Good trousers.

General cycling advice ( NOT technical ! )
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Vetus Ossa
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by Vetus Ossa »

These are really nice, I wouldn't be without them now and will buy a new pair when the time comes.
They do different leg lengths and as I have short legs that is the reason I bought them.
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pjclinch
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by pjclinch »

Paulatic wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 8:07am Can I ask the trouser wearers How are your knees?
Top half of me now is usually a woolly jumper but as yet I’m still a tights man below the waist. Often wonder if I’ve got very sensitive knees as I hate the drag, caused by trousers, over them. A lot of walking or cycling I wear tights. I’d gladly wear a skirt or dress all week and not just Friday nights if it was acceptable. :wink: Anything to avoid that pull over the knees and not being a postman I only wear shorts on days over 12C.
Anyone suffered this and overcome it?
I prefer stretch materials downstairs for this reason, but stretchy trews are easy to come by these days so problem solved.

My go-to general wear trousers are Rohan Stretch Bags and I'm fine to ride in them on the bike (comfy saddle means I don't generally bother with padding unless it's > 40 miles, and then I'll use the recumbent anyway). They're not cheap, but they're not stupidly expensive either and you'll often find Last Year's Colour in the bargain bin on their web site (or pick them up in one of several sales each year), and they do last for years. More or less windproof, tough, quick drying, reasonably light, easy-care, not black-tie smart but smart enough for most things these days.

I use tights/tracksters as well for more specialised use, but stuff like lots of pocket space wins out for general wear.

Pete.
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Jdsk
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by Jdsk »

Good point. When I say walking trousers I mean loose rather than stretchy.

Jonathan
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NUKe
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by NUKe »

i have a couple of pairs of M&S cycling Chinos I tend to wear when its cooler, Sadly though they were only made for a very short period. I do own a couple of pairs of their ordinary Chinos as well which are narrow enough in the leg. both types have there active waste band and a narrowish leg As the weather warms up I switch to a pair of Endura Humvee 3/4 length. Then in the Summer switch to Berghaus walking shorts
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Jdsk
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by Jdsk »

NUKe wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 9:14amAs the weather warms up I switch to a pair of Endura Humvee 3/4 length.
I'd be interested if anyone ever finds these going cheap.

Jonathan
thirdcrank
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by thirdcrank »

It's worth noting that Rohan have had at least two goes at selling cycling togs. The first was about thirty years ago and IIRC lasted one season. They started again more recently - although my estimation of recently is vague. Searching their www for cycling just came up with 'no products found' followed by a recommendation for women's shorts which were "a perfect choice for walking, sailing, cycling, climbing and more."

That might mean that Rohan stuff is so good you can use it for anything, or that cyclists are hard to please.
PH
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by PH »

pjclinch wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 9:11am I prefer stretch materials downstairs for this reason, but stretchy trews are easy to come by these days so problem solved.
+1
I've tried several pairs of non stretch trousers and don't get on with them, OK for an hour or so, or a mixed day on and off the bike, but I wouldn't choose them if I'm dressing to go cycling.
I'm another who likes some of the Rohan stuff, for cycling the Troggings for winter and Amblers for the other two months, both need some form of trouser clip. I've just worn out my last pair and they haven't been in a sale recently, I'll buy a pair of each next time they are.
I've also used jogging bottoms, though the fashion now seems to be for a heavier material that isn't as fast drying. There are some traditional style, and occasionally some intended for cycling, I've recently bought some Adidas Trackstand, they're nice, but I'm not sure they were worth the money. For the worst of winter, I have some Peter Storm softshell trousers, they are fantastically warm and reasonably water resistant, but it has to be very cold before they too warm for more than an hour.
PH
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by PH »

thirdcrank wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 9:40am It's worth noting that Rohan have had at least two goes at selling cycling togs. The first was about thirty years ago and IIRC lasted one season. They started again more recently - although my estimation of recently is vague.
My one recollection of Rohan cycling kit is from about ten years ago, maybe that was the more recent you refer too, how time flies.
I have a SS jersey and a cycling polo shirt, both still in frequent use.
The choice of casual cycling kit (Cycling specific features without being obviously cycling kit) used to be limited, I've always preferred it and used to struggle to find what I was looking for. It's far easier now, in part due to the Gravel/Adventure/Whatever trend, plus I find there's lots more non cycling technical clothing which I find suitable.
grufty
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by grufty »

