Industry veterans look to go global with custom clothing print label Athlos

Launched at Interbike, industry veterans Dave Manchester and Philip Sporidis have entered the custom cycle clothing arena with Athlos.

“We saw the opportunity to move into a sector that hasn’t moved as quickly with the times as others have,” said Manchester. “We’ll use smart online tech to keep the customer in the loop through every stage of production and delivery. There’s low MOQs available too, so it’s accessible to the individual, shop or club and creative art assistance means you needn’t be a designer to buy in.”

An online designer will give customers the opportunity to put their ideas into practice, with an in-house design and production team advising on finishing touches.

With aims to branch beyond the US and promising a healthy margin, the pair are welcoming European interest, both from retailers and distributors.

“There will be an online ordering system live very shortly,” added Manchester. “We’re able to send prospective customers a size kit for those placing bulk orders – this is obviously important given the importance of a good fit for cycling gear.”

The firm will offer varying levels of value and performance clothing, with three levels of chamois pad to choose from in the short product lines. Four-way stretch, high density foam, reflective silicone bonding and compression are also elements that can be built in to clothing.

By 2017 the pair hope to recruit on the ground representatives in Europe.