WELLINGTON, New Zealand (BRAIN)—Icebreaker is launching a cycling apparel line that will hit retail this winter. The New Zealand-based company is best known for its apparel sold through the outdoor channel.
Garments from the Icebreaker GT technical sports range have always been popular with cyclists, but the brand has responded to consumer demand by launching a cycling specific apparel spring/summer 2011 line for road, mountain and commuting.
"They’ve worn standard Icebreaker, but now they’ll be able to wear tops and shorts that are designed for the bike,” said Rob Achten, creative director for Icebreaker.
The styles designed for road cyclists have a slim, sleek, race fit to minimise air drag. The design style is bold, with clean, modern lines and color blocking. Special features include: drop tail hems and a gripper at the back hem to keep the jersey in place; reflective rear details and branding, for visibility on evening and early morning rides; a three-panel back pocket for storage; and reinforced stress points on tops.
The bike shorts and bibs contain a very high percentage of merino—85 percent—for lasting comfort and support in the saddle, with a minimal amount of spandex and nylon for durability, strength and resistance to pilling. Bike shorts can be judged on the quality of their chamois, so Icebreaker has partnered with an Italian manufacturer who supplies chamois to the world’s leading bike brands.
Natural, sustainably produced Icebreaker merino controls body temperature in all climates, is highly breathable to prevent the clamminess associated with synthetics, and protects road bikers from the sun’s harmful rays. It also resists odor and can be worn for days—sometimes weeks—without washing.
“The GT Bike garments have great functionality and great styling, so I’m sure road bikers are going to really happy to have their own specialist range at last,” said Icebreaker founder and CEO Jeremy Moon.
Icebreaker’s mountain biking garments have a sophisticated and functional design, built for durability over long distances. Eyelet fabric gives extra breathability in heat zones, and rear zipped security pockets are easily accessible to mountain bikers wearing a hydration pack.
Icebreaker is also excited to offer commuter bike apparel for the first time as well.
“Bike shops tell us that commuting is their fastest-growing clothing category,” Achten said. “The challenge for us was to create a range that had all the functionality you need on a bike but that looks good enough to wear in the office.”
Icebreaker will also be launching running specific apparel for the first time later this year.
