For nearly a decade, you’ve likely seen kit produced by this Illinois-based company, but you probably haven’t heard of them. They’ve produced OEM apparel for top manufacturers, even custom kit for a number of well-known teams across the US. Founder Dennis Mariasis has spent years scouring the world for a wide range of high-performance fabrics that can meet a variety of performance needs and price points.
Now, after seeing such a positive response from clients, Mariasis believes that it’s finally time to “give back to the community and come out of the shadows to help.” And so custom-kit supplier Life Behind Bars Cycling and Customwear.us was born.
Mariasis prides himself on his ability to produce high-quality custom kit at a reasonable price — and in turn, meet just about anyone’s needs when it comes to cycling apparel. To do this, not only does Mariasis source high-tech fabrics from all over the world, he’s also done his research. According to Mariasis, he’s closely studied the work of other popular manufacturers — going through their product stitch-by-stitch in order to understand what truly goes into high-quality kit.
“This knowledge now allows us to create apparel at any price point and provide fabrics you would not be exposed to when making your own apparel,” says Mariasis.
What Life Behind Bars Cycling and Customwear.us tout isn’t so much a specific manufacturing process or feature, but rather their ability to meet the needs and goals of their clients. They’ve provided kit for large charity rides like the Ride For Life Chicago, as well as numerous local cycling clubs.
If you have an idea for some custom cycling kit, you better believe that Mariasis wants to hear from you. So come say hello at this year’s Philly Bike Expo.