103 replies to this topic

[hezza]

I'll open this one up as it's something that's bugged me for a while. Does anyone else think the CR gear on offer is damn ugly??

When on this forum, there are so many contributors but when you get to a race there are very few CRs who say they are running who are actually wearing a cap, for instance.
I usually wear mine but am now finding it very embarrassing to put on as it is so outdated (I have contacted administrators to say so) therefore it is no wonder CRs run incognito as it were.
I have spoken to a couple of other CRs who actually stated that they wouldn't wear any of the current CR gear because of the embarrassment factor.

What does everyone else think?

Edited by hezza, 17 January 2011 - 11:45 AM.

[Katz]

I think it is as ugly as all hell, but I wear it proudly. I also wear my visor or cap while running on site even though I know there are no other CRs here. I don't keep it just for races.

[hezza]

Solace, on Jan 13 2011, 12:53 PM, said:

I think it is as ugly as all hell, but I wear it proudly. I also wear my visor or cap while running on site even though I know there are no other CRs here. I don't keep it just for races.

Call for a revamp I reckon - I can't wear it proudly when I look such a numpty in it (see avatar for proof)

[Katz]

I think the beauty of the naffness is that it is just so recognisable. It makes it very easy for cheersquads to see CRs coming and give them the CR cheer.

[hezza]

Solace, on Jan 13 2011, 01:42 PM, said:

I think the beauty of the naffness is that it is just so recognisable. It makes it very easy for cheersquads to see CRs coming and give them the CR cheer.

I'd prefer it to be recognisable, yes, but a bit 'cooler'. Current running caps do not have floppy plastic peaks.  

[SirPlod]

I’ve thought many times about buying some CR gear… but to be totally honest, as Hezza pointed out – literally the only thing that’s stopping me is that it’s ugly.

I’m no fashion king by any stretch, but hey, if I can’t run fast, I may as well at least try to look good.    

[Bellthorpe]

I wear my CR cap in every race. More than happy with it.

[courtlylove]

I love my CR gear, and usually wear it for races and often wear the cap for training.

As a frequent cheer squad participant it is great for being able to spot CRs in runs and give them appropriately overwhelmingly boisterous cheers!!!

I have noticed lately that fewer CRs are wearing the gear, though.

CL

[TynoMite]

hezza, on Jan 13 2011, 11:47 AM, said:

What does everyone else think?

Heretic!

Hang him!

[hezza]

TynoMite, on Jan 13 2011, 02:58 PM, said:

Heretic!

Hang him!

Good job I've chucked my cap in the bin so no-one will recognise me for the heretic as accused!  


PS Have I hit a nerve here?

Edited by hezza, 13 January 2011 - 02:14 PM.

[SirPlod]

courtlylove, on Jan 13 2011, 02:58 PM, said:

As a frequent cheer squad participant it is great for being able to spot CRs in runs and give them appropriately overwhelmingly boisterous cheers!!!

Hello CL!

And that's the reason why I keep getting tempted to buy a CR cap... (I do get excited when I see somebody with CR gear on in public, and usually ackowledge them...) ...but then thoughts of getting dragged away and shot by the fashion police stop me from actually making a purchase...  

[Bert]

I am one of those unfortunates who can't keep a cap on unless my hair is soaked with rain. I do like to wear my CR singlet when I can but I need to wear my club top for point-score events. I guess that I am past caring about the fashion police, or maybe its the retro look that I like.
However, let's see what kind of response this gets. The current gear was selected some time ago by popular acclaim after a design competion.

[runhard]

Has anyone thought about what it should look like now?  If you think it naff produce a better one and we can vote on it.

I wear mine all the time. I love getting the CR cheer and the friendly face.  I really dont care what I look like  

[EverReadyBunny]

Yes it is a bit loud but I wear it proudly when I get the chance and it is easy to spot.

At the Black Stump I was caught out wearing the blue/yellow CR singlet, a tartan green skirt and red Cascadias shoes. Looked like I had come straight from the Madi Gras. No wonder the cicadi's shouted their protest so loud.

Fortunately there were no fashion police around or none that could keep up.

[Jogger]

We hear you that its time for a revamp of the gear.
We have even got a suggested design, which I quite like (I received it on 21st Dec 2010).

The thinking at the moment is we just start off with singlet, Tshirts, caps, visors and shortsleeve-Tritop.

