new spr kit – sponsors and feedback

attached is the latest mock-up for the spr kit.  we are still chasing a couple of sponsors for the bum and sides and as with the rest of the sponsorship, this is a 2 year deal with a specified amount per year.  once we have secured these 2 spots, we can get a run of kit going. 

the sponsorship money will go towards subsidising new kit for those that already have it.  this is to get the new logo’s out there and reduce the amount of different kit on the streets.  this means that if you already have a jersey (or more than one) then you can get 1 at a reduced price.  for any knicks, jacket, vest, skinsuit, trisuit that you have, you are then elegible to get a new one at a reduced price.  basically everything except the arms, knees and undershirts.

there are lots of people that have joined us since our last run that are also after kit and they will be able to get the new design at the regular price.

so, there are a few things i am after (add to the comments or email).

  • any potential sponsors out there that want to be involved.  however, they cannot clash with what we already have (i.e. no bike shops, or coffee shops).  for more details people can email me here.
  • feedback as to whether we make the kit available for members only.
  • feedback on the design as, after all you are the ones that will be wearing it.  see the video below before making any comments. 

35 thoughts on “new spr kit – sponsors and feedback”

  1. My only comment would be that is it too dark and we will be more difficult to see on the early morning rides in winter.

    However saying that drivers seem to think we have targets on us amyway.

    But looks good.

  2. Yes I agree with Nathan. It looks too dark.
    Personally I like the colour scheme of the current SPR kit. It has a good balance of Whites, Blacks, Bright Green, and red outlines. I think it is designed really well.
    So my 2 cents would be, could we make it brighter. More white and brighter greens!
    This will make it more outstanding, more noticed, and safer. At the moment it looks too dark and neutral. Could we make it look like the current colour design? or is the whole point to change it?

    Also, I think kit only to members is a good idea.

    Thanks Pete and co, looking forward to getting some new kit! My one pair of bib shorts aint gonna cut it for much longer..

  3. Looks good Pete.

    Any chance the club can have the kits made by Vermac? Personally not a fan of the quality of the bibs and the loose colar on the current jersey – that’s my two cents 🙂

  4. Looks pretty sweet pete, nice work getting the dome logo, looks great. could possibly go a bit brighter but it still looks pretty awesome how it is now

  5. +another 1 for light. I ride at night A LOT thus lighter and brighter the better.

    I can see why people might want members only, but I think the more exposure the better, thus I say give em to anyone who’ll pay for them.

  6. I think its tops. I would have it all black like Team Sky if possible – they definately have the best kit in 2010. Plus black is slimming right? I need that.

    Also as far as quality goes – I’ve put around 10,000kms into my bibs and i still think they are the most comfortable bibs I’ve got. I have a pair of $150+ shorts which I leave in the drawer in favour of wearing the Cannibal gear. That being said – everyones butt is different and everyone rides differently so people will have different opinions.

    I need new kit. Do it.

  7. I also agree of going a bit lighter.
    Can I just make 2 suggestions:

    1- Can we go for a simpler design in the jersey? Why not White and SPR in Green if we want to keep the green as our color. The sponsors can be in Black (they will stand out more). No need to have SPR at the back too.
    Maybe without the strips around “south perth rouleurs” as well as the “V” shaped stripes too

    2- Nicks: Black, with straight white sides and green writing on the white strip for sponsor or SPR

    So 3 colors (Black/white/Green) simple and classy

  8. It looks great! Only did worry a bit thinking about riding it in the dark so a bit torn. Kit to members only? Not sure either….I guess it coud be a way of regulating who wears it, those who are aware of the club ethos and give us good exposure not just anyone

  9. Sorry Dislike. Too black.
    All teams from Pro tour all admit they hate black kits in heat
    and usually change to lighter like what Cervelo did.

    Current lighter design stands out better so would be good to at least look similar so from a distance the old and new look vaguely the same.
    My 2 cents
    Nico

  10. Nice work on the cartoon!

    I do like the stealth look but I think lighter colours would be better for visibility and during summer.

    I also think that members only kit would help ensure the club maintains a good image through the riding etiquette of its members.

  11. Pete, You and the guys have done a great job. I love the kit. When I first saw it, my comment was WOW. My only issue is black will not be great in summer, being too hot, so maybe some lighter colours on the shoulders and sleeves. Either way I will be getting some, and if it stays this way, then it just means more water. Knicks look great and shouldn’t be touched. Black knicks is the way to go as per the Video.

    Need to keep the black down the bottom of the jersey for the NetPlus logo to stand out. Maybe a lighter colour up the top darkening to black down the bottom then the knicks would be good.

