some basic questions about chaps ????

[FlyBy]

Hi all,

Since i ride a cruiser chaps and leather jackets have always attracted me but then we have wet weather where i live and so this question comes in my mind, how good are chaps and leather jackets in rain ?

I currently have a full mesh gear with armored jacket and pants, so does chaps give equal protection too?

Thanks in advance.

[MS_Steve]

Though Mississippi doesn't get anywhere near the amount of drizzling rain the northwest stereotypically receives... I can only say, my chaps held up fine in a couple of 30 minute wetdowns they've received, so far. No shrinkage or bleeding. I guess if you were worried about either, you could work a little mink oil or something into the leather.
I always let them dry slowly or a couple of days. If you were always compelled to rapidly dry them out, like over a heating vent or something, because you needed them for the ride to work tomorrow (and the next day), you might have some problems with the leather drying out.... maybe.

MississippiSteve

[FlyBy]

how good are chaps when it comes to protection? coz as far as i know, i have never seen armoured chaps.

[SBright]

They would keep you from getting road rash, I wouldn't think they would offer much protection against breakage. I have a pair & like to wear them when its cold or on long trips.

[Peter Darby]

I went down at 55MPH or so and as Sbright said they kept the road rash at bay. Of course I made my own chaps so they arent' the almost clothing grade stuff you see so often. I have a slight scuff mark on the knee and the carving at the top is scuffed a bit but not so that I have felt compelled to do anything about it. They are still holding up and I made them probably 20 years ago.

[4Raven]

I like both my leather jacket and chaps in colder weather and rain. I have removable insulated chaps and lined jacket. They are super in late fall and early Spring, keep you really warm. If you get too warm, I just remove the linings.

I am slender and get cold rather easily so I wear my chaps in the mornings especially if I am going on the highway.

Just remember, if you were to be in an accident you would have to go through the leather chaps then the jeans .... so I don't know first hand how they save your body, but at least it is gear!

I have Fieldsheer Mesh with armor and Joe Rocket with armor and wear those a lot! The Joe Rocket jacket didn't come with a liner but so far I haven't needed it , it is really warm, and all I have to do is open vents and it is cool enough for even those high 80s days.

I have pics of my gear on my page...

[Kaellie]

One key element riding pants have over chaps is butt (and crotch) protection. You can count on your jeans to hold up for about 5 feet of sliding. After that its your skin (or in the case of a superman... well ouch).
I go with function over fashion. I wear synthetic riding pants with armor in the knees, hips and ass. I give my skin the best possible chance I can to make it out of a crash in one piece, but you gotta ride your own ride.
This is a really good article about gear that might have some helpful insights to your question. http://www.soundrider.com/archive/safety-skills/crash_padding-pt1.htm (http://www.soundrider.com/archive/safety-skills/crash_padding-pt1.htm)

[Sketch]

I have seen many people including me whom have gone down to the pavement. The best protection is anytihng. I have seen a simple cotton shirt save a whole lot of skin.
Wear what is comfortable, but always cover up with something. On hot days I wear the Underarmour long sleeve shirts that breathe very well but still protect skin.
I use leathers when it is cold and I wear a rain suit when it rains. Don't be cheap when it comes to M/C comfort and protection.

[SuperSherpa197]

chaps: they cover all the vital parts :thumbsup:

i'd stick with the armored mesh gear you had until you can find a full armored leather outfit. how badass is 'that guy' wearing full leather's on a cruiser? very badass indeed :D

[Sketch]

chaps: they cover all the vital parts :thumbsup:
i'd stick with the armored mesh gear you had until you can find a full armored leather outfit. how badass is 'that guy' wearing full leather's on a cruiser? very badass indeed :D

Don't confuse look with necessity. 37 degrees f.

[iamjustifyd]

I just bought a pair of Draggin Jeans, they fit great and have kevlar in the knees and butt. I like the chaps but find in cold weather I'm still getting chilled in the mid section and my butt can still get rashed. Not cld here yet but the draggin jeans are a bit warmer and I can wear a base layer and chaps when needed. You can also get separate armour to wear under your jeans.

