[alanmcorcoran]

If you don't mind a touch of the "Batman" look, I wear the Tourmaster Calibers on all long rides and have been very happy with them. They aren't cheap and don't look like jeans, but they are padded and reinforced and very comfortable to wear. They have a zip in zip out lining and are warm down to high thirties (I usually only wear compression shorts underneath, but you can buy them large and they'll fit over a pair of jeans, thermal underwear, etc.)

I did melt a small patch on one pair when I was pushing the GZ through an intersection and managed to touch the tail pipe near the joint. This is not easy to do in regular use.

For my commute, and short rides, I just go with Wranglers. I don't get above 45 and there is little traffic/hazards of any kind. (I literally ride past a 2 mile regional park for most of it!)