My legs are freezing!

With out spending $100.00, what is the best pair of pants for the winter? Maybe even in the wet?

 

hmm.....I would say hit a thrift store for a set of carharts...or maybe even a ski bib.....but nothing like that will give you the protection from a fall....

 

the Gap has some nice corduroys for less than $40. many colors, too. You could probably find some at Old Navy for much less than that. If you put some scotch guard on them, they should be ok in the rain. For extra protection, you could put on some rollerblade/skate board knee pads.

 

just kidding. you can get some good deals on textile pants at Newenough.com or kneedraggers.com. My pants, made by Joe Rocket, cost about $130 and they're great.

 

If you cut out the wind getting into your pants (cut out the wind getting out too. we will all thank you) this is most of the battle. I wouldn't think that you really get that cold in Sac. A complete rain suit is about $120.00 here in Canada which means it is about $75.00 there. Stop the air penetration where you are and your present choice of pants should be more than comfortable.

Ride on Bro

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...ic-Street-Bike-Rainwear-Mens-Riding-Gear.aspx

 

if you do break down and decide to spend $$$ on pants, let me recommend these Icon Insulated Canvas Pants [LINK]. i use them regularly both with and without the removable flannel liner depending on the trip. sadly the price doesn't vary much across the board. but if a cheap pair should find its way onto ebay...
also, the size is spot on. i wear a 32 pant and these fit perfectly even over jeans.
so very warm.

 

Living in Maine, I'm well familiar with your issue. Buy some quality thermals; both shirt and pants. I get the ones rated to around 20 below (Farenheit) I wear them under my regular jeans, which are usually under my Sliders kevlar jeans. For not much money, the thermals make a huge difference.
Joe

 

I did a skibib. this was 12 years ago tho. It was great over my jeans for the cold. However, not good in the rain at long distance, rain soaked through eventually. But as I said this was 12 years ago, maybe they make more water resistant stuff by now?

 

Yes I second this. The rain gear IMO is the best bang for your buck option and not only that you get protection in the rain. No matter how thick clothes you wear it doesn't help much if you're flying at 70 mph. I've been in 30 degree weather and as long as I wear my rain gear I can handle riding just fine. :thumbsup:

 

I just bookmarked that site I cannot belive the prices are so low.

 

EDIT: just read the couple of posts above mine, about rain gear. good posts. I will look into that very soon. I don't need that yet, but will persue before the time comes that I need it.

my original post:

I am riding in this cold weather on a bike with no plastics. First thing I found was a scarf. With it on, ( under my leather jacket ) I dont have freezing cold wind shooting down my chest inside my jacket, or up into my face from under my chin.
Long johns are a must k\now as well. Buying long johns tomorro, and a scarf that doesnt impede my helmet turning radius ( I always look over my shoulder when making a lane change, I never trust mirrors ).
I will stay on this thread and post the results I get as I ride through the next few months in the cold.
for relavence sake, I am in northern california, so none of the things that work for me will work for alot of you in the colder states.
I am also on a budget but very safety concious as well so I wont be suggesting anything that I feel is unsafe.
I am riding the suzuki when the rainy time comes, not my vfr...the suzuki has no fairings. Or a windshield. Lots of wind.
Fashion is NOT important in the cold. Just warmth and safety. And budget is a HUGE factor.
Anyways, there is my .02

Oh and I know I will get some negative comments about bringing fashion up at all, but I know I am not the only one that at least tries to have gear that matches my bike a little when the weather is right. LOL.

 

+1.
Plasma.

 

I agree...good thermals and a rainsuit go a long way.

I like the comment about fashion not being important when you're cold. If you don't think this is true just visit Northern Minnesota in January...or watch 'Fargo' again.

 

I use my $30 rain pants over 2 pairs of jeans... the rain pants stop the wind penetrating for 50 minutes of my 1 hour highway ride to work on a 10 Deg C. morning..
Feel like the Michelin Man tho...