It looks like a new women’s specific clothing line from UK-based Queen of the Mountain is about to come to life out of Kickstarter. The new performance apparel is designed by and for women with the aim of putting out top-level kit for women to inspire them to ride more and farther. With only a week into their month-long crowdfunding campaign QoM has already garnered more than 85% of the support they had needed to bring this line to market. The SS16 launch collection includes a couple of strikingly colored and coordinated jerseys, shorts, a vest, baselayer, armies, caps, and socks, all with the figure of women cyclists at the forefront. Check out the full collection, pricing, bundles, and delivery dates after the break…
QoM hopes to make their mark as a premier women’s cycling apparel combining the latest technical fabrics with a style that looks good both on and off the bike. Each of the collections are planned to be inspired by an iconic cycling peak or range, with the first giving a nod to the alpine Mt. Ventoux. The Mont in Provence was one of the main testing grounds for the first prototypes developed. It holds a special place in the hearts of the QoM founders as such a cycling icon. Its steep barren slopes and the surround weather-beaten pastels of the region gave some inspiration for this first collection.
One of two main pieces of the SS16 range is the close-fitted, color-block Race jersey available in Coral (here) or Aqua. The light and soft 4-way stretch fabric sets this jersey as a choice for hot weather and aggressive riding. Like most quality jerseys these days, it gets a 3+1 pocket layout, with the waterproof phone pocket on the edges of the right pocket. The side pockets are angled so that they can be rather deep, yet still easy to access on the jersey that follows a narrow-waisted form. The Race jersey will sell for £120, but is available to early backers for just £100.
The other jersey offered is the more relaxed Classic jersey. Its fit isn’t quite as compressive, gets a longer tail, and uses a quick dry fabric with only a bit of stretch. It uses the same angled 3+1 pocket layout, and like the Race gets YKK zippers throughout. Available in either Lavande (blues and purples) or Soleil (mostly pinks), the Classic jersey will sell for £90 or £80 for early adopters.
For key accessories, QoM is starting off with a lightweight, packable wind jacket. The translucent Gilet will also set you back £90/80 and gets a completely mesh back and a large single zipped pocket. Arm warmers to match the Race jersey in both Coral and Aqua will also be available, made from the same light stretchy fabric that will offer UV 50+ protection and a bit of escape from the chill. There are also a pair of matching cotton caps, white socks with matching polka dots, and even an ultralight, racer back white mesh baselayer tank to make any jersey wick faster.
Lastly QoM will produce a pair of premium shorts from supportive Lycra Power fabric. They use one of the best pads in the industry for women from Cytech for all day comfort in the saddle. The legs get soft wide grippers to keep them from sliding up and a wide yoga-style waistband for a comfortable fit. The shorts £110/90 come in an almost black Charcoal with or without a Coral leg band to match the rest of the Ventoux kit.
Several early supporter deals are still available over at QoM’s Kickstarter. And there are also group bundles from a Cap+Socks, to a full Classics or Race kit, and even a one (or two) of each option to set you up for a summer of good looking riding. It seems already that delivery is pretty sure. QoM has already been producing this Italian-made kit for more than half a year for their testers and brand ambassadors, so they have production dialed. The crowdfunding will run through the end of the month, with supports to expect their new kit delivered worldwide in April. Give them a closer look and push their Kickstarter over the edge.
