Pilling on Shorts from Bike Bag Strap

[Biker Jo]

Yesterday I noticed really bad pilling on the inside of the left leg of my PI bike shorts, with some pilling on the inside of the right leg. I checked my other shorts and found the same thing, although not as bad as on the PI shorts. I thought maybe it was caused by my saddle, but then realized it was caused by the velcro on my bike bag seat post strap rubbing on the inside of my legs.

Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, how have you dealt with it? And also, can these shorts be saved? I can't afford to buy many more pairs of shorts.

[rubywagon]

The same thing happened to my PI shorts. I just cut the velcro off the seat post and left the velcro that straps to the saddle.

[7rider]

I also have pilling on some shorts that were rubbing on the saddle bag.
I got a new saddle bag - thinner and lower profile.
I'll keep the shorts 'til they wear out...and beyond, likely.
<<shrug>>

[kermit]

I've got the same rub, on the left, from my bike bag. Cut the velcro shorter and fortunately the shorts have not shown any further wear. I'll keep wearing them til the disintegrate.

[GLC1968]

I put a hole in a brand new pair of shorts that way! My PI shorts were tough enough to survive, but my first pair of nice Sugoi's got a hole on the first ride. I now have a seat bag that has NO VELCRO on it. Seat bags are way cheaper than shorts!

[loopybunny]

I've never had this issue (even with my thunderthighs), but the best bet would be to cut off as much of the strap as you can and perhaps wrap what is left with electrical tape or something so that it will be smooth.

[pumpkinpony]

I have that problem with my shorts. I figured it was rubbing against the seat - didn't think to check the velcro! Out to the garage with scissors next...

[OakLeaf]

I put a piece of black duct tape over the end of the strap. I didn't think there would be enough left to hold, if I cut it so severely. It's not noticeable at all.

[Alex]

I cut a piece from an old tube and put the velcro inside the tube. Once I velcroed the bag back on, I slid the bit of tube over the velcro.

[RolliePollie]

I have pilling on my shorts in this area too, but alas, mine is from my thunder thighs rubbing on the seat. I wish I could cut the thunder thighs down like you guys have done with your velcro.

[Roar]

I have had the same problem. The part that gets me is the seatpost attachment (not the sides).

I wrap it up in electrical tape. It's so stretchy and sticky it works well to make a smooth fix. It's also relatively easy to get off.

[Serotta Jim]

I cut a piece from an old tube and put the velcro inside the tube. Once I velcroed the bag back on, I slid the bit of tube over the velcro.

+1

Been doing this for years, works great!

[Ryda7]

I know of certain saddle bags that have rubber or clip seat post attachments as opposed to velcro. My shorts were getting torn by velcro and I searched for and found one of these saddle bags and no more problems....however, I wish I had known about the tube idea before...

[Loraura]

The same thing happened to me, but I hadn't noticed it, until the velcro bit me on the leg! It had worn through the shorts, and caused a hole.

I bought a new seat bag that attaches to the saddle, but doesn't have a strap to go around the seat post.

I've seen girls on my group ride put electrical tape around the velcro to prevent the same thing from happening.

I didn't realize it until it was too late that I was ruining several pairs of shorts with the velcro snag.

[Biker Jo]

Ryda and Loraura, what's the brand name of the bags that you found?

In the meantime, I've put black electrical tape on the Velcro. Hopefully it won't do any more damage.

Thanks for all your suggestions.