Winter pants

jmanic

jmanic

JORBA Board Member/Chapter Leader
Staff member
JORBA.ORG
Team MTBNJ Halter's
Okay, the 2012 winter shoes thread hasn't imploded, so maybe it's safe to talk pants.

I'm looking for some winter pants in case we get some cold weather.
Priorities are they be wind/water-proof, breathable, then bonus points if they are durable. Bonus bonus points if they make hills easier.
I'm thinking pants that aren't lined will be more versatile temperature wise- I could adjust base layers for how cold it is.


Possibilities I'm looking at are:
Gore ALP-X 2.0 GT- assuming a quality product here because Gore, though reviews are saying the fit can be a little strange.

Sugoi RS Event Pants- these look like they'd survive a spill on black ice, but I'm assuming the cordura sections will compromise wind/water-proofness.

Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier- These get pretty solid reviews, and have good venting

Any feedback on these or any others I should look at?
I know there is some love for Endura pants, do they fit the bill for winter?
Thanks all
 
I've got the PI tights. They are perfect for me from 45 degrees right down into the teens.
 
I have a lot of Gore stuff and love their products but those pants are not for mtb. The fabric is too delicate. I ruined them in one ride, thorns left multiple small cuts and pants are not waterproof anymore.
 
Bike tights with polypro longjohns underneath are good to 20F or so...below that, simply try polarfleece-lined bike tights with aforementioned longjohns underneath. While not waterproof, they are otherwise pretty much perfect.

I get a fair amount of my polypro/wicking riding gear (shirts, long sleeve jerseys with zip collars, tights) at places like Target or Kohls. They don't have the fancy labels, nor the garish colors if you're into that sort of thing, and they aren't cycling specific, but they work great and also don't come with the $$$ price tag.
 
I know a few of you chuckle at the pants I wear during the winter, but just a pair of bike pants and then my soon to be world famous red and black pants on top and I am comfy, dry, and warm, oh and offers swell protection during unplanned dismounts.

O'Neal lined motocross pants.

Oh and the bright colors are better so you can be seen, and they double in the summer for downhill riding.
 
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I agree with both buying and wearing at Target or Kohls on polypro stuff to save cash - it's underlayer so know one sees them anyway if your concerned about that . As far as pants go , I have a great pair of base layer long johns by Patagonia I bought a few years back and I cover them with a pair of Levi jeans .
Yes- jeans ! If I'm out when it's 20 degrees I don't see anyone so I don't care what I look like ( I really wouldn't care if I saw 100 people - my point is hardly anyone is out there ) and they keep me warmer than anything . Plus if you fall you don't rip a pair of $ 150 Gore pants . I know this isn't what your'e looking for but I thought I' d throw it out there . Obviously if you are in a race or something these wouldn't work . But for simply training or working out , which is all I do ,
they work fine .
 
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Bontrager just started doing a line of commuter gear that's nice and solid. The rain/wet/cold pants they do are $50 which is pretty cheap.

I have a pair of the uber Craft pants which are cold and rain proof, but they'll set you back close to $200, as will the top Pearl Izumi ones, or the Gore ones.

-Jim.
 
I picked up a pair of the PI elite bibs on sale. Rode them this past weekend very comfy and warm. I can see them working down to about 20 degree's and even lower with a first layer underneath
 
Thanks all for the thoughts-
I like the idea on non-bike-specific and cheaper bike-specific options.
A pair of Gore pants would be nice, but that's a lot to spend on something that wouldn't survive a spill or a brush with a tree.
 
I don't wear any bike specific clothing in the woods (except for shorts). For the really cold or windy days I have a heavy northface base layer bottom that's fleece lined ($20 at marshalls a few years ago). When it's not super cold I wear regular weight base layer on my legs which works fine (for me). Up top I'll use a base layer (I have 2 different weights based on temp) that are from marshalls too, and sometimes a sleeveless fleece. It's all cheap stuff which has surprisingly lasted a few years. I spent the $$ on hands, feet and road gear.

For the road I have windproof gore jacket and bib tights which are almost too warm for anything but the dead of winter or super windy days. If it's not too cold I'll use my northface base on my legs, though that's a little loose for the road.
 
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