Apparel is not a new category to Shimano. The Japanese component giant has sold cycling clothes in Europe and Asia for more than eight years. But it is in the U.S. Shimano is bringing its technical and colorful cycling apparel and accessories to North America for 2014.?
Last year, Shimano began offering bags and eyewear to U.S. retailers, so bringing in apparel is an effort to provide a complete solution for retailers, said Eric Doyne, a company spokesman. It's part of the company's expanding Lifestyle Gear Division.
The line, on display at Interbike in Booth 24120, includes a casual range for touring, recreational riders or commuters, a performance line and a premium line. Shimano is also offering a women's-specific line that includes shorts, tights and jerseys and features special fits and chamois. The clothes come in four fits.?
Accessories include gloves, arm warmers and socks.?
The looser-fitting touring line includes jerseys, undershorts, baggy shorts and technical jackets. The Explorer jersey features Shimano's Wicktex moisture-transferring fabric and heat ventilation system on the jersey's back panel to keep riders cool. It also has an eyewear dock, rear pockets and integrated eyewear wipe. It will retail for $95. The Explorer Short includes a removable performance chamois with Wicktex breathable fabric and four-way stretchable fabric. It will retail for $120. Completing the touring line is a $160 waterproof, breathable Storm Jacket and a $120 Hybrid Jacket that's reflective.?
The performance apparel line offers a way for consumers to connect with the Shimano brand, Doyne said. "We don't license the brand to other apparel makers," he said, adding that it's something that appeals to brand loyalists. It features print short-sleeve jerseys ($70), print bib shorts ($70) and traditional print shorts ($65) made from breathable fabrics and featuring prominent branding.?
Two other jerseys—the Mirror Cool and Hot Condition—feature technology focused on reducing body temps and retail for $120 and $110. The Active Pedaling Short is made from a fabric that Shimano claims boosts pedaling rotation with a fabric that's 50 percent more flexible than Lycra.?
Shimano's premium line is the Accu3D collection. Based on technology included in its form-fitting hydration packs, it uses 3D patterns for better fit, aerodynamics and durability. It includes a short ($130), bib short ($150) and short-sleeve jersey ($150).?
