All this talk about Chrome and I had to do a review of a product I’ve tried and know well. I have loved few clothing items like I love these pants. I don’t see myself from behind and quietly fear how they bunch up just above my tail bone, but that aside, I absolutely love the chamois time I put in with these suckers (”chamois time is training time” they say). Once I rolled my bike into my office, in my full race kit. My boss curiously asked me if it was necessary to wear the full-on bike-gear get-up just to ride into work. I paused and thought lovingly of my chrome pants. It also occurred to me what a roadie snob I’ve become (blame that on Carrie!).

So, the short answer to my boss’s question is “no”, but it sure is a lot more comfortable. And thanks to Chrome, it’s a little less obvious you’re in “full-on bike-gear”. The chamois is thick enough to be useful, without that bulky discomfort in places you’d rather not have when you’re off the bike. Soft, squishy, stretchy, comfy and damn-straight utilitarian. Enough pockets to make commuting easier, and in theory, stylish. And, oh yeah, expensive. But that’s all relative…it’s more of an investment.

I justified it knowing they’d be my ONLY commuting pants. And, one and half years later, they’re still my only pair (but you can’t even tell). Every time I go to the Trek Store, though, I check out the pair that’s sure to be one of my next justified commuting expenses.

tags:chrome•commuting