BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
British start-up LUMO has lauched its debut collection of jackets and bags designed for city cyclists.
Lumo’s launch range, The London Collective, features jackets and bags with an LED lighting system that is completely concealed off a bike. The brand has been funded through Kickstarter, with further equity from Crowdcube.
The brand is being stocked up by Cloud 9 Cycles, Velorution, Selfridges, Fully Charged and is soon to be in Frame’s new retail outlet and online at Cycle Chic.
Co-founder Lucy Bairner said: “Cycling in London is like playing a game of Snakes and Ladders. Whilst riding a bike in a city certainly has its challenges, we believe there is simply no better feeling than the freedom you get from getting around on two wheels. The London Collective is inspired by, and in some cases, made in the capital. The look of the garments has been very much influenced by classic British designs, with cutting edge technology subtly integrated for less snakes, more ladders. The launch video is called ‘#freedomofthecity: London’ and aims to showcase the city as well as our new collection.”
The jackets and bags contain bright LED strips on both the front and back, subtly hidden within the construction of the design. The lights are visible from 400 metres away and their placement has been deliberate to ensure they’re visible regardless of riding position. The LEDs are waterproof and washable and are powered by a removable USB-rechargeable battery unit that is tucked away in a small inside pocket.
The jackets use Schoeller fabrics to deliver water-resistance, dirt repellence and breathability and the waterproof bags are made from a hardy waxed cotton from Halley Stevensons. The jackets are also packed with cycling-friendly features like dropped hems, inner cuffs, stretch shoulder panels and lots of useful zipped and magnet closure pockets, and the bags come with an inner laptop sleeve.
Jackets are available now in men’s and women’s specific cuts and are priced from £250, with the
backpack available at £200.
Fellow co-founder Doug Bairner (and now husband to Lucy) added: “After I was knocked off my bike yet was still too vain to wear fluorescent clothing came the realisation that city cyclists don’t just dress for our journey, we dress for our destination too. We gave up our jobs and set out to design garments that would make cyclists more visible on their bike yet allow them to step straight off it into a business meeting or nice restaurant.”
He added: “The plans go way beyond visibility. Through the design process we’ve uncovered ideas for building various technologies into garments to make life easier for city cyclists. Imagine a day where you can charge your mobile phone in your pocket as you cycle to work, navigate from your jacket sleeve or ultimately can actually contribute to the grid by pedalling from A to B.”
