GEAR REPAIR

Whether it’s technical fabrics, stretch panels, seam restitching, a zipper replacement, or a structural reinforcement our goal is to make it last for the long haul.

Almost everything can be repaired. The real consideration is how far you’d like to take it. We’ll walk you through the options — from straightforward fixes to more involved restorations — so you can choose what makes sense for your gear and your budget.

What are the different types of repairs?
Every piece can be repaired in a few different ways depending on the damage and budget. For example, a hole may be fixed with a single layer patch with visible stitching, or taken a step further with a double layer for a cleaner look. With our sergers we can do invisible seam repairs on any type of garment — simple seams on jerseys or bibs to more complicated items such as gloves, shoes etc. Zippers are a common, but sometimes tricky repair. Unraveling shammies has been the most common repair to date which we either fix with our overlock machine or a triple zigzag stitch. Not such an oblivious fix? We can probably find a creative way to save the item.

Do you only repair cycling kit?
Not at all. We are capable of repairing most outdoor gear! This includes items such as backpacks, tents, shoes, hats, sweaters, pants and jackets. We also repair large bags like bicycle travel cases and even water sport board cases.

Will my gear look new again with the repair?
It depends; if we are closing up some loose stitching you won’t even notice where it was done. If your gear has a hole in it and we have to do a patch, you will see it. Like a scar after an accident, wear it with pride, think of it as a conversation starter.

Can I see some examples of repairs you have done?
Yes, head over to Instagram we have lots of repair specific posts.

A simple, six-step process to get you back in action!

Step 1: Get in Touch

Before sending us your gear in the mail, please fill out the submission form at the bottom of this page.

Be sure to Include:

• A photo of the full front of the item

• A photo of the full back of the item

• Close-up photo(s) of the damaged area(s)

• A description of the damage and the repair you hope to see.

Step 2: We estimate the work and the cost

Once we receive your email and photos, we can estimate how we’ll make the repair, how long it will take, and what it will likely cost you. Note that until we have the item in hand, this is only an estimate. You will receive an email from us within a day or two of receipt and from there you can decide if you’d like to proceed with the repair.

Step 3: Prepare your items for submission

All gear must be thoroughly cleaned before it comes to us. Empty all pockets, remove any dirt, pet hair, etc. Where possible, wash using the appropriate laundry detergent for the fabric. Let’s make sure those shammies are clean and fresh!

If gear arrives in an unsanitary condition, or with strong odors, we may charge a cleaning fee, or simply return the item at your expense.

Step 4: Get your gear to us

If you are local, please feel free to drop your items at our shop. Our open hours are listed here

OR

You can ship gear to us, prepaid, and with tracking. Once the item is on its way, please email us with your tracking information so we can keep an eye out for its arrival.

Please ship to:
VéloColour
191 Weston Road,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M6N 3P1

Step 5: Repair and payment

Once your gear is with us and the estimate is approved, we’ll begin the repair.

When the repair is complete, you’ll receive an invoice. Etransfer is preferred for Canadian customers and Paypal or phoned in credit card for US/International. We’ll ship the item back to you once payment is received.

Step 6: Enjoy your stuff!

Our customers are overwhelmingly thrilled with our repairs, and are always happy that they’ve been able to keep their gear in use and out of landfill. Win win!

The following pricing is for reference only. Estimates will be supplied once submissions have been received.

Cuts, Holes & Tears:

• Simple cut or tear — stitched with no patch ($20-$40)

• Hole or tear — Stitched and patched — 0–2cm ($25–$35), 2–5cm ($35–$50), +5cm ($45+)

• Multiple holes — Depending on the area and number of holes (road rash may leave your jersey with multiple small holes over a wide area) we can create a larger patch or band to cover and blend in with the style of the item. Here are some examples (click to gallery of repairs) 

Reinforcements:

• Jersey/jacket back pockets — stitched and patched ($45–$60)

• Panel above rear chamois section — an internal floating patch on the inside of the bib short to cover visibly worn through areas ($50–$70) 

Seams:

• Reinforcing or closing a seam ($20–$40)

• Welded or glued seam ($35–$60)

• Waterproofing seams — for repairs on a water resistant garment, we will seam-seal the repairs ($20–$40 per area)

Chamois:

• Chamois restitch* — section ($20–$30)

• Chamois restitch* — full circumference ($40–$60)

• Holes at corners of chamois stitching* — sewn and patched ($25 per 2” area — see example here)

• Chamois Replacement* ($85-$110)

* Chamois stitching — A strong triple-zigzag stitch will be used on chamois repairs. Thread colour will be matched as closely as possible, but may not match the original stitching.

Zipper Repairs: 

• Slider replacement ($25–$35)

Full Zipper replacement on: 

• Jersey/vest — single layer, not lined ($80–$110)

• Technical jacket  — seam-sealed, waterproofed, etc ($110–$140+)

• Bike-packing bags, backpacks ($40+)

Bike / Travel Case

• Seam repair / Patching / Zipper Repair ($80+)

Hardware: 

• Velcro Replacement ($20+)

• Hardware replacements — buckles, drawcords, webbing ($30+)

• Elastic Replacement ($60–$100+)

Tailoring / Hemming / Modifications: 

• VéloColour offers a variety of alterations and modifications. Sleeves too long? Jersey too wide? Want bibs and a jersey turned into a skinsuit? We can help! Custom alterations are available upon request ($50–$150+)

• For custom tailoring, in-person visits are best for measurements and fit, however we can accommodate for those shipping to us.

• We handle many sewing projects outside of the scope of cycling gear. Feel free to send in a submission for whatever project you have in mind. We’ve repaired everything from shoe Boa’s, to surf board bags to couch cushions. 

• VéloColour offers professional quality and warranty repairs on technical cycling fabrics. We also have material understanding, apparel construction knowledge and sewing machine capabilities to fix almost anything. 

• Repairs are intended to be inconspicuous where possible unless otherwise requested. Some customers choose to “celebrate” the repair with a more noticeable detail or bolder colour.

Also:

• We do our best to match fabrics and thread colour but sometimes this isn’t possible. In this case repairs will be done in black fabric. 

• Our shop rate is $80/hr + materials

• $20 minimum charge 

• Return shipping is typically $18-$30

• All pricing is in CAD - International customers will be billed in USD

Do you accept drop-offs?
Yes! Items can be dropped off directly at our shop at 191 Weston Road in Toronto (Canada). Open hours are listed here

How long will it take to complete my repair? 
On average we can get your item(s) back to you within two to three weeks. When you contact us or drop off the item, we will give you an approximate shipping/pick-up date. If you need the item by a certain date, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate. 

Will my gear look new again after the repair?
It depends; if we are closing up some loose stitching you won’t even notice where it was done. If your gear has a hole in it and we have to do a patch, you will see it. Like a scar after an accident, wear it with pride, think of it as a conversation starter.

Will the repair last or is it a temporary fix?
VéloColour doesn’t do temporary, we fix to last.

We work behind the scenes to handle repair and warranty work for a number of outdoor and cycling gear brands. If you are interested in partnering your brand with us, please contact us at info@velocolour.com