It's got to be gore tex or a similar product. It's got to protect! I don't want to pack any rain gear. I did that forever, and I'm done with that. These pants are supposed to breathe, and the breathe-ability is controlled by heat which makes them adapt to a wide range of temperatures. I wouldn't want to be encased in some chemically sprayed sweaty jeans, that won't keep out the water at the seams anyway.
My experience with Pro shell Gor-tex has been excellent. It has allowed me to cut down my gear load dramatically. All my riding gear, gloves to boots is waterproof, protective, well vented, and comfortable for any weather. Yea this gear is expensive, but riding is an important part of my life.
Locally, I wear BMW City pants (
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Genuine-Motor ... W215C29MET) that are good looking jeans with D30 armour (
http://www.d3o.com/materials/how-d3o-works/) in the knees and hips. They weave cordura with denim for much better abrasion protection than jeans, but they are not water proof. I picked up a pair at a BMW national rally for $150. They are quite comfy.
So a set of pants like these Rokkor's would complete my daily riding suit, requiring no rain equipment to be carried. I ride all year round here on Vancouver Island (British Columbia Canada), and it is not unusual to have cold wet costal sections segue, into the interior where it can be desert hot all in a matter minutes. I have Cordura Gore Tex riding pants that serve well, but when you show up in town you always feel like you are inappropriately dressed for meetings or social events with non riders. So Jeans that are protective, water proof, and comfortable, would make the transition from rider to a pedestrian much better.
I'm going to be in Philly (Pennsylvania USA) next week for business, where Revzilla is located (large bike equipment supplier) so I wrote them and they answered:
"Currently, we have one pair of the 36x34 Rokker Revolution Waterproof Jeans in the Showroom, and we would love if you swing by to try them out! We totally understand wanting to get the sizing just right. The jeans are a bit pricey, but they really are the best in the industry, in my opinion. Not only are they incredibly protective, but they are also just seriously nice jeans."
So if time allows, I will give them a try, and if they fit, and armor stays where it should, I may just have to pay the man. I'll report back to this thread. I'm sure there will be less expensive options in the future, but the mistake we often make, is thinking we have time.