Allgemein Archive - ILEVE DISTRICT

Cycling World Championships Zurich 2024: When the UCI fires shots, ILEVE fires back with a smart move

Posted on 28. September 20248. December 2024 by nelocom

When life hands you a warning letter, flip the script. That’s exactly what we did at the Cycling World Championships in Zurich – stirring things up with our #swissmade cycling glasses. We celebrated our passion for cycling along the racecourse. But when the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) tried to put a stop to it, we turned the tables with a clever twist. The result? A smart move that earned us media attention and plenty of support. Here’s our story in three acts.

ACT 1: THE IDEA – OUR CYCLING GLASSES AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

What cycling fan doesn’t know the creative displays from fans along the Tour de France route? The French – people who know how to celebrate the sport. Surely, we restrained Swiss could do the same at our home World Championships in Zurich, right? We wanted to express our passion and excitement for cycling. So, we found the perfect spot along the racecourse, connected with the local farmer from Webershof, and voilà – the idea was born. We set up some hay bales in the field and used them as a canvas for ILEVE. But then, the UCI’s lawyers entered the scene and said: No way!

ACT 2: THE EVOLUTION – FROM ILEVE TO VELO

Challenge accepted! Even though we were on private property and the event organizers had no legal claim, we decided to get creative. The solution? We simply changed the lettering: ILEVE became VELO. Fun fact: In Mattenenglisch, an old secret language from Bern, ILEVE actually means velo (bicycle). Problem solved, message intact. With ILEVE, we pay tribute to Bern, our heritage, and cycling, our passion. Smart, right? We kept the hay bales in place and showed cooperation with the UCI. We stayed in the game, and the crowd loved it – mission accomplished!

ACT 3: THE FINALE – CYCLING AND REGIONAL SOLIDARITY

Our action wasn’t just about celebrating cycling, but also about showing solidarity with those affected by large events like the World Championships. The Webershof farm had to close its farm shop for several days due to road closures. Supporting the regional economy is deeply embedded in our startup DNA – whether it’s through a creative stunt at the World Championships or through the production of our cycling glasses.

Our glasses are designed and developed in Bern and sustainably 3D-printed in Appenzell. Swiss-made excellence. We’re committed to local production, which creates jobs and reduces transportation. A story we believe deserves a place at a cycling festival like the home World Championships in Switzerland.

EPILOGUE: AND THE MORAL OF THE STORY?

When the UCI fires shots, we fire back with a smart move. Wouldn’t a simple email or a quick call from the organizers have sufficed instead of a formal warning letter from the UCI’s lawyers? We were open to discussion. Our action sparked media waves and won us plenty of support – not just because of the clever twist, but because it showed what ILEVE DISTRICT stands for: passion for cycling and a commitment to local production. And when the UCI throws obstacles in our way? We’ll use them as a springboard.

Col du Galibier: Our Marks on the Epic Mountain of the Tour de France

Posted on 4. July 20246. July 2024 by nelocom

The Col du Galibier, a mountain that evokes awe and excitement in the world of cycling. This legendary pass, majestically rising in the French Alps, has been a staple of the Tour de France for over a century. This year, the fourth stage from Pinerolo to Valloire leads over the Galibier. We set out from Bern to France to experience cycling in its purest form on this epic mountain. And to leave our marks, our orange dots, on the mountain. Because the Col du Galibier is not just a pass; it is a symbol of passion, endurance, and the unbroken spirit of cycling.

The Col du Galibier: A Place of Legends

Since its first crossing in 1911, the Col du Galibier has solidified its status as one of the most iconic climbs of the Tour de France. At an elevation of 2,642 meters, it is one of the highest points reached in the Tour. The climb is relentless: the road winds up the mountain for 23 kilometers, with an average gradient of 5.1%, reaching over 10% at its steepest points. But it is not only the physical challenge that makes this pass so special. It is the stories and legends reflected in every curve and steep section.

Here, some of the greatest cyclists of all time have left their marks. From Fausto Coppi to Eddy Merckx to Chris Froome, each of them has experienced moments of greatness and suffering on the Galibier. These epic duels and heroic performances have made the Galibier a myth, a place where legends are born.

