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[Dave George]

Paul has done excellent work putting together design templates for new kit. He's asked me to share his images, so please click on the images below to see the sort of thing he is working on.

He's received some suggestions ("I like blue" and "can we have an image of splashed mud on the back so we don't need to wash it as often"), but I'm sure he'd like to know what the membership think. I've started this as a new thread - please take the time to add any comments you think are viable.

[geoffh]

Oh yes! I like these designs. Very modern - a big improvement on the old kit. Well done, Paul, I'd definitely be interested in this

[James]

My personal opinion is that the club kit does need updating. Any proposed changes clearly need to reflect the club's history which Paul's design goes a long way to address - i.e. colour scheme, incorporating the banding etc... and it needs to be a design that the vast majority of the active membership really want to get their hands on to make it financially possible that the club could afford to consider changing the kit.

I really like the shorts design you've put together Paul and personally I would wear the shirt but I can envisage that some would find the shirt too busy for their own personal tastes. Would the flanks and sleeves work better without the horizontal white lines just to slightly soften the design?

Whether it's right or wrong, the club's kit is a factor for any prospective new members. Anecdotal evidence I have seen is from another local club's website that I was browsing through earlier today where someone had stated that the kit was actually one of the reasons they joined.

It's a shame that the entire group on the club run isn't top-to-toe in club kit and I think that it's because no-ones clamouring to buy and wear all the current kit - Again, this is my personal opinion. I'm a relatively new member and I have bought a gilet in the club colours but that's all. I think my cycling clothing tastes are pretty representative of a 30 something club cyclist - although Clare would probably laugh at me for that statement  :

James.

[Glenn]

I still say "I like blue" and "can we have an image of splashed mud on the back so we don't need to wash it as often". Apart from that, I think Paul's creation is excellent, and I agree with James. I also agree with him that the design could be softened a bit, maybe. I saw some other variations he had on Tuesday which had graduated shading towards the end of the legs and arms. Graduated shading might be difficult to produce, but I've noticed it is quite effective and often used on other club strips.

I'm sure Geoffh will require coordinated mitts, tights, socks, cap, and umbrella. Back to the drawing board, Paul.

[geoff shaw]

In my opinion Paul's designs are great & I would hope we could encourage a high percentage of members to buy the new kit so we look more like a club on the road.


PS........Where are we off to on Sunday??

[geoffh]

Quite correct, Glenn. If it's coordinated then I'll wear it!
Seriously, though, I'm sure some updated kit would mean more people wearing it, especially on club runs, and that would be a good advert for the club

[simongraham]

Paul -- you clearly have unveiled your hidden talent here -- very impressive result, bringing us a clean and modern design while retaining the club heritage. Very nice job indeed. I'm in to get the new kit. When can I place my order?

[STAGGY]

Paul, Well done mate i think the new design looks wicked, i love it, lets just get it made, is there a chance they can also make winter gloves, thermal overshoes, summer mitts, socks and skin over-socks for a really pro look, if not i'll still be proud to wear the kit, it looks coooooooooooooooooooooooooool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[STAGGY]

Paul just a quick thought the shorts are of a bib design, and not just skin shorts.

[big boy Paul]

Thank you every one for the positive reaction, All we need to do know is persuade a few people to take it on board.

To answer your question Nick, yep, the shorts will be of a bib short style, just didn't draw it in.

See you all sunday, and talk about it a bit more.

[Brentus]

Did'nt get to the club to see the images, but wish I had, they are really good.
I'm sure there will be some minor adjustments, but this is 21st century stuff, well done!
I love the shorts, fabulous. 

[gerrardo]

Paul has done excellent work putting together design templates for new kit. He's asked me to share his images, so please click on the images below to see the sort of thing he is working on.

He's received some suggestions ("I like blue" and "can we have an image of splashed mud on the back so we don't need to wash it as often"), but I'm sure he'd like to know what the membership think. I've started this as a new thread - please take the time to add any comments you think are viable.

I do think Paul's designs are very attractive and very professional on screen but I do have misgivings about the plan. I personally like the current retro racing jersey and I like the history that goes with it. I appreciate it is not the most practical colour scheme. I'm not keen on the club run kit. Its not unattractive but too similar to VC Slough-Office Associates. As far as the new jersey design goes in attracting new young members - you won't know till you've tried it.
I think no youngster wants to join a club called the 'Hounslow and District Wheelers' whatever the jersey design.
I don't suppose anybody wants to ditch the name as well. My original club changed its name from the Uxbridge Wheelers to the Hillingdon CC and the colours from crimson with a light blue and a dark blue chest band to purple and yellow. I believe the change of name and colours was wrong with additionally the loss of tradition/history. I also think the club grew in membership but I doubt the two things were connected. Youngsters need fun cycling and then fun racing when they are ready. There is an inclination to get them time trialling as soon as possible and that finishes them off usually. As far as I'm concerned whatever the good there is in time trialling it is the worst introduction to cycle racing. The club needs to get youngsters into track racing and possible circuit road racing once they have a reasonable fitness/ability from club runs etc. All my mates packed up having ridden a few time trials - young egos are fragile. One mate at 16yrs old did a '2 on the Amersham road on his second '25' ! He thought it was nothing and found it dull. He didn't last a season - I thought what a loss, he was special. If he had been racing on the track the chances are he would have gone on to greater things.
The current fashion for retro should mean the current racing jersey is attractive to youngsters. The name will take a little longer I'm afraid. Its a hard sport that looks attractive and easy thats the trouble.   
Gerry

[Patsy]

Just like to say that I really like the new design and would certainly wear a 'female fit' version of it.
Patsy

[big boy Paul]

When I visited the club on tuesday night, some of the discussion was the new design of the racing kit, and some of the points brought up was the extensive use of the colour white. Some people were a little concerned that the white may get to dirty on the days when it does rain, which I agree, in this country is quite often.

Therefore I have made a few minor adjustments to the colour scheme. The actual design is the same, but I have moved around a few of the colours to try and reduce the amout of the white used within the kit. This will know give two options to choose from.

I myself do have a preference to which kit I prefer, but its not my choice as this is to be decided as a club, but the new colour scheme still looks pretty cool.

Once again I will be down the club on tuesday night to show of the two alternatives, so who ever is interested in making a decision on the new look of the club, should be there to put there input into the discussion.

I will also try and get Dave to put the other colour scheme onto the blog for all to see as soon as possible.

[Dave George]

Sure... If you can, please email them to me. If it's proving difficult because of the size I'll come up with a plan for getting them on the stick.