Roach - The Resurrection?

Nov 26, 2010 at 15:07
by Race Face  
Race Face is conducting a survey about potentially bringing back the Roach brand. Please take the survey and let us know your thoughts.

Comments, feedback and stories of your experiences wearing Roach are welcome.

Roach - the Resurrection?

by raceface
Views: 39,760    Faves: 0    Comments: 8


You can take the survey at: www.raceface.com/roach


Author Info:
raceface avatar

Member since Mar 20, 2007
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102 Comments
  • 14 1
 Brett Tippie is the next Billy Mays-except for mountain biking! and roach stuff looks pretty cool- i like the simplicity! So thats a yes by me Salute
  • 22 1
 I loved the Old Roach stuff Id be stoked if they brought it back! I just hope they keep it old school and dont turn it into the overpriced neon of today.
  • 6 1
 I know of Roach but know very little about it specifically. From the video it sounds like it was a totally new style of clothing for riding back in the day. Now it seems that this is just standard riding gear by the looks of things. How is it going to be any different from any other clothing we've got now? I guess it would make sense if Race Face didn't already do clothing but they do. I don't really see the point. Unless I'm missing something here?
  • 9 0
 How about you bring back the ultimate freeride challenge instead! Wink
  • 3 0
 Not a big fan of Raceface Roach line, sorry RF! Much prefer the protection stuff you got now.
  • 2 1
 this is funny because today i found a box full of old roach stuff in a box at the shop i work at and wondered what the hell roach was. now i know. RETRO is all i can say, it would be really funny if they brought it back though.
  • 16 4
 I swear to God, if Brett Tippie was talking about the Holocaust, he would somehow put a smile on my face. He is such a nice, friendly, cool guy - the embodiment of MTB!
  • 1 1
 roach means..... uhhh ive never heard of it. i use old unwanted tshirts and charity shop shorts to ride in Blank Stare
  • 2 0
 looking from a business point of view, to me it doesn't make as much sense to bring it back. if i owned a company, i would have one name and plaster it over absolutely everything i made; this way you can cross advertise among all of your products (as long as it's quality). i think keep the raceface name, but incorporate the roach lineup into it.
  • 1 0
 roach sucks i went through 3 pairs of the shin pads in 2 weeks. the stitching kept breaking. got my money back though Big Grin
  • 2 0
 they are talking about the resurrecting the clothing line only.
  • 1 0
 o ok then
  • 7 0
 I'm sure a lot of kids on here never worn or even know about roach Razz .

Clothing that will hold up to northshore riding
  • 1 0
 Has it really been that long? Wow... I guess I've been riding longer than I thought. haha

Still use my original roach pads btw. Razz
  • 5 0
 My roach knee/shin and elbow/forearm pads were the best! what am I saying,... they are the best because I still have them! I'm for it... bring em back!! some of the other companies are nice but overpriced.
  • 4 0
 Looks cool ridedes great and last a long time! I have been using roach knee and shin pad for 3 years now and Im happy! I also have some fox 911 and the xup fox pad, both are great but the protection from the rocah is awesome with its soft spongy feel! RidEOn!
  • 3 0
 never understood why raceface killed off the roach name in the first place and didnt just back it up with their supplier, production and distribution.dont think that it was ever that available here so never had any of their gear but i think the Canadian freeriders swore by the stuff ????
  • 3 0
 Roach was first pair of freeride short i bought back when i was a kid. The lady that used to make em gave great customer service.
She gave me a free pair of a newer style shorts a couple month after i bought mine when she saw me wearing a pair of her "older" model at Hammerfest on the island. Stoked was I.
Bring back the knee pads with a bit of side protection and I will buy.
  • 1 0
 Woops, ment the HOOTS knee pads. How did i mix those up.
  • 4 0
 I wore a Roach tee in jr high and I got in trouble by my english teacher because she thought it was a marijuana roach even though it had a picture of a bug on it and made me turn it inside out for the rest of the day haha.
  • 5 0
 Sure bring it back... but that was why it went away, they stopped making it in Vancouver by a craftsperson who knew the market and designed stuff to work for riders not for big business margins. There will always be room in the bike world for items that stand the test of time and that are "made like they used to be" I have roach shorts that are still somewhat wearable in public after 13 years! Race Face clothing you might get a few years out of the stuff but it sure isnt ROACH... Does anyone remember the ROACH headquarters below the Cambie Bridge? the big bug on the roof.. That was bike history being made. Now all the crap is made in Taiwan and is just that... CRAP.
  • 4 0
 So those of us that aren't dumbass stoners can still look the part? Nice...
  • 3 0
 I liked the old Roach stuff and appreciate the history. I feel like there have been numerous examples of bigger companies buying smaller companies and killing a good name. Bontrager and Klein come to mind. I think they should leave this alone.
  • 2 0
 Hmm. Roach meant the raddest riding T's I've ever owned (Still got 'em). But it also meant velcro ripping off of 3 consecutive pairs of hard-shell knee/shin pads after 6-8 months of riding, followed by a switch to equivalent MEC and Mace products that have lasted for years.
  • 3 0
 Yup! I hear you. I lost count of the amount of times I sewed them back on. Probably 6 though... Kicked the Old School, and went to knee pads. Haven't looked back
  • 5 1
 hmph.

