Icebreaker - Pure Merino

Holy Sheep, indeed! Here’s what bike media around the world has to say about Icebreaker’s first Bike product.

Click on the links to read the full reviews:

Icebreaker’s “Spring/Summer 2012 GT Bike collection will help you perform better in the summer heat, both on and off the road…. In addition to being lighter weight, the cycling jerseys are softer, resist odor and help to keep you both cool and dry. . “
- TheGearCaster.com

“Yes, it’s time to ride fast and go easy on the petroleum-based threads. The joy of the long ride is often the sense of discovery around the next corner and over the mountaintop. Icebreaker is one of those happy revelations. Wool, my friends, is back on the bike.”
- Twisted Spoke (Review of Icebreaker Circuit Bib Short)

“After spending a few days on the road with this gear, it is clear that Icebreaker really does have a hit on their hands…. This is a very impressive entry into the cycling market, and a welcome one to be sure. If you’re looking for some great spring cycling gear, then look no further than the Icebreaker line. I think you’ll be as impressed as I am. Excellent gear for your long rides.”
- TheAdventureBlog.blogspot.com

“Get this jersey if you want to look and feel good on the trail.”
- SingleTracks.com (Review of the Women’s Grace Crewe)

“Cycling is a sport Icebreaker had not previously supported. Based on the jersey and bib I was sent, it’s clear that they were just biding their time; sitting back and observing the industry to figure out the best way to make a first impression….The products are an investment (merino is not cheap), but details like a gripper at the hem and hardy zippers put a smile on your face each time you get out.”
- JoshSpear.com

“We’ve got plenty of brightly colored polyester jerseys in the closet. Perhaps that’s why Icebreaker’s low-key merino wool SS Circuit Jersey instantly became our new favorite.”
- Outside Buyer’s Guide, 2011 Outside Gear of the Year

“The Circuit Shorts are hands-down the most comfortable cycling shorts we’ve worn….Icebreaker’s foray into cycling clothing gives racers and weekend warriors alike a stylish, natural alternative and stands apart from the spandex crowd.”
- GearPatrol.com

“The fashion graveyard is littered with the abandoned efforts of non-cycling companies to make technical riding gear, but Icebreaker’s first effort is remarkably finished-stylish, comfortable and unique-they may be here to stay.”
- Bicycling (review of SS Circuit Jersey)

British Columbia, here come the sheep!

Our first TouchLab in Western Canada is open now in the Kitsilano neighborhood at 2089 West 4th Avenue, near the corner of Arbutus. Our grand opening party is on Tuesday, 22 March.

Last week we were fortunate to be on a local TV show called “Shaw Urban Rush,” which highlights events, fashion and trends in the greater Vancouver area. We brought up our Run General Manager Deb Boswell and also had some Icebreaker models and even Ramotaur to help out.

Deb talked about the store, run, bike and lifestyle lines, Baacode and much more. Check it out:

Our new SoHo TouchLab store hosted New York City’s Waitangi Day (New Zealand’s national holiday) celebration earlier this month.Organized by Kea New Zealand, the number of Kiwis in the TouchLab far outweighed the number of Americans. It was so interesting to see how both our US customers and our own local staff were fascinated by New Zealand culture. Two highlights were definitely the NZ national anthem (especially the Maori version), and all partaking in a good ol’ mince and cheese pie.

With over a 100 New Zealanders in one room you would need a degree in math to count the number of times ‘bro’ and ‘sweet as’ were thrown around. However, the most interesting ruling of the night must have been one US staff member’s assertion that “the more shit Kiwis give you, the more they like you”. This was especially true with guest speaker, New Zealand’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Jim McLay’s speech, as full of sentiment and informing as it was, not passing by without a jab at the Aussies and a joke about sheep.

With discounted Icebreaker merchandise, staff were kept running all night and the floor was suitably bare the next morning. It was also a pleasant surprise that with such a high volume of beer, wine and New Zealanders in one room, the only damage were three garments that happened upon some red wine.

Thanks to all who turned up or helped out and made the night such a great success! Though there were a few weary souls at work the next morning, we all had a great time and look forward to doing it all again next year.

- Gretchen Low, Sales Associate Icebreaker TouchLab SoHo NYC