Which trousers for bike use?

Hello all.
I'm just after a bit of general advice regarding trousers.
I'm brand new to the biking fraternity, and with the imminent arrival of my SV, I need to get a bit kitted up.

I've ridden pillion for a number of years, so I already have a decent leather jacket, helmet and gloves.
I'm going to be investing in a new helmet anyway. And I've just bought some boots.

I've never owned proper biking trousers before, just settling for normal denim, but I am keen to get as protected as possible now.

As I am new, not going to be doing much in the way of touring imminently, instead more getting used to the bike and learning slowly over the summer months, what would be the best option for trousers?

Would something like a Hood Kevlar jean with armour suffice?
Would textiles be better, something like the HG AirStream?
Leather?

Thanks in advance!

[yorkie_chris]

IMO get a decent textile jacket and some cheap but armoured leather trousers.

Leather grips better to the bike promoting a better riding style, is far more protective and durable than even expensive textile and is in completely different league to protected jeans.

Having fallen off in most of the options I'd take leathers any day. The armour in jeans isn't well held in place and the material itself lends no resistance.

I'd go for leather. Not that I'm into that sort of thing...

[Paul the 6th]

leathers are boss.. Robchester is selling a 2 piece leather suit identical to mine (albeit about 4 times smaller than the one I have to wear) but it's the best bit of biking kit I've ever bought..

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=175062

[MisterTommyH]

Get the best you can afford - I started riding in 'normal' jeams and it scares me now to think that I essentially had no protection.

Kevlar jeans will give you some protection (especially if they have armour) but they are unlikely to keep the armour in place and the kevlar section may move. People on here have crashed in them and given goor reports, but I can't really comment on that.

Textiles are probably as good for protection as leathers nowerdays, should keep the armour in place and have goot abrasion resistance - They have the advantage of generally being water-proof(ish).

Leathers are more comfortable if it's warm.

The big difference between leathers and textile/kevlar is that if you crash leathers are likely to be re-useable, but textiles tend to get trashed (in 5 minutes someone will be along saying they've crashed in textiles and they were re-useable....there are always exceptions both ways).

Most important is to get something that fits, so it can hold the armour int he right place (pointless in the wrong place) and something that you're comfortable with because if it's uncomfortable you won't wear it.

Sorry if I am stating the obvious.
remember to try getting on/off bike with trousers (before you buy)
many years ago, I bought a pair at a bike show - (they were a good fit when walking around)
When I got home, I could not get on the bike.
Fortunately, the supplier was local and I went along to exchange for bigger size.

I have both leather and textile trousers, but mainly use the leather ones.

SMcG in Glasgow

I've got big thighs for my leg size and have always found trousers of any intended purpose hard to buy, in the time I've been riding I've had all 3 types of bike pant; leather, jeans and textile.
Hands down prefer the Denim, I've got the Sartso Jeans and a set of RST leather pants, the proof of preference is that I use the Jeans every day.
Buy the decent top jeans and the Kevlar is in full pads as opposed to small patches and so you're always protected whilst sliding.
The pads are on the knees and hips (although I've not paid for the hip ones) speaking for the knee pads I can testify that in a 30mph ish off they will not move. When sat on a chair you cant move them unless your leg is perfectly straight. In addtion I tuck the lower leg into my boots which come high up my shins and these further restict the chance that they cant move anywhere.
All the protection of textiles without the incovinience of looking like you're wearing bike gear - perfect for days on site or at Uni makes the jeans trump the textiles everyday of the week.

As regards leather pants, I have a pair of RST's and they have been used a couple of times but tbh I feel like a member of village people so its been as a last resort and only in the nice weather that I can be sure they wont get wet.

I stopped buying textile pants after my first pair disintergrated during a 20mph lowside.


Most important thing about bike gear.... MAKE SURE ITS CORRECTLY FITTING!!!

Thanks for the advice guys.
As my leather jacket is in fairly decent nick, I'll put up with it for a little while, and look at changing it in a few months time. But definitely need to get some trousers soon.
Anyone have any opinions on Hein Gericke stuff?

[Nobbylad]

Hein Gericke stuff is good quality kit, especially the GoreTex textiles.

However for protection, leather is far superior to textiles.

I think human flesh wears down at something like 1 inch per second when in contact with asphalt at 30mph.

Leather is the tool of choice if you come off, textiles afford some protection, but in my experience, the additional cushioning of leather helps avoid painful bumps and bruises.

Whatever you get, make sure it's a snug fit and the armour stays put as you move around. You can have the best quality kit, but if it doesn't fit well, the armour will move in an off and could cause more damage than it's aimed to prevent.

All in my humble opinion of course.

[DJ123]

Originally Posted by jamesymurray

Thanks for the advice guys.
As my leather jacket is in fairly decent nick, I'll put up with it for a little while, and look at changing it in a few months time. But definitely need to get some trousers soon.
Anyone have any opinions on Hein Gericke stuff?

My last accident was a 50mph low side, i slid/rolled down the road until i came to a stop. I was wearing Hein Gericke textile trousers. The outer of the material did shred, but did not fall apart or wear through the inner layer.