Why not just make some cool durable threads and protective gear under the already viable RACEFACE brand?

marketing shmarketing. Make with the product.
  • 2 2
 i totally agree with you, why spend money on creating a new brand when you already have a successful brand of clothing and armour under the Raceface name?
  • 1 0
 cause they need a low budget brand that will not be connected directlly to their name ... If you want to make a shoddy product and some quick cash then Do it under a Branch companys name.... Hopefully I'm wrong about this,,
  • 2 1
 funny that they bought and absorbed the roach line and now want to give it back its name... like invading a small country and after 5 years giving it back. thety wouldn't have to resurect it if they didn't kill it in the first place
  • 3 0
 sounds pretty dope. i've never worn or heard of any "roach" stuff, mainly because i'm (in theory) new to the sport... it looks sick... i'd definitely buy it if they brought it back!
  • 2 0
 I bought my first Roach item in the mid -nineties, a courier bag. I had it until recently, not because it fell apart, because I moved and got rid of it. Me and my other half have tons of the jerseys shorts and jackets and STILL use it. It was the triple stitching, bombproof fabric and Ingrid was a real visionary and a rider herself who filled a gap in the burgeoning market. I always liked the "Y fly" crotch and hope that if it comes back, it stays true to Ingrids vision, and even better, made in Canada?!
  • 2 0
 I still have a pair of Roach mountainbiking pants. Most durable piece of gear I've ever owned. Besides mountainbiking with them back in the day, I also brought them with me as my one and only pair of pants when I rode my bike across Canada a few years ago. If they keep the same quality as they used to have, I'm in!
  • 2 0
 Definitely bring it back. Lessons learned along the way can only help them improve proven designs.

And, for the record, there's a name for the type of people that just don't understand Tippie and his brand of energy and humor...They're called children. Good thing that they grow up eventually...
  • 6 1
 Roach means to me.. 13 years of scar free shins :-)
  • 1 0
 I was always a fan of Roach gear. I loved the fact that the gear offered different levels of protection with the FR & DH versions. Also, thy are damned comfortable. I have a set of both that I still use today. The best part of the product was that it was extremely affordable. I will be stoked if they bring it back. I had to purchase a set of Pro-Tec knee/shin guards to save my the abuse on my Roach FR's. The Pro-Tec pads wore out in about a month of use, velcro sucks and the knee shell has split on both pads.