#ridethedots: The Orange Dots on the Mountain

The Tour de France is the ultimate road bike race—a cultural phenomenon and a moving spectacle that captivates millions of fans worldwide. Spectators along the route transform the streets into a colorful, cheering sea of euphoria. And in the midst of it all: the orange dots of ILEVE DISTRICT, decorating the road, pointing the way up, and serving as a hallmark of our Swiss-made cycling glasses.

#ridethedots is the essence of ILEVE DISTRICT. The orange dots represent not only the orange pins that form our hinges and make our glasses unique but also precision, innovation, passion for cycling, and the unwavering will to blaze new trails. No mountain embodies these values better than the Col du Galibier.

The #swissmade Cycling Glasses from Bern

We strive daily to meticulously develop our cycling glasses—not just for the Maillot Jaune, but to offer all cycling enthusiasts the best possible sport glasses. Our glasses impress with the highest wearing comfort, an unrestricted field of vision, and optimal eye protection in all weather and light conditions. Our models combine minimalist design with durable materials. Co-developed by Fabian Cancellara, our cycling glasses are designed and sustainably produced in Switzerland using 3D printing.

The Col du Galibier is more than just a mountain. It is a symbol of the passion and challenges of cycling. And, just like a young startup, it reflects the essence of relentless effort and joy, showing that success and disappointment are closely intertwined.

How to choose the right lenses for your cycling glasses

Posted on 6. May 20231. July 2024 by nelocom

No matter whether you are going for a gravel ride through the woods, hitting the roads for conquering alpine passes, or taking your bike to work, your cycling glasses complete your style and, most importantly, they protect your eyes. You need them to prevent glare and long-term damage from sunlight exposure and they help to keep wind, cold and other hazards like dust, dirt, small stones, etc. away from your eyes. In this blog article, we want to address some of the most frequent questions we receive about lenses: Which lens colour best suits my cycling preferences? What do the different lens categories mean? And what are the benefits of photochromic lenses?

When choosing your cycling glasses – especially the lenses –, there are a few things to consider. The first question is what you use your cycling glasses for. Do you ride a gravel bike in the forest and are exposed to fast light changes? Or do you prefer to ride your racing bike on asphalted roads? Are you rather a good-weather or a all-weather cyclist? Or are you a all-year commuter and are even cycling back home in the dark? Are you a bit of all? No problem, you don't need several glasses, we have another option for you. More on that later. But first, let’s start with the lens colour and the lens tint.

Different lens colours to enhance your vision while cycling

Sport glasses lenses are available in different colours. The lens colour determines the type of visual comfort you’ll get and increases visual clarity and contrast. We currently have 3 lens colours in our sports eyewear collection. These are a violet, a grey and a brown photochromic lens. The violet lenses are contrast-enhancing, improve contour and colour perception and work well in changing light conditions – from sunny to cloudy to rainy conditions. The grey lens is slightly darker, maintains true colour perception and works well in bright und sunny light conditions. And third, the brown photochromic lenses improve contrast, clarity and depth perception. There is no such thing as a best lens colour for cycling. The choice of your favourite lens colour rather depends on factors such as the type of cycling you do, the terrain you ride on, the weather conditions and your personal preferences.

VIBRANT BROWN PHOTOCHROM

SUNNY

CLOUDY

RAINY

NIGHT / INDOOR

Ideal for sunny to raining conditions, twilight and night.

VIBRANT VIOLET

SUNNY

CLOUDY

RAINY

NIGHT / INDOOR

Ideal for sunny to raining conditions, twilight and night.

VIBRANT GREY

SUNNY

CLOUDY

RAINY

NIGHT / INDOOR

Ideal for sunny and cloudy conditions.

WITHOUT VIBRANT LENSES

VIBRANT BROWN PHTOCHROM

VIBRANT VIOLET

VIBRANT GREY

Different lens tints to protect your eyes while cycling

The tint of the lens determines how much light passes through the lens and protects your eyes from UV radiation and glare. All lenses fall into one of five filter categories based on their tint which is expressed as a category number from 0 to 4. The darkest tint belongs to category 4. Those lenses are suitable for extremely bright environments such as snow tours in high alpine regions. Category 3 and 2 are appropriate for average light situations from sunny to cloudy to rainy conditions. Categories 1 and 0 have a very light respectively transparent tint. They are adequate for darker environments such as gravel cycling or biking in the woods where minimal sunlight shines through the trees. Furthermore, the bright categories are suitable for rides at twilight, at night in the dark or cycling indoors, e.g. for track training. When lenses adjust their tint to the light conditions, they are called photochromic. Photochromic sports glasses are a good choice when the weather is rather unpredictable as they lighten to category 2 or even category 1 in darker conditions, or darken to category 3 in brighter conditions. So you always have a clear vision, no matter the environment.

