Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

forum
road.cc bike forum

Winter Jacket with crash repair/replacement

by longassballs
Thu, Dec 27, 2018 14:41
12

Are there any manufacturers other than Assos and Rapha that do crash repair? And does anyone have experience of this?

I crashed at the top of Rivington Road in Bolton ripping my Castelli Alpha Jacket. Not too difficult a repair, probably one panel needs replacing.. if Castelli did crash repair, which they don't. Their UK distributer does discounted crash replacement for garments under 2 years old, which is useless for my 3 year old jacket. Irritating as only the shoulder is damaged but too big for something like patches.

I absolutely LOVED my Alpha Jacket. It was perfect for me. I would begrudgingly pay the increased price for its ROS replacement... IF after this experience they did crash repair, but they don't so I won't.

Didnt want to pay Bonka prices but worth it I suppose for the service. I haven't yet looked too closely at Rapha jackets.

Anyone have any recommendations or experience?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

Add new comment

12 comments

Avatar
Chris Hayes | 5 years ago
0 likes

...I keep meaning to ride down to Sigma to have a look at the GT Mille Ultraz... it's much cheaper than the Bonka (which I'd previously discounted as it would be too warm for the UK)...

Avatar
RR | 5 years ago
1 like

I've used Scottish Mountain Gear repair services before. They did an excellent job replacing a section on a Gore-Tex jacket, which retained the Gore warranty. They also do Gore Windstopper repairs. It won't be the cheapest repair, but should be one of the best and much cheaper than a new jacket.

https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/repair-service

 

Avatar
longassballs replied to RR | 5 years ago
0 likes
RR wrote:

I've used Scottish Mountain Gear repair services before. They did an excellent job replacing a section on a Gore-Tex jacket, which retained the Gore warranty. They also do Gore Windstopper repairs. It won't be the cheapest repair, but should be one of the best and much cheaper than a new jacket.

https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/repair-service

 

Can't thank you enough for this (or maybe I won't after I get the bill ha) . Gonna carefully wash my jacket and send it off monday. The damage is on two panels so can't see it being too cheap - still, better than a new jacket.

Although, the Rapha Core winter jacket on sale for £80 seems really reasonable...

Avatar
Chris Hayes | 5 years ago
0 likes

If you find a decent seamstress let me know...probably not a bad business.  I have a couple of Rapha pieces that were repaired beautifully and I often wondered who did those....Probably not the bloke with the beard I handed it over to.  

Just about to get my old Fizik saddle re-covered .... either plain or Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures radio waves.... worried the latter with wear my shorts out though...leading to more repairs.

Avatar
longassballs | 5 years ago
0 likes

Yeah I guess within the garment industry it is an extreme guarantee but it's one that a lot, if not most, cycling companies offer. It's actually a service I would pay for, separately I mean. £50 for a repaired jacket I don't think is unreasonable. Anyway, having never crashed in expensive winter kit before it wasn't a service I paid much attention to but it will definitely be a main consideration in the future.

Thanks for the Airblock tip but after a few days thinking tine I think I'll get the jackets seam repaired from somewhere that does alterations and try to limp on through winter with the damaged material, then get a jacket in summer when they're usually even cheaper. This is def pushing me closer to Zwift though

Avatar
Chris Hayes | 5 years ago
1 like

Okay - go to eBay and get an 851 airblock...you won't have to pay much for it, but I've had mine close to 20 years and both are going strong (and are not on eBay :-)).... To be fair, crash repair is a bit of an extreme guarantee for any company to offer.  It is one of the main reasons I still buy some Rapha stuff (though I expect their new shareholders to stop it soon).   The ROS is onsale at Sigma at the moment....just a thought...

Avatar
longassballs | 5 years ago
0 likes

That was my thinking, Chris, but I just read that the repair/replace service only lasts the first year. At that rate I might be better with Castelli. It was my first ride after a holiday in Tenerife. I thought I was descending Teide 29

I'm now stumped what to get. As far as I was concerned the Alpha was THE jacket 39

The Bonka seems to be in short supply anyway. They replacing it alongside the S9 shorts?

Anyone got any ideas?

Avatar
sammutd88 replied to longassballs | 5 years ago
0 likes

longassballs wrote:

That was my thinking, Chris, but I just read that the repair/replace service only lasts the first year. At that rate I might be better with Castelli. It was my first ride after a holiday in Tenerife. I thought I was descending Teide 29 I'm now stumped what to get. As far as I was concerned the Alpha was THE jacket 39 The Bonka seems to be in short supply anyway. They replacing it alongside the S9 shorts? Anyone got any ideas?

 

Replacement for the Bonka is the Assos Mille GT Ultraz  it’s already released and apparently warm and expensive, just like the Bonka was  

 

Avatar
Chris Hayes | 5 years ago
1 like

Sorry to hear that (especially as I've just invested in an Alpha ROS - so I'd better ride carefully).  I'd splash out, get the Bonka....and peace of mind: it's much better than any of the other stuff out there - certainly Rapha these days.   The Mortirolo comes close - but you've ruled Castelli out.  Incidentally, some of the stitching on my ROS is coming apart already - first ride, I gave the sleeve a tug and the some of the cuff stitching has gone.  Yep...get a Bonka. 

Avatar
longassballs | 5 years ago
0 likes

Okay looking around virtually fucking everyone offers free repairs and even replacement; Galibier, Isadore, Pactimo, and yes, Le Col.

Don't think I'll buy anything from Castelli again

Avatar
don simon fbpe | 5 years ago
2 likes

I wonder whether Yanto's lawyers know that the French are abusing this trading name.

Avatar
Pilot Pete | 5 years ago
1 like

Le Col?

Latest Comments