I bought a pair of Troggings this winter, and while they are reasonably warm, the legs are a bit flappy and the fly zip is too short 😳.
Still the Lowlands for me, and stretchy, no problems on the knee.
I've tried Berghaus, Craghopper and Keela in the past, none as good.
francovendee
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by francovendee »

Jdsk wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 8:49am
Vorpal wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 7:45amI generally avoid cotton for cycling just because it's horrid if I get caught in the rain or something.
francovendee wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 7:52am Another vote for walking kit, trousers and shorts, they are hard wearing and comfortable. In hot weather I prefer cotton.
A bit more on materials, please.

The problem with denim is well known. But aside from that are you both referring to pure cotton as opposed to polyester/cotton mixes?

Thanks

Jonathan
Pure cotton if I can get it.
Jdsk
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by Jdsk »

Thanks

Jonathan
PH
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by PH »

grufty wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 10:13am I bought a pair of Troggings this winter, and while they are reasonably warm, the legs are a bit flappy and the fly zip is too short 😳.
Still the Lowlands for me, and stretchy, no problems on the knee.
Interesting, though the Troggings suit me.
In terms of stretchiness, how do the Lowlands compare? Are they as stretchy? if so, I might put them on my watch list awaiting a sale.
bongo
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by bongo »

I'm a great fan of Decathlon walking trousers which I use for cycling and walking, £30. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-mou ... R-p-192273 there are variations on these trousers too worth investigating. Well made and hard wearing, stretchy and quick drying and lots of pockets, many zipped (I've never been comfortable with valuables in cycling jacket back pockets, just me I guess) so essential. I wear these year round, with and without ski leggings, they have a slight elasticated waist that is comfy. They have a shorts version which I use in hot weather (not a lot of opportunity up here in Scotland). Also have a cotton pair of Craghoppers (love the cotton feel - I have sensitive skin - but the lack of stretchiness I find chafing and confining, pity).

Good luck with the choice.
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NUKe
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by NUKe »

Jdsk wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 9:27am
NUKe wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 9:14amAs the weather warms up I switch to a pair of Endura Humvee 3/4 length.
I'd be interested if anyone ever finds these going cheap.

Jonathan
I think I bought out of season and they still weren't particularly cheap. I would say though they are a brilliant fit and I would happily pay full price if I needed another pair. they are quality kit.
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Vorpal
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Re: Good trousers.

Post by Vorpal »

Jdsk wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 8:49am
Vorpal wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 7:45amI generally avoid cotton for cycling just because it's horrid if I get caught in the rain or something.
francovendee wrote: 14 Apr 2021, 7:52am Another vote for walking kit, trousers and shorts, they are hard wearing and comfortable. In hot weather I prefer cotton.
A bit more on materials, please.

The problem with denim is well known. But aside from that are you both referring to pure cotton as opposed to polyester/cotton mixes?

Thanks

Jonathan
Anything cotton, or a blend that is mostly cotton & not treated to be shower proof or fast drying. It's a little difficult to say specific blends will be problematic, because I have a mostly cotton (60%?) Columbia shirt that is tight woven & treated to be be fast drying & it is fanstastic. I also have a pair of 3/4 length trousers that are a similar proportion of cotton and woven to look like a technical material that might as well be cotton terry for the water they absorb. :(

A cotton t-shirt can be cooler in hot weather, partly because it absorbs sweat, and the wet material increases cooling. The problem is that the same thing occurs in colder temperatures & can leave one chilled.

edited to add: in one of the links above, I recounted a time when I had worn 3/4 length cotton cargo trouser for a meal out. We got caught in a brief rain shower, and I sat and froze in the air conditioned restaurant. It was a Chinese restaurant, & I was practically hugging the complimentary tea pot to warm up. The worst was I couldn't complain because I made everyone cycle there, in the first place!

I'm not normally someone who easily feels the cold, either.
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