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Royal Racing has returned with the launch of a limited edition series of gloves, following a brief sabbatical.
Amidst the post-Covid storm, the brand took a break.
The owners took a breather, rode bikes a lot, and quietly developed a new range without the pressure of model years, closeouts, and the inevitable fight to the bottom.
Now, the time is right to get back out there.
The complete range is not ready just yet, but with riders banging on the (virtual) door, Royal were eager to put something out there.
They are relaunching gradually, conscious of what riders and bike shops need and how they can build on an already strong following responsibly and sustainably.
Royal are kicking things off with a limited edition drop of Core gloves.
Core Gloves are a Royal Racing staple, described by the brand as “all round performance for every riding discipline”.
Available in four limited edition graphic styles, adult gloves will retail at £24.99, with junior sizes at £22.99.
Dealers wanting to learn more about the launch or stocking Royal Racing can contact Dave Flynn directly via +44 (0)7584 698 531 or david.flynn@usgb2b.com
Royal Racing returning with this launch has coincided with original creator Nick Bayliss back at the design helm.
The brand has been a staple in the UK and international MTB scenes for more than 20 years with its first product rolling off the production line in 1999.
“The reason Royal came together in the first place was the lack of ‘true’ mountain bike riding gear,” explains Bayliss, when discussing the brand’s origin story.
“Not just MX gear or XC lycra. Garments that were what we were about. Riding gear that works on a bike and reflected our lifestyle.
“I was working out in California staying with Steve [Peat], riding and selling pages out of my sketch pad to survive. I would mock up riding gear for Steve, myself and mates to try out. Take onboard the negatives and improve it.”
This has stayed the same throughout the Royal journey.
“Taking input from the up-and-coming flow of talent, Rat Boy, Gwin, Mullay, Brendog, Slugger, Weir, Vouilloz, the list became endless,” continues Bayliss.
“Being part of some of the sport’s most timeless iconic rider moments, images and podiums is truly humbling.
“Most riders can’t tell you what they do want, their focus is firmly on the riding, but they can tell you what they don’t like. My job is to make it work.”
For Bayliss, the development is constant.
“Fabrics improve, racing takes on new shapes, bikes evolve, demands keep changing, new extremes are pushed,” he adds.
“I’ll be here making new gear, listening to our riders, tweaking and changing and creating products that improve our lives spent on bikes.”
