For about two years I ignored the idea of chaps for cold weather riding (below 40º) because I wasn't a fan of the look. Rather, the choice would be to freeze my legs or not ride at all. I attempted to use thermals or Under Armour but still would be bitter from the cold wind. I have a nicer leather jacket that I only wear as the temps drop, but I guess I couldn't get passed my perceived stigma of chaps - I never saw anyone my age (26) or close to it wearing them, always associated them with the pirate uniform, village people, etc.

Now my wife has had a pair for awhile now, and I never thought anything about her wearing them. My notion was females got a pass for obvious reasons, or at least those that were easy on the eyes. She always wondered why I didn't wear them and thought I was dumb for roughing it to work on any given cold morning.

Well I decided to give them a try as this cold season approached and bought a pair from LeatherUp via a leftover Amazon gift card. I mounted up in preparation to ride this morning to work with the thermometer reading 38º. I make my way out from the neighborhood onto the main roads...

...holy crap.

I could have rode for hours comfortably. No wind chill. No shivering. I could feel my legs when got to work.

I can say now my opinion on chaps have changed - a lot. I still only plan on using them for cold weather riding, but I don't see myself attempting another cold day without them. I honestly could care less about any stigma I had before. Call it what you want. I'm a believer now.

 

Been wearing them in the cold for a cuppla winters now.
Welcome to the dark side....

 

What stigma?

 

I use my bike for daily trans. quite an improvement when its cold. would not be without them for winter riding. I don't care about the look. fashion police can mind their own business

 

Welcome to the pirate club! I have to wear dress pants / business casual to work every day and wear chaps when I ride in the cold, take them off at the office and my clients and business partners don't have a clue.

 

Not cheap, but Planet Knox Cold Killers do the trick.

 

I tried some last weekend for the 1st time ever, cold weather can kiss my *** and so can peoples opinions, I'm wearing my chaps when its cold out!!!

 

I love my chaps, they work great. Nothing like a little cow hide to protect my hide.

 

imagine that

 

I never liked the look or bulkiness of chaps. I've worn long underwear in temps into the teens and had no problem.