eddiebrannan

…aimed at cyclists, particularly urban fixed riders.

line would be based around jeans/workpants-derived riding pants and shants, retro merino jerseys, waterproof jackets etc.

it would be a small line, just a few pieces, discreetly branded, specifically designed with the needs of urban cyclists in mind, and cool enough to be worn on and off the bike.

would you wear such a thing?
are there specific qualities you would look for, either practical/functional or aesthetic? sweat the small stuff or talk about generalities if you prefer.
are there particular qualities which would make something unwearable to you, either practical/functional or aesthetic?

any other thoughts appreciated.

nb this is not some kind of stealth corporate focus group. it's for a 100% independent entity.

dolface

shants, reinforced back pocket so the mini-u won't wear a hole through it, dark colors and some kinda slightly technical fabric so grease stains are hard to see and easy to wash out.

think the prana mantis with a few tweaks for cycling. i'd buy 5 pair right now if i could find 'em

dogpound

reinforced crotch! my bike kills my jeans.
I like wool tshirts, no need to be too cycle oriented, like smart wool t's.

pitboss

white belts
trucker hats
ironic patches (vacation spots, fishing slogans, etc)
things that make me look like a cyclist when I don't feel like being one.

I think there are enough things out there that a pair of scissors or a trip to the Army Surplus/discount bike store that suit me.

Urban fixers? What about the rural fixers? Or is this for the urban cool factor only? You know, hop off the brand new trackframe at the local watering hole and slide into the booth with all the lovely ladies without actually looking or smelling like a cyclist? Hmmm...a can of Axe and a hefty bag should remedy that.

next...

EnLaCalle

BRANNAN!! Let me go in on this with you!

I'm going to think about the nitty gritty and get back to you.

queerpunk

can't be too expensive!
how about light, zip-off rain pants with snug calves and cinched cuffs?

eddiebrannan

u-shaped triple-stiched reinforced rear patch pocket on all pants.
attachment point for blinky on pants centre seam.
reinforced crotch area

what about chammy in jeans/jeans shants. yay or nay? velcro-removable maybe?

BostonFixed

a multitude of stash pockets.

queerpunk

ouch, velcro in my crotch? no way. if people want that let them buy the padded underwear. i think a removable chamois would cause lots of chafing

beppe

I vote for this, or no crotch seam, because the crotch seam is a killer.

absntr

Think cycling gear meets climbing gear.

Hypnotic does some decent stuff, as does Under the Weather - I think they have the right idea for shants, but I think it needs to be more simple. As dolface noted, the Prana Mantis is a good base for shants. I also have the Crux knickers from Sickle, very clean and nice.

I do however, most of the time wear more fitting jeans and capris (yes, they're all womens too) but they all have STRETCH in them, which makes them easily adaptable for going places or out to dinner with friends.

Reinforced pockets (double/triple stitched), reinforced (triple stitched) crotch as well. What you could do is either make a panel of stretchier material there (as I think Under the Weather does) or double up on stretch material or perhaps line the crotch area with an extra softer thin layer of stretch material inside of the pants/shants.

As for tops - clean lines. Simple wool jerseys with minimal graphics - maybe a small patch logo on the sleeve. Think outdoor gear again a la Patagonia, Lowe Alpine, etc, etc.

What could be neat would be solid block colour jerseys (say black) with contrasting stitching (red, light grey, white) and so on. Minimal but stylish.

Jackets - slightly longer sleeves (fall below the wrist) with slightly (but not long or excessive) tails, with a front that's just at the belt or just above. Think of it as if you viewed the jacket from sideways, it's like a diagonal cut. So when you're on the bike, the front doesn't bunch up and the lower back doesn't get exposed.

For me, Rapha (https://www.rapha.cc) has the right idea and look. Just not the right prices.

It's all about modern sleek and clean lines for me (Euro/Japan/Sweden) with function rather than the "out there-ness" of American garb.

powers2b

Insulated side pocket for warm pie.

Enjoy

Romoni_63

Fit Fat People

eddiebrannan

pie pocket - awesome!

keep em coming

queerpunk

i hate triangular pockets with diagonal entry on a jacket.

i like half-turtlenecks

eyefloater

Re: winter gear ... big ****ing tabs on the pocket zippers so I can get at them without having to take my gloves off.

A deal breaker for me is huge logos that I can't peel / seam rip off. Please don't brand them w/ any sort of slogan, either. One less car, Skidstrong, etc. ... don't try and sell me your ****ing cause and/or scene.

Military ass on the shants so there's not a seam running up the middle.

Pit zips on the jackets.

Back pocket that actually fits a mini u lock. I've got one pair of jeans that I try not to ride in because the back pocket is like a cetimeter too narrow.

sashae

Jackets/LS jersies -- 2 or 3 pockets on the back, long tail, cut a little fuller than a normal jersey for easier layering. FULL ZIP. If it's wool, line the collar/zip area with microfibre fleece -- North Face does this on their jackets, and it's nice for keeping chafing off the neck.

The V military style crotch would be excellent... I ride in a pair of cut-off BDUs frequently due to the extra side pockets + crotch reinforcement without chafing.

dolface

also, for tops, a size that fits small/skinny peeps, i'm 5'8", 130lbs and it's almost impossible to find jackets and stuff that fit sungly

monkey

Hey [165], got some bdu's from Belmont Army for $20, and a wool jersey that acually fit my fat azz for $15! Better hurry before they move...

gregg

That was my first thought. A 2 or 3 panel chammy setup would be perfect.

eyefloater

Dude, 5'10" @ 135 pounds. I feel your pain.

46x17

- Use 3d pockets with on the front of your pants instead of regular jeans pockets.
I usually carry phone, keys and wallet in my front pockets and it can be a pain digging these thing out while riding since the jeans pocket disign makes it hard to access.

- Make things tough!

- If you use hoods on anything, make sure the hood is big enough. 80% of all my hoods fit like they were desinged for infants.

- What absntr said about jackets. long sleeves and the rest slimmer and short in the front.

- Also what I really would like to see is a proper clip and strap touring shoe. Like old sidis or duegis or those carnac touring shoes. I have some of those duegis and they are maddest-ill to say the least. They should be slim (like onitsukas or something like that), but with a nice stiff and hard sole and no cleat. If you made that you could charge me a 100 bucks per pair and I'd be very happy to pay.

- And yes, keep it minimal instead of over-featured.

- As DF said - Keep it black or at least dark.

queerpunk

5'10" @ 135 pounds? dude, i can feel your skeleton!

MLPROJECT

NJS buttons
NO t-shirts whatsoever (they're played)
limited edition sneakers

in seriousness... really tight stretch jeans with a doublethick, yet flexible/soft crotch and a back pocket that will hold a krypto mini no sweat... bike related new era 5950's

MLPROJECT

oh.. and clothing lines are played