UK online bike retailer Merlin Cycles has launched a new range of own-brand cycle kit, dubbed Merlin Wear – with jerseys, bibs and accessories available now at keen prices.
Merlin’s Benji Haworth said: “To paraphrase Keith Bontrager’s famous quote about bike parts – ‘Strong. Light. Cheap. Pick two.’ – when browsing the cycle clothing market the customer was faced with ‘Function. Fashion. Price. Pick two.’
“With Merlin Wear we reckon we have finally squared the circle and can offer you high performance, good looking kit at affordable price points.”
Designed in Britain and manufactured in Italy and Romania, the range is described as “not needlessly techno and overly raceday specific”, without compromising on quality or performance.
“It’s stuff that we expect to be worn a lot and as such needs to be able to withstand the rigours of British riding,” added Haworth.
“Our apparel is for doing short or long rides in comfort. We want you to buy Merlin Wear and forget about it – in a good way!”
Merlin begins its foray into bike wear with bibs, short-sleeved jerseys and accessories. The designs have been created to avoid clashes with existing kit, using simple designs and block colours.
The most basic Core range leads the launch with jersey (£18 / US$22 / AU$29), bibs (£20 / US$25 / AU$32), arm warmers (£10 / US$12 / AU$16 ), knee warmers (£15 / US$18 / AU$23), leg warmers (£15 / US$18 / AU$24) and socks (£4 / US$5 / AU$6).
There are also Sport range bibs (£30 / US$37 / AU$48) with a dual density pad and Elite range bibs (£45 / US$55 / AU$71) with a top-end CyTech Elastic Interface pads.
Check out the full launch range at Merlin Cycles.