Now would be a great idea to make your voice heard (even though we clearly cannot satisfy every single person...)

 cr.jpg   38K   356 downloads

[SirPlod]

If I can give my humble 2c, jogger - that's a pretty good start! The white is good. The blue, green and yellow are all a much better shade of blue, green and yellow, than the existing one if that makes sense.

When thinking about what would make it better without taking away the existing CR colours altogether - more white would definitely help (or dare I say it, what about more black?)...

I'm not saying this is a good idea - haven't seen it in the flesh - but what would it look like if you replaced the white on that shirt with black?

Or is black too hot?

Edited by SirPlod, 13 January 2011 - 04:19 PM.

[hezza]

Jogger, on Jan 13 2011, 05:02 PM, said:

We hear you that its time for a revamp of the gear.
We have even got a suggested design, which I quite like (I received it on 21st Dec 2010).

The thinking at the moment is we just start off with singlet, Tshirts, caps, visors and shortsleeve-Tritop.

Now would be a great idea to make your voice heard (even though we clearly cannot satisfy every single person...)

cr.jpg

This is more like it! I like the predominantly white feature.

Can I come out of hiding now?  

Edited by hezza, 13 January 2011 - 04:12 PM.

[Ayla2010]

I like that shirt and id wear it

[Katz]

I certainly don't hate it.I would just be concerned that it wouldn't be nearly as visible as the current design/colour scheme.

I am pretty sure though that those of us who don't mind it will be able to continue to wear it without reproach.

Hezza, you needn't have been in hiding. It's just a difference of opinion is all.  

[Running Angel]

I agree the colours are a bit out there, and the design Kev put up is much better. I do have a CR top which I wear quite often but I don't wear the cap that much. It doesn't really go with much and I do like to colour co-ordinate - wearing it with the singlet aswell would be a bit much. Also I really don't like the cap, the peak is too floppy

[axltk421]

I always wear my CR Cap when I run - my only observation is that the peak doesn't hold up well (no pun intended) to frequent washing. The singlet is always worn when running abroad as the 'CR Australia' logo always drawers comments.

I do like the more 'white' design also.

Incidentally, I have absolutely no fashion sense whatsoever and as a less experienced, larger runner, I have much more to worry about when I'm running than whether my T-Shirt looks good.

Cheers!
Wayne.  

[maryclaire]

Great design!  

[DonBob]

I agree the hat is as ugly as hell and my family dont want to be seen in public with me when I have it on, I only ever wear it on race day so I can be noticed by other CRs for some support and to catch up for a chat. I love the new design and would be very happy to buy a new cap that is predominantly white and wear it all the time with pride. Also need to get rid of that floppy peak. Well done Hezza for bringing up this topic . Cheers Donbob.

[Reddog]

Jogger, on Jan 13 2011, 05:02 PM, said:

We hear you that its time for a revamp of the gear.
We have even got a suggested design, which I quite like (I received it on 21st Dec 2010).

The thinking at the moment is we just start off with singlet, Tshirts, caps, visors and shortsleeve-Tritop.

Now would be a great idea to make your voice heard (even though we clearly cannot satisfy every single person...)

cr.jpg

Noice, I'd wear it

[Sarge]

I've ditched my CR cap and the one's from 6ft as well due to the floppy peaks. The new design looks good.

[courtlylove]

Hezza - no need to hide. Just because I don't have a problem with the CR gear (and don't care a fig about fashion police) doesn't mean I don't respect other people's opinions. In fact, I like the new design suggestion. It will be a little more difficult to pick out CRs from a distance when on cheering duty, but that's not a big problem.

CL

Oh - and I'd prefer not black ... too hot!

CL

[TynoMite]

Saying "I like CR, but the gear is naff" is like saying "I support Richmond, but they should have black and white jumpers"
It's just not right!


But, really, if its easily recognisable as CR gear, it's all good.
I like the cap, because it is so different. It's great in the rain.

The CR kit is also unlike anything else around Brisbane running/tri clubs, whichare dominated by White/Red/Black or White/Green/Black schemes

[tiger angel]

I wear the old singlet but like the freshness of the 'suggested' new one. As for the hat, my hubby loves his but I prefer a lighter weight white one.

I think the new design is good Kev.