Long story short, Roach is amazing and I look forward to them bringing it back!
  • 2 1
 YEAH ROACH! It was a sad sad day when i found out Roach would no longer be producing. riding from 98-02 everything was roach for pads & shorts or Kona.....Please PLEASE bring back Roach so I wont have to keep these pads in a vaccum sealed container to keep freshness. Love you tippie
  • 1 0
 i have some old school roach stuff. its amazing Smile it soaks up all the impacts and doesn't crack. also fairly breathable. comfy. like it way better than my rockgardn armor. the softness and flexibility of the roach pads makes it my choice when riding long rocky trails... i would buy some if they brought it back
  • 1 0
 I'm just getting back into riding and still have my roach dh pants! This was a good value brand back in 99/2000 before the likes of shift, 661, and even troy lee (clothes)
Roach was def the alternative, freeride threads to wear if you wanted to look cool without looking as if you're riding world champ super x!
  • 2 0
 in 2002 i bohgt a roach swade pants and now, in 2010, she ist still alive. never had a pair of trousers like these...please give them a go and put on the market again! quality and design is off the hook...
  • 1 0
 I think Roach is pretty Core BC and no joke the older stuff looked sick and lives on. The ass is stained nasty mud brown and i always pull them out for the crappy days and they look current two tones of Grey. Best part was the V crotch and they never caught the seat like Tippe said when your going steep. If you guys are bringing them back, you have to do it to a T like the old days or it will not be the same, no cutting corners! I'll buy them.
  • 1 0
 I haven't ridden in 10 years so to me when I find roach in thrift store and it fits I grabbed it to me still fresh. I got the chain protector and shorts. Seen a few on eBay. But wrong size. Looking for stem protector to make my old school set worth it! As long as they are comfortable shorts and very odd I like the originality.
  • 1 0
 I loved the old parachuter style roach pack. It was bomber, comfortable and big enough for courier with and bring home groceries at the end of the day. It looks like the pattern was sold to axiom but wasn't as sturdy, or the same at all. Bring the roach parachuter pack back!
  • 1 0
 Awesome stuff, great logo. Yes Bring it back would buy thier stuff in a hear beat. Aside form holding up to Shore Riding, it also was very comfortable to wear and always stayed in place (the armor) NEVER MOVED OR SHIFTED, AND THE BUG IS COOL AS SHIT.

BEASTMASTER
  • 2 1
 I've never heard of roach, probably cos I've only been in the sport for a year, but they look great, not too bright like the tld kit or sombrio kit, cos I've been in town with those a few times after a ride and everyone was looking at me ...

Also, I just love hearing tippie talking Big Grin
  • 1 0
 if it it meets the quality bar of the old gear, please bring it back. I have a 10 yr old pair of Roach shorts that are still going strong. Had to resew some pocket seams but the fabric and main seams have been bombproof. The cut and fit have yet to be matched by anything since - Sombrio, Dakine, big S.
  • 1 0
 Hah! I just made the same comment in my survey response. I've got a pair of Rally shorts from a decade ago that finally needed velcro fly replacement last season for decency's sake. Those shorts kick more ass than any product should have a right to; nothing but value to be had back when it was Ingrid's gig...
  • 1 0
 I had Roach FR knee / shin pads which I bought in Whistler, and Roach top-tube frame pad which I used on my Banshee Scream

you can see the Roach frame pad here:

www.pinkbike.com/photo/395704

a few years later, the knee/shin pads had worn out, I went to buy the same pads and they were labelled "Race Face" but the same product, as Race Face had bought them out?

Roach could be a great sub-label of Race Face, if they go in a slightly different direction, maybe clothing....
  • 1 0
 Ingrid Doerr was the founder of Roach. I met her a few times. She make a custom jacket for my wife a long time ago. I still have shorts from the old days. Their stuff rocked. I think she started roach back in 1988. Good stuff.
  • 1 0
 i think it would work with some clever marketing and not just the same stuff as raceface..... like it needs to be forward about being something different and something fresh like it was back in the day...

plus i think they need to rework the bug/roach logo....

ah well thats my 2 cents
  • 1 0
 Another name for Race Face. RF and Roach had the same knee/shin pads at the same time... and I never understood why.

