Northwave Women's Apparel

[Bluetree]

I was on Northwave's site and was interested in the sharp cycling gear they had. However, I have had no luck finding them available in the United States. The one retailer who offers them – who shall remain nameless – is so notoriously bad for selling products they don't have in stock that I refuse to go with them.

When I contacted Northwave's US headquarters, they said I could order them through Backcountry or Colorado Cyclist. Well, I emailed both of those companies and they responded that they couldn't help me.

Does anyone know where these could be found in the States? I don't want to order from overseas because I don't know what sizes fit, and the exchange process can be very costly. I was planning on contacting TE if they would carry them, but then thought I would make it public to see if anyone else thought that these items were interesting.

I don't know why Northwave products are so hard to find here!

[Trek420]

Wooo, love that lower left hand jersey. The red/black and white is wild.

Susan? Can TE get these? Now there's a supplier who gives great service.

[Susan Otcenas]

I spent some time on the phone talking with someone in Northwave's US office. They did bring in a very limited quantity of apparel in 2008, sold through backcountry, excel sports & colorado cyclist. But he didn't think those retailers had much left.

Unfortunately, as is the case with all the European brands, the precipitous decline of the US dollar against european currencies means that the apparel is becoming drmatically more expensive when priced in US$. As a result, the US office will not be bringing Northwave apparel into the US for 2009. Just shoes.

He suggested you email info@northwave.it They will respond (in English) to inquiries regarding where you can order it from in Europe. I know that's not your preferred option, bluetree, but I don't think you'll be able to get your hands on it otherwise.

As an aside, I've also been informed that this is true of Etxe Ondo as well. We will have that brand for Fall 2008 (at some significant price increases over Fall 2007), but then that is it for the brand in the US.

That's where things stand at the moment, as far as I know.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Susan

[Bluetree]

As an aside, I've also been informed that this is true of Etxe Ondo as well. We will have that brand for Fall 2008 (at some significant price increases over Fall 2007), but then that is it for the brand in the US.

Thank you for the quick and comprehensive reply, Susan!

As for Etxe Ondo... WOW. I think I own almost every non-pink item in their catalog and will be very disappointed to see them go. I am a big fan of the European manufacturers (Assos, EO, Campagnolo) for their high quality, non-childlike designs and important inclusions like bib shorts, full-zip jerseys for women and smaller/fitted sizing. For those things, I am willing to pay the extra coin.

Why are these characteristics missing from the major manufacturers' catalogs?

[Susan Otcenas]

Most domestic manufacturers do not have big European distribution. And they don't believe there's enough demand for euro-styled apparel in the US alone to make it worth building those pieces. In other words, Northwave probably sells lots of this stuff in Europe, so they can make a few extra pieces and send them to the US profitably. But the US unit volume in this type of apparel isn't enough to justify making it if there's no other outlet for it. Not unless the consumer would be willing to pay ALOT more money per unit.

Bibshorts are a great example. I have 6 different women's bibshorts in stock at the moment. I have sold a grand total of 65 units so far this year. That is a really really tiny amount, and only averages out to 11 units per style. Truthfully, it isn't profitable for me to sell them But it IS part of our company's mission statement, so I do it anyway. But I'm in control of this company; I have no investors, so I can pretty much do what I want.

However, manufacturers usually have to answer to shareholders and/or investors, and simply can not run unprofitable lines of business. And women's bibs are barely making the grade even with the vendors that are doing them.

Bluetree, I do have a few suggestions for jerseys we currently stock that might fulfill some of your requirements. Here's a few you might consider.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=31993
Sportful is a sister company to Castelli

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30140
Gore Bike Wear does a huge business in Europe, and the style lines reflect that. I love love love this jersey. I own one and its one of my favorites.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30373
Giordana. Italian, of course. We carry Giordana's women's bib as well.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=33501
Descente Aria Jersey - we have it in 3 colors. This jersey is flying off the shelves.

I really wish I could give you some better (or at least some more satisfying) answers.

Susan

[Bluetree]

Thanks again for spending the time to explain everything. You and your crew are the best!

P.S. Yes, I'm ordering another pair of those Giordana bibs (they rawk).