Cycling is supposed to be green - right? To be good for us and the environment. But how much attention do we pay to our cycling gear? Ever thought of recycled cycle clothing? Jerseys made from plastic bottles don't sound too comfortable but you'd be surprised!
Rob Webbon - the Head Honcho and Peter Littie - Chief Peddler at Grn
At the Cycle Show 2015, Ride Velo caught up with Rob and Pete, the Head Honcho and Chief Peddler, at Nottingham-based Grn, and were amazed to see stylish cycle tights made from recycled fishing nets.
"We make our jerseys from recycled plastic bottles and our shorts from old fishing nets without a single compromise on performance - the fabrics are breathable, soft, light and fast drying," the guys explain.
Customisable jerseys made from recycled plastic bottles RRP £69.99
Contrary to expectation, the fabrics felt really soft and just what you'd expect from professional cycle kit. Grn specialise in making men's and women's customised team-wear, including tri-suits, but we liked their own-brand designs too.
"We are proud of the sustainable and ethical pedigree of everything we do. We use innovation and the latest in recycling and fabric technology," say Grn. "We believe you can have high performance kit that doesn't compromise on the environment or the people that make it."
Cycling Heads including Alan Bennett by Stewy
But what we liked best of all were Grn's range of T-Shirts and, in particular, the Yorkshire icons series designed by street artist Stewy including figures as diverse as: Jarvis Cocker, David Hockney, the Bronte sisters, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Alan Bennett. These sustainable Bamboo T-Shirts retail at £25.
The company's ethical products and working environment at its Nottingham mill, have proved very popular so Grn are expanding their range from exclusively cycle wear to more generic sports wear - coming soon.
Great guys and greats products!
