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Repairing Shorts

Old 05-30-20, 12:35 PM
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Leinster
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Repairing Shorts

I've got a hole in my nice Pearl Izumi bibs, just next to the chamois, high on the inner thigh. Not close to a seam or stitching, just a hole in the material. Is there a way to repair, or are they for the trash?

I'd hate to toss them, because they're the most comfortable shorts I've owned.
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Old 05-30-20, 12:50 PM
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Picture or it didn't happen.
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Old 05-30-20, 01:04 PM
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Can you tell which finger this is?
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Old 05-30-20, 01:11 PM
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"Roger - pay the two dollars." (From Hitchcock's North By Northwest.)

With that out of the way, I've repaired shorts with fabric repair patches, available on Amazon and elsewhere. Washing machine safe, but not stretchy, so not always a permanent repair, but I've had some that lasted another season or two.
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Old 05-30-20, 01:15 PM
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depends can you sew, or find someone who can? you can add more spandex fabric .. 4 needle sewing machines were used to make the stuff..
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Old 05-30-20, 10:05 PM
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I’ve had decent luck with Gear Aid brand neoprene patches on knee warmers, patching on the kneecap portion. Not had to repair shorts or tights yet. Used a low heat iron to complete the bonding to the fabric. Holding up well for a year now. The patch has some stretch to it, although not quite as much as the original fabric.
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Old 05-31-20, 05:50 AM
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I'd try stitching first, less bulk than a patch. Or just wear them with a hole.
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Old 05-31-20, 07:38 AM
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Originally Posted by shelbyfv
I'd try stitching first, less bulk than a patch. Or just wear them with a hole.
I wore them with the hole yesterday, the whole is right inside the thigh close to where my leg rubs against the saddle. It’s not a major discomfort, but it was only a short ride. If I was going for 40 or more it’d probably become a problem.

And it’s big enough that I don’t think I can stitch it without bunching up some of the lycra.

I might try the patches, it looks like a least-worst solution. Is it better to put the patch on the outside or inside of the shorts?
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Old 05-31-20, 08:10 AM
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Bring it to a tailor. I had the stitching fixed on $165 bibs.. it cost me $5 and wel lworth it.

BTW, they listed it as a "dress"
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Old 05-31-20, 01:09 PM
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needle , thread - 15 minutes of your time --- it doesn't have to loolk pretty
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Old 05-31-20, 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Leinster
Not close to a seam or stitching, just a hole in the material.
Am I seeing things differently??
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Old 05-31-20, 05:52 PM
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I have a good pair of bibs that after a spill on the road had a whole from skidding on the road. Went to a surf store and bought patches for a wet suit you iron them on the inside of the short has worked really good. Have used them well over 20 times since the patch and still holding up very good the patch kit might of been about 20 bucks. But plenty of material enough to do 4 more patches if the need ever comes again.
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Old 05-31-20, 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Leinster
I might try the patches, it looks like a least-worst solution. Is it better to put the patch on the outside or inside of the shorts?
I placed them on the outside. Definitely not as soft as shorts material, although surprisingly flexible.
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Old 05-31-20, 07:10 PM
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I tried the neoprene patch on a couple of small holes in the hip area of my shorts due to a spill I took around this time last year. For me it was a waste of money. Admittedly I may have not had the patience or skill to get the patch to adhere well, but I never liked the look. It was always loose at the edges and it doesn't really repair; it just covers. I realized that the holes themselves weren't getting any bigger and I eventually pulled the patch completely off. I always think I'm going to get them patched and sewn by someone that knows what they are doing but I haven't yet. I still ride with them the way they are although these shorts are relegated to the indoor trainer or shorter solo rides.
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Old 05-31-20, 07:12 PM
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Neat trick I learned at Riders Services on Cycle Oregon - nail polish. Stitch the shorts up with needle and thread like they were quality cloth that could handle the stitches. Then brush clear nail polish over teh stitches and up into the adjacent fabric. Nail polish is is a good quality, strong glue and comes in nice small containers with perfect little brushes. Only drawback - it's a little odd going through checkout.

In fact, I just got back from 50 miles on that pair of shorts and that repair is several years old.

Ben
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Old 06-01-20, 08:38 AM
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I like mending wit cheap dental floss as it's so sturdy but I'd wonder here if it would press into you
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Old 06-01-20, 09:48 AM
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I think I would repair those by throwing them away.

There are bike short repair services. Don't know if PI will do it.
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Old 06-01-20, 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Dirt Farmer
Am I seeing things differently??
Yeah, I worded that poorly. It's right next to the chamois, so yes, next to the stitching that holds the chamois in place, but not next to stitching that holds 2 panels of material together. I could undo the stitching in the pic, take the pad out, and still have a perfectly good pair of pad-less bicycle shorts. Except for the hole in them.

If the hole was created by stitching coming apart in a seam between 2 panels of material, I would happily stitch it myself. My worry is that by stretching the lycra to bring the sides of the hole together, I'll affect the shape of the shorts. And there will also be an uneven patch next to my inner thigh creating friction.
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