Anyone had a good experience with a tailor or whatnot?
The couple folks I tried so far were either quoting a high price or turned me away because the plastic sleeves on the side don't come out and they said they couldn't run something through the machine that way.
I don't generally need that pocket per-se and could sew it shut I suppose, but I'd rather not do anything that drastic, and my waiting state, knotted wire holding plastic loops together at the corners is pretty ugly.
byogman
2014-01-03 11:47:28
Irene's Tailoring in Sqill was good when I needed a replacement zipper for a cycling shell and a zipper for a short sleeve jersey, reasonable pricing and a good job. Under new ownership, so don't know, but I had a suit taken in by the new proprietor and he did a good job. Might want to check if he'd work on a pannier.
The guy in Oakland doesn't seem like he's really into doing any tailoring.
ka_jun
2014-01-03 11:57:50
Instead of a tailor, I wonder if you don't want a luggage repair shop. Rynns Luggage on the SouthSide (Rynn's Luggage, 2755 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203; 412.481.8862) used to have a major luggage repair operation.
Their business was driven by a contract to fix damaged luggage from the USAir hub at PIT (shows you how long ago since I've been there) but their expertise is what you're looking for - sewing zippers into bags n'at. I had them sew up a custom pannier/trunkbag interface for me, probably in the late 90's.
They had both a retail storefront and then their repair shop was in a non-descript sidestreet, I don't remember the shop location. They really didn't want the public at the shop, they wanted you to go to the store and drop your luggage to be repaired off.
Let me know if they're of any use to you. It's always good to know a place with industrial sewing machines that does bags.
vannever
2014-01-03 12:18:19
I stopped by Irene's. They were really nice and it would have been a reasonable price, except since I couldn't take the plastic backing out of the sides they couldn't do it.
byogman
2014-01-03 12:18:47
And if you can't find a luggage repair shop, I wonder if a cobbler might be of assistance - they have pretty major sewing machines.
vannever
2014-01-03 12:50:09
There's also Specialty Luggage downtown (on Liberty) - I've had a good experience with them in the past on a suitcase repair.
willb
2014-01-03 12:53:16
Can you replace the zipper with a few buckles? It might not be as waterproof, but they could be hand sewn on and be a cheap solution. Pick them up at REI (near the tents) or a craft store.
marko82
2014-01-03 13:12:56
Not knowing what the pocket looks like, would good ol' velcro work?
Or even old school- button(s)?
helen-s
2014-01-03 15:17:24
Cobbler in squirrel hill doesn't do zippers, sigh, tried them too.
Since I put my laptop in the top pocket, not sure I want to trust velcro.
I think I'll just take a trip to Michaels and if the luggage repair option isn't cheap and see if there's something there that inspires me.
byogman
2014-01-03 15:36:50
What brand of pannier do you have? Mine can be mailed back for zipper service (Arkel) Other brands might have some kind of a warranty too?
sgtjonson
2014-01-03 22:20:35
I sense here a business opportunity, either for someone who already has the equipment and expertise, or someone who would like to pick up some side work.
stuinmccandless
2014-01-04 15:28:22
