I recently got a new cycling jacket. It shows on the website I bought it at as being suitable for mtbing.
On the first ride I caught a bramble on my shoulder and it's torn the outer layer of the jacket right down the upper arm. Because of the way the jacket has perforations in a criss cross pattern all over it a small tear effectively runs along them to make a really big one (about 12" long in this case) and even without the perforations, now it's torn it's clear that the outer layer is really thin (basically like a plastic sheet).
I've been in contact with the shop and they say it's accidental damage so won't replace it. I agree it's accidental damage but I reckon that is not fit for purpose (ie under sale of goods act) as a mtbing jacket given its complete lack of toughness/abrasion resistance. As it goes it's a great jacket otherwise and I'd happily use it on the road so want a replacement.
No other jacket (mtb or road) I've had in many years cycling has ever torn like this from brambles or anything else for that matter - at worst they've plucked or maybe created a small, under a cm, tear.
So am I being unreasonable / unrealistic?
Thoughts?
What jacket was it?
Whilst it may be very annoying, the fact that it tore and the tear got bigger doesn’t itself make it unsuitable for mountain biking. It just makes it a bit fragile.
I'll post what jacket it is once I've decided whether to push it any further.
Matt - thanks for that. I can see that pov but it seems to me that something suitable for mtbing should be able to cope with some level of rough use. This is incredibly fragile compared to anything else I've had. If it had been labeled as for road and it had happened, I'd have just sucked it up
you'd hope so, unless it was marketed as "ultra lightweight" or whatever, then all bets are off really.it seems to me that something suitable for mtbing should be able to cope with some level of rough use.
This is why I never spend much on MTB clothing tbh 😀
I suspect you will get nowhere.
The marketing says suitable for MTB'ing and they will claim that does not include riding through brambles.
If it said it was bramble proof, then you may have a tiny slim chance.
However, you could see if its covered on your accidental damage on your contents insurance. Or cut the arms off and turn it into a Gillets.
I very much doubt you have a case at all. check the which guide to consumer protection - its fairly comprehensive.
You would have to show that riding thru brambles is a normal part of mtbing I would have thought. Its far from clear cut and would need a court case to decide.
forget it and move on.
if it's "really thin" then why would you buy it thinking it was bramble, sorry mtb proof?
So am I being unreasonable / unrealistic?
yes, yes you are.
Brambles can puncture a tyre so it's not like they are MTB safe.
Or cut the arms off and turn it into a Gillets.
Or slice it up into a few pieces and use them as rags?
Not entirely helpful, but the first time I accidentally rode too close to brambles in my Montane ‘not a MTB specific jacket’ I fully expected the results you had. That was years ago and I’m still wearing a basically undamaged jacket. Climbing gear FTW as far as MTB jackets are concerned is my opinion. Far better specified for the money and just better in every way. Obviously other opinions are available.
How thin it is is only apparent now it's torn... And it wasn't ridden through brambles but one was overhanging the trail...
Anyway, the hive mind (and tj) has spoken so I guess I'll go ahead and do a repair on it and stick to the road.
Thanks all
FWIW, it's a DHB flashlight jacket.
Hmmm. Where does it say in the spec it's a MTB jacket? Looks like it is billed as a commuter jacket to me.
FWIW, it’s a DHB flashlight jacket.
On that page at least it doesn't mention MTB (maybe I missed it, I'm getting old..) . And it's reflective, so doesn't seem like it's an MTB jacket. The reviews seem to be from Road/Commuter users. Are you sure it was sold for MTB ?
FWIW
Nothing now it's torn...
Lol.
It shows up in the mtb filters and on wiggle it's marked as suitable for mtbing.
That’s a road jacket for sure. Might buy one actually due to the reflectiveness. If you want a new mtb jacket I love my Royal Racing one, it’s great.
It's great otherwise... Will be using it on the road. Not massively breathable (well, it's more breathable now...) and it's fairly heavy but then so am I...
Its far from clear cut
True. I should imagine it is quite ragged if caused by a bramble.
Royal Racing
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">Link?</span>
Ah, I'm not surprised to hear this was a DHB garment. We recently had a similar issue with their MTB jersey. I pointed out that, in contrast, my Sombrio jersey, worn regularly for two years was still in perfect condition.
Anyway, after mentioning consumer legislation, including the phrase "fit for purpose", I eventually got a "goodwill refund":
"Your email has landed with us in the Warranty team, we’re sorry to hear that there is an issue. We appreciate the points that you have made, however the warranty will only cover against manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship. Snagged is not covered under warranty and both ourselves and the supplier will not be able to cover this under warranty.
Not to worry, we understand that you need this sorting as a priority so can issue a 100% voucher refund, simply reply to this email confirming that's ok and I will process this for you as a gesture of good will only. We hope that this is a pleasing resolution, but please feel free to contact us if you have any issues or would simply like to ask for advice. Enjoy the rest of your day! Regards"
I'd have assumed that was a commuting jacket too.
Chalk it up to experience - and just as a side note, customer service staff don't generally react well to the "not fit for purpose" line.
Not having a pop at you OP, but it tends to get trotted out by smug, superior types IME.
The STW review told us they were MTB garments:
Fresh Threads Thursday with dhb
Your only chance would be to haggle with Wiggle, as they are the ones listing it as "MTB: Yes"; even then, descriptions are not binding contracts and most shops have rules regarding the (in)accuracy of the product descriptions.
I personally wouldn't expect a white, fully reflective garment to be fit for MTB.
The STW review told us they were MTB garments:
Fresh Threads Thursday with dhb
That's a different jacket to the one the OP linked to on CRC.
Royal Racing jacket link:
I’ve got the black / blue one - although I quite fancy the other one too. Had it about a year now and commutes in it as well as mtb in it. Had it on a push up day at windhill in the snow / -4 degreees and it did well in combination with a thermal base layer and a breathable t shirt underneath. Also fallen off in it a couple of times with no jacket damage.
https://royalracing.com/gb/product/matrix-jacket/
Plenty of ‘mtb’ jackets would be damaged in a similar way. Accidental damage is accidental damage even if it’s the first time you’ve worn it. Move on.
What he said.
it’s a jacket not body armour.
I'd expect a jacket for mountain biking should be able to take a knock and be reasonably fit for purpose. I'd push for a refund. My wife works for consumer legal service it's the kind of crap she deals with on a daily basis. Depends on the manufacturer. Call them out on twitter and Facebook and jet their social media teams do their work.
Another example of why I am happy not to have to deal with the bawbag public at work.
And fee hunting lawyers are the reason why so many activities are now regulated to death. Sometimes life just sucks, but there's always someone ready and willing to give advice and press a claim for compensation.
I have that Matrix jacket...its great
So glad I don't work in retail anymore.
Just takes someone in a situation like this to go to social media and the marketing team panic and a refund is issued.
Latest chancer guy was asking if he could get warranty on a puncture repair kit.....because he'd used all the patches! Was very happy with the ones he'd used but obviously didn't work anymore, I think he was politely refused.
Not implying op was a chancer just throwing in and anecdote.
Brambles can puncture a tyre
😳