Cycling glasses from ILEVE DISTRICT

We got to know the different lens colours and lens tints. Now let’s see what the Swiss made cycling glasses from ILEVE DISTRICT have to offer. You can find an overview in the table:

THE ANYTIME CYCLIST

Designed for road, gravel, MTB and indoor rides. Ideal in all weather and light conditions, from sunny, cloudy, rainy to night riding.

LENS: vibrant brown photochromic

TINT: CAT 1 – 3 (lens automatically adjusts to light conditions)

DISCOVER NOW

THE DAYLIGHT CYCLIST

Designed for road and gravel rides. Ideal for sunny, cloudy or rainy conditions or riding at dusk.

LENS: vibrant violet

TINT: CAT 2

DISCOVER NOW

THE SUNLIGHT CYCLIST

Designed for road rides. Ideal in sunny to cloudy conditions.

LENS: vibrant grey

TINT: CAT 3

DISCOVER NOW

Of course, all our lenses fulfil the required standards and guarantee a 100% UVA and UVB protection (UV 400). Due to the high-quality fabrication, the lenses not only protect your eyes from UV radiation and glare, they are also finished with an anti-dirt and water-repellent coating and convince with a premium hard coating that protects against scratches and ensures long durability. Find out more about our lens technology or contact us directly for further questions.

CONTACT US

DISCOVER OUR FRAMES

N°4

Developed with Fabian Cancellara. Full-frame with a large field of view.

3 Color(s)

2 Size(s)

CHF 290.00 – CHF 320.00

2.0

N°2

Ideal for coffee ride. Also suitable for prescription lenses.

1 Color(s)

2 Size(s)

CHF 290.00

ILEVE socks black

Robust and high-quality cycling socks from DirtySox.

ILEVE socks white

Robust and high-quality cycling socks from DirtySox.

Sale! ARCHIVE

N°1

Cycling Glasses N°1 | Edition 1.0: Benefit from the Archive Sale now.

1 Color(s)

2 Size(s)

Original price was: CHF 290.00.Current price is: CHF 187.00.

N°4 lite

Developed with Fabian Cancellara. Half-frame for road performance.

6 Color(s)

2 Size(s)

CHF 290.00 – CHF 320.00

Fabian Cancellara joins ILEVE DISTRICT cycling glasses

Posted on 2. March 20231. July 2024 by nelocom

Have you ever felt the urgent need to tell your friends and fellows a well-kept secret so that you can share the excitement together? If so, then you probably know what we have been going through in the last couple of months. And how relieved we are that it’s finally official: Fabian Cancellara joins our ride and supports us in cycling glasses development with his expertise and as a brand ambassador!

Fabian Cancellara is a man of success: He is a two-time Olympic Champion, four-time World Champion, and multiple winner of the Spring Classics. And he is so much more. In recent months, we’ve also gotten to know other facets of Fabian. Such as his passion for innovative technology and high-quality products. Or his loyalty to Swiss manufacturers. So Fabian and ILEVE DISTRICT are a perfect match – and he is going to contribute his many years of expertise to the development of our cycling glasses.

«ILEVE DISTRICT offers creative freedom where I can bring in my experience from professional cycling into product development»
Fabian Cancellara

The cycling pro and the eyewear start-up from BernE

Fabian only lives two stops away from Stettlen where we have our office. Is this a coincidence? Well, it probably is, but it is also one of Fabian’s concerns to promote the local cycling industry. This is by the way also a reason why Fabian cooperates with brands like BMC from Grenchen, DT Swiss from Biel, and Suplest Shoes from Burgdorf. And now with ILEVE DISTRICT another partnership with strong local anchoring is being established. With Fabian we are not just connected through our geographical proximity. It is also the accuracy, the love for the details, and the common beliefs in sustainably manufactured products that brought us together.

«Successful partnerships are based on the same values. Short coordination paths and an exchange at eye level are important to me.»
Fabian Cancellara

A common passion for cycling

Those of you who have been following us for a while know that we are on fire for cycling and everything that comes with it. We want to continuously improve our cycling glasses and move away from linear towards circular eyewear design. With Fabian Cancellara, we have found a like-minded partner who shares the same passion, values, and vision for sustainability in cycling. It is such a huge milestone for us that we were able to win Fabian for our team. And who could be a better ambassador for our Swiss made cycling glasses than Spartacus himself?

