Fat Lad At The Back, the community based cycling brand that focuses on creating an inclusive space for cyclists announced today that sales have grown over 223% over the summer due to lockdown and the governments support in getting people back on the saddle.
Welcoming over 3,000 more riders into their community, Fat Lad At The Back’s co-founder and ‘Original Fat Lad’ Richard Bye says “the number of new cyclists taking to the roads is tremendously encouraging. Whilst the country battles with the virus, it’s amazing to see so many people taking control of their health”.
Named after Richard’s nickname affectionately appointed to him by his cycling mates, Fat Lad At The Back launched in 2014 providing premium Cyclewear for all shapes and sizes of cyclist after a controversial appearance on Dragons Den. They have since seen a consistently steady growth and now have an ever-growing community of over 50,000 cyclists in over 80 countries.
When asked what challenges this has brought, co-founder and Boss Lady, Lynn Bye says “predicting what stock is required always presents a big challenge for any retail business, but these last few months have brought even bigger issues and a heap of frustration. Like any other brand, we want to ensure our customers are able to get what they need when they need it but challenges throughout the whole supply chain, coupled with the comprehensive uptake in demand, has made these challenges even harder. Nevertheless, the growth we’ve seen has been really positive!”
Despite the difficulties and pressures in the supply chain, Fat Lad At The Back have managed to enable over 10,000 more cyclists taking to their steeds. Richard continues “the mental health issues of lockdown are widely reported and as I have experienced personally, cycling is a huge release for many people locked inside their homes. Cycling is one of the few things you can do without breaking any rules. An hour on a bike is an hour for yourself, regardless of how fast or how far you go, it’s still your time which can make such a difference”.
Supplying tops, jackets, shorts and a growing range of accessories in sizes ranging from 28” to 60” waist and 36” to 58” chest, Fat Lad At The Back provides well-fitting cyclewear for all shapes and sizes. Garments are based on actual waist and chest measurements, rather than the traditional ‘XL/XXL’ sizing. Customers are asked to get measured and use these measurements when ordering. The range is manufactured in Europe and the UK, using high performance, Italian, technical fabrics that are breathable, sweat-wicking and quick-drying for optimum cycling comfort.
A new range is launched every few months, with more colours and combinations being incorporated into the collection every season.
