Dirt Bike Pants
by STEVE ODINE
Selecting motocross pants can seem like a simple choice. Find some pairs that fit your price range and pick the most attractive ones. Only it's not quite that simple. MX pants are available in many different shapes, styles and sizes. Also there are other factors to consider, such as ruggedness, heat resistance, abrasion resistance and more. We'll explain the factors you should consider when selecting a pair of pants to help you arrive at a wise selection. MX Pants Safety The safety of dirt bike pants comes down to three criteria: what they are made of, what type of built-in protection they offer, and how well they accommodate additional protection.
Pants are offered in various fabrics, each with its own pluses and minuses. If you want protection from abrasions, leather is a good choice, however it can be quite hot. Perforated leather lets increased airflow, but is less sturdy. Cordura combines ventilation and abrasion resistance, but the disadvantage is its inflexibility. Probably the strongest material is Kevlar, despite its high price.
Extra protection, by way of knee or hip pads, is available in a variety of models. When these are called "panels", it indicates that strengthened material is incorporated to give additional durability. This additional protection still may not meet your requirements, however. If you use additional knee protection, look for pants that are designed to hold them.
Safety is clearly one of the most important criteria in deciding on motocross pants so you should spend extra time on it.
Fit You'll want pants that give an adaptable, flexible and comfortable fit.
You don't want extra material moving around and slowing you down, so a tight fit is key. Spandex is a serviceable pick but Spandura has the same tight fit of Spandex in addition to the protective property of Cordura.
Flexibility is also important for unrestricted movement. Keep an eye out for stretch panels that can expand along with joints through the full range of motion.
If varying environmental conditions mean you might need to add or remove protective pads, look for an expandable fit -- that will also provide room for equipment such as a kidney belt or boots.
Durability of Dirt Bike Pants Because you can spend a good chunk of change on some pants, you'll want them to endure. Search for pants that offer double or triple stitches on seams. This permits the pants to suffer some amount of damage without falling apart. Make note of the kind of material used in the seat and the knees -- these two sections get the most strain so are most vulnerable to ripping.
Airflow Air circulation normally doesn't go together with safety. The more rugged the material, the safer it is at the expense of being more hot. Pants will often have strategically placed air circulation panels that help with cooling without giving up protection. Some pants feature webbed panels. Spandex and Cordura also offer this type of ventilation.
Motocross Pants Style Of course, the pants need to look great as well. Be sure to compare the color scheme of your pants to your bike. Will they clash? Is there other equipment that should match, like boots or a shirt? When you are off your bike, will your pants still be appropriate? If so, you won't be in a rush to take them off when you are done riding. Consider buying pants with removable legs so they can turn into shorts. Although they will not be as good a fit, they are more convenient after your ride, especially when the weather is unpredictable.
Other Factors The reasons above are probably the most important to look at when selecting MX pants. But there are still more as well. Look for pants that are light so you're not held back by your equipment. Think about the pockets -- are you trying to carry a few essentials when you travel? If so, you'll need a few of them.
Youth Motocross Pants A quick word about dirt bike pants for the kids: The same considerations as above pertain to youth pants as well as for adults. Take careful note of sizing, of course, because kids do grow quickly! And you may want to emphasize safety even more in place of styling. That should be a possibility nowadays, because many pants are now available in youth sizes as well as adults'.
More Info This page gives additional information on dirt bike equipment in general. Fox Racing and Answer Motocross are two of the leading dirt bike equipment manufacturers.
All in all, picking out a pair of motocross pants can present a daunting choice. Do not fear, however. Consider some of the factors we've discussed when deciding and you're sure to come to a suitable choice.
About the Author Steve Odine is a motocross champ. Steve's been competing and riding for pleasure for many years, going faster than some but not quite as fast as others. He enjoys evaluating
