Leg straps or clips (especially on the chain side) are the way to go. Not only does this keep the pant leg clean, but it prevents the cuff from chafing or hanging up on something.

You can improvise with a large rubber band, but the Velcro straps are readily available and very easy to get on/off. When not in use they can be wrapped around your seat post or some such.

What I think is the simplest (and one I do myself) is to just roll up your trouser legs. I usually roll mine up a few times to hold them in place and roll them pretty high. I do both legs so that neither of them can get caught in my water bottle holder. Ever since I started doing this, I have not once gotten grease on the outside of my trouser legs.

Shorter pants. Shorts or knickers will stay out of the way. In the winter, you can wear tights underneath. I love my wool tights so much that I wear them under my jeans during the day and at night as ... Read more »