-19-06 | 11:44 AM
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EMS makes some fairly durable stuff (mostly for backpacking), and they've a lifetime guarantee. If the pants fall apart before you expect them to, take them back for either a full refund or a replacement. I must say, however, that I've never ridden my bike in EMS gear, so I can't speak for the durability of their "saddle interface."
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Old 01-19-06 | 11:48 AM
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speaking of which, EMS @ columbus circle is still having a closing store sale until 1/22.

I saw some diesel-ass snowboard/work pants in modell's but they may be too chunky to ride in. they sure looked tuff, and for 20 bucks or so.
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Old 01-19-06 | 11:51 AM
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Old 01-19-06 | 11:53 AM
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Which Levis do you buy? Do you buy the crappy stuff you find at Wal Mart, et al, or do you get the better ones that you find at department stores? The former fall apart, but I've had great luck with the latter. One pair going on 5 years old now...

Filson stuff is fantastic, but I wouldn't invest in certain things they make, especially for riding.

My personal favorites are my Under the Weather pants, though I do love my cutoff BDU pants quite dearly. They hold up extremely well and are comfortable and very functional.
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Old 01-19-06 | 11:55 AM
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wrangler pbr's, they will not die!
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Old 01-19-06 | 12:11 PM
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Filson's *are* bulletproof -- my Uncle has a pair of the single tin pants that he's had, unrepaired, for about 30 years. Former steel engineer for Bethlehem, now does farming/logging on his farm with em. They're no joke.
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Old 01-19-06 | 12:13 PM
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Totally true about the Filsons. I have a wool coat of theirs that my father bought in college. Beetween the two of us, it's been worn like mad every year since about 1967. Still, if I'm going to spend that much on pants for riding, I'm going to get another pair of Under the Weathers or what have you, that are actually made for riding.
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Old 01-19-06 | 03:19 PM
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Have to throw it down for the Ben Davis. Get quite a few years out of each pair and they're union made in SF. Won't be seen without 'em (mainly cause I don't own any other trousers).

Nothing too special about them from a fixie perspective but they're well made. Love 'em.
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Old 01-19-06 | 05:20 PM
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i just got some pants from these guys they rule on a bike because there is no crotch seam https://www.duluthtrading.com/ i also have a pair the fire hose pants and there sooooooo cool feeling
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Old 01-19-06 | 05:24 PM
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i second the ben davis pants. they're good.

i've ridden in filsons. it only really works if you're going slow. i use them offroading now and then.

my favorite solution is using scraps of filson fabric to patch the holes in whatever pants are most comfortable. patches are the way. no pair of pants will last forever.
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Old 01-19-06 | 05:47 PM
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for the money ($22 @ sears) dickies duck carpenter pants are hard to beat.
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Old 01-19-06 | 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by potus
for the money ($22 @ sears) dickies duck carpenter pants are hard to beat.
I'm REALLY surprised nobody's mentioned the standard dickies work pants yet. I've had quite a few crashes where I've slid on the asphalt for a yard or two, and the pants rise up no worse for the wear.

My last one, I was wearing them over a pair of spandex shorts (longer ride). I bite it, slide on my side for a yard or two. When I get home, I have torn a hole in the spandex (tiny), a small patch of rash. Pants are still A-okay.
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Old 01-19-06 | 06:15 PM
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i was up near seattle and found these pants called "key". i didn't expect too much from them, but they've been great for riding. they were clearly work pants cause they came with suspender rivets (which i removed). i have some levis and i definately prefer the key pants. the cut is slightly more narrow and better for riding. also i carry a u-lock in my back pocket. on the levi's i got a hole through the ass but on the keys theres a hole on the pocket. so something about the cut is obviously a step up.

i agree- patching is the best route for a worn ass.
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Old 01-20-06 | 07:43 AM
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arborwear. they're made for climbin' trees. tough.
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Old 01-20-06 | 07:57 AM
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These Cactus Climbing Dreadnoughts look interesting.
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Old 01-20-06 | 01:44 PM
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If anyone has recommendations for the exceptionally skinny among us, please share. Waist sizes south of 30 inches are hard to find.
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Old 01-20-06 | 01:52 PM
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This may be the wrong way of looking at it but do you have a perforated saddle? I didn't have wearing issues on any pants until I got that $10 royal from nashbar. I've gone thru 2 pairs of Levi's.
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Old 01-20-06 | 01:53 PM
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First thing is to avoid saddles with stiching/perforation, which just eats pants. I have no idea why saddle makers keep including this obvious and irritating flaw.

While i like my carhartts, the army surplus pants are really the best for riding- double thick seat, double knee, ties at the ankle and waist & reasonably priced. Hit them with some scotchguard/silicone water proofing, and you're good to go.
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Old 01-20-06 | 02:28 PM
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just don't wear pants.
and put that money towards a dreamy satin saddle.
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Old 01-22-06 | 04:14 PM
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Hey - I'm the designer here at Cactus and we make what may be the strongest pants out there, canvas and loved by everybody (farmers included :-). If you wanna try a pair I could probably sort you out a bit of a discount....

www.cactusclimbing.co.nz
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Old 01-22-06 | 04:22 PM
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Chainsaw chaps.
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Old 01-22-06 | 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Ira in Chi
Ghostface is an infinite source of wisdom.

'That I finally figured out why you started diggin' me
It was the jeans not the rings, couch fit, scene
Round the same time when Rae dropped C.R.E.A.M.
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