What started out as a newfound hobby during the pandemic turned into a business for cycling enthusiast, Georgienne Lee. And to think, she couldn’t even cycle prior to COVID-19.
In fact, it was a desire to learn something new that got the former hospitality consultant to try cycling when gyms were closed due to restrictions. “I rented a SG Bike (a local bicycle-sharing platform) and learnt how to cycle.”
Georgienne Lee on her bike. (Photo: Journ)
Lee added that cycling opened a whole new world, changing her lifestyle drastically. “I loved being able to go to places that I would otherwise have never gone to without a bicycle, and that inexplicable feeling of breathing in fresh air as I pedal along the road at 5am with no one around me. It’s just wildly calming and a huge stress reliever.”
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND JOURN
Bitten by the cycling bug, Lee decided to start her own cycling brand.
Journ is different because “we look outside of the cycling world”, said Lee. Besides apparel, the brand also offers lifestyle items – tote bags, caps and even drip coffee, that can be enjoyed by all, including non-cyclists.
(Photo: Journ)
“These items are inspired from the world of cycling and adapted to cater to non-cyclists; it’s a love letter from me as a cyclist to the world beyond cycling.”
A BRAND BUILT ON THE CYCLING COMMUNITY
The entire process from ideation to launch took about three years with a lot of trial and error, said Lee.
She started searching for suppliers on Alibaba but soon realised that she couldn’t get the quality she wanted in Asia. Upon a friend’s recommendation, she redirected her search to Europe.
The result: Jerseys and bibs made with lightweight, breathable and quick-drying fabric that also offer UV protection – ideal for Singapore’s sunny weather. In addition, the materials are Bluesign approved, ensuring that materials and processes have the lowest impact on the environment.
“Having my own brand made me appreciate the level of detail that goes into making just one kit; something I took for granted when purchasing my own kits. Before I would have never noticed that even an elastic band around a jersey could impact the riding experience.”
Lee roped in her cycling friends to test the prototypes. “It took a whole village to create this brand. It was testing from a grassroot level and basing the changes off their feedback, which have led us to where we are now.”
Lee’s proudest creation is the Journ Everyday Musette. She turned this cycling classic (a small shoulder bag used to store food and necessities during a ride), into something functional to be used by everyone.
The inspiration stemmed from her own experience.
“I was having difficulties with other musettes because the straps weren’t adjustable and they were mostly made of cotton, which would get wet when it rained. Plus, the bag would always swing in front while I rode my bike, which made for an unpleasant riding experience.”
To address this, Lee made her dual-sided, dual-coloured musette water-resistant, incorporated an adjustable main body strap to suit people of different heights and added a removable third strap as a stabiliser to keep the bag in place and ensure minimal movement whilst cycling.
“The entire bag is stylish and lightweight enough to be carried around for everyday use and overseas travel, which makes it great even for non-cyclists.”
SHARING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Looking back at her own cycling journey, Lee understands the importance of having the support of people who are accepting and encouraging.
“Cycling solo is not fun after a while. Humans are social creatures and COVID-19 has taught us that. Having a core group or community not only keeps one grounded, it creates friendships with people from different walks of life and increases acceptance and tolerance of life,” emphasised Lee.
Journ's riding community. (Photo: Journ)
In the spirit of camaraderie, Lee got her cyclist friends from the region to share their Spotify playlists on the Journ website. In addition, there are also training plans curated by former national cyclist, Donaben Goh as well as Lee’s favourite cycling routes across the island.
“Sharing is caring! I had a lot of help from fellow cyclists when I started so I wanted to make sure that every cyclist has a similar kind of access. It might seem straightforward when you’re a seasoned rider, but not when you’re a new cyclist looking to take up the sport.”
And of course, besides staying safe and alert, Lee also reminded newbie cyclists to have fun, because it makes the journey that much sweeter.
ASIAN CYCLING APPAREL BRANDS TO KNOW
1. Konok
This Singaporean brand uses lightweight materials in its cycling apparel, while focusing on embracing sustainability at the same time, working with Bluesign or OEKO-TEX certified textile manufacturers and producers.
