Who wants a Forum bike jersey/kit?

[Tim Kelley]

So it sounds like we have two schools of thought here. There are those that like the jersey idea and those that would prefer some other form of identification.

The jerseys would be nice for riding, but the downside is that they would get covered up in the winter and you probably wouldn’t wear it 5 times a week. It still sounds like something some would be up for though, so let’s keep the idea open.

As for another for of forum identification, what would people think about some sort of “luggage tag” that you could stick to your bag or your bike? It would be visible in all seasons and we could write our names (forum handle or real ones) on them for easy identification. They could be custom branded and even be reflective for safety purposes.

We work with all sorts of promo vendors so I’m sure we could find something fun that BikeArlington could cover in our budget if the forum decided that they like the idea.

FYI–I found this, which looks really cool, but I don’t think it would be durable enough to hold up to the elements.

Thoughts?

[mstone]

the weight weenies won’t like that one!

[rcannon100]

Make a Zazzle page and just put the design on everything. Let the “weight weenies” chose their weight.

[txgoonie]

@Tim Kelley 26358 wrote:

Thanks for your input. Your perspective is appreciated.

And good to see you last night!

Likewise!

And don’t misunderstand me – I actually like the idea of a kit. The wool jersey is rather snazzy. I’d go for one of those in a heartbeat. However, there’s a good way and a bad way to approach the project. All I’m sayin’.

I might distinguish myself as the only one who would go for the nosering idea

I know this is a rather modest idea compared to the kit, but what about some kind of die-cut reflective sticker that would come in maybe 3 sizes that would give people the freedom to put in on whatever they want. You’d need to decide on some kind of icon, which is no small task (see my comments on design;). But a sticker could go on a seat tube, helmet, your own luggage tag, even a car bumper!

[Arlingtonrider]

Tim,

Could we do jerseys AND some other forms of ID? I don’t think these have to be mutually exclusive.

For the other forms of ID, I like both the reflective velcro straps in a distinctive color and the sticker ideas.

I still like the reflective velcro straps because they can easily be moved around and used in so many different ways (hung from handlebar, strapped to backpack or pannier, around arm or leg, etc.) and they’re larger and more easily seen while riding, especially at night. But the stickers are a great idea too.

Could we do all three?

Kathy

[GuyContinental]

Stickers are cheap & easy and if they are reflective they are even useful. Personally I won’t have anything dangling off of me (luggage tag, reflective band, whaddever)…

Maybe a poll with the various pdt ideas would help?

[DCLiz]

FWIW, this Junior Member and fair weather rider, who reads a lot more than she writes, would happily buy a technical t-shirt and/or reflective thingamabobby to identify with fellow area cyclists, but would probably not be interested in a more expensive jersey.

[dasgeh]

@txgoonie 26363 wrote:

I know this is a rather modest idea compared to the kit, but what about some kind of die-cut reflective sticker that would come in maybe 3 sizes that would give people the freedom to put in on whatever they want. You’d need to decide on some kind of icon, which is no small task (see my comments on design;). But a sticker could go on a seat tube, helmet, your own luggage tag, even a car bumper!

txgoonie — I completely agree with you about design by committee. I have a fairly specific idea in mind, but am not a graphic designer, so can’t put it on paper. It’s pretty simple, so I think someone with skillz could put it together quickly. Basically, if there were a designer willing to work with a project manager, we could see who (else) had an idea, and we could pick someone as project manager. Then PM and GD could get the design done and ordering can proceed.

With a graphic, I think the abstract question of “do you want this on a jersey” or “do you want this on a sticker”, etc, becomes a lot easier to answer. From my experience ordering things, it’s really easy to get graphics put on things, if you have the graphic done and the people willing to pay for the things.

Oh, and duh — what about water bottles? We did them for our wedding and there were $2/piece. Again, easy once you have the graphic.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@dasgeh 26375 wrote:

txgoonie — I completely agree with you about design by committee. I have a fairly specific idea in mind, but am not a graphic designer, so can’t put it on paper. It’s pretty simple, so I think someone with skillz could put it together quickly. Basically, if there were a designer willing to work with a project manager, we could see who (else) had an idea, and we could pick someone as project manager. Then PM and GD could get the design done and ordering can proceed.

With a graphic, I think the abstract question of “do you want this on a jersey” or “do you want this on a sticker”, etc, becomes a lot easier to answer. From my experience ordering things, it’s really easy to get graphics put on things, if you have the graphic done and the people willing to pay for the things.

Oh, and duh — what about water bottles? We did them for our wedding and there were $2/piece. Again, easy once you have the graphic.

I could always use more water bottles. That’s a good idea.

I would like a nice jersey, but honestly I’m not willing to shell out the cash for one right now.

[KLizotte]

I’m a little confused as to why we need a new graphic since I’ve always assumed the Bike Arlington logo represented us. What am I missing?

[Mark Blacknell]

@KLizotte 26386 wrote:

I’m a little confused as to why we need a new graphic since I’ve always assumed the Bike Arlington logo represented us. What am I missing?

Would a DC, Fairfax, or [shudder] Maryland member like to step in and explain?

[acc]

I’ll take a swing at this because I’m a profligate border crosser. It’s my heritage.

I ride bikes. Period.

I’ll go to any bike event anywhere that involves cookies at a minimum (Bless you Proteus) and beer on the higher end. Sometimes I end up in Arlington getting my bimonthly flogging at the FreshBikes Tuesday night ride. Once a month I may end up at a FABB meeting trying to sort out what we can do in Fairfax to promote biking. If I’m really lucky I get a chance to roam around lost in the woods on the CCT. I ride all over the metropolitan area and don’t consider myself either an Arlington, Fairfax, DC, or Maryland cyclist. I’m a chick on a bike having fun.

I’m an opportunist cyclist.

Because WABF has a diverse group of cyclists I think it’s a good idea to have a high-quality jersey with a decent design made for us. If there is one group that represents a wide range of biking styles, genders, and interests it is WABF.

Therefore, whatever design is selected should reflect this remarkable quality of WABF. Either that or it should simply say NPS PAWNS.

ann

[KelOnWheels]

@acc 26400 wrote:

Either that or it should simply say NPS PAWNS.

ann

And we should get orange cone-shaped helmets.

[dasgeh]

@KLizotte 26386 wrote:

I’m a little confused as to why we need a new graphic since I’ve always assumed the Bike Arlington logo represented us. What am I missing?

I would like bike swag that says something like “Love your commute”. This seems like a good avenue for getting it made so I can buy it. (At least, that’s my personal reason for this).

Probably the more widely-applicable reason is that BikeArlington stuff is already on sale at your local (Clarendon) Revolution and [blanking on the name] in Crystal City. If we all wanted to wear BA stuff and sharpie our forum handles in big bold letters somewhere obvious, we would need a thread to coordinate that.

[jrenaut]

As someone who rarely bikes in Arlington, I’d prefer a more generic design. Can’t lose my Columbia Heights street cred.

And I second the “Love your Commute”. One of my favorite things to do is bike past cars stuck at a crawl with a big grin on my face.

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