[MikeK77]

chaps: they cover all the vital parts :thumbsup:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/2528155138_cd95a8ce3e.jpg

[iamjustifyd]

Now that's a vital part!!!

[4Raven]

chaps: they cover all the vital parts :thumbsup:

i'd stick with the armored mesh gear you had until you can find a full armored leather outfit. how badass is 'that guy' wearing full leather's on a cruiser? very badass indeed :D

If I wore my mesh...in 30-50 I would freeze to death!!! Leather keeps me very warm and for those real windy days....underarmor!!!

[Badlands-4-2]

Chaps offer very little rain protection. You walk around looking like you wet yourself. Not a good look. Most leathers also do not do well in long term exposure to wet (multi hour rides in the rain). Most mesh jackets, and some pants will come with a rain liner. These do a great job of keeping out the wet. I have two armored textile jackets, one mesh one not. I will choose between them depending on outside temp, but both are great in the rain. I also have two pair of textile pants. Both do very well in the wet.

[LoudPipesandParts]

Leather over Textile is always going to be a discussion. I ride a Nite Train in the Northwest and use my leathers 80% of the time out of comfort & protection. I do own textile and generally wear that in the summer on long rides for the protection and because generally the textile is not as warm. (deer/elk/motorist). If you know your going to be in rain (ha) carrying a set of quality rain gear w/protection is wise. As far as style or cool goes, Who really cares what other people think. Comfort with common sense works for me.

[Rambler]

i love my chaps i was out a few min. ago riding it was 7F leather jacket,hoody,jeans, chaps,boots,gloves,and a bomber cap

[Sketch]

I love the leather chaps for warmth (heated seats help) in dry weather and rain gear for rain. Of course, it helps to have storage space for the various clothing needs.
If I didn't have storage space, I would likely opt for a fabric/textile alternative.

[roadhamr]

the textile over leather argument is still on! i choose the textile because of it's versatility and the layering and the venting available. anymore with kevlar reinforcement you really dont give much up to leather in terms of skid protection. and everyone knows once you get leather wet it is wet for days. textile once saturated is still able to dry overnight if placed near heat or a fan. leather is still number 1 for protection but it lacks the versatility that bikers truly need. if all you do is ride to the bar then a leather jacket is fine. but if you ride and tour then you will need garments that offer you more options. i am currently looking for a hot weather garment that will work for me. maybe mesh gear? i dont know i dont really trust that stuff. any ideas? i have good gear for everything but the hot summer weather.

[roadhamr]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/2528155138_cd95a8ce3e.jpg

also when i hear the suggestions to buy chaps i see this in my mind and i want to kill myself!

[Rambler]

the textile over leather argument is still on! i choose the textile because of it's versatility and the layering and the venting available. anymore with kevlar reinforcement you really dont give much up to leather in terms of skid protection. and everyone knows once you get leather wet it is wet for days. textile once saturated is still able to dry overnight if placed near heat or a fan. leather is still number 1 for protection but it lacks the versatility that bikers truly need. if all you do is ride to the bar then a leather jacket is fine. but if you ride and tour then you will need garments that offer you more options. i am currently looking for a hot weather garment that will work for me. maybe mesh gear? i dont know i dont really trust that stuff. any ideas? i have good gear for everything but the hot summer weather.

This sounds like an advertisement imo. i wear leather thats my choice.

[roadhamr]

yeah you are right it does sound like an advertisement. what with it making sense and being well stated and all.
make your own choice and live with it i say. nothing wrong with leather i just need what textile offers me, versatility. :thumbsup:

[roadhamr]

This sounds like an advertisement imo. i wear leather thats my choice.

which one of the guys in the above pic are you?

[Rambler]

Neither i thought it was you and your friend

[Batt]

I live in Washington as well (Bellingham) and I ride in the rain and cold. When its cold I will put on the chaps. When it rains I have a pair of Carhart coveralls that I bought at a workmans outlet store after I accidently got caught in a freak downpour.

Get rain gear for the rain in Washington and keep the leather for everyday or cold weather riding. As far a protection with chaps, well I went down on some black ice in Marysville and slid about 10-15 feet. When I got up my chaps had scuffs all over but no breaksthroughs or roadrash anywhere. Since then I wear my chaps everytime I get on the bike.

