As it is getting colder, I am realizing the need for more warmth on my legs.  I normally wear jeans when I ride but am thinking I might need to invest in leather pants/ chaps.  I am not a huge fan of them but given their durability and windproof features maybe they are worth it.  What do you wear on your legs when riding?

I've got a nice set of leather chaps that I was able to pick up at the bike show in Cleveland for around $50.

They are great although if you invest in leather chaps make sure you waterproof them before you have to use them in the rain.

As far as them catching on the pegs it sounds like your's might be too big for you in the first place sunny.  When you shop for them you don't want them to be at all loose.  You want them to be like a second skin, but not so tight that you cannot move.

Bear in mind that I'm in Dallas - not Minneapolis.  Winters are not as severe but summers are a force to be reckoned with.  I use leather legs (half-chaps) and I recommend using Nikwax to waterproof leather.  I may get some full chaps at some point but I've found longjohns do a good job of insulating and the leather legs go from boots to knees (a bit above the knees in front), protecting me from gravel and other hazards.

I have an inexpensive pair of chaps I bought from Dennis Kirk 12 years ago and they are still in good shape. I wear them a lot in the winter. I also have a pair of leather pants that I wear some. The fit like jeans so are easier to put on than chaps. They are a little warmer than chaps because they cover all of my lower body. If it is really cold I wear my chaps over my leather pants and stay warm down to lower 40's to high 30's.   The big plus for chaps is some days as the weather warms up in the afternoon they come off easy and can then be stored in saddlebag.

Gitarzan wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10:

LMAO....GOOD ONE

To me, leather chaps are the way to go.  Mine are sort of plain but fit the bill just fine.  If I have to ride and it is colder, I wear a pair of my running tights under my jeans then the chaps.  I've found the best place to get them is at a motorcycle rally.  Leather vendors there are very competitive and have a great selection.

I don't handle the cold too well anymore.  

I used to be a friggin' viking. I once rode a bike 7 miles to work at 11pm at 29°F and home again at 7am at 19°F!!  At the time I thought that that chilly ride to work was "invigorating" and honestly, I did think that the ride home was cold cold cold, but I still took it on and enjoyed it.

Now, 25 years later, after a radiation blasted pituitary, after blood pressure pills, after just getting older,  I can't handle it.

Looks like a perfectly good excuse to go out this weekend and buy leather Chaps/Trou, a Jacket and some gauntlet gloves.  

After all, it might give me two weeks more riding time!  

The proper use of chaps...

http://www.harleyrendezvous.com/2004-pics/gate-06.jpg

Please note: as you can see this is a link to a harley-based site and therefore not intended for viewing by the prudish of heart.