hhnngg1

On advice of some from this very forum, I took my bibs, which have 2 quarter-size holes in the side of the thigh due to a low-speed spill I took last year, to the local tailor to get them mended.

I told him that cosmetics didn't matter to me - I just wanted black thread, and I knew it would look like 'Frankenstein' (it's an Assos F1 Uno bib).

The tailor (nicely) declined to sew it together, saying his repair would fail very quickly owing to the stretchy material, and that there wasn't anything he could do for it.

Myself and my wife have used this tailor before for regular clothes, and he does a great job, and is very experienced. Hence, before than make him do something potentially futile, was wondering if any on these forums have had good (or bad) experiences with sewing up of similar sized holes in bibs (lycra type stuff).

Homebrew01

I would think a regular serger ("overlock") sewing machine could handle that. Find someone that works with those fabrics.

The 2 sides of the hole will need to be brought together, then overlapped, just like the other fabric panels were joined. So you will have a new little seam, and it will be visible, but should be doable.

topflightpro

This topic has come up in the past - I know I posted a similar thread about jerseys a couple of years ago. The answer I've gotten is there really isn't much you can do.

If your tailor is willing to do it, maybe try another.

I've also considered trying an iron on patch, but I am concerned it would make the damage worse.

Homebrew01

If you can't find someone local, you could ask Kucharik: https://www.kucharikclothing.com/repairs.php

When all else fails:

Looigi

We repair ours ourselves. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can make serviceable repairs by hand with a needle and thread sewing the edges together or sewing on patches.

urbanknight

If your tailor won't do it, you don't want him/her to do it anyway. It means they are uncomfortable with the job. Elastic thread is tricky to deal with. Ask other tailors until you find one brave enough to do it. I'm spoiled here in Los Angeles because Kucharik is nearby and will fix just about any bib, short, or jersey, including chamois replacement. Very reasonable prices as well.

Standalone 

I respect people who turn down work that they consider inappropriate for their skillset.

Jed19

Just spend the $15 or so to send it to Assos in Switzerland with a pin attached to the hole or with a little note of what needs to be done. They will fix it for free. I know, b/cos I've done it twice.

You can get their address on the Assos website.

Do not call them to ask if you should send it in, b/cos then you open yourself to the possibility of their saying no. Just ship it to them.

cyclezen

works for me...

I also use adhesive fabric patches you can buy in any crafts store. They work in areas where the fabric doesn't have to make tight bends, heavy seams or where it might irritate the skin. Areas where the lycra lays relatively flat, like the thigh or butt, it works great.
this stuff also grips pretty well where the hole has abraded edges...
does come off after a bunch of washings, and then needs a new patch applied.
But I've gotten an extra season or 2 out of stuff when used for wkday training rides..

FactVord

Doesn't this run the risk of never getting it back? For all you know, they might state "never received package in the first place" and there's no paper trail. jm2c.

Jed19

That has not been my experience. The first time I did it, I did insure the package, then sent a follow-up e-mail to their customer service to ask if they got it. After about four days, I got a response that they got it. The second time, I did not bother to do insurance, just sent it in.

If you are worried about it getting lost, then insure it.

jamesdak 

?? I just sewed up a hole on my bibs about two weeks ago. Have a few hundred more miles in them now with a whole lot of washings and no problems. Needle and thread and a lock stitch by hand is all I did.

Jed19

I should also have mentioned that turnaround was about a month or so. So, if you can't afford to part with your bibshort for about a month, then don't bother to ship it to Assos. In my view though, they are gonna do the best job to fix it, so it's worth the wait.

datlas 

Have you done that recently?? I am curious because I have a nearly new pair with a tear that needs to be repaired, and I would be willing to try this.

Beau210

How durable is Assos stuff? I considered getting some bib shorts but was told it would only last a couple seasons max.

Jed19

The last time I did it was about seven months ago.

hhnngg1

That's definitely not true. I've been using my Assos F1 Unos (the bottom end version) for 3 years straight now, and if it weren't for that hole in the leg, I'd still be rockin' it for all my outdoor rides. As is, I do a lot (mostly) indoor riding year-round due to work and family, and I'm still wearing them for the trainer.

Although to be honest as well, I also have a Performance Bib Ultra that I got for $60ish on sale 2 years ago, and that one's like new as well.

Beau210

Thanks for the reply. I just got told that they make stuff mostly for pro racers and that they are not really made to last because they usually have several that they switch in and out of.

gsteinb

I had to do that at a race late in the year. A brand new pair of shorts separated at the chamois exposing a bit more than would look good in a podium pic. I thought I was going to have to skip the race and head home, but was able to salvage the day with about 8 safety pins. No podium shot still so maybe it was a waste of good pins.

caloso

I've done this myself. It's a little Frankensteiny, but still looks better than a hole, and it holds together just fine. DIY FTW

datlas 

Cool, I will give it a try. Did you just send it regular mail??

I have a pair that got torn from a sharp edge on my saddle (that has since been fixed).

Assos in general is very good quality.

Jed19

I shipped mine both times in the US Priority Mail (International) envelopes. I then taped the envelopes at the seams with packing tape.

pbd

I live in an area with a lot of cycling, so the first local tailor I called was very comfortable with sewing/patching such things. This hole was about the size of a 50-cent piece. He put a black piece of similarly-stretchy spandex material on the inside, sewed all 4 edges of the new patch to the bibs, and then sewed all the frayed edges of the bib to the patch. Feels very secure/strong when I pull on it to test it, can't even tell it's there while riding.

Find a different local tailor that's comfortable with such materials, or send it to one. If he's not comfortable with the stretchy fabric, then at least he's honest about it. Mailing a set of bibs is really cheap.

I found out recently there's actually a company in my city that makes cycling clothing as well, I would've taken mire there the first time if I'd realized they exist, but it worked out just fine with the tailor as well.

rokphotography

i brought an old leg warmer that I didn't need with my bib and told them to use a bit of fabric to patch the hole. ALso that I didnt care about the physical appearance either.

Everything worked out fine, but I would just call them up if in doubt.

learnmedia

Well I'll be damned! Thanks uk. Gems like this found on BF are worth sifting through all the drivel. I have a pair of Sugoi RSes in need of repair that I will take to Kucharik.

Really???!!! Again, who knew? Thanks Jed. I'll file this for when my F1.Unos need repairing.