Denim

[snorri]

Does anybody ride their bike in jeans?

No, I don't own a pair of jeans.

 

[Crackle]

I don't use jeans for any exercise besides walking the dog, find them uncomfortable, not warm when wet, heavy and water/sweat absorbing, however if you're wearing thermals underneath then that will improve things. Also if it works for you, it works. I rode a bike a long time before I finally started to buy proper cycling kit, joggy pants and a windcheetah used to do me.

See a guy around here riding a tatty, rusty singlespeed in jeans and a windcheetah. At first I though he was riding to the shops but when I saw him further afield I realized he was out riding and doing some big hills and miles but just zig zagging around local streets, some dead ends: There's more than one way to ride a bike.

 

[HJ]

I was cycling for over 30 years before I bought my first Lycra shorts. If I am going less than ten miles, I often still wear jeans, why not? So called proper cycling gear isn't really necessary, people just like to think it is because it make them feel better having bought it...

Just ride in what ever you feel comfortable wearing.

 

[Keith Oates]

Like snorri I don't own or ever wear jeans, I don't like them for anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Globalti]

I haven't owned anything denim for 20-30 years. I wear chinos or cord jeans around the house or shorts in summer and if I'm nipping down the road to test ride the bike they'll do but any serious ride gets lycra shorts, maybe with Ron Hills over the top on the MTB.

The Ron Hill Trackster / Helly Hansen Lifa really is the most comfortable and affordable combination for a whole range of activities from skiing to cycling, walking and running and lots more.

 

[2Loose]

I wear jeans for rides where I am going out at the other end, tights just look wrong walking around the shops or pubs! When it is easy to change at the other end I do wear more comfy clothing though. I'll keep a look out for some 34 cargo shorts though MacB, sounds like a great compromise to me.

 

[Flying Dodo]

If I'm just popping up to the shops, then there's no problem with jeans, although personally I wouldn't do a long journey in them. Having said that, I have seen people do a FNRttC to Brighton wearing jeans. Not much fun if they get wet though.

 

[MacB]

I think personal shape and current styles in denim matter as well. When I used to spend more on jeans, and I was slim, I bought one of the Levi range, can't remember the No now but it was in the 6 or 700's. One of the reasons for choosing them was they were longer from crotch to waist. The current trend for the opposite of this wouldn't have worked for me then and, add many years and tens of lbs, they really wouldn't work for me now. If I think about it I only own/wear jeans through habit rather than comfort or practicality. I think a denim free lifestyle would suit me better, certainly for most of the year I wear shorts casually anyway. Being of the practical mindset I'd quite like all of my casual wardrobe to be as bike friendly as possible.

Any recommendations for the most cycle friendly, thinking seams and waist at back here, casual trousers, 3/4's and shorts. They don't have to be cycle specific, could be hiking stuff or totally non sport related. I'll probably order a few bits online to try but any help at narrowing the choices would be good.

 

[Globalti]

Since I NEVER leave my bikes unattended ANYWHERE I wouldn't ride them to the shops and therefore the only riding I do requires proper riding gear.

 

[longers]

Any recommendations for the most cycle friendly, thinking seams and waist at back here, casual trousers, 3/4's and shorts. They don't have to be cycle specific, could be hiking stuff or totally non sport related. I'll probably order a few bits online to try but any help at narrowing the choices would be good.

I got a pair of the Oregon Cycle Wear 3/4's when they were on offer. Great fabric, pad isn't too good but can be cut out and they can be worn over your regular shorts.

They've now put zips on the bottom of the legs instead of the velcro that's on mine and I'd have preferred zips. Currently $60 + p&p so not a cheap option, mine were better value as they were older stock - which they don't have at the moment.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I don't mind wearing jeans for the down the shops run but my favourite casual wear on the bike are some cargo type 3/4 Lee shorts from the style house of T K Maxx (clearance rail, natch). They still cover the knee and you don't have to tuck your troos in your socks or go hipster with one leg rolled up.

 

[johnnyh]

still like my 501's, just born of that era I guess... but at least I have kept the same waist size for 20 years

 

[MacB]

I got a pair of the Oregon Cycle Wear 3/4's when they were on offer. Great fabric, pad isn't too good but can be cut out and they can be worn over your regular shorts.

They've now put zips on the bottom of the legs instead of the velcro that's on mine and I'd have preferred zips. Currently $60 + p&p so not a cheap option, mine were better value as they were older stock - which they don't have at the moment.

they looked promising until I reached the size selection point, XL a 35.5" waist, I think not, that's positively skinny in my book

 

[threebikesmcginty]

still like my 501's, just born of that era I guess... but at least I have kept the same waist size for 20 years

I could never get on with Levi jeans, either I'm a funny shape or they are - I prefer the cut of the Lee Brooklyn jeans.

 

[automatic_jon]

I wear them on my commute to uni, although I live in the sort of semi-stretchy skinny jeans that are almost like thermal tights so they're not too bad for seams and chafing. If I'm going for a serious ride or don't mind having the p*ss taken when I get to the other end I wear bikesters.