I know we have a few ladies around here with some practical input on gear, I could use your help. I'm shopping for some dual sport riding pants and there's a lot out there. I'm trying to save myself some time and narrow my search so I don't have to try on a bunch of things just to luck out.
I'm currently in 2 pants depending on the weather/time of year. For summer I'm in vented Klims. And for the cool/cold I'm in women's FieldSheer with a removeable insulation liner and wind liner. Unfortunately each pair has specific issues I'd like to solve in getting a next pair or two. I bought both used off the classifieds and they've served me well but their time is up.
FieldSheer have been great in their fitting, and cold weather protection - I wear them alot. Unfortunately they tore at the hip seams on the outer shell. I think I tore them up when I push the bike around (I'm all legs). They have small pockets tucked up too high and are deep so stuff is there either gets lost or is positioned right in my leg crease so I get jabbed.
Klims are temperature comfortable in the summer being so vented. The big lower thigh pockets are good to carry stuff. and they do not interfere when I bend my legs, ride sit or stand The material is durable and they look good. However they are a men's cut, so the hips and waist are very narrow and they're high cut, so I feel like a sausage. The waistband sits right on my belly button ring, that hurts.
So I realize I'm looking at two pants - winter and summer which is fine. So what's out there that has good protection (I do use the knee armor), pockets in a good position, lower cut waist, good venting, and are easy to get in and out of? I'm 5'3" ~120lbs with a butt and muscular thighs...ie, a girl could use some room for comfort. For the cost I'd like to not pay half a mortgage however if I'm going to invest like that the pants better be worth it. The nearest stores to try on gear are 30min away. If I go I want to make my time worth it. Thanks.
I'm currently in 2 pants depending on the weather/time of year. For summer I'm in vented Klims. And for the cool/cold I'm in women's FieldSheer with a removeable insulation liner and wind liner. Unfortunately each pair has specific issues I'd like to solve in getting a next pair or two. I bought both used off the classifieds and they've served me well but their time is up.
FieldSheer have been great in their fitting, and cold weather protection - I wear them alot. Unfortunately they tore at the hip seams on the outer shell. I think I tore them up when I push the bike around (I'm all legs). They have small pockets tucked up too high and are deep so stuff is there either gets lost or is positioned right in my leg crease so I get jabbed.
Klims are temperature comfortable in the summer being so vented. The big lower thigh pockets are good to carry stuff. and they do not interfere when I bend my legs, ride sit or stand The material is durable and they look good. However they are a men's cut, so the hips and waist are very narrow and they're high cut, so I feel like a sausage. The waistband sits right on my belly button ring, that hurts.
So I realize I'm looking at two pants - winter and summer which is fine. So what's out there that has good protection (I do use the knee armor), pockets in a good position, lower cut waist, good venting, and are easy to get in and out of? I'm 5'3" ~120lbs with a butt and muscular thighs...ie, a girl could use some room for comfort. For the cost I'd like to not pay half a mortgage however if I'm going to invest like that the pants better be worth it. The nearest stores to try on gear are 30min away. If I go I want to make my time worth it. Thanks.