Champion Systems or Canadian Supplier?

[wonger]

Okay time for a fall gear order. There has been some discussion in the past about whether or not to stick with Champion Systems or to look at other suppliers. The comments are mostly to do with the quality of the kit - is it worth getting better kit for a few dollars more? Also, should we consider using a Canadian supplier and contributing to the local economy etc? Or is all about the cost?

If we were to use a new supplier it would probably be only for jerseys and shorts as the minimums on accessories are hard to meet at the best of times.

Some price comparisons for you to consider:

Champ. Sys bib short $78.95 (minimum 10)
Hayman Sport bib short $78 (minimum 25)

CS short sleeve jersey $49 (minimum 10)
HS short sleeve jersey $59 (minimum 20)

CS wind vest $47 (minimum 10)
HS wind vest $59 (minimum 20)

CS wind jacket $55 (minimum 10)
HS wind jacket $85 (minimum 20)

So, please participate in the poll and the majority will carry the day. You have until Monday the 13th to make your opinion known. Thanks.

[Roland]

To clarify a few things. For Champion Systems, it's a minimum of 10 main pieces. (Jersey, Short, Jacket, Vest, Skinsuit) As long as we are ordering at least 10 mains, we can order one offs of vests, skinsuits, etc.

The rest of the Champion Systems accessories (Hats, Arm Warmers, etc) is a minimum of 10 of each style, except for socks which is 50. Mind you, we've done enough business with them that they'll bend the minimums for us.

As well, Champion Systems now has an endurance pad chamois option for their shorts for an extra $10.

As well, they now have their Elite Pro Jersey for $100 USD. I'm not sure what's so special about it, it must be magical.

[Roland]

As well, the poll is broken. Maybe just post your vote in a comment until I can update the forum software.

[Rolf]

Geoff: did you help draft the wording of the Quebec Referendum in 1980 or 1995? I find myself strangely compelled to agree with the proposition...

Seriously, if someone has actually checked out the Hayman Sport stuff and found that it's better, I'm willing to pay a few extra bucks. Hell, I often depend on this gear for my safety and good health, especially over the winter.

But if this is really just lobbing business to someone's buddy on the principle of avoiding China, I don't know if I'm willing to pay 10-40% more based on ethics alone.

Who's tried this stuff? Who's looked at samples? Anyone? Are there other B.C. / Canadian suppliers we should check out? Do we even have time to excogitate if we want gear before Christmas?

[Paul C.]

Good that the Poll is not working because the wording of it is extremely biased and the Yes option is 2 Questions not one. Perhaps we should help Victoria council write the question us Victoria residents will be voting on in November about the Blue Bridge.

It seems to me Champion systems clothing is fantastic, except for one misprinting on a few jerseys......and the prices are very good. Keep in mind our $55. Jersey is actually about $47. PLUS 12% HST = $55.

While we are on clothing I would like to order some $8.00 bandannas and a Sweatshirt or Team jacket that I could actually wear around normal people[maybe tripleshot brown with a very small strip of argyle and/or "Tripleshot Cycling" embroidered. Comments?

[leftcoaster]

I'll go with the Canadian/higher quality/cost option. I have a 'Garneau', Made in Canada jersey from Team West Coast from when I trained with them and it is a better quality jersey, not just because it is Canadian made. I would pay a little extra to support the Canadian/better quality option

- David B

[Katie]

ChampSys is cheap and convenient, but the quality of chamois & fabrics is unimpressive and sizing is bad. I like the look of the Tripleshot kit, but will only wear it on short rides when my other stuff is in the laundry.

I would pay extra for higher quality stuff, but I would like to see samples first that we could try on for sizes.

[leftcoaster]

The discussion this morning on the choice of kit manufacturers was pretty accurate - most people don't really care one way or the other. They'll just go with the flow.

Another issue I've had is with the length of the jerseys - awfully short in the back, fine with bibs, leaves a gap with shorts (which are short as well).

I agree with Katie about the quality of the Champion products and the choice of supplier will play an impact on my next order.

[steve]

I'm going to respectively disagree - I have been impressed with the champion stuff to date. I wear the gear for a year in crappy weather at minimum 4 times a week and its held up remarkably well.

As a tall and skinny guy fit is always an issue for me and I have found the stuff fits well and provides appropriate amounts of padding. I'm happy for us to continue doing business with Champion but by the same token, would be equally happy to support a Canadian manufacturer.

Steve

[gav_eaton]

My two cents are that for this round - lets just get it done so we can actually get some winter gear in time to enjoy not being frozen to the bone. Then let's make a decision about a potential new supplier in the spring when we make a big order before race season.

I'm all for exploring new vendors - let's just make the timing optimal.

[Stéphane Tran]

Personally, I am more at the "pay a little bit less for stuff that fits OK and is adequate quality" end of the budget scale.

[Lister Farrar]

Either work for me. Champion has been good for me, in price and quality. My stuff seems to last, so I'm not likely to buy a lot more.

[spearson]

Champion.

[wonger]

Thanks for the input. We are going to stay with the current supplier for this order.