«I’m fascinated by local 3D printing manufacturing. The innovative technology will offer many more possibilities in the future.»

Fabian Cancellara

Cycling eyewear design: reduced to the essentials

Posted on 13. October 20221. July 2024 by nelocom

During his apprenticeship as a constructor, Simon, our designer and product developer, was taught that a good constructor designs products in such a way that they break after a certain period of use. Planned obsolescence is the technical jargon for this. In our opinion, that’s absolute bullshit! Our cycling glasses are designed to last. We met Simon for an interview and wanted to know what the formula of minimalist design is, which design principles he follows and what his aims are in terms of circular design.

Simon, what characterises your design language?

Honesty and simplicity. The frame consists of only three elements: A front, two temples and four pins. The hinge is completely integrated into the frame. The front and temples interlock and are fixed with two pins on each side.

Sounds quite simple.

In our society, the dominant opinion is that more is always better. The great art of good design, however, is to do without anything that makes a product unnecessarily complicated. That’s what we measure ourselves by: the simplicity and intuitive handling of our sports eyewear.

«Good design is honest.» Design Principle No. 6 by Dieter Rams

You are guided by the 10 design principles of industrial designer Dieter Rams. Which is the most important design principle?

There are always two perspectives on design: From the user’s perspective, the product should be as simple and intuitive as possible. From my perspective as a developer and designer, a product is always a symbiosis of functionality and aesthetics. To be guided by only one principle does not meet my ambition. The goal – and this is at the same time the high art – is to unite all ten principles. For me, it is primarily a matter of form follows function. Because without perfect function, a product will not be used in the long run.

One of the principles is «Good design is as little design as possible». What does Rams mean by that?

This principle is very central. I always ask myself, what can I leave out without losing functionality? Why add another component or material if there is a different way? I want to simplify and design comprehensible products. For me, the greatest compliment is when someone looks at our sports glasses and says: «Actually, that’ s logical».

«Good design is as little design as possible.» Design Principle No. 10 by Dieter Rams

How do you implement this?

We focus on low product complexity, which makes our glasses less vulnerable. Our glasses are designed to be put together easily – and more importantly – to be easily disassembled into their individual components. So we can ensure that spare parts can be replaced in no time. This increases the service life and is our contribution to the sustainable use of our resources.

What are your main tasks as a product developer?

In the holistic view. Product design is not only about the actual use, but also about the materials, the manufacturing process, the production site and what happens to a product at the end of its life cycle. Is it a linear product that is thrown away at the end? Or can the materials be reused and returned to the cycle? We consistently pursue the latter approach – even though there is still a long way to go.

Circularity – what does that mean in particular?

In circular approaches, three aspects are central: design, materiality and customer behaviour. In terms of design, we have done our homework. Our sports eyewear can be dismantled into its components in a few simple steps and disposed of or recycled properly. Now we are focusing on the material. We are currently evaluating renewable raw materials in order to be able to produce more sustainably. Finally, the use of the product also matters: will we still sell glasses in the future? Or will we rent them out? These are questions that are currently keeping us busy.

«Good design is long-lasting.» Design Principle No. 7 by Dieter Rams

Which designs do you get inspiration from?

I’m fascinated by Swiss brands like USM Haller or Horgenglarus. Not only in terms of design, but also in terms of modularity, functionality and simplicity. During my studies to become an industrial designer, I was involved in the development of the «classic» bar chair by Horgenglarus. This project has had a profound impact on my understanding of a consistent design language.

So you would like to be compared with these brands?

Being compared is not important to me. My focus is on offering our customers the greatest possible added value. Let’s be honest: At the end of the day, it’s just glasses.

Mont Ventoux: When the mountain calls three times

Posted on 9. July 20221. July 2024 by nelocom

Mont Ventoux, Géant de Provence, classic of the Tour de France: the bare mountain in the middle of the Provence has many names. And just as many paths that lead up. Three in all. We took these three under our wheels at the beginning of June. No, not all of them on the same day – we saved access to the club «Cinglés du Mont Ventoux», the club of crazy people who ride all three climbs in one day, for later. We wanted to savour this adventure a little longer and cycled the climbs from Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault on our road bikes on three days in a row. An experience report by our co-founder Silvia.

