Overtrousers.

[allen-uk]

50 years ago my old man cycled to work wearing his cap, an ex-army cape, and 'chaps'. No, not a cowboy, he worked in the local Labour Exchange.

Would the chaps, too, have been ex-army? I've had a glance around Google, and can't find anything for wet-weather wear apart from overtrousers.

Anyway, if I can't find chaps (I do of course realise that leaves the way open to any local joker), any recommendation for overtrousers? Apart from the waterproof part, I do need very open access to lower legs (otherwise I'll have to take my leg off to get the trousers on and off, which might cause accidents).


A.

 

[CeeGee]

A Google search for "waterproof full chaps" brings some suggestions if you wish to use a cape with them, although they mostly appear to be fleece lined.
Decent overtrousers have good bottom of leg access to enable the rider to put them on easily over their shoes, using zip, velcro or poppers to adjust.
I can't recommend any overtrousers because I have yet to find a pair that are fully waterproof at any speed over 10mph The alternative is to use motorcycle overtrousers, but they tend to make you too hot if you are putting any effort into your pedalling.

Colin

 

[daniel.weck]

I've got a pair of Polaris-branded ones (20-25GBP), which *are* water-proof. However, they're not breathable so sweat accumulation makes my under pants wet !!


See here for more info about my winter gear:

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/5132-its-cold-dark-windy-raining-never-mind.html

 

[CheKmx]

Rainlegs
I have found these work ok but I haven't used them much on longer rides yet.

 

[Morag]

Have a shufties at these last on the page I know they are for horse riders but hey any port in a storm and plust full length zips on legs!

Mark Todd mens clothing range, Old Dairy Saddlery

 

[allen-uk]

Thanks for the ideas. The Rainlegs are getting very close, particularly because they are open at the seat and thus avoid the worst condensation problems - trouble is the sizes. At 115kg-ish, I probably wouldn't get them on.

I suppose I could always buy a pair of something that DID fit and cut a hole in the seat. Now there's radical.


Allen.

 

[tangent]

I bought some new Berghaus overtrousers from Blacks the other day as my old ones were letting in a bit too much rain. These have waterproof zips that run the whole length of the leg, so should be suitable. They are Goretex Paclite. Expensive though, about £90, but I have bought cheaper ones in the past and they have not lasted.

 

[CheKmx]

The rainlegs are held on with elasticated straps and a long waist band I'm 100kg and I have about a foot left on the waist band so I think you would probably be ok.

 

[allen-uk]

Thanks CheKmx, useful info. I might give them a go, as they certainly fit the bill.

A

 

[daniel.weck]

Lidl will start selling waterproof trousers (including mesh/breathable inner liner) for 8 GBP on September 30th. I'm not recommending them, just pointing this out as the product won't be in the "Top Cycling Gear" section, but instead in the "Fashionware" section !

LIDL

 

[billadie]

Lidl will start selling waterproof trousers (including mesh/breathable inner liner) for 8 GBP on September 30th. I'm not recommending them, just pointing this out as the product won't be in the "Top Cycling Gear" section, but instead in the "Fashionware" section !

LIDL

Is the Fashionware the bit between the chocolate biscuits and the torque wrenches or Tinned Pears and drain cleaner?

 

[CheKmx]

Just to let you know I tested the rain legs on a longer journey on the way home this evening. I can't report complete dryness as the backs of my shorts were a wet but all the important areas remand dry. I think if I had longer trousers on then I would have been pretty damp below the knee.