Queen of the Mountains women’s clothing range launched on Kickstarter

A new women’s cycle clothing brand, Queen of the Mountains, has just launched on Kickstarter. The clothing has been designed in London and will be produced in Italy, and it needs funding to put the full range into production, for delivery in May.

“Queen of the Mountains is a performance cycling clothing brand, designed by women cyclists for women cyclists,” says founder Alicia Bamford. “We pride ourselves on creating the highest-quality cycling apparel, that is steeped in the beauty and freedom that is at the heart of cycling. Our brand purpose is to empower women to ride.”

The first collection, ready for spring and summer, has been inspired by Mont Ventoux, the iconic climb that has been the stage of many titanic battles in the Tour de France, and is a must-ride for any keen sporting cyclist. This first range features a full outfit for summer, two jerseys, bib shorts, base layer and accessories. 

The Race Jersey is made from a lightweight quick drying 4-way stretch material with UV protection, with details like a stretchy material in the shoulders to increase the freedom of movement.

There are three regular back pockets, the two outer pockets are angled for easier access. It has a full-length waterproof YKK zipper. It’s available in two colours, Coral and Aqua.

The Classic Jersey, designed for recreational riding according to the company, has a relaxed fit and is made from a fabric with a fast dry treatment. The rear is cut longer and there are three rear pockets, again the outer two are angled to make it easier to retrieve the contents when on the move. While the Race jersey is produced in plain colours, the Classic features a choice of two patterned designs.

Complementing the two jerseys is a pair of padded bib shorts. The feature a Cytech padded insert, and it’s one that is used by many clothing brands. Queen of the Mountains says it’s good for 4+ hours of riding. The shorts are constructed from a Lycra Power fabric with a UV treatment to protect in the sunshine. Flat-lock stitching increases comfort and there are soft leg grippers to keep the shorts in place.

Even in the summer, a descent from the top of Mont Ventoux can get pretty chilly, so the company has made a gilet too. It’s a lightweight designed using a 48g/m fabric so it can be stashed in a jersey pocket, and it’s water and wind resistant. The rear panel is made from mesh to aid breathability.

Rounding out the range is a base layer, arm warmers, socks and cycling cap, so you can dress head to toe in Queen of the Mountains clothing.

The company is looking for £10,000 and is nearly halfway there with £4,688 raised, with 27 days to go. It has thoroughly testing the clothing for the past six months and it’s able to ship to international locations, including the US and Australia. Presuming the Kickstarter campaign is successful, it aims to ship the clothing in May.

Funding prices start from £25 for a cap and sock bundle, £80 for an early bird Classic Jersey, up to £640 for a full summer riding outfit. With a retail price of £860, this bundle gets you two jerseys, a pair of short, gilet, base layer, cap, arm warmers and socks, in a choice of sizes and colours. 

More at www.kickstarter.com/projects/398761080/queen-of-the-mountains-womens-cyc...