Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=touring.10505.0009.eml
Date: Sun, 1 May 2005 15:23:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Michael Ayers" <michael(AT)terminalia.org>
Subject: Testimonial: Custom sewing & repairs (AT) specialtyoutdoors.com

Hello phreds,

Some of you may have noticed over the years that I have a tendency to
ignore conventional wisdom with many of my equipment choices. One example
is in clothing, where I have nothing but disdain for most synthetic
fabrics, at least for items that will be worn against the skin. Wicking
ability?.... Blech! Give me a natural fiber any day so I don't constantly
feel like I am wrapped in Saran. In that regard, there was only one
commercially available type of shorts that I have ever liked. These were
made by Kucharik, and were a 90% cotton/10% lycra blend. I found them to
be acceptable and last fall, as I began preparations for my upcoming tour,
I tried to order a large batch. Of course, as is so often the case when I
find a cycling product that I actually like, they had been recently
discontinued. Apparently the fabric was no longer available.

I just couldn't bring myself to go back to Pearl or similar brands, and I
was not quite ready to pay the premium price for wool, so I chose the only
option left, to try and make some similar shorts myself. I was able to
locate some suitable fabric at Seattlefabrics.com, but I soon realized
that I had neither the equipment, experience, nor, most importantly, the
time, to complete a project like that.

Fortunately, a quick Web search turned up specialtyoutdoors.com, which is
a small business run by Penny Schwyn in Spokane, Washington. Penny does
all sorts of repairs, modifications, and custom sewing on all types of
outdoor clothing and equipment, such as jackets, outerwear, and even
tents. I was quite pleased when she agreed to make a pattern and sew 10
pairs of custom shorts for me in time for the start of my big tour.

The process was quite simple. After I received an estimate for time and
cost, I sent an old pair of shorts that fit reasonably well to Spokane to
be used as a pattern, along with the fabric and pads that I had purchased
from Seattle Fabrics. Before long, Penny sent a prototype pair back for me
to try. That pair was essentially exactly what I was looking for, so I
gave the go-ahead to do the rest. Penny kept me updated on the progress of
the job, but that wasn't really necessary because everything stayed on
schedule. About 6-7 weeks after starting the process, which was just when
I asked to have everything done, the rest of the shorts arrived on my
doorstep. I had assumed that of all the tasks I had to do to prepare for
this tour, the custom shorts would be one of the most complicated, but it
turned out to be one of the easiest.

As for the shorts themselves, they are exactly what I was looking for. My
primary goal was to get some shorts that I could wear for many days
straight, if needed, and still be comfortable all of the time. I also
wanted durability and a good fit, of course.  I chose Eschler monolith
pads and a 90% cotton/10% lycra fabric that is designed for equestrian
use. The fabric is considerably heavier than what is commonly used for
cycling shorts. Penny warned me that I was doing something that most
people would not consider "normal" for cycling apparel, but when I
confirmed that the fabric was just what I wanted, she did the job exactly
as I requested. I really appreciated that.

The shorts are the most comfortable that I have ever used and, unlike most
types, when I stop riding I am not desperate to immediately take them off.
I expect that they will last a very long time as well. They give all the
benefits of standard cycling shorts, but with all the comfort of a
favorite old pair of blue jeans. The stitching and other aspects of the
construction were top-notch as well. And best of all, the total cost per
pair, including materials, patterning, and sewing, was slightly below the
median price for commercial shorts.

The only slight drawback that I can see to using the heavier fabric is
that the shorts take up noticeably more space when packed, and weigh a
little more too. I don't think that I will have any problems at all
overheating in hot weather. I can certainly live with these issues in
order to be able to wear shorts that I actually like.

This was one of the best equipment choices I have ever made for touring.
So check out www.specialtyoutdoors.com if you need any garments repaired,
made from scratch to your specifications, or even something like a new
window added to your tent. Thanks Penny!

Cheers,
Mike

-- 
The Tour of Gondwana
May 02005 - Oct 02007
http://www.terminalia.org/tour

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