Between the fast cars, celebrities, and fashion shows, for mountain bikers last week the Red Agave was a worthy replacement for the red carpet. All kidding aside, the picturesque setting did play host to a fashion show that most mountain bikers would actually be into. Serving as the world premiere of the 2015/2016 Fall/Winter and 2016 Spring/Summer lines for Club Ride, the co-owner of Over The Edge Sedona Michael Raney and his wife Lauren graciously walked the impromptu runway to show off the latest from one of the true innovators in casual riding apparel.
Having made tremendous strides since Mike Herlinger founded the company in 2008, the brand now offers a huge range of styles with more fabrics and better construction. Since day one, Club Ride has been focused on woven textiles rather than knits – something Mike picked up on during his days merchandising at the Elephant’s Perch in Ketchum, ID (thought they will still use knits where appropriate). Spurred on by a vintage western shirt he picked up in Hermosa beach, Club Ride apparel has always had a distinctive western flair. Moving into 2015/2016, CR is entering into new territory. The colder months will see a new range of fat bike inspired clothing while spring and summer will see colors and styles straight from the beach…
Kicking off the night of high (altitude) fashion, Michael walked out in the Rale Jacket, Daniel Flannel, and new fat bike inspired Fat Jack pants. Starting with the Rale, the midweight jacket is made out of StretchRide9 fabric which is a polyester-blend, double woven material with a DWR finish. The $149.95 jacket features 3 zippered pockets, a media port, RideLight reflective accents, and a sport fit.
The Daniel flannel joins the Jack flannel, but sets itself apart with a lighter 145 g/m2 fabric that is better for slightly warmer weather than the Jack. Selling for $79.99, the flannel has all of the same features as it’s sibling and comes in blue or red plaid.
When Club Ride talks about fat bike inspired clothing, what they’re getting at is a line of apparel that will work great on a fat bike and isn’t race fit spandex. There aren’t a whole lot of option when it comes to loose fit riding pants for the winter, so the Fat Jack is a welcome option. Made from StretchRide10, the midweight poly blend double woven fabric uses a DWR finish to keep off the water, snow, and spray and includes many of the standard CR features. That includes the NoCrackBack absorbent waist band, multiple pockets, a media port, RideLight Reflective accents, and will retail for $119.95. During really cold rides you will still need to layer up, but the loose fit of the pant is perfect for adapting to conditions.
Intended more for nasty winter commuting rather than fat biking, the Eclipse Bomber jacket is a midweight jacket that will shelter you from the elements. The StormTech wax coated outer is waterproof and windproof, and the inside features a quilted LiteFill insulation to keep you warm. Finished with DWR, the waterproofing comes from a two layer hydrophobic, breathable membrane that is helped to stay ventilated with underarm screens and a gusseted mesh back that is designed to open when in the riding position.