Originally Posted by
dadse
I used to own a metal (horseshoe shaped) pant-clip. I didn't much like it, but it more-or-less worked.
I am enamored of the dahon strap-style device that 'comes with a new dahon' (anyway the IDEA thereof). I have purchased a used dahon. It did not come with the strap. I phoned my lbs (according to a web-site - a dahon dealer - they agreed there existed such a relationship, but they don't stock any parts) and was told it may not even be possible to order the strap without the bike 'attached'.
What does anyone here think? Is there a way to buy this seemingly-useful device separately? Is there a reasonable alternative (e.g., a strap that fits to the handlebar, or somewhere, so it is always with the bike) - even if not dahon? I am always misplacing my metal gizmo because it does not do that - it is, in fact, misplaced right now. Stuffing my pant leg into my sock is not much fun.
A very easy solution. How about making your own? Or hire/ask someone to do it if you don't want to sew it yourself. Either way, it is far more secure on your leg and fits better as well. I have made all mine when I lost my own Dahon pants clip (or misplaced it, I am not sure). In any event, all you need is a two pieces of an mid to heavy weight rectangular fabric (denim, chino, twill and the like) or one to two inch wide webbing (your choice) and Velcro to attached the pants clip (or rather, a band in this case,) together securely. The fabric band needs an additional step in sewing the 2 separate fabric pieces together to form the single rectangular band. The use of webbing does not need to do this step. Here are the photos below of the finished product, flattened out and around my leg. I hand-marbled the photographed one below as well with fabric paint to really make mine a one-of-a-kind pant clip!