Morning attire routines are different for guys who cycle to work, especially when it comes to pants. Wearing slacks on a Cinelli just isn’t practical, and bibs at the office won’t fly unless maybe you work at Strava. Will they get caught in the spokes? Can they handle a drizzle? And how about sweat? Fortunately, there are hybrid pants available. They’re the euryhaline fish of the clothing world (if you don’t mind a biology parallel), adapting to both fresh water (office seats) and salt (bike saddles). All these commuter pants are decked out in features engineered for cycling, yet are camouflaged as being work appropriate. Differing in tailoring, fabric, color, details and more, they offer a great range of options for any professional/cyclist.
More Cycling: Best Bike Helmets | Best Commuter Gear | Best Road Biking Shoes
Betabrand Bike to Work Pants
The San Francisco-based brand creates clothing for all types of people, including commuting cyclists. Made with a stretchy cotton blend (59% cotton, 40% cotton, 1% spandex) that’s water and soil resistant, their Bike to Work pants have a gusseted crotch and a higher back rise for maximum crack-coverage. They’re also stitched to fit leanly and comfortably around the hip and rear regions. Basically, cyclists won’t get wedgied or all mucked up in chain grease while commuting. Additional cool features include a reflective pocket flap and pant inner liner; a hidden cell phone pocket; a zippered rear pocket; and colors in gray, black, khaki, navy and charcoal heather.
Mission Workshop The Division Chino
Tough and meant to last, these slick slacks are constructed of a Swiss-made Schoeller-Dryskin. The four-way stretch nylon is breathable and treated with water repellent Nanosphere so cyclists won’t be constricted by damp legs. The chinos come in three colors (slate, khaki, black), all featuring a 34-inch inseam and a zippered pocket on the thigh.
Snow Peak x Nau Welter Weight Motil Pant
Compared to Nau’s original Motil Pant, this collaborative iteration with Snow Peak is heavier and leaner. The fabric (80% recycled poly, 20% organic cotton) is weaved in a herringbone pattern, making it tough and suitable for colder weather. Each pant is slim fitting, with the commuter must-haves: inside reflective hem lining and a hidden cell phone pocket. On top of that, they have lifetime warranty.
Outlier New OGS
When Outlier started six years ago, their first products were the OG (Original Garment) pant line. With success came a full-on clothing line, and now a new improved version of their original darling is out. Still technical and for everyday use, the new OGs are made with Outlier’s OG cloth (80% nylon, 10% polyester, 10% elastane) and treated with NanoSphere, making them breathable, durable and water/dirt resistant; they’re also comfortable. With an innovative waistband, deep-lying pockets and medium lean cut, they’re also appropriate for most any situation.
Giro Mobility Trouser
Giro tackles everything on the cycling frontier. Their mobility trousers come either tailored or in a classic fit, both in three solid colors. Constructed with 2-way stretch rugged twill (97% cotton, 3% lycra), they feature a reflective inner hem and a comfortable gusseted crotch, specifically designed for bike commuters. However they’re not waterproof, so biking in the rain is a no-go. But at $100 they won’t dent your wallet; and if you need more reassurance, Giro provides a one-year warranty.
Levi’s Commuter 511 Slim Fit Trousers
Probably the list’s most classically khaki-looking option, these commuter slacks are 98% cotton, 2% elastane and have a protective water/dirt resistant NanoSphere finish. Featuring a classic five-pocket design and reflective 3M Scotchlite taped interior cuffs, the pants come in two colors: performance timberwolf (what a name!) and graphite. A tough exterior, comfortable fit and affordable price make these a perfect pant for urban cyclists.
Rapha Touring Trousers
Snowboarders wear snow pants. Cold weather cyclists wear Rapha. Their touring trousers are made from a robust cotton-synthetic blend that’s water-resistant and quick-drying. Tailored and slim fitting, the pants feature an added Cordura seat panel, reinforced belt loops, J-mouth side pockets and reflective lining inside the right legging. Rapha is a top-notch biking brand, but the problem with these pants is price and versatility. Since they look like a rain-pant/khaki hybrid, they probably aren’t appropriate for office parties. And at $240, they’re meant for avid year-round cyclists.
