Triumphrat

JBarn3 · 10-03-2007

My new client requires professional attire (slacks and dress shirt). My last gig did too, but I was able to get away with nice jeans and a dress shirt.

I'm fine wearing my armored jacket over the dress shirt, but I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of pants to wear. I don't think jeans will fly here.

Slacks clearly don't provide enough protection, from the elements, let alone pavement. I really don't want to change when I get to work, or wear something over the pants, is there a good solution? Anybody know of riding pants that might pass?

The best idea I've been able to come up with is some sort of law enforcement "tactical" type pants with reinforced knees, etc.

Any recommendations? If not for pants, then some sort of outer wear that won't make the slacks underneath look too wrinkly?

Thanks,

Gohm · 10-03-2007

either wear armor under/over your slacks (keep in mind slacks like jeans offer 0 abrasion protection) or wear overpants if you do not want to change. I wear overpants as in addition to the armor/tough material & reflective patches, they keep me dry on rainy commutes. Wear the wrinkle-free slacks.

rustbucket · 10-03-2007

Sorry to preach (see below), but the upshot is that one of the most comfortable things to ride in is good quality dress slacks and overpants. Dress slacks aren't as bulky as jeans or khakis so they don't get in the way as much. Technology is a wonderful thing - get the wrinkle-free variety and you'll be good to go.

Jeans are better than nothing, but not by much. Wear quality motorcycling apparell on the bike, whether it be reinforced jeans or textile pants. Get overpants if you don't want to change. If I'm running late I'll throw my FirstGear HT-II's (HT-II Air in the summer) over my pants to ride in. If I'm going for a longer ride I prefer to change into gym shorts under the Firstgears.

When you're feeling lazy about wearing protection, remember that what you're wearing when you get on the bike will also be what you're wearing in a crash. I've hit the asphalt a few times and learned that it always wins (so do curbs, trees and guardrails btw. And big rocks.), so I gear up for every ride.

burmbuster · 10-07-2007

I wear Olympia Air Mesh 2 overpants. They are comfortable and have great CE armor. They zip all the way up the leg and come with a waterproof/windproof liner thats great in the winter.

JBarn3 · 10-08-2007

Thanks all,

I'll be getting a pair of overpants, seems like the best solution. I was hoping for something that would offer protection, and look decent enough for work, but it seems the two tasks are mutually exclusive. I was worried about overpants wearing out the fabric of the slacks, but I just won't wear my best slacks when I ride.

I didn't expect overpants to be so pricey, but those Olympia's don't seem too bad.

I guess I was putting too much faith in jeans. When I had a crash several months ago, my jeans came away ok. My textile armored jacket was worn through and left me with a little road rash, but no real damage below the waist. I guess I just got lucky with that, or the majority of the impact/friction was on my upper torso. Anyway, I ordered a pair of Cortech DSX pants. When they get here, once I see how they fit, I'll order another pair and get away from wearing regular jeans for riding.

upNorth · 10-10-2007

When I could no longer wear jeans, I got the chinos from Draggin Jeans in Australia. They passed "dress casual" dress code, no problem. If you order, be aware they are a little snug so go up a size on the waist. My waist is 34 and I ordered 36 - I'm glad I did.

http://www.dragginjeans.com.au/produ...ants/index.htm

JBarn3 · 10-10-2007

Thanks upNorth. That is exactly what I was hoping to find.

Shipping prices from Au are a little steep for one pair, but I'm hesitant to order more than one until I see them/try them on. Now why aren't they listed on the US website?

upNorth · 10-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBarn3

Thanks upNorth. That is exactly what I was hoping to find.

Shipping prices from Au are a little steep for one pair, but I'm hesitant to order more than one until I see them/try them on. Now why aren't they listed on the US website?

I have been to the American Draggin' Jeans store in Hickory North Carolina. They are terrific people and have a great product so before ordering from Australia, I called them and asked if they had a similar product. They said they didn't. When I asked if they are affiliated with the Draggin' Jeans company in Australia, they said they were not. I'm not sure if they just don't want to be hassled with a copyright infringement lawsuit...

If they had a similar product, I would have ordered from them because I have bought their jeans, armor and shirt over the years and it's all good gear.

I ordered from the Australian website and was very pleased with the quality of the chinos. With helmet in hand, I walked right past the person who had previously called me on the dress code, they studied my new attire and decided there was no objection. I did keep a pair of dress shoes in my drawer at work so I wasn't clomping around in boots all day.

This is not a commercial but I would not hesitate to buy from the Australian guys. The chinos are top quality.

Mojoinco · 10-15-2007

I wear the Tour Master Decker pants for day shift weekdays (dress pants). I can wear whatever I want under them (or not ). I can't wear the hip pads (just foam rubber anyhow) though. I wear them 2" large in the waist.

The jacket side of the pants (short) zipper is sewn to the pants side of the jacket zipper for an adapter (works well, took ~5 minutes including opening the sewing machine).

Buckeye71 · 10-15-2007

The easiest for me is to just pack a pair of dress shoes, slacks, and a tie in my backpack or my saddlebags, then just change into them at work. I just don't feel safe riding in dress slacks.