Need a recommendation for textile overpants

wilit

wilit

Well-known member
I think I've hit the analysis paralysis stage of trying to find a pair of riding pants. I've watched and read almost every Revzilla review and scoured Amazon and the Cycle Gear website. I'm mostly just a commuter, so I need something comfortable and versatile. Here's a list of features I'm looking for.

1. Must be able to be worn over my work pants. I don't want to change pants when I get to work, so they have to be able to be worn over jeans.

2. Must be able to be warm in the morning and cool in the afternoon. Looking for something with zip open panels.

3. Cost. I know Klim probably has the exact pants I'm looking for, but I don't want to spend more for pants than what my bike costs. Trying to keep the cost under $300.
 
ScottRNelson

ScottRNelson

Mr. Dual Sport Rider
The last time I needed overpants I looked through what was on sale at http://www.motorcyclegear.com/ and bought some FirstGear pants at a pretty good deal. The fit and venting is good. They'll have deals on other brands as well. I think I picked FirstGear to go with my FirstGear Kilimanjaro jacket which I'm really happy with.

I had FirstGear overpants when I was tossed off of my motorcycle at 60-70 mph back in 2003 and they wore through in a couple of spots. Those weren't as good as the ones I have now, but I'm still not sure how long they'll last in a high speed slide. At least the current ones have padding in the knees and hips.

You'll have to figure out what compromises you're willing to go with when you compare price to protection.
 
ZCrow

ZCrow

Well-known member
I wen through a similar process. The only pants that meet your criteria would be the Aerostitch AD-1 or Darien pants. At 387 and 397 they are slightly more than your stated budget. But here is the deal, everything else you will find in this price range is either polyester, not single layer (z liners are the worst) and/or lack the zip and and zip out convenience.
 
DTM74

DTM74

It's not my fault...
WWWobble

WWWobble

This way...That way...
ZCrow said:
I wen through a similar process. The only pants that meet your criteria would be the Aerostitch AD-1 or Darien pants. At 387 and 397 they are slightly more than your stated budget. But here is the deal, everything else you will find in this price range is either polyester, not single layer (z liners are the worst) and/or lack the zip and and zip out convenience.
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+1

Pay the extra hundred bucks. If you ever go down, you'll be glad you did.
 
Blankpage

Blankpage

alien
Look on Craigslist for used deals. I recently sold 4 pairs of Klim pants for $100 each. One pair I had never used and another just worn a few times.
I'm sure there are other people out there selling stuff they didn't need.
 
LakeMerrit

LakeMerrit

*Merritt
I have a pair of Rev'It mesh/textile pants I use for this exact reason. They work great. They were like $300, but I got the white pair when they dropped to $100 (none of the other colors went on sale).

I like em. Comfy, work well. I've taken out the knee pads and now strap on more heave duty knee/shin guards underneath. I didn't like how knee guards in overpants tend to move around a lot.
 
rick

rick

Well-known member
The cheapest ones off the top of my head that *might* work are the TourMaster Overpants. $150 and they have zippered vents up front that helped on hot days. The negatives for me were that the leg zipper was on the outside of the leg which prevented adding kneesliders and the cut wasn't great for hanging off.

I replaced the Tourmaster's when I grinded through the knees with Rev'It Commuter Overpants ($350). Inside leg zipper so, I could add the knees sliders. I also like the less bulky fit. No vents but, I haven't needed them.

I switch jackets and gloves seasonally to handle my thermal needs but use the same overpants years round.
 
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Sharky

Sharky

Well-known member
People are going to bag on me for this, but I have been quite pleased with the performance of the Bilt Explorer textile I got from CG a number of years ago. I have used their return policy to address quality control issues. The entire suit was $400 including some accessory details. Zippers aren't great, but serviceable and considering the return policy not an issue for me.
 
