are chaps really worth it?

[Chicago-Spike]

Originally Posted by mark_1bx

Chaps on sale here. I purchased mine here..very well constructed.
http://www.chilhowee.net/mens_chaps.html

I want to see the ones Spike ordered....the down side to leather ...that is good leather is that they are heavy, and like all leather when it gets wet you've got to condition it.

Anytime you want to see them, I can drop them in my saddlebag and they'll be there

[Doug62]

I just got back from a long trip up to the mountains where the temps were in the low forties for much of the weekend. Had the chaps on the whole time and they worked wonderfully! Kept the wind off the legs and coupled with my thermal underwear and jeans I rode the entire weekend in total comfort! I wouldn't call them "Village people chaps" maybe Brunno though!

[TASSY5]

Originally Posted by jthree

You just got this thread nuked

lol lol rotflmao

[mike n]

www.lazyrider.com

[tiger-88]

If it keeps me safe/warm I don't care what they look like or what someone might call them ! I wear mine anytime the temp is below 50 !
ride on !!!!!

[Largejake]

I have the Colorado chaps also. Mine are the kevlar with the fleece lining. One of the reasons I first went with them was because I had trouble finding leather chaps that fit. If I found chaps that fit my waist the legs would be too large. If the legs fit the waist would be too small (LargeJake its not just a name its a description). I find them easier to put on and off then traditional chaps. They roll up and pack small in the included bag when not needed. And once someone explained to me that you are supposed to wear pants under them they were much warmer.

[ironbutter]

I don't need any chaps (got 4 different kinds) but Jafrum has them $29 up for what look to be real leather and not the "patchwork" kind.

http://www.jafrum.com/Motorcycle-Gear/Leather-Chaps

Has anybody here bought these?

NOTE: "Jafrum" sometimes gets nasty blog reviews because if you specify the wrong size and commit the order you CANNOT change it, it will be delivered, and YOU must pay to ship it back. IF you're a pansy whiner victim mentality type who can't suck it up and take responsibility for his own stupidity and expects somebody to bail him out of all his mistakes (I think that's most people under 40 these days ) I suggest you DON'T deal with Jafrum because that's just the way they operate. I've gotten prompt, problem-free service myself and wouldn't hesitate to buy chaps from them but don't need any.

FWIW to answer posted question YES chaps are worth it unless you just don't like to fool with them and would rather wear insulated jeans (which might get you some stares if you take 'em off when it warms up).

[VTX1300cnME]

Originally Posted by ironbutter

IF you're a pansy whiner victim mentality type who can't suck it up and take responsibility for his own stupidity and expects somebody to bail him out of all his mistakes (I think that's most people under 40 these days ) I suggest you DON'T deal with Jafrum because that's just the way they operate.

As someone under 40. . . I am putting myself in the not most category you mention. . .




though I know the type, and restrain myself from slapping the snot out of them when the complain about something they should have read/understood before committing to anything.

[ironbutter]

Originally Posted by VTX1300cnME

As someone under 40. . . I am putting myself in the not most category you mention. . .
though I know the type, and restrain myself from slapping the snot out of them when the complain about something they should have read/understood before committing to anything.

That's why I said "most" not "all"--good to hear from an exception

[tijustme2]

Originally Posted by Largejake

I have the Colorado chaps also. Mine are the kevlar with the fleece lining. One of the reasons I first went with them was because I had trouble finding leather chaps that fit. If I found chaps that fit my waist the legs would be too large. If the legs fit the waist would be too small (LargeJake its not just a name its a description). I find them easier to put on and off then traditional chaps. They roll up and pack small in the included bag when not needed. And once someone explained to me that you are supposed to wear pants under them they were much warmer.

That's what I was doing wrong! Thanks for the good info.

I love this site!

[Chicago-Spike]

I forgot, there are 3 big plusses the textile chaps have over leather;
a). The Colorado chaps come in a small draw bag so they roll up and take up very little space. I've seen a pair of leather chaps take up 1 entire saddlebag
b). They go on and come off very easy as the textile glides over your pants
c). This one was HUGE on my trip to Florida, when they get wet, you can toss them in a dryer for a few minutes and they are dry and supple.

[VTXCRZR]

Originally Posted by rosborne

thinking about getting some chaps,but are they worth it?do they keep your legs warmer,offer a little protection from possible debris,or what?i would appreciate some advice from some more experienced riders.thanks.

Depends on what you are looking for. For protection against the cold I highly recommend Under Amour:

For the legs:
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/e...ng/1000525-410

For the upper body:
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/e...ck/1000512-414

If its really cold I add:
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/e...ip/1100607-364

And finally my leather jacket, gloves and a full face helmet.

Using the Under Armour Cold Gear I was able to ride year round in Pittsburgh while all the other "tough guys" had their bikes in cold storage on battery tenders from October to May.

But Richard highly recommends chaps so you should give them equal consideration also:

[ironbutter]

Originally Posted by Largejake

... If the legs fit the waist would be too small (LargeJake its not just a name its a description)...

Sounds like you're happy with what you got, but on most leather chaps you can separate them in the back and use leather lacing to hold them together. That makes the waist completely adjustable to fit larger guys--unless they're so large the lace isn't long enough then they could use a clothes line I guess

[GOG]

Originally Posted by Chicago-Spike

I forgot, there are 3 big plusses the textile chaps have over leather;
a). The Colorado chaps come in a small draw bag so they roll up and take up very little space. I've seen a pair of leather chaps take up 1 entire saddlebag
b). They go on and come off very easy as the textile glides over your pants
c). This one was HUGE on my trip to Florida, when they get wet, you can toss them in a dryer for a few minutes and they are dry and supple.

