You can’t spell Classic without Class
Mon, May 9, 2016
Tee shirts are probably America’s favorite casual wear, so commonplace that most people will hardly give one a second look. So what people look for is a quality product, that has a pleasing and different design, and one that makes a statement about the wearer.
Like interesting people, an interesting tee shirt has something to say. It can be a conversation piece, which is why I think the trend is now to have the design on the front. A person would be unlikely to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, I like the design on the back of your shirt.”
When I did an online search to find out what cycling related shirts were available, and what was trending, I was surprised, and somewhat disappointed, to find the choices limited, and often pretty generic. Hardly worth a second glance, or an “I like your shirt,” comment.
So I set about designing my own. My most recent one is at the top of the page, designed with the Vintage Bike enthusiast in mind. The bike picture I used was from an ad I placed in Velo-News back in January 8th, 1982, when I was still working in the Masi shop and trying to get my business off the ground. (See below.)
The original was a hand drawing from a photo of a bike I built in the late 1970s when I was back in England. The artist I only know as “Gustavson.” I don’t remember much about him, and I don’t think we actually met, he had contacted me by phone offering to do art work for me. Remember this was back long before computers and Photoshop.
One of my other recent designs (Above.) is my “Retirement Plan” shirt. The bike and rider is a modern one, I did not want to limit sales to “Vintage” bike enthusiasts. Designing tee shirts is just another way to keep my creative juices flowing.
To be successful in any venture one needs to be first, better, or different than everyone else. I can hardly be first, tee shirts have been around longer than I have. But I can produce a quality product that looks good and is different from others being offered. That business model served me well when I built bicycle frames. Wish me luck now.
The shirts are available here: www.davemoultonstore.com Also eMail me davesbikeblog[AT]gmail[DOT]com if you would like the Classic design in a Hoodie Sweat Shirt, I am taking pre-orders. On the Hoodie the design will be on the back with a smaller design on the front left side. Let me know your size and color preference.
Footnote: The Facebook Group for Dave Moulton Bikes is knocking on the door of 400 members. (396 at the time of writing this.) Check it out you don't have to be an owner to join.
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Reader Comments (2)
I have had quite a few compliments while wearing my "retirement" shirt along with some laughs , then I say "here's how you can get one" .
Tshirts and the Campag timeline.
http://www.velo-retro.com