[Jander]

If you bring in a new design and have old stock of the old singlet going cheap, I'll take a few.

I love my CR singlet and wear it all the time, style, colour and comfort are all excellent.
It's the only shirt I can wear on runs longer than 2hrs due to nipple chafe. I love my shirt too except the green and yellow sleeves, I'll be cutting them off and stitching it as a sleveless shirt soon.

[superflake]

Jogger, on Jan 13 2011, 05:02 PM, said:

We hear you that its time for a revamp of the gear.
We have even got a suggested design, which I quite like (I received it on 21st Dec 2010).

The thinking at the moment is we just start off with singlet, Tshirts, caps, visors and shortsleeve-Tritop.

Now would be a great idea to make your voice heard (even though we clearly cannot satisfy every single person...)

cr.jpg

Sorry Kevin, But did a cyclist design this top? Is this cool cycling?

I never worry about design colours of running gear. The cap is hard to wear though with the floppy peak. Need a harder one.

[yochris77]

I would be interested in the current colour design in a new style cap.

[Jogger]

Quote

Just because I don't have a problem with the CR gear (and don't care a fig about fashion police) doesn't mean I don't respect other people's opinions.

I agree - to be honest I don't have an issue with the current gear, but I am probably an old fart, and we started investigating other options due to sheer weight of opinion received.

[Bellthorpe]

Sheer weight?

Do you mean that the new gear only has to be ordered in large sizes?

[Brick]

I like the new design but please do not add Black into it far to hot.
And the caps would be better if you get rid of that floppy peak.

A cap in the new colours (mostly white) a hard peak and black on the bottom of the peak (minimizes glare) would be great.

[wazza]

I like the current design but would also wear the new colour scheme.

Have stopped wearing my CR cap, not for aesthetic reasons, but because it is no longer that functional, especially the peak.

I am a great fan of the 2XU running caps and would live in one that came in CR colours!

[frankie17]

I don't like the blue and yellow combo.  So I don't wear CR gear.  

I don't like the "watery" feel of the new shirt.

This, though....well, that could interest me:

http://4.bp.blogspot...00/ron hill.gif

Edited by frankie17, 14 January 2011 - 07:38 AM.

[SMCRoadRaceSeries]

Personal opinion only.

Like the old cap...peak is 'old school'.

Don't like the old colours. In fact it's what turned me off the buff...oh besides the price. Buff's shouldn't be more than $16-$20

New design is too plain...needs work on the font especially. Looks like someone just copy-pasted that together. That's what my experienced designer would say if I asked her.
Agree with superflake's comments.

Edited by SMCRoadRaceSeries, 14 January 2011 - 07:49 AM.

[SirPlod]

TynoMite, on Jan 13 2011, 09:52 PM, said:

Saying "I like CR, but the gear is naff" is like saying "I support Richmond, but they should have black and white jumpers"
It's just not right!

I tend to disagree – I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being honest – and if a revamp means that more CR gear is sold, then surely that’s good for CR as a whole?

I see it more as constructive criticism (certainly from my part) than not supporting CR.

[hezza]

courtlylove, on Jan 13 2011, 09:32 PM, said:

Hezza - no need to hide. Just because I don't have a problem with the CR gear (and don't care a fig about fashion police) doesn't mean I don't respect other people's opinions. In fact, I like the new design suggestion. It will be a little more difficult to pick out CRs from a distance when on cheering duty, but that's not a big problem.

CL

Oh - and I'd prefer not black ... too hot!

CL

CL

People who know me will realise this is all jovial stuff as I don't take life too seriously - I was relating to Tynomite's terrific post 'Heretic - Hang him!' which was great, so the image of a lynch mob scouring the Mornington Peninsula came into my head (pitchforks, clubs and torches, the lot!)

Anyway, I'm glad it has raised a healthy discussion which was the whole point of starting the thread and (my opinion only of course) I think a new fresh design for all apparel, particularly for the cap, would see more CRs identifying themselves at organised runs.
I would be interested in a cap in the new design but agree whole heartedly with Brick's post - spot on. I would buy one definitely and wear it for training runs which I unfortunately do not with the current one.

Hezza (not in hiding)  

Edited by hezza, 14 January 2011 - 08:42 AM.

