Casual Winter Trousers ?

[pedro]

Folks,
I'm not a big fan of bulky winter gear and tend to wear Draggin Jeans on all but the coldest and wettest of days, but can anyone recommend something towards the middle ground ? Trousers that you can walk about with off the bike that have a bit better thermal qualities than the jeans and maybe a bit of water resistance as well ?
Thanks,
Peter.

 

[Schtum]

Craghoppers Kiwi Basecamp lined trousers will do the warm, water-resistant and comfortable for walking about bit but they'd not do a lot to protect you if you go tarmac surfing. Currently £18 a pair at Go Outdoors in Granton.

 

[Engineer]

Folks,
I'm not a big fan of bulky winter gear and tend to wear Draggin Jeans on all but the coldest and wettest of days, but can anyone recommend something towards the middle ground ? Trousers that you can walk about with off the bike that have a bit better thermal qualities than the jeans and maybe a bit of water resistance as well ?
Thanks,
Peter.

BMW city trousers are great - thicker than jeans, abrasion resistant and look cool BUT not waterproof.

 

[pedro]

Thanks folks, I'll give those city ones a look. Having previously done some winter Tarmac surfing I'll stick with something that offers a bit protection. Having seen my kneecap without it's usual outer coating once before, I've kind of avoided stuff that's not made for falling off.
Cheers,
Peter.

 

[MikeS]

I too usually wear draggin jeans most of the time but I have just bought some BMW City 2 trousers with substantial knee pads for the same reason you have mentioned and they seem very good. Not water proof obvioulsy but I carry a pair of thin waterproof trousers as well.

The City 2 trousers were marked up at £158 so I asked if there might be some money off and they dropped the price to £126, I was shocked and pleased.

 

[mark-forrest]

What about Draggin Oilskins

http://www.draggin.co.uk/draggin_jeans_oilskins.html

I'm going to see what the fabric feels like if there's any at the NEC bike show.

 

[B4ndit]

What about Draggin Oilskins

http://www.draggin.co.uk/draggin_jeans_oilskins.html

I'm going to see what the fabric feels like if there's any at the NEC bike show.

They look awful. Shiny like some 80s disco trousers. Bet they swish when you walk as well. Mind you that was last year when I looked at them. They just have got to have improved the material they are made of. Or maybe not. Never seen anyone actually wearing a pair. Why not just wear some Goretex over trousers which you can take off when not riding.

 

[wessie]

For commuting 30 miles into uni I wore a pair of Swift trousers. These are made of woven nylon and waterproof. Armour on the knees & hips. I bought them in a size larger than needed so I could wear them over jeans. I took them off and stuffed them into the top box with my helmet.

Warm enough for most days when used with a gaucho. On autumn days where it rained in the morning I could ride home in the jeans if it warmed up.

That way I never got too warm sitting in lectures etc.

 

[metropolis2k]

I have the City trousers, Summer trousers (very similar) and a pair of actual winter trousers.

To be honest I wear City or Summer for most of the year round as long as it's not peeing it down with rain. I'll always take some waterproof over-trousers with me and if I'm cold some base layers. If it's cold and wet when I leave them I resort to the winter trousers. I can attest to the fact that the City trousers are NOT waterproof when it's really raining and you don't want to know where the biggest puddle of water usually forms!

 

[SiBorg]

You could always try these:

http://www.onyerbike.net/clothing/Protection/John_Doe_Jeans/JOHN_DOE_Cargo-Defense

Not cheap, but they do look like they tick all the boxes. Haven't managed to justify £195 for a pair of strides to myself yet, though!