I could see some marketing value to bring back the name only if it was not sold with similar RF products. But I see more marketing value in keeping RF the brand as is. Less confusion, more simplicity. Race Face has a great rep already.
  • 3 0
 Bring them back, I still have a couple vests and a tope tube pad that are still in perfect condition after 10+ years!!
  • 1 0
 you forget about things like top tube pads and ball/stem protectors. both of which live on my wifes bike now. still have a set of orginal raoch pads and a pair of shorts.
  • 1 0
 Bring it back, the product is tough as nails. Every season I bring out my first pair of shin gaurds they are still sweet, only a little haggared after 6 years of being abused.
  • 1 0
 i would buy some. just destroyed my old Race Face FR leg guards (same as the old roach) after 5 years and i will be replacing them with something from RF, so Roach is now in my new consideration set Smile
  • 1 0
 Is Ingrid involved? I thought Core rat was more durable .Bike clothing takes a beating especially the seams ,they seem to rot especially when you just let them dry and dust off. Im all for old school threads.
  • 1 0
 1. roach definitely should come back 2. if it does, it has to be different than raceface, not like gmc vs chevy 3. the logo should be like a roach that you smoke instead. lol 4. go tippie!
  • 3 0
 keep it made in Canada, bring Ingrid on board for consultation, keep the fabric techy and bombproof.
  • 1 0
 I bought some roach pads in 2000 i have been riding with them for ten years now and it is time to get new stuff, and i would be game to buy more that look the same. peace out
  • 2 0
 Bring roach BACK! lol im suprised so many people never heard of them they were the best pads out not to many years ago.
  • 1 0
 ＶＥＲＹ　ＣＯＯＬ！　ＲＯＡＣＨ　ＳＴＵＦＦ　ＳＯ　ＣＯＯＬ　ＡＮＤ　ＧＯＯＤ　ＦＩＴＴＩＮＧ！
  • 2 3
 im sure roach owners raceface will put it back out if they think theres some money to be made,

how will it siffer from the raceface range other than colour? any design details? will it be made by the same lady that made the og roach gear?
  • 1 0
 i wanna know how it would be different from the stuff that raceface already makes
  • 3 2
 I hope soooo much that they will revise the knee/shin guard combo. They offer great protection on the first impact then slide around leaving you with bloody knees!!!
  • 2 0
 should have done them up properly, that tends to help. my pads had spandex in the back and full wrap to prevent that.
  • 1 0
 What are you talking about?
"should have done them up properly, that tends to help"
Done what properly?

And also, the roach did NOT have spandex in the back. I have 3 pairs of roaches and most rider here on the east coast were and still are rocking roach. We ALL have the issue i've mentioned on my previous post.
  • 2 1
 I have 2 pairs of Roach pads the hard shell and the soft shell. I know they can slide around, it has never happened to me but some of my friends. One, I don't wear shorts when I ride even in the summer. Two I wear a compression sleeves on my keens to keep it from moving. Three, I have a extra 3" wide strap that I use just below my keen that holds things from sliding around but doesn't make them feel to tight. But makes it so I still have full movement of my legs, it feels like I don't have any pads on at all. Its hot but what pads aren't I have never really minded it. As far as "should have done them up properly, that tends to help" why would you say that? You must of had trouble putting them on, really hard Velcro strap to Velcro strap, wait what do I do on the top there's two more straps that cross. Really. Well I love my old school Roach's. They have outlasted everything on my bike and all pads that I have bought, thinking it was time for something new. Well lets just say them other pads are done and I still use my Roach's.
  • 4 1
 To oceen246 You complain about a substandard product yet you continue to wear it. Real smart.
  • 3 1
 To skilot,

Please read carefully what i wrote. Then, please carefully read the line above the video.
I'm not trying to be a dick and on the contrary trying to offer constructive criticism. What's wrong with all of you? A manufacturer is trying to get some ideas from riders and you guys seem do be in denial.

Kambc, did not make any sense on his reply as reading it, it seems that i do not know how to wear/use the guard. It also look like he has a prototype that was not available to the public or made some custom work to his guards. I don't feel any animosity towards him as his comments might be valid and I might be the idiot for having the wrong roach.