We love: Konok’s Downsize policy. With all that cycling, weight loss is almost guaranteed, and the brand knows it too. So if you’ve purchased a Konok jersey and lost weight within the year, you’ll get a 50 per cent discount on your new jersey size.
www.konok.cc
2. RedWhite Apparel
If you’re looking for comfy long-distance bib shorts, Singapore-born RedWhite has been creating plush, padded cycling shorts that promise to help you ride the ultra-distance since 2014.
We love: RedWhite’s Cargo Bib Short, S$189. It comes with four large pockets made from a tough, stretchy nylon fabric allowing you to store everything you might need for a long ride, from nutrition bars and inner tubes to tool kits and even spare clothing.
www.redwhite.cc
3. The Pack
Cycling can be an expensive sport, which is why The Pack Sg founders came together to create comfortable and affordable cycling apparel. Its Alpha jersey is under S$100 and is made with soft, breathable bamboo charcoal fabric that’s great for keeping you cool and dry, especially in Singapore’s heat and humidity.
We love: The commitment to finding the perfect balance between cost, quality and style in its cycling apparel for a range of cycling levels, from beginners to professionals.
www.thepack.sg
4. BikeBaju
Forget minimalism and subtlety. You’re guaranteed to stand out in the crowd when you wear a BikeBaju jersey. Believing that life is too short for boring gear, the Malaysian-based brand is known for its use of bold, vibrant colours and designs.
We love: BikeBaju’s Miss Joaquim jersey, US$104. Now you can wear your Singapore pride on your sleeve, literally, with this Vanda Miss Joaquim jersey. The vibrant hues are a representation of Singaporeans’ can-do spirit and our multicultural heritage.
www.thepack.sg
5. Concept Speed
Established in 2015, Concept Speed offers a full range of cycling gear from apparel – jerseys, bibs and jackets, to accessories like arm covers and tote bags. Plus, it also offers cycling bibs and jerseys for different climates for those who travel the world with their bikes.
We love: An Asian-born brand gone global. Concept Speed started out in Bangkok and is now found all over the world, including Colombia, Cambodia, Dubai, Seoul, Singapore, Taiwan and USA.
www.conceptspeed.cc
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In fact, it was a desire to learn something new that got the former hospitality consultant to try cycling when gyms were closed due to restrictions. “I rented a SG Bike (a local bicycle-sharing platform) and learnt how to cycle.”
Georgienne Lee on her bike. (Photo: Journ)
Lee added that cycling opened a whole new world, changing her lifestyle drastically. “I loved being able to go to places that I would otherwise have never gone to without a bicycle, and that inexplicable feeling of breathing in fresh air as I pedal along the road at 5am with no one around me. It’s just wildly calming and a huge stress reliever.”
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND JOURN
Bitten by the cycling bug, Lee decided to start her own cycling brand.
Journ is different because “we look outside of the cycling world”, said Lee. Besides apparel, the brand also offers lifestyle items – tote bags, caps and even drip coffee, that can be enjoyed by all, including non-cyclists.
(Photo: Journ)
“These items are inspired from the world of cycling and adapted to cater to non-cyclists; it’s a love letter from me as a cyclist to the world beyond cycling.”
A BRAND BUILT ON THE CYCLING COMMUNITY
The entire process from ideation to launch took about three years with a lot of trial and error, said Lee.
She started searching for suppliers on Alibaba but soon realised that she couldn’t get the quality she wanted in Asia. Upon a friend’s recommendation, she redirected her search to Europe.
The result: Jerseys and bibs made with lightweight, breathable and quick-drying fabric that also offer UV protection – ideal for Singapore’s sunny weather. In addition, the materials are Bluesign approved, ensuring that materials and processes have the lowest impact on the environment.
“Having my own brand made me appreciate the level of detail that goes into making just one kit; something I took for granted when purchasing my own kits. Before I would have never noticed that even an elastic band around a jersey could impact the riding experience.”
Lee roped in her cycling friends to test the prototypes. “It took a whole village to create this brand. It was testing from a grassroot level and basing the changes off their feedback, which have led us to where we are now.”
