Commuting trousers

el_presidente
el_presidente Posts: 1,963
edited November 2012 in Commuting chat
I've recently switched my commute from a full-on 12-mile thrashfest on my roadbike, full lycra etc etc to a 4-mile pootle::train::4-mile pootle at the other end, using a cheapo folder. Lycra is massive overkill, in the summer I can wear baggies but what about now? I have been doing it in my suit trousers with some o/trousers for when it rains, which is OK but it's getting a bit chilly and also I fear for the lifespan of my suits.

So to summarise I've got my eye on these http://www.rapha.cc/softshell-trousers - any experience of these at all, and any others I should be looking at?

thanks
<a>road</a>

Comments

  • dhope
    dhope Posts: 6,699
    Swrve stuff?
    http://swrve.co.uk/softshell%20trouser.html

    Bit cheaper and think it's decent kit.
    Rose Xeon CW Disc
    CAAD12 Disc
    Condor Tempo
  • t4tomo
    t4tomo Posts: 2,643
    I do similar commute, except expensive folder rather than a cheap one :D

    it will wear the arse out of your suit trousers - leave your suit in work and get changed there.

    I vary between a pair of ron hill running tracky bottoms or a cheap pair of chino's (much better than jeans if its wet or cold)
    Bianchi Infinito CV
    Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Ultegra
    Brompton S Type
    Carrera Vengeance Ultimate Ltd
    Gary Fisher Aquila '98
    Front half of a Viking Saratoga Tandem
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,660
    Whatever they are, make sure they're red.
    _
  • el_presidente
    el_presidente Posts: 1,963
    dhope wrote:
    Swrve stuff?
    http://swrve.co.uk/softshell%20trouser.html

    Bit cheaper and think it's decent kit.

    Their softshell trousers are the same price (£110). But also on the list, thanks.
    <a>road</a>
  • JamesB5446
    JamesB5446 Posts: 471
    You could try these - http://www.howies.co.uk/mens/clothing/t ... black.html
  • owenlars
    owenlars Posts: 719
    edited November 2012
    These from Groundeffect in NZ are good. Delivery to UK takes about three to four days.

    http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-d ... AN-LON.htm

    $1 NZ is about 50 pence uk
  • pangolin
    pangolin Posts: 6,666
    Surface liquistretch, but no one seems to sell the trousers any more :(
    - Genesis Croix de Fer
    - Dolan Tuono
  • the_fuggler
    the_fuggler Posts: 1,228
    owenlars wrote:
    These from Groundeffect in NZ are good. Delivery to UK takes about three to four days.

    http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-d ... AN-LON.htm

    Their stuff is bombproof. Have a pair of baggies that are 7 years old and still going strong.
    FCN 3 / 4
  • il_principe
    il_principe Posts: 9,155
    dhope wrote:
    Swrve stuff?
    http://swrve.co.uk/softshell%20trouser.html

    Bit cheaper and think it's decent kit.

    I have Swrve and Rapha 3/4 shorts and jeans. The Swrve ones haven't lasted as well and the reflective strip on the Swrve jeans is just a bit of tape stuck on - it didn't last long. On balance I'd go Rapha. I thin IT Boffin has the softshell trousers.
  • dhope
    dhope Posts: 6,699
    pangolin wrote:
    Surface liquistretch, but no one seems to sell the trousers any more :(
    The shorts are great, didn't think the trousers got such a good writeup.
    Rose Xeon CW Disc
    CAAD12 Disc
    Condor Tempo
  • Phil_D
    Phil_D Posts: 467
    Leave your work trousers at work and commute in something else. There are loads of things on the market that don't cost anything near as much as the Rapha stuff and for 2 lots of 4 miles it's not like you need much protection. Get yourself down to sports direct and spend a tenner on some trackie bottoms.
  • SimonAH
    SimonAH Posts: 3,730
    Phil_D wrote:
    Leave your work trousers at work and commute in something else. There are loads of things on the market that don't cost anything near as much as the Rapha stuff and for 2 lots of 4 miles it's not like you need much protection. Get yourself down to sports direct and spend a tenner on some trackie bottoms.


    ...........but someone might see you!
    FCN 5 belt driven fixie for city bits
    CAADX 105 beastie for bumpy bits
    Litespeed L3 for Strava bits

    Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    Since these guys were mentioned the other day

    http://www.vulpine.cc/Shop/Shorts-Trous ... TS/ITM1031
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • wgwarburton
    wgwarburton Posts: 1,863
    el_presidente wrote:
    I've recently switched my commute from a full-on 12-mile thrashfest on my roadbike, full lycra etc etc to a 4-mile pootle::train::4-mile pootle at the other end, using a cheapo folder. Lycra is massive overkill, in the summer I can wear baggies but what about now? I have been doing it in my suit trousers with some o/trousers for when it rains, which is OK but it's getting a bit chilly and also I fear for the lifespan of my suits.

    So to summarise I've got my eye on these http://www.rapha.cc/softshell-trousers - any experience of these at all, and any others I should be looking at?

    £110? Awa' wi' ye!

    Try Humvees: Under £45.

    http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Endura-Hummvee- ... tAodYSoAYw

    I use them year round: light, windproof, quick drying, comfortable.. They even look quite like Real Clothes.

    Cheers,
    W.
  • iPete
    iPete Posts: 6,076
    Have the rapha offering for brompton days, smart enough for the office & cut for riding, got them at a sample sale for £45 mind.
  • bobinski
    bobinski Posts: 570
    I have the Rapha Softshell for out of office visits but use the Swrve jeans at all other times. Bought 2 pairs about 2 years ago and they have been worn for commuting etc a lot of the time. Reflective strip has come away on one but strangely not the other. They are really comfortable and its nice to keep pace with a fair number of lycra'd roadies on the commute whilst wearing jeans :wink:

Categories