The route to Sault, the starting point for our Mont Ventoux adventure, leads us over the Col de L’Homme Mort. If only that isn’t a bad omen, I guess. I remember the story of Wilfried de Jong from «The man and his bike» and how the protagonist climbs the pass at night in the dark. Here, it is already getting dark too. The twilight makes the peaks on the horizon shimmer blue. And there in the distance we can make it out – Mont Ventoux. It majestically dominates all the other peaks in the region. The spire of the observatory reaches far into the night sky. We arrive in Sault where we meet our friends on the terrace of the restaurant. We toast the adventure that lies ahead. And to friendships that the mountain will seal.

Climb via Bédoin – the classic one

Friday morning. The sky is covered, our glance is directed upwards – hopefully the weather will last. As soon as we set off, we feel the first raindrops. It remains just a few drops, which immediately disappear on the warm asphalt.

Today, the ascent via Bédoin is on the agenda. The southern ramp is one of the classics at the Tour de France. It is on the course plan every now and then. Our route takes us via Gorges de la Nesque to the foot of the Mont Ventoux. The landscape of the gorge is a dream! Hardly any cars. But even more cyclists. All of them retired Frenchmen. Their wiry legs and arms bear witness to many hours in the saddle. Their eyes are always directed downwards to the asphalt. It seems as if they were riding this route for the hundredth time. They know the surroundings, know every single turn. There is no time to look up and be astonished – they sit too doggedly on their bikes and try to build on past performances.

From Bédoin, the mistral is already blowing towards us. That’s a good start! What will it be like at the top? The wind dies down in the forest. It’ s getting warm. It’s getting hot. In the middle section, the average gradient is 9%. Not for nothing does Mont Ventoux belong to the Hors Catégorie. Further ahead, the mountain claims its first victim. A man in an orange jersey pushes his racing bike in front of him, his upper body bent low over the handlebars. «Ca va, monsieur?» My standard question. Some answer, others just look up briefly and nod strained. Will he make it to the summit?

From Chalet Reynard onwards it becomes barren. We are above the tree line. No more trees to give us shade, no more trees to protect us from the wind. The summit is visible in the distance. From here it is another six kilometres. I feel good, feel uplifted. The metres in altitude in the Emmental seem to be paying off. I pedal on and keep my rhythm.

A photo with the summit sign is a must. As a proof of my own performance, of what I have just achieved. We get something to eat at the top. And put on something warmer for the descent. I click in my pedal, shift up – and see the man in the orange jersey crossing me and fighting his way up the last few metres to the summit.

Mont Ventoux by road bike: Route from Sault via Bédoin

Total kilometres: 86

Total metres in altitude: 2066

Kilometres from Bédoin to the summit: 21.2

Metres in altitude from Bédoin to the summit: 1599

Average gradient from Bédoin: 7.5%

Entire route via Bédoin on Strava

Climb via Malaucène – The exposed one

Day two. From Sault we head north-east along the foot of Mont Ventoux. The terrain is hilly. The road is lined with light limestone and yellow flowering bushes. I try to remember what the bushes are called. Broom? I think it’s broom. At the halfway point we reach Malaucène. After a short refreshment in a café, we start the climb. It is midday. The sun is vertical. The thermometer has long since reached 30 degrees. I miss the pine forest from the day before. Much of the west ramp is exposed. Especially in the lower part. Hardly any trees, hardly any shade. The sun is pressing down. The drops of sweat are falling freely, the cycling glasses have long since been put into the helmet.

It gets really tough from kilometre nine. For the next four kilometres you have to grit your teeth. The average gradient is 12%. Christoph appears in front of me. I pedal a little harder and hang on to his rear wheel. We hardly speak. We are both busy with ourselves. I am glad to spot our support vehicle further ahead. I pour the last drops of water from the bidon down my neck. The refreshment doesn’t last long. We’ll reach the vehicle in a moment and we can fill up our bidons again.

Suddenly it appears in front of us: the angular observatory with its red and white striped tower. Like a lighthouse in the middle of the limestone desert. The last kilometres lie ahead of us, the peak vertically above us within reach. The road winds picturesquely up to the summit, a few more extended serpentines. Now just keep the rhythm: tac, tac, tac, tac.

