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Merino Wool Cycling Jerseys?

Started by hanktoberfest · · Last activity · 5 posts · 1,553 views

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Bike Cafe
Published
22 October 2012
Last activity
27 November 2012
Original author
hanktoberfest
Posts
5
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Public discussion
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1,553
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Topics
Cycling clothingCycling jerseysHydrationWinter riding

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  1. Original post
    hanktoberfest
    Archived post
    #1

    Hi Everyone, My first post on this forum but I'm a long time cyclist. I work for a clothing manufacturer and was thinking of doing a small startup that specializes in merino wool cycling garments. I have a few things that I wanted to emphasize in a small line; excellent value, tough construction, decent fit and looks good to boot. I would like to keep the Jerseys under $100. I've gotten positive feedback from some of my LBS friends/owners but not sure if they are just being nice or honest.

    I have a couple of questions and was hoping for some friendly, honest feedback:

    1. The company I work for manufacturers overseas in China, India, Korea, Pakistan, etc...I know that this isn't exactly popular but I put it to people this way, if we manufactured here in the States we would be out of business due to the costs, atleast this way we can keep approx 30 people employed by manufacturing overseas. My question is would a garment be less appealing if it's made overseas but at a lower price point? If yes what would be a good price point for the same garment manufactured here in the US?

    2. Would people prefer open pockets in the back, a zippered pocket in the back or both?

    3. Is this something that you would buy online or at your LBS?

    4. My gut tells me from being in the industry that we are on the edge of a merino/merino synthetic mix boom, maybe not quite a boom but I see some growth. Sometimes it's difficult to gauge though since I may be looking at things with rose colored glasses trying to make this work. Does anyone else share this opinion?

    Last question, I've been going under startup name of Hank's, mostly as just a placeholder until I came up with something better but my wife says that she actually likes that as the company name and it may give the customer personalized feeling when buying a garment. I'm not sure how to feel about that since my Quaker upbringing stresses not being a braggart. Any thoughts?

    I would like to thank everyone in advance for reading this post and responding. Your answers will be evaluated and taken seriously.

    Thanks, Hank

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  2. CAMPYBOB
    Archived post
    #2

    Wool arm coolers. We cry out for wool arm coolers.

    Open top jersey pockets, zip closure jacket pockets. I do not see wool being used much by riders in my area of Ohio. I still use some wool tights and jerseys...even wool glove liners.

    Quaker, eh? Pennsyltuckey or Ohio?

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  3. hanktoberfest
    Archived post
    #3

    Hi Bob, PA Quaker, London Grove Friends Meeting to be specific.

    Wool arm warmers huh? I didn't even think of that and thats something that would be easy to do. Traditional black or something off color?

    Thanks, Hank

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  4. CAMPYBOB
    Archived post
    #4

    The wool arm 'coolers' was a joke. Some guy advertises in the forum with various bits of clothing, including arm 'coolers'.

    Ah...you're Eastern Pa. I earned an undergrad degree from a Quaker College. That's where I started road racing, back in another lifetime.

    Wool leg warmers and arm warmers with good grippers is always going to sell for the cooler months up here. They stash easily in jersey pockets when the air temp comes up.

    Of all the wool stuff I've owned, the pair of heavy, tight weave tights with a full length wind panel is the most appreciated. They are perfect for the very cold winter rides.

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  5. Digitall
    Archived post
    #5

    Wool cycling jerseys... ...but not only for roadies; make at least one mens and one womans garment for mountain bikers as well. Dirt riders don't need a back pocket, as 99% of us use hydration packs and the extra layer of cloth / stitching used for the back pocket just creates more heat / sweat / discomfort. Also, if the arm-pits could feature large open-mesh / made of merino or some material that doesn't stink when it gets hot / moist... Graphics; skip the flashy corporate line. Dirt riders like to support grass-roots stuff; REI, MEC etc. Long front zippers - if they have smooth, flat-seams inside - are always welcome Finally; price. If they are from overseas, try and keep it to at least under 70.00Cdn. All that - and ya', I'd buy from you :-) I don't often come to this forum, please keep in touch via the website link below if you ever decide to build such a beast... Andrew D. www.sweetsingletrack.ca

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