I, like many of you own a good helmet and a nice leather jacket. I have thought of buying some protective pants, but in the summer it's so hot I wonder if I would even use them. What do you use? I need some ideas. One other question. How many of you use ear plugs when you ride. I found out some time back that they really help me focus on the road ahead of me. Some of my riding partners say "your bike is not that loud". I respond that it's not the bike noise that will hurt you it's the long term wind noise that will wreck your ears. I've owned a bunch of helmets and all of them to some extent create their own noise. I find that the ear plugs make a good ride just a little better.

 

You can go with chaps. They're not as bulky or hot. Although jeans are by no means a solid form of protection, when I used to teach, we used to have a rule that newish, sturdy jeans were a minumum requirement. It was a compromise between comfort and safety. I used to always wear earplugs on an extended hiway trip. The wind noise can be very damaging. Most of the guys I knew who were "tourers" did the same. Around town, I didn't bother.

 

You can get breathable balistic kevlar overriders for pants. they are very light weight and they are weived together like fencing so they have lots of breather holes. They are decently inexpensive and they are a lot better protection then jeans of any type.

 

I have Joe Rocket Phoenix pants. In the summer I just wear shorts under them in the winter I wear Jeans under them.
They have lots of padding and I have read they work in a getoff but only once. It is lots better than jeans but not as good as leather, obviously. I also have the Phoenix jacket but only use it when it is really hot. Otherwise I have a Dainese leather jacket.

 

I wear the firstgear leather overpants.

When it's hot out, I wear them over shorts (really a no-no with synthetics due to the possibility of friction-melting), and can even open the zippers a little to get some air flow.

Expensive (about $200), but they have held up well for many miles.

I usually will put in earplugs if I'm planning on riding for more than 1/2 hour or so. I find it much less fatiguing when I have earplugs in.

 

Anybody used Kevlar jeans?

 

Guys; Out of curiosity, how many would ( if your state law allowed it) ride without a helmet? Not me.

 

 

Even if the law allowed it, I would NEVER ride without a helmet. Shoot, I'll never ride without my jacket, gloves, and boots either.

To the original quesiton, I'm looking to get some Draggin' Jeans for the days that I'm just going around town or going to work. But for canyons and just general rides with the boys, I'd wear my leather pants no matter what.

InsaniT

 

I won't drive anywhere without my seat belt on and I won't ride without a good helmet. As the map says it's not required in Texas if you are over 18.