PRESS RELEASE: Context RidewearWe’re delighted to introduce Context Ridewear, a new UK based MTB apparel company with a focus on the gravity sector of our sport. Created by two DH-loving engineers from the Cotswolds, and launched in September 2022, our company was created to directly address our pain-points with the current state of the MTB apparel industry:
– The price of MTB apparel, especially for gravity-focused DH & Enduro applications.
– The ever-changing fashion, with new lines of gear introduced every season by the large brands.
– The kit just didn't hold up to crashes, had little/no backup support, and cost a fortune to replace.
The kit combo deals are the best value way to buy - the Berry/Black Gravity Combo pictured here is £69.99
The gear is build for gravity riding applications, like Downhill, Bike parks, or Enduro.
We had the idea for Context Ridewear around two years ago. Over the years, both founders had ended up with wardrobes full of mis-matched sale-item clothing, having poured their available money into bikes, tyres and uplifts. This frustration led to some discussions over why DH gear had to cost quite so much money – what was so special about it in the first place? Being a pair of engineers with 25 years of business experience behind us, we couldn't leave this question unanswered.
What we found astonished us. By building a super-lean business model, without any retailers or distributors, designing and developing everything in house, and doing all our own admin, not only could we match the prices of the big-brands – we could beat them.
This isn't something totally new – direct-to-customer bike brands like Canyon and YT have been doing it for years. However, the big clothing brands out there seemingly aren't in any rush to follow suit at this time, so there was a gap in the market for us to exploit, whilst passing the savings on to our customers.
So, the hunt to find production partners and design our product range began. After 18 months of design, sample sourcing, materials and construction testing, Context Ridewear was officially born! It is with great pleasure we introduce our Gravity gear range to the Pinkbike community.
Our gravity MTB gear range
Gravity MTB Pants
• Heavyweight 'soft-shell' Polyester construction, with a slight stretch and good water resistance.
• 400GSM Cordura knee panels for crash resistance.
• Double and triple-stitched in strategic areas for robustness.
• Rear panel is made from a very water resistant Polyester/PU blend for added splash resistance.
• Elasticated calf panels for a comfortable, slim fit around the lower legs.
• Ratchet buckle waistband and YKK zippered fly.
• Two waterproof zip pockets at hips.
• Raised rear coverage for added mud protection.
• £59.99
2-Layer Jersey system
• Moto-inspired layering system. Compression under-layer with a casual Mesh sleeveless over-shirt.
• Custom fit - elongated body and arms so that everything stays covered when stretched out on the bike.
• Loads of colour combinations available, by changing mesh jersey or compression combination.
• Mesh jersey can also be worn on its' own on very hot days, or for extra style on summer evenings!
• Ideal for running with a chest or back protector.
• £24.99
Softshell Fleece-lined Gilet
• Softshell Polyester Gilet with fleece lining.
• Ideal for keeping your core warm on cooler, windy days.
• Extended tail length for coverage on muddy rides.
• Designed to be worn over our compression jersey.
• Two fully waterproof pockets with waterproof zips.
• Key tether in one pocket, goggle wipe in the other.
• Subtle faux-leather branded tag on front.
• £29.99
Our Kit Combos
Gravity MTB Combo
• A 3-piece outfit comprised of the Gravity pants and 2-part jersey, for a discounted price.
• 4 colour options of mesh jersey, and 2 compression jersey colours to choose from.
• Sizes ranging from Small to XL. An XS Pant option will follow very soon.
• £69.99
Winter Gravity Combo
• A 3-piece outfit comprised of the Gravity pants, compression jersey, and Gilet, for a discounted price.
• 2 compression jersey colours to choose from.
• Sizes ranging from Small to XL. An XS Pant option will follow very soon.
• £79.99
Our 1 year Crash Replacement policy
We are offering, with every single piece of Context Ridewear, a 1 year crash replacement policy which entitles the owner to a large 40% discount off a replacement if they manage to break their gear whilst riding. Not only does this show how tough and well built we think our gear really is, but by not offering these replacements for entirely free, we don't have to add that cost onto the initial purchase price of the item. So, we've got our riders fully covered without any extra purchase costs.
Context Ridewear is owned and designed by riders, for riders
RIDE IN CONTEXT
118 Comments
Love the kit, looks good, crash replacement, sure, I cant see myself using it, and will go out of my way to mock someone who goes back to a clothing company with a torn jersey looking for a replacement (friggin people cashing in on Darn Toughs lifetime replacement on years old socks...)
the marketing non-sense
"What we found astonished us. By building a super-lean business model, without any retailers or distributors, designing and developing everything in house, and doing all our own admin, not only could we match the prices of the big-brands – we could beat them." Is this, is this not entirely obvious by now?
followed up with.
"This isn't something totally new – direct-to-customer bike brands like Canyon and YT have been doing it for years."
Ahhhh turns out it is fairly obvious, as its being done by virtually every online retailer....
Can we move past "clickbait" type headlines and non-sense like this?
again, gear looks good, I appluad the effort, the product, the ethos, please lean into that, rather than the idea behind your groundbreaking discovery about a lean business model.
Apologies, I might have missed my pancakes this morning!
Ride NF DP4; made in medium and large tall models (34" inseam) these are so good I got two pairs, better pockets than the Norrona but again the phone pocket zip seam catches on a Max sized phone (they should have flat seamed it). Less annoying than the Norrona.
Both trow long enough that cuff goes all the way down to the tongue of the shoe/ boot to keep water/ muck from hitting the sock/ getting inside the shoe/ boot.
Both don't have hanging loops for drying
Long inseam on these RF Indys is not really long, just average 32 inches, to be truly long, they would need to be 34
I'd also like to see completely plastic free, natural fiber options like wool and cotton (micro plastic concern, trying to phase out plastics in my daily life), but that would probably be more expensive.
If you read the article maybe you realise they cutted distribution chain so there is no reason to pay for it.
Heavier that most mtb pants, and very heavy once sodden with water.
The mesh outer Jersey/vest I don't really understand but the compression top is decent for the price.
Really quick comms solving my issue with sizing, and would recommend.
Why do people want to look pro when they aren't. Why so many jeeps that never go off road driving around getting poor mileage? Who do people drive SUVs when a mini van does a better job? Who do men try to look aggressive and women "sexy"? Oh the poor frailty of human psyche
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