Outdoor Research, a Seattle-based manufacturer of high-performance technical outdoor apparel, is launching into the mountain bike category in Spring 2024 with its Freewheel MTB Collection, an eight-piece mountain bike assortment.
The collection brings the technical design expertise and materials innovation leadership that has defined Outdoor Research products for more than 40 years to a category that is a core activity for a large segment of its customer base.
For many years, cyclists have adopted technical apparel from Outdoor Research for punching out the miles. Pieces like the waterproof Helium Rain Jacket, the Ferrosi Overshort and the sun-protective, quick-drying Echo collection are versatile layers that work across a range of activities.
In anticipation of the Freewheel launch, and to showcase the brand’s commitment to the mountain bike community, Outdoor Research has signed on as a Principle-Level Sponsor of Crankworx Whistler 2023, the original stop of the world’s biggest mountain bike festival.
Outdoor Research is the title sponsor of the Speed and Style Event on July 28 and will be on-site throughout the festival promoting the Freewheel Collection with displays and product giveaways.
“The Freewheel program was developed because our customers and athletes ride mountain bikes alongside their many other outdoor activities, and we knew they were already using our gear for riding,” said Kylene Wolfe, senior product manager of Sportswear. “Talking to our customers showed us that there is a real need for better-fitting, more technically led trail-riding apparel. So, it was a logical next step to expand directly into the trail-riding category.”
The Outdoor Research team has tested the Freewheel line with a range of athletes. The collection brings in proven technology from OR’s outerwear and sportswear collections, including DuraPrint, a 3D-printed overlay. DuraPrint delivers extra abrasion resistance in high-wear areas without adding weight or impeding flexibility in the fabric — a natural fit in the bike category.
It also offers extended and inclusive sizing options, up to women’s 4X Plus and men’s 42.
The collection includes a bike-specific half-zip hoodie, a long-sleeve Jersey, and short-sleeve riding tee, riding shorts featuring DuraPrint technology, two bike gloves and a hip pack.
For more information, visit outdoorresearch.com.