[rodthehornet]

I am definitely in the minority.  Love the floppy peak.  More so because you can scrunch it up, dip it in a creek etc. and it keeps on keeping on.  I also struggle with the hard peaks against the forehead.  Havent wore a hard peaked cap running for about 5 years.

I have 2 x 6ft soft peaks and 1 x CR soft peak and rotate thru them.  Any soft peaks looking for a loving home, PM me.


Hornet

[hezza]

Jogger, on Jan 13 2011, 05:02 PM, said:

We hear you that its time for a revamp of the gear.
We have even got a suggested design, which I quite like (I received it on 21st Dec 2010).

The thinking at the moment is we just start off with singlet, Tshirts, caps, visors and shortsleeve-Tritop.

Now would be a great idea to make your voice heard (even though we clearly cannot satisfy every single person...)

cr.jpg

Is there a proposed design for the cap? I agree with Brick's suggestion:-

"A cap in the new colours (mostly white) a hard peak and black on the bottom of the peak (minimizes glare) would be great."

[SMCRoadRaceSeries]

SMCRoadRaceSeries, on Jan 14 2011, 08:48 AM, said:

New design is too plain...needs work on the font especially. Looks like someone just copy-pasted that together. That's what my experienced designer would say if I asked her.

Just showed it to her. The word I was looking for is 'clip-art'.  Looks like a Windows screensaver design to me.

I am with Rod...give me your soft peak caps if you dont want it...if still in good order. Can hand it out at SMC

[hezza]

SMCRoadRaceSeries, on Jan 14 2011, 10:19 AM, said:

Just showed it to her. The word I was looking for is 'clip-art'.  Looks like a Windows screensaver design to me.

I am with Rod...give me your soft peak caps if you dont want it...if still in good order. Can hand it out at SMC

Sorry SMC - Rod has jumped in first. Mine's on its way to the Hornet

Edited by hezza, 14 January 2011 - 09:30 AM.

[FitzCameron]

I have both the cap and visor - 99% of the time i wear the visor: my head gets too hot otherwise....

I'll still wear it as I enjoy being encouraged as I run with shouts of "Go Coolrunner!" especially on my training runs....... the colours are distinctive, entrenched in the collective psyche.

saying that; I do like the new design......(not much help am I?)

FC

[Tuttle]

I like the look of the proposed new design.

Steer clear of black!

[DontStop]

Seeing as you asked...

I think anything that isn't designed by a talented and qualified designer is usually extremely naff. The CR collection is no exception.

With those colours being so incredibly loud, you really need the design to be far less crude than it currently is.

If it was up to me, I'd shelf 'competitions' and just find one decent designer and get them to do something tasteful but still standout. Then I'd go with that.

Just my opinion.

As inspiration, have a look at the Run Like Crazy gear. Well designed, strongly branded, and looks like someone who knew what they were doing put some effort into it. I'd wear that. I wouldn't wear something that looks like clip-art.

Is there no-one on CR who is a graphic designer? I think this needs to be done by a professional, not a well-intentioned amateur. That's what the new design looks like - well intentioned, but amateurish.

(Hope I'm not offending anyone. It's just that design is no different to any other skill... if it's not something you're qualified to do, chances are you're going to to it badly. It isn't a reflection on whoever gave up their own unpaid time to create the original CR gear).

Edited by DontStop, 14 January 2011 - 11:42 AM.

[redbackrun]

looking at the r4yl gear. it looks only clipart as well. the cap is embroidered with 2xu logo heat transfered. shirts are adidas clothing which look good. sometimes "less is best" when it comes to artwork & r4yl have got it right.

Edited by redbackrun, 14 January 2011 - 12:14 PM.

[Lotsahare]

Well I personally have always loved the colours & design of the C.R gear .  They are bright, colorful, cheery  & make me want to run!  Also as many others have said you  are able to spot a C.R member from a distance  in a race & it preps you for an almighty cheer for them when they run by !!!... don't change a thing.

Edited by Lotsahare, 14 January 2011 - 12:49 PM.

[Skat]

I love my CR cap and wear it on every run, training or race - it’s light and functional. It might not be the most fashionable item, but I don’t run to look good or impress others.

[Crunchie]

I honestly don't care what I look like when I am running, and I really like my current CR singlet and cap!  Yes, the colours are pretty gaudy but when else can you wear gaudy colours other than when you are exercising or as pyjamas?  

Gaudiness is under-rated I say.