Darien Pants

[Boxer]

Well, the time has come to finally replace my DragginJeans. They're just about worn out anyway. I came into some extra bucks and I want a pair of Darien pants, which I have lusted after for 2 years now without adequate funding to buy them.

I have noted on the RiderWearhouse web site that they fit like jeans. Is this true! And if so, should I order them larger than my normal jean size? I would want to be wearing them over a variety of trouser types...shorts, jeans, casual slacks, thongs, whatever. I just don't want to end up with the "blousy-leg" syndrome which is what happened with the FirstGear overpants I had.

For those who own these: Do they indeed, fit like jeans? Are they adequately ventilated so a summer ride won't be unbearable? And, last but not least, are they waterproof as claimed?

Answers to these questions and any other testimonials/reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Your Pal
The Other Boxer

[gelbe Kulter]

For those who own these: Do they indeed, fit like jeans?
Yes. No 'blousy leg syndrome.' Get them big enough to fit over whatever you will wear under them.

Are they adequately ventilated so a summer ride won't be unbearable?
No. They are not ventilated. I found them hot. You can snap the cuffs and unzip the seams a bit, but they are still hot.

And, last but not least, are they waterproof as claimed?
Not entirely. The crotch/lap will leak after prolonged rain. Get rain pants to slip over them.

I liked the Dariens and only stopped wearing them because they were destroyed in a crash in which they did their job. They are fairly easy to get on and off and the zippers are on the outside seams away from the bike. I will probably get a Darien suit again, maybe this winter. The pants I have now are well ventilated, but require the addition of a waterproof interior liner that is a bit of a hassle to zip in.

[Kevin Markwell]

Pants are a good topic because I don't think legs get the respect they deserve when considering crash protection. I have the excellent bottoms to my BMW Savanna suit but I can honestly say that I hardly ever wear them. They are hot, clunky and look more like a Power Ranger space suit than pants you can where once you get to your destination. I also have some light ventilated First Gear pants which I like, but I just wear them on long summer trips because they also are not something you would wear in town. So I too usually wear Draggin Jeans for my commute and most rides. Having said all that . . .

Does anyone have experience with or know anyone who crashed in Draggin Jeans and can give a report? Inquiring disrespected legs want to know.

[socalrob]

I seem to recall that KHaynes (Keith I believe) had a get off at about 70mph after being hit by a kangaroo, he was wearing draggin jeans & an BMW Airflow jacket, my exact summer gear. The draggin jeans saved him from road rash but did allow him to get "burns". Just as I thought was probable. He was happy with the performance. Look on the old board I believe. Was a serious accident & laid him up abit.

I also have some better leg gear. I have the BMW commuter overpants which, although bulky, I do like & use when I am in a worry mode. I also have the BMW Airflow pants which fit ok but I don't get any air through. They do seem safe though.

[DSKYZD]

Boxer,

The pants I wore on the Hungry Mother Rain Ride were Dariens. Mine have never leaked, but they are warm. Maybe Darien Lights? Especially in a lighter color like grey.

The regular Dariens are stiff, haven't washed mine yet (2nd season). I get a lot of use out of them when it's cooler.

They do have a nice loose cut to them.


DSKYZD

[scottybooj]

If I were to get reinforced jeans, I'd go for the InoTex BMW denims. Tough as nails yet they look great. Pricey though.