Showers Pass HQ in southeast Portland.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

In yet another sign of growth, southeast Portland based Showers Pass has announced a new sales operation in the United Kingdom. Here's more from a company press release:

"Based in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, the Showers Pass UK headquarters opens for business May 16, 2013 and will introduce a full line of the kinds of performance apparel that has made the brand a must-have stateside."

Showers Pass CEO Kyle Ranson says the brands strength in the U.S. has created a "loyal and fast growing following" of European customers online. And now he says, "It’s time to really put the rubber to the road in the UK." Ranson is originally from South Shields and he's tapped his brother Fraser Ranson as head of UK operations. Kyle will continue to run the U.S. arm of the company. (more...)

The new Crosspoint Hardshell glove from Showers Pass.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

Portland-based Showers Pass launched a new line of gloves at the Outdoor Retailer trade show last week. It's an ambitious foray for the company, and it's just the latest sign of their growth into new markets and a transition away from their commuter jacket reputation. As sales manager Stephen Lederer said during my visit to their southeast Portland headquarters a few days ago, "We're branching out of commuter, into every aspect of bicycling."

A major part of this new direction for Showers Pass are the four glove models they unveiled last week; the Crosspoint Hardshell, Softshell, Wind Glove, and Liner Glove. The new gloves won't be in stores until fall, but I was able to check out some samples at the company's headquarters in southeast Portland. (more...)

New gloves from Showers Pass
(Photo: Showers Pass)

(more...)

This just in from locally based Showers Pass clothing:

Ownership, Management Changes at Showers Pass, Portland-Based Outerwear Company

PORTLAND, Ore., September 18, 2012 -- Showers Pass Co-President Ed Dalton has sold his interest in the Portland-based cycling apparel maker to business partner and Co-President Kyle Ranson, the company announced today.

"I am proud to say that Showers Pass has developed into a leader in the bicycling outerwear business and is recognized as a high-performance, high-quality brand,” said Dalton, of watching the company grow from a start-up to representation in top independent bike shops and national specialty retailers.

Showers Pass is poised for continued growth, said Ranson: “The team and I are very excited about the future. We’re launching some great new products at the Interbike show this month.”

Dalton will move on to pursue other entrepreneurial interests. Ranson will assume the role of President/CEO of Showers Pass effective immediately.

More room needed.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Showers Pass, a company that designs and markets bicycling apparel and has been headquartered in Portland since 2005, has relocated. According to a statement from the company, the new, 8,000 square foot space (at 2101 SE 6th Ave) is twice the size of their current office and warehouse facility on SE 17th Ave. near Powell Blvd. (more...)

The VelEau is a new direction for Showers Pass.

(more...)

Event Name: Showers Pass Photo Contest
Event Start Date: 15 March, 2011
Entry Deadline: 15 April, 2011
Web Site: http://showerspass.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/showers-pass-photo-contest-2/
Event Description: It’s time to break out your cameras, get on your bikes, and enjoy some spring riding – Showers Pass style. We are looking for a few great photos of our loyal customers in their favorite Showers Pass gear. Winners will receive :

All photo submissions will be rewarded with a 20% off coupon good for one year.
To enter: Email your photos to info(at)showerspass(dot)com with your full name, location of photo, phone number with photo contest as the subject line by April 15th to qualify. Winners will be selected and prizes will be distributed by April 22nd.

Showers Pass CEO Ed Dalton sporting
the Portland jacket at this year's
Worst Day Ride
(Photo © Elly Blue)

Showers Pass, a local cycling gear company, has been making waves with its "Portland" rain jacket since it was introduced in 2008. The jacket is notable for crossing technical outerwear with vélocouture flair resulting in a handsome daily commuter piece which serves you well on a fast commute and isn't an embarrassment to sport on date night.

During last week's rainstorms I took the Portland for a test ride and appreciated its thoughtful features and subdued appearance. It's a stylish commuter rain jacket that has a fuller cut so that it looks like a regular jacket when you aren't on the bike. (more...)

Castelli's high tech,
Insolito Radiation Jacket.

Three Portland-based bike apparel companies woke up to good news this morning -- some prominent publicity in USA Today.

Their resident bike reporter Sal Ruibal featured clothing suitable for cold winter commuting. Among the brands listed are Portland companies Showers Pass, Rapha, and Castelli. (more...)

The "Portland" cap and jacket.
(Photos � Jonathan Maus)

I may not be at Interbike (the big bike industry trade show going on right now in Las Vegas), but I'm still looking to share as much as I can from local companies who are at the show (read my story from last week for what other local professionals and companies are doing in Vegas).

On that note, I just heard from Ed Dalton, co-President of Portland-based Showers Pass.

Since he took over the company (it was originally founded in 1998 in Arcata, California) in 2005, Dalton has overseen a major revamp of the brand and the product line. (more...)