Cycling and style aren’t always the greatest of bedfellows. Helmets and hi-vis vests are par for the course; even the King of the Mountains in the Tour de France is forced to parade around in polka dots. But for those who want to look en vogue while on their velo, there’s help at hand – and right here at home, too!
After all, it’s a year in which we’ve all been looking to support local businesses where and when we can – and that attitude should be no different as far as your cycling wardrobe is concerned. So, from the saviours of style creating cracking clothing right here in Ireland, to the Irish retailers gathering great gear from all over the world, think of this list as a one-stop shop when it comes to kitting yourself out for a season in the saddle!
TADÁIASE
A premium brand born in Donegal, this is a brand where sports performance meets serious style. Designer Thomas McLaughlin isn’t just a road racing nut, but a decorated designer who worked alongside John Rocha and brought collections to London Fashion Week for more than a decade; a bloke who knows what he’s doing then! Combining retro styles with contemporary flair, it looks as good off the bike as on it, with functionality always to the fore.
Check them out here.
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VELO REVOLUTION
Based in Kilkenny, this Irish brand goes the route that’s proven so successful for fashionistas throughout history – and got the Italians to help! Their 100% Italian-made merch is high performance perfection, with founder Aidan Crowley’s competitive background helping for their vision. And while any cycling brand will be built to withstand the elements, you can count on a group of homegrown heroes knowing that an Irish adventure demands waterproofing at a whole new level!
Check them out here.
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VICTORY CHIMP
We recently mentioned the Sperrin Mountains as an incredible cycling location, but it also happens to be home to someone who’s redefining the notion of monkey business! Specialising in truly striking sportswear, the Northern Irish company combines with collaborators around Europe to produce gear so gobsmacking you’ll want to slow down so everyone can see! Oh, and as you’d expect from the name, their Banana Positioning Technology means every bit of outerwear will keep your favourite yellow fruit close to hand at all times…
Check them out here.
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GEORGIA IN DUBLIN
A mother and daughter team reinventing women’s outerwear, there’s no boxy raincoats or builders’ cast-offs here! Instead, their range – aptly titled Arrive in Style – incorporates period glam with a distinctly practical touch, so that a commuter won’t need to run to the nearest restroom to change when they’ve reached their destination! And, in a wonderfully fitting touch, the soles of their cycling overshoes are made from old inner tubes; there’ll be rubber hitting road even when you’re not on the bike!
Check them out here.
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SPIN 11
If you’re part of a cycling club, a social group, or just a very close and well-coordinated family, then these are the people to call! Run by Rás winners Philip Cassidy and Brian Connaughton, produce custom kits with minimum orders as low as five – and, given that they supply race kit for the Irish national Team and Cycling Ireland, you’ll be getting quality worthy of a podium place. Of course, there’s a large range of ready-to-go items too, so you don’t need to build a team to enjoy the fruits of their labour!
Check them out here.
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CYCLETRIBE
From glasses and gloves to jerseys and jackets, you won’t find a bigger selection of apparel and accessories on the island of Ireland than here. Touting collections from Castelli, Giro, Santini, and many more, it’s ready to cater to riders of all shapes, sizes, and abilities – and at reasonable prices, too. If you hit their Dublin showroom on the Old Airport Road, we advise you make a shopping list; otherwise you risk losing the run of yourself and buying enough gear for half the country!
Check them out here.
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THE EDGE
Having been at the forefront of cycling in Cork for years, you’d best believe the Rebel County’s finest are right at the head of the pack when it comes to stocking super gear. Boasting a product list as long as the Carrigrohane Straight, their store on the Kinsale Road is a pedaller’s paradise; they’re also a sound bunch and take pride in providing service with a smile to go with your snazzy new purchases! As an added bonus, they also cover swimming, surfing, and more – so if you fancy parking the bike for a bit, you might just find your next hobby there!
Check them out here.
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Now that you’ll be looking your best on the bike, find out how to feel your best. Check out leading Irish sports nutritionist Sharon Madigan’s top tips for fuelling up and staying hydrated on your summer cycles.