Once again the mountain is kind to us. The wind is bearable. We take our sandwiches and sit down at the side of the road. Lunch with a View: We let our glance wander over the Provence countryside. As on the previous day, we take the direct route to Sault. One of the most beautiful descents I have ever ridden. Not too steep that you have to brake constantly; and not too flat that you have to pedal either. Tomorrow we’ll ride the same route under the reverse sign, tomorrow we’ll ride this route up the mountain.

Mont Ventoux by road bike: route from Sault via Malaucène

Total kilometres: 92

Total altitude: 2220

Kilometres from Malaucène to the summit: 20.9

Metres in altitude from Malaucène to the summit: 1576

Average gradient from Malaucène: 7.5%

Entire route via Malaucène on Strava

Climb via Sault – the gracious one

We saved the longest climb for the last day. At 25 kilometres, the east ramp from Sault is not only the longest climb, but also the most gracious, with an average gradient of 4.8%.

The route leads through lavender fields. In a couple of weeks it must be blooming purple and smelling sweet here. The aspirants for today’s stage win have stepped up the pace and are pulling ahead. I try to keep up. No chance. I slow down again. I find my pace, find my rhythm. Tac, tac, tac. I like having the road for myself. I can follow my thoughts, sort out my ideas. Soon pine trees line the road on the left and right. It is pleasantly cool. A straying dog crosses the road. He doesn’t seem to be interested in me. Fine.

The first early riders head towards us in their fluttering jackets. Some look up briefly and nod as they pass. Others keep their focus on the road, bent low over the handlebars. I wonder if they have already fulfilled their target for today? Or, as aspirants to the “Cinglés du Mont Ventoux” club, do they still have two more climbs to go?

The route is slowly becoming flatter. Although the road is still climbing, I have the feeling of being carried. Mont Sacré. The holy mountain. Today Mont Ventoux seems generous. He means well with us. One last right turn and we see the Chalet Reynard in front of us. From here on we know the route. Another six kilometres to the summit.

It is Sunday. Whit Sunday. The route is much busier than two days ago. Tourists, day trippers and cyclists are crowding the mountain. Soon we are at the top. Soon the 1910-metre-high mountain is conquered. For the third time in a row. At the top we hug each other. Because you can’t describe this feeling – you can only share it.

Mont Ventoux by road bike: route from Sault

Total kilometres: 75

Total metres in altitude: 1975

Kilometres from Sault to the summit: 25.4

Vertical metres from Sault to the summit: 1214

Average gradient from Sault: 4.8%

Entire route via Sault on Strava

Three days. Three times climbing Mont Ventoux. Some of us got themselves a mountain prize jersey or a miniature kerbstone in the souvenir shop. Others travel home with nothing but the memory of three wonderful days. Whether you’re conquering the mountain for the first time or the x-th time, whether you’re an attacker or a pleasure rider, whether the mountain is a challenge, an adventure or a playground for you: we’ve created shared moments, sealed friendships and created memories that will last forever. Nowhere else does this happen as honestly as on the mountain. And yes, the «Cinglés du Mont Ventoux» club is still high on my bucket list.

Mont Ventoux by road bike: tips

If you prefer to have the road to yourself rather than sharing it with lots of other motorists or cyclists, avoid Sundays.

If you like busy roads, climb Mont Ventoux on a Sunday.

Drink, drink, drink. Especially on hot days. There is one refreshment option per climb: the Chalet Reynard from Bédoin and Sault, about 6 km below the summit, and the Chalet Liotard from Malaucène, also about 6 km below the summit. And of course the Brasserie le Vendran at the summit.

Bédoin is the cycling Mecca on Mont Ventoux. Street cafés, souvenir shops and colourful cycling jerseys line the road. In Malaucène, too, the cafés line the streets. Sault is much less touristy.

On the descent towards Sault, a few kilometres before entering the town, you will find the Farm aux Lavendes. A nice place to stop and relax.

Route planning and organisation: Ruedi Beck from Cycling My Way. Photos: Niels Oberson.

With customer feedback from prototype to cycling glasses N°1

Posted on 10. April 202213. June 2023 by nelocom

Part two of our designer and developer talk! This time we asked Simon how to develop and optimise sports glasses by continuously gathering customer feedback. Learn in the interview below what he particularly appreciates about customer feedback and what our cycling glasses have in common with an Apple device.

Simon, you launched your frame N°1 last November.

