Bib shorts, again...

[Boab]

So... Bought some bib shorts at the start of May, they were delayed due to the pandemic, fair enough. They sent me the wrong size, so I sent them back, was then told they were out of stock, again, due pandemic related supple issues. So they upgraded me to their top of the line bibs, so all good so far.

I've worn them for four rides, 311 km in total and they are showing signs of failing Lycra. It's to either side of the groin, to the top of the pad:





They been washed inside out, at 30°C with an Eco detergent, on a specialist sports clothing cycle and hung up to dry inside. I've had bibs do this before, but only after years of wear, and normally round the back.

I've sent them an email and have had an unsatisfactory reply. Just wondering how upset I should get? Being furloughed at the moment, I can ill afford to chuck £60 down the drain. By the same token though, while they look like I've had an accident, they still work.

I'm not quite sure how I should proceed; just suck it up, or push for a refund...?

In the meantime, I've been looking at replacements:

• Does anyone have any experience of Pactimo...? Specifically the Summit Stratos "12-hour" bibs...? (They were reduced in their sale last week)
• The new dhb Aeron Lab XC Bib Shorts...?
• Any others I should be looking at...?

[ScotRoutes]

My bib shorts are either Endura or Gore and I'm just about to replace the Enduras as I don't think the pad is working too well now. They are over 7 years old, so I'll forgive them that.

[lune ranger]

Keep pushing i’d say.
2 rides or 300km shouldn’t be when new shorts start to wear out.
I’ve had some good results with stuff like this recently by being polite but firm and not taking no for an answer.
I’d emphasise the ethical and sustainability issues around clothes wearing out so quickly.
Doing that recently got me a refund plus 40% discount voucher plus keep the product from Patagonia.eu
In an ongoing dispute with Ribble over no replacement gear hanger for my bike I’ve escalated it to the CEO by looking up his details online! The problem isn’t resolved yet but it does now feel that I have the full resources of Ribble trying to sort my issue. Try finding an email for the CEO of whoever the shorts came from and wrote to them saying how disappointed you are and how tarnished the brand is and how environmentally awful the whole situation is.... worth a go

[Boab]

I should've stuck with my initial plan to just buy whatever Endura bibs were suitable. I've always been disappointed by other brands, for some reason or other. I shall wait to see what they say to my last missive and then act (most likely by never buying from them again)..

[fatbikephil]

Something similar happened to a pair of bibs I got from Howies after a couple of rides - they refunded without question.
Got old DHB aeron pros which are great - thin dense pad; and new(ish) Aerons which have a thicker softer pad and are less comfy

[Leerowe76]

Used DHB shorts for several years and then switched over to Endura Pro260 shorts owned for 2-3 years now, they've had heavy ish use covering aound 6-7000 miles a year but recently the pad split right on the gooch on 1 pair so I've replaced both pairs and the misses bought me some Pro SL Endura bib shorts for my birthday next week I'm yet to try these but reviews are very good for longer distances so if they are anything the shorts I'll be happy with them.

[mattpage]

I'd expect far more from a set and would keep pushing for a refund or replacement set.

DHB Aeron I have not used for a few years, but when they first started producing higher-end kit it was always very good and I would say it is likely to be the same now.

Other brands I like an use are ASSOS, MAAP, Castelli and Sportful, except for the cheapest sets of the last 2. All last well and are v.comfy.
Personally not a fan of Endura, the fit seems poor for me and pad in the wrong place. Not the biggest fan of Pactimo either.

Do a fair bit of miles and have used most brands and tested stuff for magazines, but its often very personal. Lots of people I know like Endura.

[Lazarus]

I would also keep pushing for a refund
Not even aldi shorts shoudl do that after such little use - and IME the Aldi ones last for years