    @Mino, Maybe we should go with Champion Systems IF we are changing from Cannibal.

    Oh and only for members. Join up and you can have the kit. Hard to tell a non member how they should be riding in the Club’s kit and that they are bringing the club image down if they are doing something wrong.

    @Jerard, we need to have SPR on the back as that is where most people will see it, from behind.

  12. Why the camoflage black – is that so that car tyre tread marks up the back won’t show ? Elite Racing Cycles jerseys are dark green and black & very hard to see & I have one of their jerseys and never wear it as its so hard to see. More hi vis please.

  13. Pete,

    Looks great, very black, but black is the new black (which is the old black too) – white is for last years poseurs. It’ll be a little hot in summer though, but then again, it’s hot in summer. Either way i’m too busy/lazy/pre-occupied to design any different and so i have no grounds for argument. At least it’s a differentiation from the Elite guys and gals, and doesn’t look like a technicolour dreamcoat.

    Re: The manufacturer – I know Toby’s in love with the knicks, but i’m not of the same mind, and i’m not alone. I’m not too fussed on the manufacturer (Vermarc/Champion Systems, even staying the same), but if it’s posslbe to at least get a better chamois i’m sure it’d be welcomed by all, despite any price increase.

    At risk of offending some – Re: the night time thing – It’s a club kit – probably not meant for the commute, plus, if you’re secret training at night, it’s best to wear plain anonymous kit, that way no-one recognises you and when you turn up at next weeks crit with legs looking like Chris Hoy, you’re still able to claim “I only do 1.5 hours a week training”.

  14. Oh another 2 cents worth. “You can please All of the People some of the time, and some of the People All of the time, but you can’t please All of the People All of the time.” We have a club committee that is made up and elected by the members and represents the members. If they are happy with the kit, then we all should be. (Or get yourself on the committee so that you can help out with these sorts of decisions).

    If the committee like it then I am all for it. Get the order page up. Now where is that credit card. [rumages around in wallet, swatting the moths away].

  15. +1 to Jarrad’s comment on the chamois – most who have worn/wear Assos bibs would agree the club bibs could be more ‘user friendly’ down there.

    Maybe small vertical reflective strips on the bibs and jersey pockets for the early morning/night rides for extra visibility can be arranged?

    Personally I favour a black kit (stealth, classy, slimming etc) but a dominant white colour kit would solve the visibility issue and be more practical on hot days.

  16. Agree with Jarrad & Mino – a better grade chamois would be nice.

    Design wise, I think it looks pretty cool but I’d suggest omitting the website from the back of the jersey – solid line above & dashed line below the text seems a bit overkill.

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  17. I think its too dark too – really hot in summer with all that black…I think more white…. but then I do loike the white 😉

  18. Well done guys, nice looking kit.
    I agree with other posts that visibility may be an issue if you get to close to the colour of the road.

  19. nah definetly rate it
    the black is uber-cool, and im a +1 for jarrad’s comment on the commute
    and really, if its that dark that there is a threat you wont be seen, you should have two sets of lights no matter what colours you’re wearing – one on your jersey/helmet and one on your bike. but thats just my opinion

  20. I actually like the look of the kit it would look very sleek and imposing especially in races. Have to feel for the people who have already purchased a number of sets of kit’s with the matching vests, winter jacket etc…….even at a reduced price do you think everyone will want to buy everything again ?
    I hate the idea of an ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitude ie only members can get the new kit. Plenty of guys have been riding with the group for years and shouldn’t be forced into getting a membership when they might only do one ride a week and have no intention of racing etc. Great to have a ‘club’ and family feel but wouldn’t want to be seen as some ‘elitest’ members only organisation.

  21. Pete,
    Thanks for your time in designing the kit. I like it. More than anything else, I like what it represents and what our club has become. I feel strongly that it should be available to members only, although I can see the sponsor exposure benefits in it being available to anyone (assuming it is positive exposure). We are now firmly established as an awesome club and I don’t think increasing rider numbers or club exposure is our main aim anymore (correct me here if I am off-base, someone from the committee)- perhaps sustainably managing what has been created is more of a focus. By creating this link (between kit and membership) we can increase our membership base and be able to provide more to our members in return. If you get all of the quality benefits of being a member (organised group rides, website/event information, access to kit, social network) without paying membership fees, what is the incentive to ‘officially’ be a part of the club (insurance only)? I think that is it great that we welcome new people into any rides and the SPR family, but the creation of what we have takes time and effort from volunteers, when those volunteers run out (get run down or unmotivated through trying to cater for everyone but themselves) what happens to the club and its structure? Paying a membership makes a club sustainable. A kit will evolve over time and those that have great suggestions for improvement will be keen to contribute to the drawing, organisation (sizing dramas, collection of money and paying deposits etc) and distribution of the next batch, I am sure. Perhaps those that step-up into leadership roles (committee, ride leaders etc, can have their fees covered for their club contributions as an incentive or thank you). I am not sure on the rider numbers v’s member numbers, but I suggest that the ‘free lunches’ are up. If you value what you are a part of, contribute by being a member or volunteering your time…or sadly, we may see the decline of SPR as fast as its rise.
    Just my two cents worth (or perhaps ten…)
    P.S. Did I mention that the kit looks fine?

