If you are too “deck” to be caught wearing chinos on your bike, a variety of cycling specific jeans are popping up to help solve your bike commute fashion conundrum. It remains to be seen, however, whether cycling jeans are a little late to the party and the hipsters have moved on to make something else cool.
Levi’s recently unveiled their new 511 cycling jeans for Fall 2011 (pictured above). These slim cut, mid-calf jeans come with a U-Lock ready utility waistband that is cut higher in the back so you aren’t flashing too much unwanted skin. 3M reflective detailing helps with visibility during your ride.
New York company Osloh specializes in almost nothing but cycling jeans. The stretch denim fabric is coated with a DWR resin and anti-bacterial finish. These jeans feature the obligatory low front and high back waistband with a reinforced U-Lock strap above the left back pocket. An internal chamois seat lining and double snap adjustment straps on the chain side leg render these cycling jeans extremely useful for riding. MSRP $129
Rapha recently released their own version of cycling jeans. With a standard straight-leg fit, the performance denim jeans have a high back waist and offset inseams to prevent chaffing. The right back pocket is reinforced to hold a compact D-Lock and the inside right leg displays a reflective Rapha logo when rolled or folded up. MSRP $205 (on back order til May)
The Swrve cycling jeans come with articulated knees, lower front and high rise back waistband with U-Lock friendly back pockets. A special cell phone pocket on the side helps you stay connected, while a reflective stripe on the inside right leg is visible when rolled up. MSRP $100
And don’t forget the Thunderbolt Softshell Jeans made from Schoeller Dryskin, a water repellent treated, breathable 4-way stretch fabric that feels like denim. MSRP $188
So what do you think of cycling jeans? A step up from the ubiquitous skinny jeans adorning today’s urban cyclist?