Lee’s proudest creation is the Journ Everyday Musette. She turned this cycling classic (a small shoulder bag used to store food and necessities during a ride), into something functional to be used by everyone.
The inspiration stemmed from her own experience.
“I was having difficulties with other musettes because the straps weren’t adjustable and they were mostly made of cotton, which would get wet when it rained. Plus, the bag would always swing in front while I rode my bike, which made for an unpleasant riding experience.”
To address this, Lee made her dual-sided, dual-coloured musette water-resistant, incorporated an adjustable main body strap to suit people of different heights and added a removable third strap as a stabiliser to keep the bag in place and ensure minimal movement whilst cycling.
“The entire bag is stylish and lightweight enough to be carried around for everyday use and overseas travel, which makes it great even for non-cyclists.”
SHARING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Looking back at her own cycling journey, Lee understands the importance of having the support of people who are accepting and encouraging.
“Cycling solo is not fun after a while. Humans are social creatures and COVID-19 has taught us that. Having a core group or community not only keeps one grounded, it creates friendships with people from different walks of life and increases acceptance and tolerance of life,” emphasised Lee.
Journ's riding community. (Photo: Journ)
In the spirit of camaraderie, Lee got her cyclist friends from the region to share their Spotify playlists on the Journ website. In addition, there are also training plans curated by former national cyclist, Donaben Goh as well as Lee’s favourite cycling routes across the island.
“Sharing is caring! I had a lot of help from fellow cyclists when I started so I wanted to make sure that every cyclist has a similar kind of access. It might seem straightforward when you’re a seasoned rider, but not when you’re a new cyclist looking to take up the sport.”
And of course, besides staying safe and alert, Lee also reminded newbie cyclists to have fun, because it makes the journey that much sweeter.
ASIAN CYCLING APPAREL BRANDS TO KNOW
1. Konok
This Singaporean brand uses lightweight materials in its cycling apparel, while focusing on embracing sustainability at the same time, working with Bluesign or OEKO-TEX certified textile manufacturers and producers.
We love: Konok’s Downsize policy. With all that cycling, weight loss is almost guaranteed, and the brand knows it too. So if you’ve purchased a Konok jersey and lost weight within the year, you’ll get a 50 per cent discount on your new jersey size.
www.konok.cc
2. RedWhite Apparel
If you’re looking for comfy long-distance bib shorts, Singapore-born RedWhite has been creating plush, padded cycling shorts that promise to help you ride the ultra-distance since 2014.
We love: RedWhite’s Cargo Bib Short, S$189. It comes with four large pockets made from a tough, stretchy nylon fabric allowing you to store everything you might need for a long ride, from nutrition bars and inner tubes to tool kits and even spare clothing.
www.redwhite.cc
3. The Pack
Cycling can be an expensive sport, which is why The Pack Sg founders came together to create comfortable and affordable cycling apparel. Its Alpha jersey is under S$100 and is made with soft, breathable bamboo charcoal fabric that’s great for keeping you cool and dry, especially in Singapore’s heat and humidity.
We love: The commitment to finding the perfect balance between cost, quality and style in its cycling apparel for a range of cycling levels, from beginners to professionals.
www.thepack.sg
4. BikeBaju
Forget minimalism and subtlety. You’re guaranteed to stand out in the crowd when you wear a BikeBaju jersey. Believing that life is too short for boring gear, the Malaysian-based brand is known for its use of bold, vibrant colours and designs.
We love: BikeBaju’s Miss Joaquim jersey, US$104. Now you can wear your Singapore pride on your sleeve, literally, with this Vanda Miss Joaquim jersey. The vibrant hues are a representation of Singaporeans’ can-do spirit and our multicultural heritage.
www.thepack.sg
5. Concept Speed
Established in 2015, Concept Speed offers a full range of cycling gear from apparel – jerseys, bibs and jackets, to accessories like arm covers and tote bags. Plus, it also offers cycling bibs and jerseys for different climates for those who travel the world with their bikes.
We love: An Asian-born brand gone global. Concept Speed started out in Bangkok and is now found all over the world, including Colombia, Cambodia, Dubai, Seoul, Singapore, Taiwan and USA.
www.conceptspeed.cc
Continue reading...