Archive for October, 2011
Why REVERSE GEAR is different…
At our booth at Recumbent Cycle-Con, we had many people ask the questions:
Why do I need to wear recumbent clothing?
What makes your clothing different from other cycle clothing?
My first response is: “We have reengineered our clothing for COMFORT.”
Yes, you can cycle in any clothing. I have seen people wearing business suits and footwear ranging from flip-flops to work boots to high-heels. But how comfortable is that for long rides?
Depending on how long you will be on your cycle and/or the purpose of your trip, there are definite comfort considerations.
If you will be riding for a few hours, you will want clothing made in technical fabrics that wick away the moisture and keep you comfortable, not wet and soggy.
All of our clothing is designed in technical fabrics such as
“Quick-Dry”, “Airlite” and “Lycra“.
If you are on an outing you may also have a need to carry valuables with you such as credit cards, money, cell phones, cameras, etc. If you stop to eat or shop, you will want those to accompany you, rather than stay on your cycle in vulnerable places such as panniers or bicycle-bags.
Travelling long distances, whether touring or training, you may also want sustenance along the route. These should be handy when you need them. At the RCC show, I took on the challenge of seeing how many packages of energy food (bars, gummies, etc.) I could get in a pocket.
We succeeded in getting 13 in each pocket of a ladies small jersey. That should sustain you for a considerable distance. (Let us know how many you carry?)
Pockets are required where they are most comfortable for your body shape or size. Generally in a recumbent position, these pockets should be accessible to you - either on the side or front of your jersey.
Whether food or valuables are being carried, or both, you don’t want to lose them. Cyclists, that we surveyed, told us that 60% had lost something while riding. So all REVERSE GEAR pockets are zipped to ensure that you won’t lose items. Providing you do up the zip of course ;o)
In the reclined position, your jersey will sit differently than in a roll-down cycling or stand-up position. Clothing sits against your body and often rides up as well. Extra length in the back (e.g. the traditional tail of cycling clothing) pulls the clothing further up the throat.
To eliminate that “choking” feeling, REVERSE GEAR has not only eliminated all tails, but has now also cut necklines and collars lower and broadened the shoulders. These adaptations have been made for greater COMFORT in the recumbent experience.
Our shorts have the unique ‘bent-liner TM.
You could ride in shorts without a liner (maybe because you have removed the chamois) but you may find the seams sit in uncomfortable positions or chafe.
Cycling shorts are intentionally created with multiple seams/sections to make them more comfortable and flexible while moving. They are made in high-quality spandex to provide support and warmth to your muscles in action.
The REVERSE GEAR ‘bent-liner TM has been constructed in a very soft, non-bulky absorbent fabric to absorb moisture. The position of the liner in the crotch and down the legs is there to prevent chafing in those areas.
We recommend wearing Lycra shorts for three primary reasons:
for comfort, to provide better support to your muscles, and to prevent insects crawling or flying up your legs. (For those who do not believe it happens, read about the experience of others in our earlier blog entry.)
Our ‘longs’ are also unique because of the weather-resistant panels on the front and the back.
The front panels will keep your legs warmer and drier in the recumbent position, as your legs are exposed to the elements more in the laid-back seat.
The back panels on the other hand will keep you drier and warmer as by resisting the splash and cold from the road, which you are closer to, especially in a trike.
REVERSE GEAR has also designed many other features into its clothing…
Safety - Through the use of highly visible colors and/or contrasts, our clothing is noticed while you are riding.
Convenience - Large zippers on the over-pants make them easy to take on and off over shoes. They also have zipped pockets for carrying keys and/or credit cards.
Easy to get into - REVERSE GEAR has introduced the first full-zip short and long sleeve jersey.
Stylish - REVERSE GEAR also has many styles with the same functionality of its other jerseys that can be worn at the markets, restaurants and other day activities - see the Cafe Ole / Citrus Market or the Hollywood / Jarrah lines for versatility as well as good looks.
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