bc Gear 2017: New mountain bike wear by VAUDE
Almost three years ago, we redesigned the bc logo and launched bc Gear, our own line of functional bike wear.
Almost three years ago, we redesigned the bc logo and launched bc Gear, our own line of functional bike wear. Last summer, we decided it was time for a makeover.
Before we started, we wanted to make sure our customers and friends, who value bike-components as a brand, would receive the best quality.
Naturally, we wanted to join forces with one of our long time collaborators for this project. You can imagine how happy we were, when the German outdoor apparel specialist VAUDE came on board to design and manufacture our new bc Gear with us.
We started by pre-selecting base models for the new line. All the gear should be at home out on the trail, but also be versatile enough to qualify as everyday companions on commutes, especially the jacket and the shorts. This meant lightweight, but robust fabrics, and features like a hood, smart pockets and air-vents were a must.
After consulting with VAUDE’s Product Manager Claudia and Textile Engineer Isabel, we hammered out the details.
left: Claudia - VAUDE Product Manager, right: Julia - bc Brand Manager
Placing the logo where it belongs.
Keeping our corporate identity in mind, the designers presented the first drawings and we began discussing the production process. We intended to create a slightly more colourful line, emphasising the iconic bc orange. There were many things to consider: tags, laundry instructions in various languages, colour trueness under different light conditions, using darker or lighter base colours for printing and the placement and size of our bc logo.
The knowledge and experience of VAUDE’s specialists helped us figure it all out.
Varying light sources let the eye perceive the same colour differently.
Varying light sources let the eye perceive the same colour differently.
Varying light sources let the eye perceive the same colour differently.
After that, we had to wait. The four month production time seemed to last forever, but we finally held the prototypes in our hands.
When trying them on during the VAUDE Green Shape Campus event, we learned that VAUDE had to alter the design during the course of sample production. First, the logos came out too shiny, and then they were skewed. Claudia’s patience was tested a few times during this process.
What's wrong here?
First samples
However, the final results were worth the trouble, consisting of a jacket and shirts made out of functional materials in bc colours and a lightweight and unicolour pair of shorts that look good on and off the bike. The packing size of the jacket is super small, even though we insisted on the hood as it is indispensable in so many situations. In addition, its little stuff sack fits into any backpack turning the jacket into your handy companion on every outing ready to protect you from sudden rainstorms. Just remember to take it out to dry afterwards.
During the VAUDE Green Shape Camp, we had the opportunity to replicate the fabric testing in the VAUDE lab ourselves with the help of Vera.
Keeping its promise, the jacket is indeed waterproof.
The Ceplex-Active membrane performs flawlessly.
The hood makes the jacket very versatile. The width can be adjusted.
After a 20 minute test in the rain simulator, I can personally assure you, that the jacket is completely waterproof.
The sandpaper test proves that the shirts are pretty sturdy as well.
Another great thing is that all bc Gear is manufactured according to VAUDE Green Shape standards. This means that all products fulfil the criteria for improved sustainability over the product life cycle in regards to the environment and the other production factors involved. All materials, including every zipper and every Velcro strap, that are used for bc Gear are either bluesign or Ökotex standard certified.
Here you can find more information about VAUDE’s sustainable manufacturing process.
The new bc Gear out on the trail.
We sent the first bc Gear samples to Lake Garda in Italy for a photo shoot.
We hope you like the new bc Gear as much as we do. Let us know what you think.