A buddy of mine once said to me "Leather is cheaper then skin grafts". I always thought that was good advice.

[BikerGrampa]

Interesting discussion. I had the opportunity to talk to a guy from a company that makes riding gear including the stuff worn on the professional racing circuits. He said each scenario has a set of circumstances where they are supperior. But there are also some general good rules to follow.

Dress for the road not the ride - basically means wear something. We get pretty close to naked in really hot weather but generally try to wear the leather as long as possible. We did buy some mesh with elbow, shoulder and back armour for those hot times but when you are touring you just cannot carry everything you own.

I am really interested in hearing from someone who has experience with the draggin jeans. Is it a gimmick or do these really provide adequate protection compared to regular heavy jeans? If so it would seem that kevlar pants with chaps would maybe be ideal protection.

P.S. apparently a misconception regarding armour is that its purpose is to provide protection from the impact with objects you are hitting. I was told (for what it is worth) the real purpose is just to provide extra layers against the road abrasion when the fabric or leather wears out. Racers are generally able to jump back up and get back on the bike because they have not hit anything - they are basically just sliding along the ground. When you colide with an object such as a curb, parked car, fense post, etc. you will get injured whether you are wearing armour or not.

[LEATHERMAN]

I wear my leather pants on cool days 65 and colder, and my chaps on warmer days. Chaps make me feal exposed.:biggrin:

[FlyBy]

I have moved to sport bikes so now i am looking for a leather race suit :)

[TORQ]

I bought a pair of chaps, BIG mistake! Pain in my ARSE, seemed like I needed 4 arms and some schooling to put them on. And riding at 7 degrees my legs left and right next to my love apples would FREEZE:thumbsdown: So if anyone wants a pair you can have mine FREE just pay to ship them to you.

Here's the way to go and your all done!

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Leather-Chaps--pants/Classic-Fitted-biker-motorcycle-or-Casual-Mens-Leather-Pants/41254.html

THE END!

[Andreas L]

I bought a pair of chaps, BIG mistake! Pain in my ARSE, seemed like I needed 4 arms and some schooling to put them on. And riding at 7 degrees my legs left and right next to my love apples would FREEZE:thumbsdown: So if anyone wants a pair you can have mine FREE just pay to ship them to you.

Here's the way to go and your all done!

THE END!

I can paypal postage to you , I'll pm you for a little info first, but I do have dibs I hope.

[Andreas L]

I can paypal postage to you , I'll pm you for a little info first, but I do have dibs I hope.

Tried to PM you TORQ - but I need to have 15 posts first. Going to crusie the forum and hope I can add a little something.

[TORQ]

Tried to PM you TORQ - but I need to have 15 posts first. Going to crusie the forum and hope I can add a little something.

Thanks for calling me Andreas, hope you didn't get in trouble with the Mrs.! And sorry they won't fit, so there still up for grabs for the cost of shipping:thumbsup:

[Andreas L]

Thanks for calling me Andreas, hope you didn't get in trouble with the Mrs.! And sorry they won't fit, so there still up for grabs for the cost of shipping:thumbsup:

Thanks for the nice chat today. The wife was ok, just explained the chap size issue and what I could do, she laughed.

Ride Safe ! :thumbsup:

[Firecracker]

I wear Kevlar jeans with my chaps OVER them. As others have said, they are fantastic in colder weather, plus they protect your legs from gravel & stuff flung up by cars. I haven't found them too tough to put on and they are comfortable to ride in. To me it's the best of both worlds. If it's hot I ditch the chaps for short rides, but even in August it can get chilly if I head up into the mtns so I almost always wear them.

[Gold5th]

I've ridden in the rain wearing just normal jeans, it's not bad at first, then you can feel the cool/cold water work it's way up the pant leg.... and you're used to it but the time it gets anywhere sensitive.

My father-in-law advised me against chaps as you'r fine fine fine... then boom your *Ahem* male parts are wet and frozen.

I have textile riding pants, with a rain liner, but I have yet to test them in the rain.