[Outbacker]

I am fine for a short ride wearing jeans but on a longer ride the chaffing gets to be unbearable. I was looking at pants and they are not cheap. I have seen some at the BMW dealership and I am sure I can get some better priced and better quality then offered there. So, what do you guys recommend? Lots of manufacturers out there, any to stay away from or what to look for? I do 5-6 hour rides every couple of weeks and need something comfortable. I also wear chaps for protection; would they still be required with riding pants?

Thanks.

 

[kevincaron]

I went with the BMW Rallye Pro 3. Fit is great and they are comfortable for a 10 to 12 hour ride. Longest ride so far is 960 miles and other than a flat spot on my round spot not a problem. Kept me dry in the rain and warm in the low 40 degrees. In my opinion the cheaper suits are just that.. I had a cheap one from cycle gear that I bought before I tried the Rallye Pro, , just tossed it away.

 

[05Train]

I wear Rallye 3 and Summer 2 pants. They're not cheap, but they're comfortable and they'll protect me in an off. Neither one is waterproof, though the R3 with the liner is.

Chaps do very well at preventing road rash, but do nothing to prevent impact injury. I say this having wrecked in chaps. Not a mark on me, but my kneecap shattered.

 

[patrick2000]

Throw away the chaps and check out Aerostich. Their gear is second to none IMO.

 

[pagl57]

BMW ComfortShell pants for tricky weather and Summer3 pants (more cotton-feel than the Summer2 pants). Expensive... What to say... Yes, but excellent quality and with the knees and hip protection included, the difference becomes a lot smaller...

 

[katnapinn]

I Like the OLYMPIA AIRGLIDE . They are very comfortable for all day use Plus they have good air flow. Also they come with a quilted liner that I've used down to 17 degrees. If I'm doing a ride with lots of stops I wear a pair of shorts under them so I can pull off the pants to walk around. They unzip all the way to your hip to make them easy to get off & on over your boots.

 

[05Train]

BMW ComfortShell pants for tricky weather and Summer3 pants (more cotton-feel than the Summer2 pants). Expensive... What to say... Yes, but excellent quality and with the knees and hip protection included, the difference becomes a lot smaller...

I really want to like the Summer 3 pants, but the knee armor is much smaller than the Summer 2's.

 

[jzeiler]

I think maybe you need to look at a good under garment to help with what ever you choose for protection. I alway wear LD Comfort shorts under my air mesh riding pants and can go many days with no discomfort. Find them here

 

[Beemer2up]

+1 John,, I go as you till it gets hot (90) then I go with Boxers from Duluth trader in place of the LCD. For R T Es I wear Diamond Gusset
jeans with the Kavler knees and butt, they provide a good fit.

 

[Ozonewanderer]

For high quality with high prices I like Motoport. I have their Air Mesh Kevlar pants for long trips. They let all the air in so they are very cool with just LD comfort shorts underneath. You can also wear it as an over pant over regular pants but that would be bulky and hot. If I want warmth and rain protection I got the liner.

MCN just reviwed these pants and gave them very high ratings (4.5) but dinged them a half star for their cost.

For day rides I use their Kevlar Street Jeans.

The protection on these pants are unbelievable. I feel naked wearing anything else.

http://www.motoport.com/index.php?option=com_redshop&view=category&layout=detail&cid=29&Itemid=15

 

[blueknightga6]

I think maybe you need to look at a good under garment to help with what ever you choose for protection. I alway wear LD Comfort shorts under my air mesh riding pants and can go many days with no discomfort. Find them here

I agree. Even with riding pants and jeans I would get a tad uncomfortable in areas and the not so obvious ones with normal underwear. Last year I bought a pair of Under Armor boxer briefs and they made a world of difference! They're even less expensive than LDC at about $30. After seeing from posts (here I think) I bought the Starter version of the UA ones at Walmart today for $9.50 a pair. But make sure you get the "Active-Pro Performance" that are packaged one pair in a box. The next level down is packaged 2 in a box for the same price but are 95% cotton with 5% spandex as opposed to 86% polyester and 14% spandex. I haven't tried the Starters yet but will next week. Some Walmarts have them in sporting goods and some in men's.

 

[pagl57]

I really want to like the Summer 3 pants, but the knee armor is much smaller than the Summer 2's.

Yes, it is smaller and softer. I use it for summer rides in the mountains, no high way long distance travel.
That reminds me of a remark I read some months ago: in the end we all have 2 or 3 outfits...

 

[Moot]

I just completed my first ride in new Klim Badlander jacket and pants. In addition to leather, I also have an Olympia and Revit mesh jacket and pants but really wanted the Gore-Tex to avoid liners or rain gear for an upcoming trip to Alaska.

So far: Pros--I find good air flow out the back exhausts, like the kidney belt, like the flexibility and softness of the d3o armor and like the overall appearance.

Cons -- not sure I like the gaiters/liners with thumb holes at the arms and dislike the overall stiffness (which I hope will break in). I wonder if there is a way to speed that process? Is initial stiffness just a characteristic of GoreTex fabric?