That’s right. The idea for Swiss made sports eyewear came up about a year ago in a bar in Bern: we had a beer in our hands and the vision of the first Swiss engineered and Swiss manufactured cycling glasses in our heads. We spent almost a year developing, designing and testing. In autumn it was time to ride out of the slipstream – and to find out whether we would face a headwind or a tailwind with our cycling glasses. A decision we do not regret.

What are the first customer feedbacks like?

That our glasses fit tightly and don’t slip. That’s even more important in winter when a cap or headband are worn under the helmet. The light weight and the high-contrast lens are also noticed positively. The design and the matt surface structure differentiate us from conventional sports glasses. And we are really happy with Oli’s compliment on the click-in hinge: he said that clicking the temples in and out reminds him of using an Apple device.

«We were especially excited about Oli’s feedback. He said that clicking the hinge in and out reminds him of using an Apple device.»

That must be music to the ears of a product developer?

Of course, we are very pleased with this feedback. It shows how we have continually developed over the last few months – from prototypes to our model N°1. From the very beginning, we have been closely working together with our test crew: we have developed, tested and optimised. For example, the grip of the first prototype was not optimal yet. Eli took the glasses off on descents in fear of losing them. Today, the glasses stay on the face – even on steep descents.

Isn’t it challenging when too many different opinions come together in product development?

That’s exactly what developing a new product is all about: We had many conversations to find out what our target group’s needs are and what they expect from cycling glasses. Even before the first designs were drawn in CAD, we interviewed our target group. Thereby we learned three things. First, cyclists like clean designs and subtle colours. All the gaudy designs that were in a few years ago are gone. Jeff even told us that he had painted over the neon green logo of a well-known eyewear brand with dark car paint.

Second?

Cyclists pay attention to functionality and quality. On the racing bike, sports glasses should fit well and tight. Not only on the face, but also in the helmet. In addition, the glasses should be robust and durable. These are all requirements that we have taken into account in developing our cycling glasses.

«Short transportation routes and partnership-based supplier relationships make up for the extra expense of building up local producers.»

And thirdly?

Thirdly – and this is something we are particularly excited about – our target group attaches great importance to a regional and sustainable product. These statements confirm our decision to manufacture locally in Switzerland, even if this means extra work. Because we are building up our Swiss producers from scratch. However, partnership-based supplier relationships, short transport routes and a quality product far from mass production make up for this investment.

You have been on the market for about four months now. Is there also critical feedback on your frame N°1?

Of the more than 80 glasses sold in the last four months, 3 came back: one because of the surface structure, one because of the nose section and one because it sits too close to the forehead. This feedback motivates us to constantly develop our glasses further. We have already implemented the first optimisations.

«Constructive feedback motivates us to constantly develop our glasses forward.»

What’s currently keeping you busy?

We are preparing the market launch of our model N°1. The limited edition was just a sneak preview. And the model N°2 is already in the pipeline. We will constantly expand our product portfolio. And we will soon announce our first collaborations with a Swiss cycling brand. So, there are exciting times ahead.

Interview part I: Learn more about the idea behind the screwless click-in hinge.

DISCOVER OUR FRAMES

Frame N°1

Discover our frame N°1. Highest functionality combined with a contemporary design. To suit your cyclist’s attitude.

Frame N°2

You are looking for something more coffee ride? Discover our frame N°2. Also suitable for prescription glasses.

Swiss cycling glasses with patented click-in technology

Posted on 9. April 20225. July 2022 by nelocom

We talked to Simon, our designer and product developer. Because we wanted to know more about the screwless click-in technology. Curious why Simon sometimes wonders about the granted patent? Why our click-in hinge corresponds to a U-profile from shape theory? And what design has to do with simplicity? Go ahead, check out the interview below – part one.

Simon, you describe the screwless click-in technology as the heart of your cycling glasses. What is the idea behind it?

As a product developer, I asked the simple question: What is the function of a frame? And how should a frame be designed to fulfil this function in the best possible way? A conventional hinge is a weak point: a hinge is there to fold the glasses compactly and stow them away. But a frame does not fulfil its job with folded temples in the case. A frame does its job with unfolded temples on the face.

What does this mean for your hinge?

Conventional hinges are movable. They form two unstable points on the face. With our glasses, the hinge is clicked into place. This creates a stable connection between the front and the two temples – and thus between the nose and the two contact points at the ears. This is how we absorb movement and facial expressions. The glasses stay where they belong and do not slip off the nose.

