Motocross racewear brand
Thor has crossed over into the mountain bike world with the Assist bike collection in its 2022 apparel line and has announced a new partnership with Aaron Gwin.
Thor aims to provide a full range of bike apparel to cover a wide range of riding needs such as casual trail laps, full-on downhill racing, and eMTB rides. The line includes short- and long-sleeved jerseys, shorts, gloves, and even a chamois. There's also a collaboration line with Intense that includes essentially all the same Assist gear plus some pants, all with Intense's branding and signature checkerboard print.
Like Thor, Aaron Gwin is another moto-MTB crossover, so the partnership makes sense. After racing BMX then motocross before he started downhill racing, Gwin said joining THOR's factory team is what he's always wanted.
 | I’ve been a huge fan of the Thor brand since I was a kid. My dad bought me my first Thor kit from the local motorcycle store when I was twelve and I always dreamed of racing for them as a pro when I grew up. Having the opportunity now to be the rider who will launch the Thor brand into mountain biking is pretty awesome. It’s funny how certain things in life come full circle, this is definitely one of those childhood “dream come true” type of moments for me. I can’t wait to get started.—Aaron Gwin |
The Assist collection will become available in 2022 online and from Thor dealers.
108 Comments
Name checks out.
Are you trying not to be funny and not failing?
www.thormx.com/bike
Gross.
Cheers!
down hill...sure, clothing can be specifically tailored for that
racing...sure, clothing can be specifically tailored for that
eBike....WTF? is it fire retardant????
drawing a distinction for eBikes is like saying you make clothing specifically for 29" wheels versus 27.5"...it makes no sense
I think it would be more beneficial not necessarily for Gwin to win on his signature tires, but also for other riders to win on those tires as well.
The question becomes: why pay big money to a single rider, regardless of their resume, when it may be more beneficial to put your product on a lot of rides who are mid-pack, and occasionally stand on the podium?
It'll be interesting to see how long the Gwin marketing strategy works if he (nor his team) can't get on a podium. Aaron can probably ride off into the sunset on his past and current income quite comfortably, and therefore could offer a better value than other riders for product development feedback, but eventually the consumer isn't going to care anymore, just as Peaty's or Nukeproof don't really benefit (greatly, at least) from their association with former greats. Maybe there is a hidden strategy there - in order to have the biggest impact in the market, you've gotta make it look like the product was the one thing holding you back. If suddenly Gwin starts winning and claims its all the bike, then people will take notice of the product which = $$$.
I would actually be more inclined to buy a product designed by the Commencal/Muc-Off team, or Syndicate, or YT Mob, not necessarily for their dominance, but just because of consistency.
Thor : "I am Thor".
Woman : "You're thor, I can hardly walk".
TREK -> Specialized -> yt --> intense (next = walmart?)
Troylee --> thor (next = H&M?)
soon he ll be naked running down the Hill