Outdoor Research expands into Mountain Biking with Freewheel Line, Crankworx Whistler Festival Partnership

July 20, 2023

During the July festival, Outdoor Research will celebrate its push into the mountain bike space, showcase new eight-piece Freewheel MTB collection.

SEATTLE (July 20, 2023) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based manufacturer of high-performance technical outdoor apparel, is launching into the mountain-bike category in Spring 2024 with its new Freewheel MTB Collection, an eight-piece mountain-bike assortment. The collection brings the technical design expertise and materials innovation leadership that has defined Outdoor Research products for more than 40 years to a category that is a core activity for a large segment of its existing customer base.

Introducing the Spring 2024 Outdoor Research Freewheel Mountain Bike Collection

For many years, cyclists have adopted technical apparel from Outdoor Research for punching out the miles. Pieces like the waterproof Helium Rain Jacket, the durable Ferrosi Overshort and sun-protective, quick-drying Echo collection — though not explicitly built for riding — are versatile layers that work across a wide range of activities.

In anticipation of the Freewheel launch, and to showcase the brand’s commitment to the mountain bike community, Outdoor Research has signed on as a Principle-Level Sponsor of Crankworx Whistler 2023, the original stop of the world’s biggest mountain bike festival. Outdoor Research is the title sponsor of the Speed and Style Event on Friday July 28th and will be on-site throughout the festival promoting the upcoming Freewheel Collection with displays and product giveaways.

“The Freewheel program was developed because our customers and athletes ride mountain bikes alongside their many other outdoor activities, and we knew they were already using our gear for riding,” said Kylene Wolfe, Senior Product Manager of Sportswear. “Talking to our customers showed us that there is a real need for better-fitting, more technically-led trail-riding apparel. So it was a logical next step to expand directly into the trail-riding category.”

The Outdoor Research team has extensively field tested the new Freewheel line with a wide range of athletes. The collection brings in proven technology from OR’s outerwear and sportswear collections, including DuraPrint®, a 3D printed overlay. DuraPrint delivers extra abrasion resistance in high-wear areas without adding weight or impeding flexibility in the fabric — a natural fit in the bike category. It also offers extended and inclusive sizing options, up to women’s 4X Plus and men’s 42.

The new collection includes a bike-specific half-zip hoodie, a long-sleeve Jersey, and short-sleeve riding tee, riding shorts featuring DuraPrint technology, two bike gloves and a hip pack.

“Whistler holds a special place as the hub of the mountain bike world, and Crankworx has established itself as the premier event in the sport,” states Chris King, VP of Brand at Outdoor Research. “We are excited to be a Principle-Level Sponsor for an event that draws such a wide-reaching, influential audience. We can’t wait to show off our product team’s hard work to develop a versatile kit specially tuned for mountain biking.”

Darren Kinnaird, Managing Director, Crankworx Events Inc., said: “Outdoor Research’s reputation for building world-class outdoor gear and apparel is widely recognized. We are excited to introduce them to the mountain bike community, and we look forward to creating a solid foundation for a potentially long-standing partnership.”

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners and employees. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.

About Crankworx World Tour

Born in Whistler, B.C. in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series, bringing together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines, as well as hosting races for amateurs, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events, and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations. And while the festival has gone international, each year the global mountain bike community comes home to Crankworx Whistler for the ultimate celebration of all things mountain bike. The original. The biggest. The heart of it all. The defining celebration of mountain biking.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | (970) 235-0268 | or@verdepr.com