macx Posted October 27, 2013 Share Posted October 27, 2013 Tried some leather chaps, WAY too bulky! I ride in temps down into the 20's, 40 miles to work at 4:30 am, so needed something. Talked it over with my wife, we came up with something that works pretty well. Easy on and off, and folds up into small bundle. She cut the legs off of a pair of flannel lined jeans. Opened the inseam, hemmed the edges. Sewed 5 good sized buttons on one side, some fairly strong elastic loops on the other. The elastic keeps them snug but allows for different thicknesses of pants / thermal drawers. Found I need to put 3 snaps at the top on the leggings and on the jeans I wear them over so they don't slide down when I walk. I would imagine something could be attached to the leggings to hook onto your belt, too. The side of my hips don't seem to get cold so didn't need to cover that. Just the tops of my thighs and the front of my lower legs. Made them long enuf so they cover the tops of the boots / shoes well. Work well and fold up into nice, small bundle for carrying when I don't need them on like in the afternoon on the way home. http://s719.photobucket.com/user/macx351/library/R1200RT/Leggings Link to comment
biometrics Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 My commute is very similar to yours, but I get to sleep an extra hour! Do an ebay search for "military polartec pants". Brand new U.S. Military surplus cold weather fleece outer pants with suspenders and leg zippers for getting them on over your shoes. Cozy warm thick fleece fabric. The pricing will really surprise you. You will probably get a pair for less than $10.00 inluding the shipping. I saw one buy-it-now ad that was 3 pair for $25.00 about a month ago. Easy on and Easy off... made for combat so they have to be quick... I like the set I have, and they are not very bulky... I just open the zippers, drop them to the ground, roll them up and put them in my pannier... -John Link to comment
Matts_12GS Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 I'll stick with armor and pay a few more dollars. Link to comment
biometrics Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 Matt, the original poster talked about keeping warm, not dressing for protection in the event of an unscheduled "get off"... Glad you can pay the few more dollars... not everyone can do that. Link to comment
Matts_12GS Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 Protection is warm too... I get that not everyone can, but, I also know that if one shops carefully, for a little more than lined jeans or surplus snow suits it can be done. Link to comment
Huzband Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Protection is warm too... I get that not everyone can, but, I also know that if one shops carefully, for a little more than lined jeans or surplus snow suits it can be done. +1! PS, Sliding on asphalt without armor can be warm as well. Your choice. Link to comment
macx Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share Posted October 31, 2013 Those military things sound like the clear deal! Sort of like my insulated bibs with the suspenders and leg zippers but without the bulk above the belt. Will have to give them a look. Hey, guys, play nice, now!! Didn't mean to start a crapstorm! I'm always on the lookout to save some of the big bucks bike accessories usually cost as I'm retiring in about 3 months and the paychecks are going to get LOTS smaller!! Just thought I'd throw this out there in case there were some other poor (as in not well funded) old geezers, or anyone who likes to be a little discretionary with his spending, looking for a "cost effective" means of keeping the legs warmer. Link to comment
Mike Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 Hey, guys, play nice, now!! Didn't mean to start a crapstorm! I'm always on the lookout to save some of the big bucks bike accessories usually cost as I'm retiring in about 3 months and the paychecks are going to get LOTS smaller!! Just thought I'd throw this out there in case there were some other poor (as in not well funded) old geezers, or anyone who likes to be a little discretionary with his spending, looking for a "cost effective" means of keeping the legs warmer. Really . . . thanks for sharing this! Ours is not a one-size-fits-all world and we each have our own priorities (and budgets). I love seeing stuff like this, where people avoid the sometimes crazy pricing of moto-specific gear while still achieving a high level of functionality. A toast to the world's inventors! Link to comment
eddd Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 Hey, guys, play nice, now!! Didn't mean to start a crapstorm! I'm always on the lookout to save some of the big bucks bike accessories usually cost as I'm retiring in about 3 months and the paychecks are going to get LOTS smaller!! Just thought I'd throw this out there in case there were some other poor (as in not well funded) old geezers, or anyone who likes to be a little discretionary with his spending, looking for a "cost effective" means of keeping the legs warmer. Really . . . thanks for sharing this! Ours is not a one-size-fits-all world and we each have our own priorities (and budgets). I love seeing stuff like this, where people avoid the sometimes crazy pricing of moto-specific gear while still achieving a high level of functionality. A toast to the world's inventors! +1 Link to comment
Guest Kakugo Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 Very good and cheap way but my dream is laying my hands on these beauties: Link to comment
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