A

alybry3

New member
I wear the light gray Alpinestars Andes II. I am a super commuter and wear the pants over my jeans. If its really hot I strip to my skivvies under the pants. There is a vent on each thigh. approx 230 Prior to the A* I wore Tourmaster Venture. Sides zip open for as much air as you want. <200. The tourmasters kept my skin intact after two collisions. Both are waterproof.
 
rick

rick

Well-known member
ScottRNelson said:
:rolleyes

Are you serious? Really? For cheap overpants? :rofl
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:laughing My commute is half twisties! ...But work is still on one end of the ride so, I'm a big fan of overpants. Been adding kneesliders to 'em for 15+ years.
I'm not setting the world on fire or anything while commuting - just a little drag to help gauge my lean angle on the fun part of my commute or the occasional on-ramp that's begging for it.
 
cal scott

cal scott

Wookie
I've been happy with the Scorpion Trey pant ($200 at Revzilla; https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/scorpion-trey-pants). It's a mesh overpant with almost full length side zips (stops a couple of inches from the top) making them super easy to get on and off over boots. They come standard with Sas-Tec level 2 armor in knees and level 1 at hips and a windproof/waterproof liner for the colder wetter days. Not a 4-season pant imo but work really well for the summer and shoulder seasons. For my commute, goes over my work clothes no problem.
 
Blankpage

Blankpage

alien
rick said:
:laughing My commute is half twisties! ...But work is still on one end of the ride so, I'm a big fan of overpants. Been adding kneesliders to 'em for 15+ years.
I'm not setting the world on fire or anything while commuting - just a little drag to help gauge my lean angle on the fun part of my commute or the occasional on-ramp that's begging for it.
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I've had the same problem when I ride in shorts with where to place the knee slider.
 
D

davidji

bike curious
Best to wear over work clothes for commuting is a Roadcrafter 1-piece. They're available in 2-piece as well, and probably you could buy the pants separately. Aerostich makes other overpants as well

A lot of overpants on the market are polyester (vs. the stout nylon in a Roadcrafter), and I doubt any of them have seams as sturdy as Aerostich products.
 
ScottRNelson

ScottRNelson

Mr. Dual Sport Rider
rick said:
:laughing My commute is half twisties! ...But work is still on one end of the ride so, I'm a big fan of overpants. Been adding kneesliders to 'em for 15+ years.
I'm not setting the world on fire or anything while commuting - just a little drag to help gauge my lean angle on the fun part of my commute or the occasional on-ramp that's begging for it.
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Well then two thumbs up for you. :thumbup :thumbup
 
Sharky

Sharky

Well-known member
davidji said:
Best to wear over work clothes for commuting is a Roadcrafter 1-piece. They're available in 2-piece as well, and probably you could buy the pants separately. Aerostich makes other overpants as well

A lot of overpants on the market are polyester (vs. the stout nylon in a Roadcrafter), and I doubt any of them have seams as sturdy as Aerostich products.
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Doubt you could find a beat up used Stich in the stated price range.
 
D

davidji

bike curious
Sharky said:
Doubt you could find a beat up used Stich in the stated price range.
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True, if you bother to read stuff like that :laughing

Used in very good shape $4-500 seems normal, and the fact that they replace jacket too might make it more doable (sell a jacket, buy a used Roadcrafter).

Or look online for used Aerostich overpants.
 
dowlinginchico

dowlinginchico

Home Wrecker
rick said:
The cheapest ones off the top of my head that *might* work are the TourMaster Overpants. $150 and they have zippered vents up front that helped on hot days. The negatives for me were that the leg zipper was on the outside of the leg which prevented adding kneesliders and the cut wasn't great for hanging off.

I replaced the Tourmaster's when I grinded through the knees with Rev'It Commuter Overpants ($350). Inside leg zipper so, I could add the knees sliders. I also like the less bulky fit. No vents but, I haven't needed them.

I switch jackets and gloves seasonally to handle my thermal needs but use the same overpants years round.
Click to expand...

I have the TourMaster over pants, and I am not thrilled with the quality. 2 zippers are broken, holes are starting to appear (the fabric is pulling away from the stitches) and the knee pads will not adjust to the spot where I need them.

They are right inline with my expectations for the price, but I was hoping for better longevity. You get what you pay for.

EDIT... and yes, I agree they are bulky. That is a fair description.
 
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