ImagesMagUK_March_2021

www.images-magazine.com 58 images MARCH 2021 CYCLEWEAR The focus on regular exercise for maintaining health and wellbeing has moved up a gear over the past year, along with the popularity of cycling and demand for cyclewear. We review the current cyclewear market and styles Cycling a-tyre Result Clothing: Spiro Bikewear Long Bib From the Spiro Bikewear by Result collection, the Long Bib is made from a soft, athletic fabric suitable for transfer printing. Lightweight, breathable and windproof, the bib is designed for the cyclist’s comfort with an anatomic fit and flatlocked, non-chafing seams. It features a slim-line ankle zip with snap-down puller, reflective print detailing for visibility and a reflective zip closing key pocket to the rear. Beechfield: Softshell Sports Tech Gloves Perfect for cold weather protection on the road, the lightweight Softshell Sports Tech Gloves are now available in two new colours: fluorescent yellow and graphite grey. Made from a quick-drying and windproof fabric in an ergonomic fit, the handy tech gloves are compatible with any touchscreen device so you can keep your fingers warm while plotting your route on a phone or navigational device. They come in two sizes: S/M and L/XL. The Softshell Sports Tech Beanie, Softshell Sports Tech Headband and Softshell Sports Tech Neck Warmer are also available from the brand. W hether it’s digging old rust- buckets out of garden sheds or buying new, shiny, state- of-the-art machines from equally shiny online stores, bicycle use in England has surged since the first national lockdown last March. A survey by Sport England found that participation has risen from 16.5% to 18% of the population – the equivalent of an extra million cyclists out on the road. In its recent report ‘The Impact of Covid-19 on the UK Cycling Market in 2020’, the Bicycle Association also revealed that retailers have seen bike sales grow by 60% since March 2020, with a significant influx of new, first-time customers, particularly amongst the under-35s. Steve Garidis, executive director of the Bicycle Association, further highlights how the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has shown just how important the cycling industry is. “Bike shops were recognised as essential businesses able to support key workers needing to travel safely,” Steve explains, “and cycling was promoted as one of just a handful of accessible ways for the population to stay fit and sane during multiple lockdowns.” With this bike boom has come a growing demand for cyclewear – whether you’re commuting to work, exercising alone or with a member of another household, comfort, safety and all-round weather protection are the overriding concerns of all keen cyclists. Performance and technical fabrics offering a lightweight, breathable layer, often with added stretch, are both a popular and functional option, regularly providing other additional benefits to the rider as well – from wind-resistance to high-visibility safety detailing, and quick- dry, moisture-wicking properties. To help you peddle your customers down the right cycle(wear) path, we’ve wheeled our way through a selection of the best garments and accessories for cyclists that are currently available to printers and embroiderers for on-sale and/or further embellishment…