I’m conflicted. You see, I started this blog to promote a sense of everyday bicycle style, nothing fancy, just the idea that all clothes are potentially cycling clothes, not just expensive race-inspired spandex costumes. The idea was, in some small way, to democratize access to the bicycle as a form of transportation. Too many Americans still believe that you can only ride a bicycle in specialized clothing. So, I didn’t have just bicycle commuters in mind, but also folks who ride bicycles for errands, recreation, whatever.
Well, I get this promotional email the other day from a new company called OUTLIER, with the slogan “Clothing for Cycling in the City.” Cool, I think, this looks right up my alley. I go to their site, and find these apparently amazing black trousers. So amazing, in fact, that based on the sales pitch, you may not ever have to take them off. It’s a young company, just getting started, and still very small. Awesome, I think, just the kind of thing I’d like to promote. But then I saw the price: $240 for a pair of pants.
If you want these pants, and can afford them, great. They’re probably the greatest single thing you’ll ever own. Problem is, myself and most of the people I know couldn’t possibly afford to drop this much on a pair of pants, even if they came with super powers and cash stuffed in the pockets. I’ve posted about high-end “everyday” cycling garments before, and I wonder if this niche market isn’t simply a continuation of the idea that you need special clothes for cycling.
A lot of folks will say, “what’s the big deal, this is just a small company making a product to make our lives better, leave ‘em alone.” I couldn’t agree more, and if you really want these trousers (and there are sane reasons to want them), you go buy them, and feel good about supporting this small company. I don’t think this post is going to stop anyone from doing that. My only point is that you don’t need $240 trousers (or shoes, or shorts, or jerseys) to ride a bike, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
OUTLIER
