Riding pants

I need info on pants. I've never had a pair of riding pants and I don't know how to shop for them. Going into a local store is pretty much useless since they have very little in stock. So online it is. But when they list sizes they list them like shirts, s,m,l....etc. not in measured sizes like in normal pants. And do you buy them to wear as pants or do they fit over your street pants?

You can get pants or over pants.  If sized right either could work for either.  I have Fieldsheer o.p.'s that I'm liking. Got them at http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/.  I ride to work a lot so they go over and the leg zip goes up near to the waist making them much easier to get off/on than knee high zips.

Take care, RD

I've always been pretty happy with the cycle gear store brand Bilt, I've had a pair for a few years that kinda died last year.... don't put them on/off over your boots, or there goes the waterproof liner!!

I'm 210-230lbs most of the time, 36-38" waist with 34" inseam, and usually buy "XL" size. I haven't had to send anything back yet because it didn't fit. I generally wear jeans under my riding pants.

Which type to get depends on what you want to ride for. Mesh for hot, waterproof for rain, ect. Personally I would like to have a set of mesh for hot weather and a set of waterproof for cooler/wetter weather. Right now that's not the case, though.

CE approved armor on the hips and knees is a good thing to look for too, in my opnion.

Like the guys have said, there's a lot of different options. Overpants, regualr pants.. In the boot style, or outside the boot style. If you arent sure what you want, id suggest just going to cyclegear and trying some stuff on, and seeing what works for you.

For short, in town trips, I have a set of kevlar riding jeans. They have armor in the usual places, are plenty comfy, and dont leave you looking like a power ranger if you ride somewhere to eat.

If i do anything more than just a ride to work, or down the street for whatever, I have some ADV themed MX style pants I wear, called MSR explorers. They're in the boot style, which I really prefer. I wear full MX style knee pads inside the pants, and my boots help keep them in place.

Its all personal preference You should probably just try some stuff on and see how it fits.  Maybe some more members will chime in here with what they use, etc.

I'll be damned! I had no idea we had a 'cyclegear' store. It's not an area of town I ever go into. I'll have to swing by after work.

well i walked out of the store with a set of saddlebags, a pair of gloves and a universal mounting kit for the bags which will be going back. it wont fit. i guess i'll be ordering the mounting kit from Dirtracks afterall.

If you have a short list of pants, you can email the size you currently wear to revzilla.com customer service and they can help you out.  Free shipping over $39 and if they go back it costs a little ship them (think it was $10 when I did).  A few others on there and I have Klim and personally I have been impressed with the quality.  They have things like https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-traverse-pants-2010 on closeout from time to time. 

I REALLY like my $59 vented Arsenal pants from mcsuperstore.  I have bought (and sold brand new) quite a few pants because I never like them.

I'll be damned! I had no idea we had a 'cyclegear' store. It's not an area of town I ever go into. I'll have to swing by after work.

Their return policy is great, too. Cyclegear is your friend!