Leather Chaps

[Daver]

So i'm looking to get my first pair of chaps, and have a couple questions. I have been offered a hardly used pair from a friend of mine, the leather is in excellent condition. my only concern with them is how tight they are on my thighs. I really have to fight with the zipper to get it going, but once it's started and i get my jeans to lie flat, they zip all the way.

my concern is that when i have them all the way on, they're almost skin tight on my thighs. i know that they should be tight, but how tight is too tight? i can fit in if it's totally flat up against my leg. Should i have more room up top? should i just be patient with the leather as it stretches? Should i look for a new pair? What do you guys (or gals) think?

[LowRiderGhost]

I only had one pair of Leather Chaps in my life. I actually went in person (1983) up to Central California (just south of Frisco) on my then 'new' 81' Harley to have a pair custom made for me by a master Leather Craftsperson. He measured me up and said they'd be done that afternoon (and so they were). They fit perfect - loved those chaps and used em' for at least 20 years until my riding time went down to (?) nothing and/or I just got way too heavy (FAT!) for em'! I dunno, but sounds like to me your best bet is finding a leatherworker in your area to make you up a custom pair. Certainly doesn't need to be a biker persay - an equestrian shop should do as well. JMO... ;-) These days I just use a pair of Horseman synthetic HALF-Chaps off the shelf. Actually they work pretty well for me these days - good enough.

[RED RIDER]

I'm not against them by any stretch of the imagination, but to be completely honest, they are hot, provide no protection for your butt which is usually the primary item sliding on the pavement, and to be brutally honest, look better on women and make men look like the biker in village people.

Sorry guys had to throw that in :p

[Si]

And to be perfectly honest with you, the only reason you wear them is to keep the wind off your legs on a fairing-less bike. If it's cold, and you are motoring on your cruiser with a full windscreen, you will be in a nice still area without wind cutting through you. But your legs will feel like they are falling off! They are also good for stopping bug, rock, and debris that impact your legs when they fly past or get kicked up by cars/trucks.

IMHO, there are better solutions available today. I bought a pair of lined wind and water proof pants in a size large enough to fit over jeans (large) from Starter. Their sizes seem quite large. But they work great and are completely wind proof. Perfect for days when it's not cold enough for cold weather gear, but still too cool for plain jeans or jeans with thermals.

One thing for people who might be looking for leather chaps, a lot of rehab facilities (yes, psychological, drugs, alcohol, that kind of rehab) teach leather working to their patients as part of their program and they create (and sell or give) goods they make as projects.

My grandfather ended up in one after he tried to shoot my dad (his son), chased him around the house shooting at him with a .357 because my dad thought he needed to see a doctor (yup, he went gonzo). While he was in their resident program, he made chaps for some riders, knife sheaths, he and several others made and gave holders for sheers and box cutters for local companies, custom belts, vests, you name it. You might look around your area. Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend money on gear.

Si

[greyboyfan]

I'm not against them by any stretch of the imagination, but to be completely honest, they are hot, provide no protection for your butt which is usually the primary item sliding on the pavement, and to be brutally honest, look better on women and make men look like the biker in village people.

Sorry guys had to throw that in :p
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:D:D:D You got a good point there Red. ;)

[newmark]

Thanks...what kind of pants would you guys suggest. I was going to buy chaps,but you guys talked me out of it. I am a big(fat) boy. big thighs hard to buy pants off the shelf that aren't relaxed fit

[CJ]

i know that they should be tight, but how tight is too tight?

Once you have the chaps on, you should be able to slide your open hand between the chaps and pants. Should be a snug fit.

I use my chaps to cut the wind and stay warm. Easy to take off when don't need them and store in my bags.

[pintslayer]

Newmark, check out Aerostitch, they make riding gear for all sizes.

In my experience, a pair of overpants makes more sense than chaps. Get caught in the rain with chaps, and when you get where you're going and take them off, you look like you pi$$ed yourself. Chaps are mostly for the wannabe hardcores that only ride to the tavern and back.

Go ahead and pile on, chap fans, but you know the guys I'm talking about. If you're for real, you won't be offended.

[CJ]

The chaps for me in cool weather are just right. Once I get to my destination I'll unzip roll em up store away. Lately I've been using my bike for business travel and walking into my customers place of business with chaps on or leather pants, insulated pants, etc....just doesn't go over to well. Out side in the parking lot I look like one of those James Bond movies where Bond comes out of the water, unzips the wet suit, and steps out into a Tux.

I tried the pants, but I would be comfortable all day or too hot. When I'm on business trip, it's all day so, here on the gulf of Mexico coastal area in the winter, spring, and fall, the weather can swing quite a bit. I'll find myself putting on layers and taking off thru out the day. It's not uncommon to start out with chaps in the morning, take em off by say 11 am, and then back on by 4 pm.

But when I get caught in the rain, I put on my rain suit, chaps don't cut it.

One thing for sure when buying clothing for bike riding, it just depends on what sort of riding a person does. Some people don't need as many options of layers because they only ride locally on one day or two day excursion at the most. Those that travel further need more options to meet all the weather conditions. Chaps, Pants, rain suits, leather jackets, mesh jackets, full suits, waterproof boots, gloves, even the type of helmets, all have a purpose.

Most of the people I've met on the road or at a charity function and no matter what kind of bike, cruisers, sport bikes, etc........all love to ride. And it doesn't matter if they go coast to coast, or just around town, we all love to ride bikes and have the wind in our face. It's the thread we share in common.

Most of all ride safe and............................life is short to waste on anything else but making good memories!! :)