We are developing a new gravel bike jersey - Design & Test Insights

INSIGHTS INTO DEVELOPMENT AND PHASE 3

"We're getting down to the nitty-gritty. To be more precise: We're implementing your wishes. Because we want to build the best gravel bike jersey in the world - with your help. That's why we're currently up to our necks in fabrics, zippers, reflective materials, heat transfers, and design drafts. Always with the goal in mind of finding the best solution." 

In the video, we show you that it is significantly more complicated than one generally assumes. 

"Before we get started, here’s a brief overview for everyone who is new and doesn’t know what we are actually doing here." 

The five phases of development

"We are taking you along on our development journey of the new bikepacking and gravel bike jersey. You have the opportunity to actively participate in the development. Those who stick it out until the end will have the chance to win a Gravelbike Merino Kit worth €500!"

Phase 1 - The Idea - completed

"We want a new jersey that is specifically tailored to the needs of bikepacking adventurers and gravel bike riders. It should be short-sleeved and ideally made of merino. Those are the only requirements." 

Phase 2 - The Brainstorming - Deadline for participation; 31.08.2023

"At this point, you enter the game for the first time. We want to develop the best gravel bike jersey in the world as a team. Because we believe that together with you, we are significantly smarter. Let's start the development together. Let's kick things off with our questionnaire!"

Phase 3 - Prototyping - ongoing

"We analyze the results of the questionnaire and incorporate your ideas into the first prototypes. From the choice of materials to the equipment and features of the jersey, all aspects are checked for feasibility and subsequently implemented." 

Phase 4 - Testing

"Let's get on the bike! In this phase, we will jointly test the first prototypes thoroughly. What works, what needs to be improved? After various uses and many kilometers on the gravel bike, we will know more." 

Phase 5 - Recap

"Questionnaire number 2 is waiting for you. We present our results and want to know: What is good, what needs to be improved on the gravel bike jersey of the future?"

Depending on the needs, an additional development cycle with prototypes and preproduction samples follows at this point, before moving into the production of our new bikepacking and gravel bike jersey. 

DESIGN & COLOR CHOICE

In principle, the color selection is the most difficult point in the development of a gravel bike jersey. Constantly, one tries to answer burning questions without really being sure if one is on the right track: Is the chosen color still trendy in half a year? Are we appealing to the tastes of our customers as broadly as possible? Are we really addressing the target group of gravel bikers with our design ideas? And: Does the new jersey fit into the rest of the collection and can it be combined with as many of our styles as possible?

The fact is: With your feedback from the survey and also in your comments and reviews of our products, you are providing a great service and helping us immensely to find a way that we hope you will also like. In a few weeks, we will present three design lines for you to choose from.  

INTEGRATION INTO THE COLLECTION

By integration, we mean not only that the new gravel bike jersey must fit in color with our collection so that it can be combined with many styles, but also technical aspects, the sustainable use of resources, and the efficient use of materials are important considerations. 

For example, we ask the question: What can our chosen material do, and can it also be used for other products due to its properties? The underlying thought: Higher quantities, better purchasing prices, less waste, lower inventory, etc. Or: Do we have trims, accessories, zippers, or other items in stock that we can use to minimize leftovers and thus save resources?

MATERIAL CHOICE

A very important point on which much depends: Which material is best suited for the purpose Gravelbike jersey? What is new on the market? How environmentally friendly is our selection and can we improve here?

Questions that are best discussed directly with the professionals - our suppliers. A good reason to travel to Munich again for the Performance Days and to continue our education. 

"A narrower selection is in preparation. As soon as we have all the sample materials, we will begin prototyping and detailed testing." 

Do you want to know more about the Performance Days? Check this: 

TEST & TRIMS

The devil is in the details. What sounds like a clichéd saying also carries a grain of truth. A gravel bike jersey not only requires high-quality material to provide the foundation for optimal comfort, perfect functionality, and a long lifespan, but also functional and, above all, durable accessories. 

This includes, for example, the right choice of front zippers and pocket zippers, elastic bands, sewing threads, and last but not least prints, embroidery, or heat transfers. 

"That’s why we test all materials used thoroughly. Do heat transfers hold up on the new materials? What happens to colors, embroidery, and zippers after several washes? Do seams and elastic bands hold up?" 

"We try everything out and lay the foundation for successful practical tests."