Aspockalips801, wrote a nice reply. He explained what he did to his which can benefit anyone (rider and race face themselves).

But you sir, are just trolling.
  • 2 3
 Sir, I am going to have to ask you to leave the internet, you are just too fucking stupid.
  • 2 0
 you are a complete moron oceen246, obviously you can't function in life. Let me explain to you how to do your pads up. To start, place pad on leg. Grab velcro strap with hand, now pull strap through hoop. Now tighten strap. Reapeat for the next velcro strap. *warning* velcro straps wear out. Solution! Sew some new f*ucking velcro on before you bitch about improper wearing of pads.

Final step, for you good sir......Grow some thick skin. Didn't know new yorkers could get so butt hurt.
  • 2 0
 oh and asp whatever, you're a douchetard as well.....look up the meaning of sarcasm. I will provide the link for you www.dictionary.com
  • 1 1
 Did your stupid ignorant ass even understand the initial issue? Who ever talked about worn out velcro? Since when do you have to buy a product for the sake to have it modified? Are you a male bitch that love to sew for the kick of it? Do you even have that specific product? do you even use it?

You seem to like to call people as out retard and moron. Looking at your grammar, phrase structure, and spelling... You are a f*cking genius (this is sarcasm for you bitch!).
  • 3 0
 hahaha oh man you have got such thin skin. Buck up soldier, one day you'll be a real boy.
  • 2 0
 I remember roach as Original freeride gear, north shore and a small local brand.
  • 2 0
 we knew ROACH in france, it was a very resistant clothes brand! i'd like to see some brand new ROACH clothes!
  • 4 0
 ...can't kill a roach!
  • 2 1
 Old school guys like me will remember the coolness of roach but new kids will have no idea and staying raceface may be a better choice.
  • 2 1
 Dont forget to do the ACTUAL survey !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! link is right under the VID>>>>
  • 3 1
 Tippie as the new Vince ShamWow Slap'N'Chop dude. Roach.......meant three pairs of pads all falling apart. Utter junk.
  • 2 0
 Bring it back, but make it in Canada and make it f*cking bombproof. That's all I ask.
  • 1 0
 That would be fantastic, we could all start buying Roach gear at MEC. Soon we won't even need local bike shops!
  • 1 0
 I charish my old shorts, jacket and shins.Bring em back make them in Canada and let me know when they are ready!!!!!
  • 1 1
 Can't get the link to work for the survey. But the idea of a pair of riding shorts that doesn't get stuck on your saddle, like every other brand I've tried, is amazing.
  • 2 1
 Tippie is awesome! I'd like to see Roach stuff come back but only if it's bombproof like the old skool Roach product was.
  • 2 0
 bring it back! that stuff was awesome! worked really well too!
  • 1 0
 Call me crazy but it feels kind of rebel to wear armor that says roach. I have to say I like it.
  • 2 0
 Roach saved my shins numerous times!!
  • 1 0
 I don't see the point of bringing back roach when raceface already has a lot of good protection.
  • 2 0
 i still have my roach arm protectors
  • 3 1
 bring 'er back!!
  • 2 1
 Roach/Tippie gear...I'm in! haha!
  • 1 0
 i like that stuff but i dn´t ride long enough to know it good luke guys
  • 1 0
 Like it......like it a lot!!!
  • 1 0
 I have worn the roach shorts for 5 years!It'tough and cool shorts I have!
  • 1 0
 I don't think Ingrid still makes them.
  • 2 1
 The name "Roach" seems stuck in the late 90's and early 00's.
  • 1 0
 I WANT IT BACK SSSOOOOO BADLY !!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 hellll yeahh. maybe I can sell my super old roach pads as new ones hahaha
  • 2 1
 my first pads where roach, when i had my first FS bike, a norco VPS-1!
  • 1 0
 they brought back tippie from the dead it worked out so why not roach
  • 1 0
 dude love roach







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