Icebreaker to debut first Running & Cycling collection

07 Jul '10

5 min read

Icebreaker, the New Zealand company that pioneered the outdoor merino wool apparel category, will debut its first lines of technical cycling and running apparel at upcoming trade shows in Germany and the United States.

Icebreaker GT Run Range
While Icebreaker's GT technical sports line has always been popular with runners, Icebreaker is now responding to consumer demand by launching a specialist range of running apparel. The new GT Run range is part of Icebreaker's Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

Icebreaker recently announced its first general manager of running, Deb Boswell. “Runners are looking for natural fibre alternatives to synthetics, which are made from oil, but don't want to compromise performance” said Boswell, who will attend both The OutDoor Show and Outdoor Retailer this summer. “What people love about Icebreaker is that we deliver both.”

Icebreaker Founder and CEO Jeremy Moon says: “When we tested our running clothing by selling Icebreaker at the 2009 New York Marathon, we sold out of key styles on the very first day. That shows how much demand there is for quality natural running clothing.”

The GT Run range features sleeveless tees, crewes, tanks, shorts, tights and a racer-back bra. The range includes classic and fashion-forward garments, and is aimed at both fitness runners and elite runners. Run-specific features on the new styles include eyelet panels for breathability, reflective details for visibility, zippered stash pockets, and cord management systems for listening to music.

Icebreaker Technical Cycling Apparel
Garments from the Icebreaker GT technical sports range have always been popular with cyclists, but Icebreaker has now responded to demand by launching a purpose-built line of cycling specific apparel for road, mountain and commuting cycling for Spring/Summer 2011. Icebreaker's new GT Bike range features shorts and two different sets of tops: one set for road cyclists, and one for mountain bikers.

The styles designed for road cyclists have a slim, sleek, race fit to minimise air drag. The design style is bold, with clean, modern lines and colour blocking. Special features include: drop tail hems and a gripper at the back hem to keep the jersey in place; reflective rear details and branding, for visibility on evening and early morning rides; a three-panel back pocket for storage; and reinforced stress points on tops.

The bike shorts and bibs contain a very high percentage of merino – 85% - for lasting comfort and support in the saddle, with a minimal amount of spandex and nylon for durability, strength and resistance to pilling. Bike shorts can be judged on the quality of their chamois, so Icebreaker has partnered with an Italian manufacturer who supplies chamois to the world's leading bike brands.

Icebreaker Creative Director Rob Achten says consumers have been asking Icebreaker for cycling specific apparel for as long as he can remember.“They've worn standard Icebreaker, but now they'll be able to wear tops and shorts that are designed for the bike,” he says.

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