«With our technology, the hinge is clicked into place. This creates a stable connection between the front and the two temples.»

Sounds plausible. What is the consideration behind it?

In the words of a designer and product developer: With the temples clicked in, our glasses have the shape of a U-profile. We know from shape theory that this profile has the greatest possible stability. With the click-in hinge, we make use of this advantage.

How long did the development take?

The idea for the click-in hinge came up five years ago during my industrial design studies. The first prototype worked differently. Although the hinge could also be clicked in, we noticed during user tests that the handling was not intuitive. We can’t re-educate people, but we can offer them added value with products that are easy to handle. So the development of the click-in hinge was not straightforward, but a multi-stage process.

«My aspiration is people looking at our click-in hinge and thinking: ‘actually, that makes sense’.»

You have applied a patent for the click-in technology.

Exactly. The patent has already been granted in some countries. Which is great! And at the same time, it sometimes makes me wonder how a simple and intuitive construction like our hinge can be patented at all. But probably the magic lies right in this simplicity.

Interview part II: Learn how we continuously gathered customer feedback to optimise our cycling glasses.

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Frame N°1

Discover our frame N°1. Highest functionality combined with a contemporary design. To suit your cyclist’s attitude.

Frame N°2

You are looking for something more coffee ride? Discover our frame N°2. Also suitable for prescription glasses.

Swiss Glasses for Fabian Cancellara Collection by Strellson

Posted on 21. January 202213. June 2023 by nelocom

With our minimalist cycling eyewear design, you always look awesome – even off bike. That was also noticed by Strellson. The Swiss menswear fashion label features our first cycling glasses, our frame N°1, in their capsule collection with Fabian Cancellara.

What unites us with Strellson and the cycling legend Fabian Cancellara? It’s our Swiss heritage. It’s our commitment to function, performance and comfort. This attitude is the foundation of our collaboration with Strellson. And it’s the essence of their off-bike collection with the two-time Olympic gold medal winner.

The collection was co-developed by Fabian Cancellara. It consists of two jackets, a waistcoat, various jerseys and shorts. There is also a cycling jersey, a cap – and our sports glasses, of course.

«The fact that Strellson features us in their collection with Fabian Cancellara rewards the dedication we have put into the development and design of our cycling glasses over the last few months.»

For the capsule collection, Strellson has chosen our first frame N°1. The outside of the temples are branded: FC x STRELLSON is printed in 3D. This is one of the advantages of 3D printing. Thanks to the innovative manufacturing process, we can not only produce in Switzerland, but also customise our cycling glasses in even small quantities.

The off-bike collection is available in a limited edition. There are only 20 pairs of the cycling glasses. You want to get one for yourself? This way: DISCOVER CAPSULE COLLECTION

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Frame N°1

Discover our frame N°1. Highest functionality combined with a contemporary design. To suit your cyclist’s attitude.

Frame N°2

You are looking for something more coffee ride? Discover our frame N°2. Also suitable for prescription glasses.

ACT 1: THE IDEA – OUR CYCLING GLASSES AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

ACT 2: THE EVOLUTION – FROM ILEVE TO VELO

ACT 3: THE FINALE – CYCLING AND REGIONAL SOLIDARITY

EPILOGUE: AND THE MORAL OF THE STORY?

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The Col du Galibier: A Place of Legends

#ridethedots: The Orange Dots on the Mountain

The #swissmade Cycling Glasses from Bern

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Different lens colours to enhance your vision while cycling

Different lens tints to protect your eyes while cycling

Cycling glasses from ILEVE DISTRICT

THE ANYTIME CYCLIST

THE ANYTIME CYCLIST

THE DAYLIGHT CYCLIST

THE DAYLIGHT CYCLIST

THE SUNLIGHT CYCLIST

THE SUNLIGHT CYCLIST

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ILEVE socks black

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The cycling pro and the eyewear start-up from BernE

A common passion for cycling

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ILEVE socks black

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Climb via Bédoin – the classic one

Mont Ventoux by road bike: Route from Sault via Bédoin

Climb via Malaucène – The exposed one

Mont Ventoux by road bike: route from Sault via Malaucène

Climb via Sault – the gracious one

Mont Ventoux by road bike: route from Sault

Mont Ventoux by road bike: tips

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