rubbed a hole in new(ish) cycling short! got some advice?

[owlgirl]

I love my Sugoi shorts so much, and I've only had them for ~6 months, but i've worn a hole in them already. I am so bummed! The other day I figured out that the seam that runs along the inside of my thigh rubs my saddle bag, and it's torn a hole in them after repeated rubbing!!! I might be able to mend the seam, but it will only happen again! does anyone have this problem of seams continually rubbing their saddle bags? does anyone have any great ideas on how to eliminate this problem? booo!!!

[Kiwi Stoker]

Does you saddle bag have velcro? Velcro is terrible for runing clothing. If it's velcro, put some black tape over the bit that is doing the "grabbing".

[owlgirl]

It's not velcro, it's got straps that snap in place. The rubbing is just short seam on bike bag seam.

[OakLeaf]

Even without velcro, some black duct tape should help smooth it out, and it's very inconspicuous on black straps if you cut it to size.

[out_spokin']

If the tape doesn't work or doesn't appeal, you may need to look into a new seat bag. I replaced my falling apart little Cannondale bag with one of the newer Detours bags that the LBS guy said they liked because no velcro = no rubbing....but the shape seems to be wrong and I am getting some rubbing. Not enough to abrade the fabric (yet) but I'm going to do an experiment with the old bag and the new on my trainer to see what the difference is and then take my bike with me to the shop to pick out a new one. Good luck!

[GLC1968]

I had the exact same thing happen on my Sugoi shorts - first time I wore them! It was so bad, it rubbed a hole into my shorts and then started to rub my thigh raw too. Ouch!

In my case, it was due to velcro but I'd had the same bag for years and only had the problem with the more 'fragile' fabric on my Sugoi shorts. I switched out the bag for a non-velcro one that actually sticks out behind me a little further but is less underneath the seat (if that makes any sense). I've also not purchased a second pair of those shorts even though I like the chamois for long rides. Not worth it to me. My cheaper PI's have tougher fabric, so I'll stick to those for now.

[margrette]

a smidge of tape over the spot on the bag that causes the trouble; then fix the seam and then clear nail polish over the spot where it rubs, not too much or it gets stiff and not so awesome, just enough to give the fabric a sold fighting chance. (Clear nail polish is also the fix-all for tights and nylons in case you were curious)

[owlgirl]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I am going to re-stitch and then try the tape and the nail polish. thanks again!!

[zoom-zoom]

Timely thread...I have a brand new pair of PI PRO shorts that have been worn for 2 rides and <50 miles. I was just taking them off the drying rack and noticed that they have a stinkin' hole on the right inner thigh and a worn spot on the left side. I'm sure it's from the seat-bag (there are all sorts of spots on that bag that could have caught, but also because these shorts give me EXTREME SAUSAGE LEG! So my inner thighs are pooching-out far more than they do with other shorts. There is sort of decorative silicone trim on the outside of the leg bands that is actually wearing-off from rubbing on something, too, so it's not even just the thigh pooch-out that's taking the brunt.

It's a bummer...mostly because these shorts were about $120 and I LOVE the way they fit on top (very wide, stretchy top band with a flat, non-binding panel at the front) and the chamois is nice. But they are totally UNflattering through the legs. Guess I will stick with my similar PI Symphony Cut shorts with their Elite chamois and thigh bands that don't make me look like the Michelin Man. Perhaps I can go back to the PRO shorts when I drop 20#s (then I can reward myself with a new pair in a smaller size without any holes in the thighs. ).

[bellissima]

Try a wedge seat back, Topeak makes several sizes. The shape helps avoid rubbing as they are narrow at the front. Find the one that just holds the stuff you need, that way you'll have the smallest bag you can use.

[zoom-zoom]

Try a wedge seat back, Topeak makes several sizes. The shape helps avoid rubbing as they are narrow at the front. Find the one that just holds the stuff you need, that way you'll have the smallest bag you can use.

Great recommendation! This one is intriguing to me, since I think the issue is the velcro strap that attaches my seat-bag to my seat post. I like those smooth plastic sides, too...that shouldn't be abrasive to my shorts like the rough cordura sort of fabric and zippers on my current seat bag are.

I love the looks of my orange saddle bag on my bike, but I can't afford to trash all of my $$ shorts.

I'm also intrigued by this, since I may be in the market for a new saddle and at the top of my prospective list is a Fizik Arione model.