BikeBiz

Changing Gear

Bike-X

The Bike-X clothing range caters for both males and females and comes in a variety of materials. Using unique patented Warmx technology, Bike-X has produced the world’s first heatable tights, which are designed to warm the knees and feet.

The design uses heating wires, which are woven into the tights to ensure they don’t irritate the skin. The tights warm to a comfortable temperature and the heat output can be adjusted via a small power controller. The tights are completely seamless and are machine washable (without the power controller). The power supply is rechargeable via a mains unit or a 12V battery.AdidasAdidas’ design team has tested its new 08 range alongside top athletes. Pros and average riders alike have put in thousands of test hours for every shoe, jacket and shirt before a model is offered for sale. Modern Adidas construction techniques emphasise how the product fits. BodyMapping has enabled Adidas to place the right technology in the right area to keep riders drier, more comfortable and performing at their peak in all weathers.

The complete 08 range of shoes and clothing covers the needs of the cyclist through all weathers. Among the range are a series of jackets and gilets designed for winter cycling. A full body bibtight is also available. All products are designed to be as slimline, yet windproof, as possible. Adidas has also considered keeping riders warm with materials used.

2pureThe Lizard Blizzard gloves have moulded neoprene over the knuckles and on the wrist to provide comfort, protection and flexibility. The fingertips feature plenty of silicone rubber for maximum grip. The neoprene cuff is lined and designed to keep out the cold, water and wind. A water resistant and breathable liner makes this a comfortable fit for your cold, wet winter riding. A Velcro strap secures the gloves and is easily adjustable. The gloves are available from £15 trade price and £12.75 if pre-ordered. The suggested retail price is £29.99.Highson

The Highson Change is a cycling jacket designed to smarten up the business cyclist. This insured, patent and Pct pending jacket is a smart combination of a jacket and a suit carrier. The jacket has generated interest from large retailers and small indies too.

With a removable section to the rear, it allows commuters to pre-iron and hang up their work clothing on their back, then remove it and hang the back section up once at work. Being crease free and away from dirt and sweat makes this an ideal replacement for wearing clothes under waterproofs or for the rucksack where most people screw up their clothing currently.

The jacket was a finalist out of 50,000 products for an entrepreneurial prize. It has also been featured in newspapers and on the BBC.

Transport for London has reported that the main reason drivers in London are not cycling is the state of their clothing on journeys’ end – the market for jackets like this has been growing over the last few years, and has even more potential in Germany, Holland and the US. Coyote sports

Tenn-Outdoors has been started by clothing specialists who have been manufacturing technical garments for all types of cyclists for many years. Their expertise is generally unknown because they have been using the brand names and logos of their well-known, High Street customers rather than their own.

It has become evident that within the sports clothing market in general and in particular the cycling world, there is a huge difference between the real cost of the goods and the retail prices being advertised.

Huge mark-ups are evident, particularly within what is described as ‘The Brand Name Market’.

Tenn-Outdoors always designs its sports clothing not only to provide a high quality garment within the cyclist’s needs but also to provide great value for money. Recent reviews of the products have highlighted that specific point.

Emphasis is also placed on explanations as to what you can expect from a fabric and at the same time, what it can and should be worn with. For instance, many enthusiast cyclists have no knowledge of the properties of breathable and high wicking fabrics.

Paligap

Paligap has announced a range of clothing products in time for 2008. Beanies, hoodies and t-shirts make up the offerings. The t-shirts are all 100 per cent cotton and available at £15 SRP.

Two reversible beanies are available also at £15 SRP, one with additional pom pom – both are made from 100 per cent acrylic. Three hoodies are available, two designed for women and one for men, all of which are 80 per cent cotton  and 20 per cent acrylic. All Kona products in the 2008 range have been designed by Paligap’s new designer Michelle Gault, an ex-snowboard industry designer.Evolution

Evolution has a new range of Yeti Tee shirts available from mid September. They trade at between £11.50 and £14.50. There is a whole range of tops, designed to flesh out the lifestyle aspect of the brand. Yeti says the brand is all about great riding and good times with mates, so these tee shirts should look as good on the bike as they do in the pub.Raleigh

The Avenir Force jacket has been designed using the hi-performance fabric, Dri-Tec. It is designed to be 100 per cent waterproof and breathable in wet conditions. Other features include reflective piping for added safety whilst riding at night. The jacket is available in a variety of colours: blue, yellow & grey.

BufferaBuff is a headgear manufacturer, well known across extreme sports industries worldwide. The new range of products are seamless and multifunctional, designed with sports use in mind.

Buff products are highly adaptable and can be worn as scarf, cap, facemask, balaclava, headband, wristband, beanie or bandana. The Buff range comes in a variety of colours and designs. Each product is designed with the usage climate in mind and is made form 100 per cent polyester microfibre.

New products include the Typhoon Buff and Cyclone Buff, which are multifunctional garments incorporating Gore Windstopper membrane to ensure maximum protection from the wind, high transpiration and excellent versatility.

Additionally, Polar Buff Thermal ProTM combines Original Buff headwear with a cylindrical piece of high loft Polartec Thermal Pro, a curly polar fleece that is ideal for extremely cold weather. This product offers twice the thermal protection of the original Polar Buff.Guak

Guak is the clothing brand of Spanish downhill pioneers Tommi and Pau Misser. After year of racing at the top level of down hill mountain biking, both brothers have stood on the podium at world cups.

