(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.
Dalton’s experience in the shoe industry — he consulted for companies like Timberland, Doc Martens, and Columbia Sportswear — has served him well in the bike jacket business. In 2006, Showers Pass garnered a “Product of the Year” nod from Outside Magazine and the jackets have also been featured in the New York Times.
Major media exposure and sales growth have continued for Showers Pass (they’re nearly ubiquitous on some Portland rides) and now Dalton is branching out into “lifestyle pieces,” that he says are designed to work as well off-the-bike as they do on-the-bike.
The new collection — which includes the “Portland Jacket” and “Portland Cap” — will be shown at Interbike’s Urban Legend Fashion & Art Show this Thursday.
The reflective tail flap buttons-up when not in use.
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The Portland Cap takes cues from the ever-popular cycling cap.
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I got a sneak peak at these jackets when they were still in development and I was very impressed. With a tail-flap that snaps up and hides when not in use, loads of reflective pinstriping, and a fabric that is “nearly waterproof”, Dalton and co-President Kyle Ranson have a winner on their hands.
Showers Pass recently moved their headquarters from a cramped office in Portland’s West Hills (off Scholls Ferry Road) to a much larger building in inner Southeast. This is definitely a local company to keep an eye on.