Tracksmith - Too expensive?

*stipe wrote:

Looks like nice stuff. I'm in the business. Most faster runners who are likely to wear shorter running shorts (4" or less) are not likely to spend $60. Those who pay that much, I think will prefer longer shorts.

This is exactly the problem. Running is an unusual sport in that the styles worn by the most competitive athletes are not really emulated by the masses. Yuppie cyclists are thrilled to wear Team Sky jersies, but how do you sell a yuppie runner on a line of clothing inspired by HEPS track? Even for competitive runners with cash to burn, a singlet with a sash isn't something that most people would ever wear outside of competition, and most competitive runners already have singlets for their schools or clubs.

Another problem with doing a Rapha of running is that because running doesn't have the same kind of style heritage as cycling. Historically, running clothing for guys was basically underwear. Bowerman had his guys wearing long underwear before running tights existed. There's just a much smaller archive of inspiration to draw on.

I hope Tracksmith does well, because I do like their aesthetic, and I'm sick of the garish look of most running clothes. It'll be interesting to see what they do with cold weather gear, because there are a lot more opportunities for interesting design with outerwear.

smug fart smeller wrote:

joho wrote:

I like the looks of some of the stuff but no way I would pay that much for running gear.

my problem with the brand is that none of the "models" on the website were Ivy league runners.

They said one of them went to Cornell. Taylor went to UVA which is just as preppy as the Ivy League.

Their main model isn't even American though. You think a company that prides itself on being american made would want american models?

Saul Goodman wrote:

Hmm, looks like garbage and costs at least 4x what it looks like it should cost. I think I'll pass.

Gotta love the market though. They'll probably find *just enough* douchey New Englanders - that have too much money to realize they're douches - to make their nut and stay afloat. Sell junk at high enough cost and watch the hordes of clueless white people flock to it, credit cards in hand. Kind of disgusting, really. Like a George A Romero flick.

I'd be offended if you werent so dead on...

Would have bought both shortd, but one out of stock. No length listed on longer one. Did get the grey tee.

Who with a scrotum would possibly wear clothing that has a dorky bunny logo on it? Gawd.

Kipketer_Pumpkin_Eater wrote:

I'm afraid of sharing my opinions out of fear of angering the brojos, for sponsor dollars and their east coast milieu.

Unlike others in the industry with we disclose when something is paid for. Tracksmith did not pay us to be on the homepage. I went to college with Matt and wish him well.

When something is paid it says "Sponsored Post" or something along those lines, "From our partner".

I got pretty upset last year when I found out Flotrack for years has been doing videos for shoe companies and not disclosing they were paid for.

Anyone come across a review of this gear yet?

Shorts are sold out according to website.

"scabbed than a gook's vajay"

God, you are a piece of shit.

Although I am all for innovation in running clothing and would like to see more smaller manufacturers opening up, TS kind of rubs me the wrong way. It screams we're white, we're wealthy, we're overeducated and we love our connections in the corporate world. This might be the reality of a (bland) running demographic in major US cities, but it's not appealing to the other 99%.

wejo wrote:

Kipketer_Pumpkin_Eater wrote:

I'm afraid of sharing my opinions out of fear of angering the brojos, for sponsor dollars and their east coast milieu.

Unlike others in the industry with we disclose when something is paid for. Tracksmith did not pay us to be on the homepage. I went to college with Matt and wish him well.

When something is paid it says "Sponsored Post" or something along those lines, "From our partner".

I got pretty upset last year when I found out Flotrack for years has been doing videos for shoe companies and not disclosing they were paid for.

That said about Flotrack, I wonder now that they sell subscriptions to view their product if they pay the athletes to use their likeness in their advertising. The are a produced pay for view production company for income and profit.

BTW, Tracksmith guys are doing something cool for the industry. Their marketing approach, story telling and retro look are refreshing.

Haha, I agree, this stuff is a bit crusty, and they are definitely going for an elitist vibe. HOWEVER - I don't think it's too pricey. I think the real issue is that people are just used to paying for stuff made by slave labor or generally exploited people in third world countries.

Things cost money. Nice things cost a little more money. Maybe just buy less things.

DanP1982 wrote:

Haha, I agree, this stuff is a bit crusty, and they are definitely going for an elitist vibe. HOWEVER - I don't think it's too pricey. I think the real issue is that people are just used to paying for stuff made by slave labor or generally exploited people in third world countries.

Things cost money. Nice things cost a little more money. Maybe just buy less things.

Exactly!!! too crusty and elitist. The company says that wearing their gear makes you seem like an underdog and not stand out, but these days if you're not wearing something made by big companies like nike, Adidas asics etc. you're standing out like an elitist fuq....

I wear old soccer shorts that I find at second hand stores, with compression stuff beneath (short compression stuff). I wear whatever T-shirt I have around, if I wear one at all. I wear nice (cycling) socks because. And I buy my cycling clothes on ebay, maybe $50 annually for everything I need. I wear a hat because the sun is hot where I live.

And my shoes come from ebay, year or 2-year-old models for nothing. I wear an analog watch.

You are ALL posers in my book.

I got some of their stuff for free a couple years back while back when they were doing the PR challenge. Liked it so much that I purchased another pair of shorts. Is it pricey? Totally. But they are high enough quality shorts that these are only the second pair of shorts that I have purchased in about 8 years. Super comfortable, really well made, and the pocket in back is perfect sized (and they don't smell easily)

You get what you pay for. On the other hand the other pair I've purchased were fun patterned Boa ones for $19 bucks off running warehouse - which are great, but after a few years are already fraying along the edges of the liner and the waist is loosening.