No sponsors.  A janky, half-designed website with no content.  Me running lately (for emergency beach vacation weight loss) instead of riding like a civilized person.  Yep, it sounds to me like it’s definitely time to put last things first and get some team kit.

Here’s what I’ve found so far.  Please contact me or comment (constructively) on GroupMe or whatever if you have objections, suggestions, or tips on any of this.  It’s my first time for organizing a team kit order bigger than a family of three.

(And sorry to go on so long.  Just trying to share all the pertinent stuff I know thus far.) 

Vendors I’ve been in touch with in the past and just recently include one you’ve probably seen, Voler, and another you might not, Champion System.  Here’s what I know so far about each.

Champ-Sys.com

• Nice low minimum order numbers to get to the lower pricing
• In-house designers who the sales guy says are all awesome (included in price)
• I just heard from the rep that they’ll waive the $250 deposit, which is either really nice or a standard and smart sales tactic.  Either way, I appreciate that
• Like a dozen years ago they made what is still today my favorite bib shorts ever, though of course bib and chamois preference is a highly subjective thing
• Looks like the equivalent 2021 products to match what I’ve had in the past (the “Tech” range) are full-custom graphic designed jerseys for $62 and bibs for $74.  The notch up the quality tree from Tech is Performance, with jerseys at $92 and bibs at $102.  There’s a top tier which I will not mention here because LOL I don’t make Pinarello money
• They will include a “team store,” which means basically once our first bulk order is done (and more to the point, the design work is done on the items to go in the store) people will be able to go in later and add a jersey here or a set of arm warmers there or whatever
• They’ve got mountain bike options in their catalog too
• They’ll happily send a sample sizing kit so nobody would need to blindly guess their size before ordering (included in price)
• Champion System does team kit (I’m sure their very highest tier, which NOPE) for at least one UCI team, though I can’t remember which one.  That slightly creepy UAE team, maybe?  Anyway, they’re capable-enough folks for a local cycling club for sure

Voler.com

• I’m waiting on pricing information on this–and I think their minimums might be higher than Champ-Sys
• Not sure yet on sample size kits, but will update.  They’ve been good about getting back to me in the past with helpful information
• They do have in-house designers, not sure whether included in price
• Not sure whether they provide for a “team store” or if it’s all bulk orders like once a year or every other year
• MTB friendly offerings in catalog, looks like
• I’ve got at least a couple of jerseys from Voler, which are just fine.  Nothing particularly special, just good enough (and in one case, has survived many many rides over close to 15 years)
• Will update when more information flows in

Anyway, a couple of things before we get too far:

• Does anyone really dislike the graphic elements on this half-baked site, or the color scheme, or anything else that might flow into kit design?  There’s some degree of meaning and design thinking in each aspect of it as presented here, but it’s all only from my own head.  I went for speed rather than democratic process.
• I love me some bullet points, don’t you? 
• We’ve currently got interest in about 9 jerseys and perhaps 6 bibs, but I sort of expect that number to grow a little bit.  If anyone knows someone who hasn’t read the GroupMe discussion but might be interested, please have them get a hold of me.
• But don’t worry, before we spend any money or make any decisions, we’ll get all coordinated and clear.