I got a pair of these chaps based on your posts and after a few emails back and forth with the owner. I ended up with a pair of all kevlar with a nylon lining in the front of the legs for waterproofing. They are great compared to all the leather chaps I tried and super easy on/off. Wonderful company to deal with too!

[Chicago-Spike]

Glad you like them, Lorna is a class act to work with for service!!

[bigman8640]

I did not realize the kevlar chaps were so reasonable I may actually gets some for that price. Before I really did not see where they are worth it for the leather. I wear ski bibs in the cold and as little as possible in the heat. I do always wear a helmet though!

[dirtstiff's X]

Thanks Spike,

I've always had leather chaps.

I checked out the Colorado link and these chaps look like they way to go... Thanks for the link. Maybe a spring b day present to self...

Happy Holiday,

Jim

[Chicago-Spike]

They are good and easy to slip on. Made in the USA too boot

[TxVTX1800]

I have a pair of leather chaps with snap out insulated lining. Very easy to remove when it gets warmer. A BIG difference with the insulated lining snapped in. Hard to find.

Mine are from (same name & logo on the chaps): http://www.redlineleather.com/

I bought them at a local shop that is now out of business. I don't see them on their web site. Very nice and worth the difference. Think like $169. Thick & soft leather with big zippers.

[alleno507]

I'm more of a "function over form" guy, so I own an Aerostitch Roadcrafter two-piece suit, all Cordura and Kevlar. A remnant of my speed bike days, I suppose. It's easy to put on and take off, can be adjusted for cool and warm days, and is very good at keeping my skin on my a** and not on the asphalt. Just don't look as cool as leather, though, and a bit pricey. Also, decent rain protection, as long as it isn't a monsoon.


www.aerostich.com

[ED winegarner]

Originally Posted by ViperJaxFl

You can also get the ones with the little tassels on them.

OH YES!! As long as they come with everything in this photo

[TxVTX1800]

Originally Posted by alleno507

I'm more of a "function over form" guy, so I own an Aerostitch Roadcrafter two-piece suit, all Cordura and Kevlar. A remnant of my speed bike days, I suppose. It's easy to put on and take off, can be adjusted for cool and warm days, and is very good at keeping my skin on my a** and not on the asphalt. Just don't look as cool as leather, though, and a bit pricey.


www.aerostich.com

I also have an Olympia 2 stage Airglide jacket & pants with zip out liner. Use it a lot in the summer month when it's so damn HOT in Texas. Protection yet not suffocating. Been using the lined leather chaps in the cool/colder months lately when no rain threat.

[trell]

don't wear leg chaps. had a pr. for years don't like them. on the other hand i have engine guard chaps i would not do without them...29.95 from ebay...trell

[Tombstone]

They definitely cut the wind on those cool to cold rides and I like the idea of the added abrasion resistance. I don't really care for the armored pants even though they'd do a better job if I ever went down hard, I'm sure. But...to each their own.

[falcon241073]

Originally Posted by Chicago-Spike

YOU BETCHA!! I don't go for the leather "Village People" chaps, but I have been using textile chaps from Lorna and her company in Colorado, www.coloradochaps.com
I just had her make me a set of silver water-proof Cordura lined with Kevlar. They slide on real easy, they zip up and I was protected from rain and slides. They are also wind proof, so your legs won't get cold from the wind or temps.

+1000000000000000000000000000000000

I got the 1000 denir (sp?) Codura witht he fleece liner. Awsome chaps. I do have leather for when it is not cold enough for the fleece lined Colorado chaps as they are VERY warm. The only down side is my boys get a chill if I ride for awhile and it is below 40, lol

[Dedman]

Originally Posted by Big Mac

Yelp!
Sliding down the road on your back at 40mph, YES SIR, they were worth it, 2 dime sized band aids on my elbow! Oh yea those gloves, NICE! That modular Helmet, it was great! when that deer hit me in the face, you Bettcha! But the deer didn't do so well, broke back, I did a Dr Kevorkian on her, It was only a mercy killing Judge! honest Judge, WITH MY BOOT ON HER THROAT, HIT ME IN THE HEAD! I'LL STOMP YOUR $%@#!, I tend to get over passionate, no more anger management JUDGE I'm cured!, serenity now, serenity now! serenity now!

Oh yea, those deer whistlers work too, WHEN THE DEER ARE WHISTLE TRAINED!

but I got a new pair of whistlers, just for the whistle trained deer!

Yelp, get you some chaps, just don't wink or nod at the guys with ear rings!

Aahh, Big Mac back slowly away from the keyboard.

[Haughton]

I love my chaps. Wear them whenever the weather allows. Not got in hot temps, but I like the protection from: cold, wind, minor road debris, even a bit of rain.

Worth it? Yep, I think so.

[papa]

Originally Posted by Yoidaho

Chaps are for cowboy & cowgirls...
but that wear chaps might want to purchased added gear... ~M

Do they come in white? I would like mine in white.

[Big-Dog]

I never thought that I would wear chaps. I don't really care for the look. I friend of mine told me that he used to think the same way, until he bought a pair. He talked me into getting some. I still don't like the look,but man are they nice when riding in cooler weather. I bought some inexpensive ones from Jafrum.com, they appear to be pretty good quality. Too bad that there is so much snow here in Iowa, does not look like the bike is going to see the road anytime soon.
Hope everone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mike

[NYnowFL]

Another cold weather option is, when I worked construction year round in NY I would purchase blue jeans that had flannel linings built in. Never had to wear long johns with these and they were loose fitting. Not the protection of leather but warm if that is what you are looking for.