Outdoor Research’s new 2024 Freewheel Mountain Bike Collection is designed with their ambassador athletes and customers to tackle the demands of biking in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Emphasis on function, durability, and progressive design lets you focus on technique, not fit.
Outdoor Research (OR), the popular outdoor apparel company, is launching their first line of mountain biking gear for Spring 2024. To better cater to this new market, the Seattle-based brand is adding four riders to their team who will offer valuable feedback and expertise on the products. This shows a strong commitment from OR towards the mountain biking category.
Outdoor Research gear has been a staple on hiking trails and mountain peaks since its creation in 1981, providing reliable equipment for outdoor enthusiasts using state-of-the-art materials and technologies to meet the demands of adventurer’s in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Things will shift dramatically in the spring of 2024 when the Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Collection hits the market. This collection consists of eight items such as shorts, tops, and accessories that fuse the brand’s expertise in trail gear with a fresh mountain bike flair.
The collection is anchored by a fresh mountain biking short, accompanied by a short-sleeve and long-sleeve top, a half-zip hoodie, two distinct pairs of gloves, and two hip packs. The design team utilized reliable fabrics and materials from OR’s repertoire, but also incorporated unique elements that are unprecedented for the brand and the industry.
The Freewheel Ride Shorts are a highlight of this collection. Made from Outdoor Research’s top-of-the-line materials, they are designed specifically for mountain biking. These shorts are durable enough for high-speed trails and feature the brand’s innovative DuraPrint 3D overlay, providing extra protection against abrasions without sacrificing flexibility or adding weight. The fit is perfect for mountain biking needs, and the Seattle-based company has also included specialized features for this sport.
The Freewheel Ride Shorts are a highlight of this collection. Photo: Outdoor Research
My Thoughts
Outdoor Research’s Freewheel MTB Collection is a strong addition to the brand’s already established presence in the mountain biking community. The apparel line, available for both men and women, boasts high-quality materials, excellent fit, and top-notch functionality. While there may be room for improvement with the accessories, this new collection is already making waves and could potentially become a crowd favorite.
Outdoor enthusiasts will immediately be drawn to the new Freewheel MTB Collection from Outdoor Research. The shorts feature high-quality fabrics that the brand is known for but are specifically designed for mountain biking with added durability for tackling rugged trails at high speeds. The inspiration for this collection came from popular items in OR’s catalog, ensuring a reliable and well-designed mix of gear.
The brand recognized that its customers were already utilizing its gear for trail riding, but saw a need for better-fitting and more specialized apparel in the industry. This is evident in the company’s approach to creating their new line, particularly with the use of advanced fabric on their shorts. Additionally, the brand has introduced a DuraPrint 3D overlay to provide extra protection against abrasions without sacrificing flexibility or adding significant weight to the gear.
Although we were impressed with their approach to accessories, it was the apparel that really caught our attention. It’s difficult to introduce completely innovative ideas in the realm of mountain biking clothing. However, what stood out to me the most were the high-quality fabrics and technical expertise paired with a true fit for mountain biking. Additionally, this Seattle-based brand added some unique features catered specifically towards the sport, which added a touch of fun to their designs.
The new collection includes:
Check out the following brand video for OR’s new Freewheel collection:
About Outdoor ResearchÂ
For over 40 years, Outdoor Research has been dedicated to providing high-quality apparel, accessories, and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts. Their products have been rigorously researched and tested for both recreational and military use worldwide, earning them multiple awards. Grounded in their core values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration, and community, they strive to create an inclusive environment for all in the outdoors. Through partnerships with ambassadors, non-profit organizations, and employees, Outdoor Research celebrates achievements in the great outdoors at all levels.
