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