I was kinda in the same boat as you. A buddy purchased some in early spring and convinced me to do the same. Best money spent and have never thought twice about it since then.

 

I dont care much for the look of them, but I also could give a crap about peoples opinion of me. As of now I dont own any but when the temps drop in my area I will be buying some along with other cold weather gear.

 

Homophobes believe that bikers shouldn't wear them.

 

I wear them practically all the time. Not just when it's cold. I wore mine going through Death Valley this summer, and they also protect from the hot sun. I never felt too warm and they kept the hot sun from burning my legs.

I also feel a little more protected if I should happen to be sliding along the pavement.

I know there are armored pants, etc that offer more protection, but chaps are better than nothing, and the most convenient thing about them is that they can be put on and taken off so quickly.

If you're worried about what they look like, you're riding a bike for the wrong reasons.


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Cold protection is only the start. A pair of blue jeans only protects yer hide for about 2 inches of pavement, 4 of gravel.

 

I ride year round. The chaps make that possible when the temp is in the 30s. Now I wear them whenever it drops below 60. I like being comfortable.

 

One of the first things I bought for cold weather riding and really don't care what others think!

 

I wear mine when the temps drop.

 

Same experience as all of you. I didn't want to let the riding season end so bought a pair also. Holy crap! They let no wind through but still breath. They shed light rain too. (Try that in your long johns.)

I want to quote Will Smith in Men in Black and say "But the difference between you and me, is that I make this look GOOD." But I know that's a lie. But I also don't give a crap what anyone thinks I look like in them.
Y-M-C-A.....

 

I think I look pretty hot in mine.