I needed to replace my tattered RoadGear touring trousers, and I heard that the Aerostich Darien and AD1 trousers were excellent. So I took the risk and ordered from the catalog based on the favorable reviews on other forums. I've had them for a couple of weeks now and am impressed.

They fit really well and are about the highest quality touring trouser I have seen. I rode three hours in the rain with them (not on purpose!) yesterday, and the Gore-Tex makes them absolutely waterproof. The velcro and zippered pockets sealed well and I stayed perfectly dry.

This morning was sunny and 35*, and they were quite comfortable with polypro longjohns. The "regular" size is cut to a 35 inch length, and I was concerned that they would be too long since my inseam is only 31 inches, but the extra length was perfect once I sat on the bike; they came down to my ankle, giving great protection from wind and rain.

These are expensive (about $300), but without a doubt the best touring trousers I have ever owned. Forgive the catalog picture - you don't really want to see them mounted on my oversize butt....

 

Happy they're working well for you..I use my Gerbings Union Ridge over pants the same way.....nice when a catalog order is correct...

 

Nah. I'll stick with my Duluth Trading pants at $120.00
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/m...lls/32519.aspx

 

How about the nylon near the hot pipes?

 

John, are you using them as overpants on top of your jeans, or wearing them alone?

 

They are a tough canves and dont melt on my pipes and they have toched the pipes many times. Have worn them in a super heavy down pore and have worn them in 16 degree weather with no issues. I dont think I will ever wear chaps agian. Plenty of insulation.

 

I've got about 15k miles on my AD1s and love them. I wear them as an overpant most of the time and will replace them with another pair when the time comes. They also work as well off road as they do on.

 

I wish I could afford a pair of those. I ended up finding a set of ski pants to wear over my pants. Found out real quick that they melt easily against the pipes. Had to find heat resistant cloth and have a seamstress add it from the knees down, works like a charm. Love the pocket configuration on yours though. FT

 

The outer shell of the Aerostich trousers are a Cordura-type fabric that won't melt on the hot pipes. They are a little stiff at first, but within a ride or two they seem to conform and fit really nicely.

I wear them as my primary trouser, over a pair of thin or thick longjohns depending on outside temperature. I think they are intended to work either way - as a primary trouser or as an overpant. I haven't had these for a summer season yet, but here in Atlanta they are going to be hot when the street temperature reaches the mid-90's in August. I use these primarily during the other three seasons when on tour or day trips; I usually don't wear them during the week when commuting or on appointments - I look goofy hopping up and down on one foot trying to put them on or take them off.