The Guak range is being brought to the UK by Crank Distribution.com. For a number of years they have run successful mountain bike teams and race series and are now using this knowledge to develop and publicise the Guak brand. For 2007 they have two elite riders in the European 4X team as well as being involved with several grass roots projects and the national race series.

Panel design and cut materials have been employed to give the optimum in movement, comfort and style. Each item is a composite of materials chosen for the different uses of mountain bike clothing. The DH4.01 shirt, for example, is made of 15 panels and three materials, to ensure that it’s fit for purpose.

Products include:The Guak Entrecotas shirt, which has short sleeves and a loose and ergonomic shape. It is made with fade resistant colours and double seams to ensure durability. The under arm is perforated to allow breathing. Blue or Grey. Trade price is £17.75, with retail price recommended at £35.50.

The Entrecotas shorts are designed for comfort and style. Made from light, resistant and breathable material with spandex strategically located to allow movement. The cord waist fastening allows adjustment. The legs are designed for ease in pedalling with pockets strategically located out of the way. All are constructed with double and triple seams, ensuring durability and fully lined for comfort. Black or Grey. Trade price is £26.99 and recommended retail price is £53.99.

The Fang shirt has ergonomic yet generous sizing to allow the use of protection. Clean graphics and wash resistant colours, with double seams to assure durability. This shirt comes in red or grey and trade price is £17.50, retail price: £34.99.

Fang Shorts are made in resistant and protective material. They are designed for ease of pedalling with spandex strategically located in the back, gusset and legs. As in the Entrecotas there are convenient pockets, located to not impede pedalling. Thermoplastic logos and white border detail add to the styling. Trade price is £28.99 and retail price is suggested at £57.99.

The Fang glove is a glove without unnecessary patches. Made in mesh, elastic and breathable material with towel in the thumb to clean the sweat. Anatomical wrist closure, padded palm and lycra between the fingers for comfortable fit. Trade price is £11.50 and suggested retail is £22.99.

A further pair of race shorts and a set of gloves are also available at trade price of £32.99 and £13.99 respectively.Animal Clothing

Madison and Animal has announced the launch of a range of bike clothing to be sold exclusively through Madison customers and Animal stores as of Feb/March 2008. Animal has put together a range to include jackets, gloves, jerseys, shorts, impact liners and a women’s specific line, all fit for the rigours of mountain, trail and street riding.

Highlights of the range include: ‘Bomb’ Men’s softshell breathable jacket, which boasts a DWR outer coating, chin ventilation, inverted zips and bonded taping. Available in Black or Desert Palm colours at £119.99 SRP.

The ‘Track’ long sleeved jersey is constructed from a quick dry, high wicking fabric that has been treated with both Dri-Release with Freshguard to rapidly wick moisture away from the skin, which should keep you smelling fresh. SRP: £34.95.Shimano Clothing

As of Feb/March 2008 Madison will be stocking the ‘Originals’ and ‘All-Mountain’ Shimano ranges of clothing. The ‘Originals’ range consists of the basic, functional clothing items every cyclist should have, including short and long-sleeve jerseys, shorts/bib-shorts, tights/bib-tights, wind-breakers and rain jackets.

The ‘All-Mountain’ range is designed for those riders more at home off-road and who prefer a more casual/baggy cut to their clothes. The range includes Saint, XT and XTR branded shorts and jerseys and an mtb rain jacket.

XTR MTB Short: A sturdy outer short helps resist the elements and encounters with the terrain whilst the detachable inner short with multi-level padding provides riding comfort and support. Other features include reflective piping, heavy-duty YKK block puller zipper, partly elasticated waistband, two front pockets with an additional pocket with a zipper for added security. £59.99 SRP

XTR MTB Short Sleeve Jersey: Optimal moisture regulation, fast drying, lightweight and comfortable. Ventilating mesh side inserts help keep you cool whilst the regulation XTR ‘X’ on the back panel ensures style points. Also available in a long sleeve version. £39.99 SRP.Six Motion

Six Motion is a French manufacturer, producing DH/freeride clothing and also a range of non-technical wear. They will be approaching dealers over the coming months with the view of getting their range of gloves, shorts and jerseys on the shelves.

Their gloves come in two models, freeride and DH. The freeride gloves are pretty much a long fingered XC glove. It comes in chocolate, black and white, and RRPs at £19.00. The DH gloves have carbon knuckle protection, come in the same colour options and RRPs at £34.00.

The shorts come in four colours: Black with red details, brown with cream details, urban camo with red details and green camo with red details. RRP on these is £59.00.There are also jerseys, options in short, 3/4 and long sleeved Prices are £31 for short, £34 for 3/4 and £38 for long sleeved.Champion System Clothing

Graham Watson is proud to have partnered with Champion System, manufacturers ofcycling jerseys, to distribute a new range of cycling clothing. The Graham Watson jerseys are made from Champion System’s exclusive CS-Tech fabric.

CS-Tech is a technical microfibre fabric designed to wick away moisture for hours of cycling comfort. Champion System use Digital sublimation, which printing allows amazing graphic and color detailing that will never crack or fade.Line One

Line one jackets come in two styles, Team and Elite (RRP £65 & £79) and in blue, red and orange. The jackets are made from the Norwegian all-weather material of Thetwe 3, which has superb wind and waterproof qualities.

Both jackets have reflective stitching and piping, Fleece lining, zipable rear pockets, Back vent for perspiration.The elite has front chest phone pocket with internal earpiece channel.

The Long Sleeve Jerseys are thermolite material, in same three colours, with full zip. (RRP £35-£49).