Cycling pants

[Patrick Moore]

Ever since I saw a drawing of a very elegant pair of full-length wool cycling trousers in an old (~1971) cycling book, I've wanted a similar pair. Today I just picked up my own pair from the tailor, who took a very nice and comfortable pair of mid-weight, charcoal grey Brooks Brothers pants that I've owned for years but rarely worn and added lightweight, interior, wind-blocking linings in the legs, a heavier, outside saddle-protecting lining in the seat, and pegged the legs with zippers. Very nice looking and, more to the point, very comfortable, since the dress pant cut (these pants pre-date the hipster cut but post-date 1980s baggies; trim but no binding) is just right for cycling, roomy but no flapping, and cut high enough in the waist! -- my personal bete noir.

$99 including tax; he said he'd charge about $175 for making a pair from scratch, + material.

I've not yet ridden in them, but since I've ridden in dress pants knickers for years, I know they'll be comfortable, and the saddle reinforcement will solve the wear problem -- not that it's a huge problem, IME.

I've left a mid-weight pair of dress flannels, already cut to +6 or so knicker length, for similar treatment.

In contrast, the Endura riding pants I bought a few years ago, as a design for cycling that had street pants construction with zip fly, side and rear pockets, belt loops -- required $100 worth of alteration each to be even moderately comfortable, and they're still too low in the waist. They may go on sale shortly.

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

[Bill Schairer]

Interesting idea! I’ve got some suits that never get worn anymore. Any photos?

Bill S

[Garth]

Well thank goodness for tailors and good ol' clothing designs that actually ave both style and function.  I still have some elastic waist and ankles cotton "beach" pants I bought from the Big and Tall store years ago. They're no good for riding but grand for anything else. There used to be some suitable high rise loose fitting in the hip pants from outdoor brands like Outdoor Research but they too fell victim to the microbutt trend. It's like a virus !  Ahahahahaahaha !!! 

[Patrick Moore]

Inaugural ride; they performed as expected. Very comfortable, no binding. I must have the crotch lining "rotated" an inch down in back and up to the zipper base in front, which base is about an inch ahead of the current seam.

I'll try to get some photos that actually represent what these things look like in the mirror. Trying to photograph my own lower parts with a small iPhone didn't work, direct or reflection. They look nice in the mirror.

Patrick's Superior Suitings!

Cruising casually down the boulevard, or riding meditatively through the woods, the sophisticated sports cyclist always chooses "Patrick's" Superior Suitings.

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Impeccably cut, elegantly draped, you can always tell the man who chooses "Patrick's" Superior Suitings by his ineffable air of command and ease.

Join captains of industry and arbiters of good taste! Contact AAA Tailor today!*

(*The tailor did ask me to spread the word, and yes, his shop is called AAA Tailor.)