  22. After kicking of this on the colour and the early morning winter rides then this is probably the best answer.

    “if its that dark that there is a threat you wont be seen, you should have two sets of lights no matter what colours you’re wearing – one on your jersey/helmet and one on your bike. but thats just my opinion”

    if you don’t have lights then don’t get on the road at those times. If someone is changing a CD or SMSing on their phone no matter what colour our kit is they won’t see us anyway.

    Take the approach of a coutry ute. More the better. (But on the rear not the front.)

  23. I like the kit….looks sharp and will be an impressive sight lined out in a bunch. It is also a significant shift from the ‘old kit’ and will be noticed by other clubs……and thats what SPR is about….roll with the change!

  24. Good job Pete. I think it looks great. Black if fine, and practical.
    I’d leave in the website on, but take away the lines above and below
    Make the “South Perth Rouleurs” on the back same size as on the front – as thats often the most visible part – particularly to other cyclists.
    Cheers
    Mark dC

  25. ok. i think i better reply to straighten a few things out.

    now the move to black is for a couple of reasons.
    firstly it looks cool and secondly, from a distance, our kit isn’t that noticeable. in a large group during a training ride you can see it fine, but during a race it is actually hard to see if we have a person up the road in a breakaway. during daylight hours, black actually stands out better than anything else.

    to adress some of the issues raised-

    dark colours are difficult to see at night. yes. so that is why we have flashing lights and big mega-watt headlights. squadra barista start at the same time as us under the narrows and i haven’t heard of them being squashed due to the colour of their kit.

    more white and brighter greens. i have made a change and will post a new blog. we can then start commenting all over again.

    hot during summer. ok, so we need to break it down like this. when do we ride? all year long. when is it really hot? a few months of summer. what time do we generally ride? first thing in the morning. of all the hours that you put into riding your bike, what percentage is during the heat of the day. also, check out your latest kit. the arms and shoulders are already black and i haven’t heard anyone complain. the back panel is a lot more white and i have lightened it up in the new version.

    other manufacturers. we have a very good relationship with cannibal. they do discounts for us, short runs, and are willing to prioritise our runs if we need. they are printed in tweed heads and sewn in sydney. all aussie made. in the next run the intent is to get their top of the range chamois and we will just have to pay a bit more. i have one of these chamois in a pair of cannibal knicks and they are pretty good. we went with champ sys for the accessories as cannibal cannot do these items.

    i thank ronny for actually having a go at designing a jersey rather than just saying what is wrong with the design. however, like it or not, the only way that we are getting decent money into the club is to sell advertising space on the kit. i have tried to design it in such a way that it doesn’t look cluttered, but people are paying a premium for space. they are not going to want to put in money if they can’t see what they are getting. i would like to just have a very plain kit with spr on it, but there is an oppurtunity to get some cash so we have taken it.

    having spr on the back. feedback from the last kit is that from behind, we are the specsavers team. it doesn’t say who we are anywhere on the back, so i put it on. the website address is not actually surrounded by a solid and dashed line. these lines just indicate the top of the pockets and the seam. basically it sits along the top of the pockets.

    members only??? now this one has sparked a bit of debate. most clubs have a kit. generally you can only buy the kit if you are a member of the club. if you are not a member, why are you wearing it??? we are not a bike shop so we don’t profit from people coming on our rides. memberships are our primary source of income so we are trying to provide some incentive for people to join. insurance, benefits at shops, free training rides, free spin class. if you want to be part of the group and are willing to pay money to buy the kit, then you should be willing to also take out a membership. for the extra $86 ($1.65 per week) it is worth it.

    ok, i will post a new version soon.

  26. Thanks for all the hard work Pete. As always, everyone appreciates it. It’s good to see all the comments and that you have not taken any of these as criticism but rather constructive comments. Keep it up!

  27. Pete,

    I will wait until the final draft, great little video. You should have a look at some of the other videos,some are wearing some nice kits also!

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