Last week, I set off for Italy with two main goals in mind: to review and finalise our Autumn/Winter 2024 kit samples, and to kickstart planning for our Spring/Summer 2025 collection. While I was eager to see what our awesome suppliers had produced, I was equally excited to soak in the Italian culture and scenery... I mean pizza and Gelato, oh and tackle the famous Monte Grappa that featured in this years Giro d'Italia.
Every adventure comes with its share of bumps, and mine started with a delayed flight, leaving me stranded in Venice airport two hours later than expected. With the car rental place closed and no trains running. Thankfully, I managed to find a nearby hotel to catch a few hours of sleep before continuing my journey the next morning. Despite the rocky start, I was determined to make the most of my time in Italy, so instead of heading to my planned hotel and catching up on sleep, I downed a few Espresso's and headed straight for the suppliers.
I’ve visited our suppliers once before, but the warm welcome never gets old - complete with freshly baked pastries and another strong cup of coffee to kickstart the day. I'm not going to reveal who they are, but I can tell you they're some of the most talented and dedicated individuals in the industry. These are the people who design our patterns, advise on the best fabrics, and meticulously oversee every step of the production process—from the fit to final quality control.
For the first time, I also visited the facility where our fabrics are cut, printed, and packed. The complexity of the process amazed me, particularly how much is done by hand. The sheer scale and sophistication of the machinery were equally impressive. It’s obvious when you see our kit that each garment is crafted with an extraordinary level of care and precision, but the process is something that often goes unnoticed yet is so crucial to the quality of our products.
The main focus of our discussions was the finishing touches on our AW24 collection. We’ve made some exciting updates, including improving the fit of our popular Shield Jacket and adding some cool reflective designs. We’re also introducing a brand-new waterproof jacket and an insulated gilet to the range. I was especially impressed with the fabric for the waterproof jacket - it’s incredibly soft and comfortable, perfect for long rides in unpredictable weather.
We also spent time selecting colourways for our long sleeve jerseys and jackets, ensuring they all complement each other beautifully. And while we’re still in the early stages, I had the chance to test some new fabrics for our SS25 range during my ride up Monte Grappa. Let’s just say, I’m excited to see where these innovations will take us!
I stayed in the town of Bassano del Grappa. With its stunning mountain views and a lovely river running through the center, it’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. The streets were buzzing with life, even late on a Wednesday night, with restaurants full and music filling the air.
I really wanted to visit the newly opened Basso bike shop, where I met some locals and indulged in a few too many pints. I knew I had a 5.30AM wake-up call for the Monte Grappa climb, but the lively atmosphere was hard to leave. A few scoops of handmade Gelato on the way back to the hotel was the perfect end to the night.
One of the biggest takeaways from this trip was gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in creating our products. From the precision required to print and assemble the garments to the expertise needed to work with challenging materials like lycra, it’s clear that these aren’t just functional pieces -they’re the combination of result of hundreds of hours of expertise and dedication to the sport.
This insight has only reinforced our commitment to delivering high-quality products that our customers can trust. We don’t just want to create cycling gear; we want to create gear that enhances every ride, built with the same care and passion that goes into every stitch.
As we look ahead, there’s plenty to be excited about. In our upcoming AW24 collection, you’ll find a mix of stunning colourways, innovative designs, and new garments.
And while I can’t reveal too much just yet, we’ve got some exciting plans in the works for SS25, including testing new fabrics and possibly adding some fresh products to the range. We’re also working on updating our foundation collection to make it even more functional and enjoyable for those long days in the saddle.
Looking back, the most rewarding part of this trip was deepening the relationships with our suppliers. They’re not just partners; they’re people with families and lives beyond the work we do together. Supporting these small businesses, especially in an industry dominated by large factories, is something I’m proud of.
The trip also reaffirmed my belief in what we’re doing at Attacus. We’re not just about selling cycling kits; we’re about creating products that deliver real value, with quality you can feel and trust. And as always, our customers are paying for that quality, not just a brand name.
If you’re as excited as I am about the upcoming AW24 range, make sure to sign up for our exclusive AW24 mailing list to get early access before anyone else. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
