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17/08/2012
Textile industry benefits from booming bicycle sales
Urban Cycling Apparel Gears up
for 2013
Friedrichshafen, Germany - Cycling apparel has
long fallen into two major categories: the streets
and the mountains - that is to say, bicycle racing
and mountain biking. Both of these areas will
continue to play a dominant role in 2013. And yet,
a new wind is sweeping through the industry. Not
only is touring apparel set to grow out of its
niche, but urban cycling is also gearing up for a
major debut. The leading trade show Eurobike,
which takes place from August 29 through
September 1, 2012, will showcase the bicycle
industry?s fashion trends for the upcoming
season - both at the exhibition booths and at the
Fashion Show.
"Thanks to e-bikes and the growing consciousness of
cycling in major cities such as Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin
and
Munich,
bicycles
are
playing
an increasingly
important role in urban mobility,? says Matthias Dreuw,
Managing Director of the bicycle apparel brand Triple2
Sportswear. Hannu Haslach from Gore Bike Wear agrees:
"Cycling continues to be a strong trend. It is gaining
importance not only as a leisure activity, but also as a
means of commuting to and from work.? Haslach also
pointed out the growing number of bike paths that are
being built both in cities and in the countryside.
The Fashion Show at Eurobike in Friedrichshafen will
demonstrate the growing significance of urban cycling,
even as racing and mountain biking apparel continue to
dominate the field. In both categories, legwear clearly
leads the industry. Whether they?re designed for racing or
mountain biking, cycling shorts with special linings are the
showpiece of nearly every brand?s collection. The
upcoming season?s new arrivals range from specialized
to sporty, and from extravagant to innovative.
The apparel manufacturer Gonso also sees cycling shorts
as "the centerpiece of cycling,? according to Marketing
Director Ludger Tabeling. The Albstadt-based company
has expanded its offerings to include a wider variety of fits
and, above all, plus sizes. The cycling brand Protective is
also moving into this area. With sizes ranging up to 6XL,
Protective also caters to consumers without previous
experience in cycling.
New arrivals for women will be an additional focus at the
show: Gonso, for example, will be presenting its special
cycling shorts for pregnant women. The Scottish company
Endura is also expanding its offerings for women: "From a
technical standpoint, bib shorts continue to be the gold
standard,? says Katrin Engel, Marketing Director for
Germany. "However, women always have a disadvantage
with these shorts when it comes to taking care of certain
needs.? This is why Endura will be presenting bib shorts
with a convenient "drop seat? for bathroom breaks on
long bike rides.
Sugoi and Bellwether will also be offering technical
refinements. Both brands are focusing on features and
materials that are primarily found in mountain biking
apparel. Bellwether?s cycling shorts use Schoeller?s
Coldblack material, which heats up less than other
materials in the sunshine, despite being black. Sugoi is
integrating the Boa lacing system into its products, which
adjusts evenly to the rider?s hip size during riding.
Löffler is sure to make a splash on the catwalk with
garments in red, black and white. This striking color
scheme will be used across its entire range of products
featuring the Hotbond ultrasonic welding technology,
which allows clothing to be manufactured without seams,
thus eliminating friction between the garment and the
skin. The choreography on the catwalk will offer an
impressive demonstration of how this technology allows
clothing to be extremely elastic and provide a high degree
of mobility.
Vaude has positioned its Urban Life commuter collection
in the travel sector. "Many retailers had problems
presenting the urban collection on the sales floor,? says
Stephanie Herrling, Press Spokesperson for Bike Sports
at Vaude. "The idea of integrating the Urban Life product
line into the travel collection stems from the realization
that both target groups have comparable demands
regarding functionality and features. The main difference
is in the design. Accordingly, our new Travel & City
collection for the summer 2013 season includes both
classic and fashionable apparel.?
This means that retailers will have to rethink their sales
approach. Instead of focusing only on racing bikes and
mountain bikes, they need to create space, generate new
ideas and gain expertise in the emerging area of urban
cycling. In addition, the strong bicycle touring segment
also offers significant sales potential.
The Fashion Show will take place three times a day
during the exhibition, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (on the
public day on Saturday there will be an additional show at
12:30 p.m.). There is no better way to enjoy a relaxing
and informative break amid the bustle of the trade show.
Eurobike will take place from Wednesday, August 29,
through Saturday, September 1, 2012. The first three
days of the show will be open exclusively to trade visitors.
On Saturday, September 1, the show will also be open to
consumers.
Additional
information
is
available
www.eurobike-show.de.
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