Press Room

PRESS RELEASE - 02/12/2022

Press release: GripGrab Explorer Waterproof Gravel Shoe Covers Launching the GripGrab Explorer – gravel-focused shoe covers for drop-bar riders whose adventures take them beyond the paved road

By popular demand, and after countless hours of testing, GripGrab is proud to launch the new Explorer Waterproof Gravel Shoe Covers. Based on the popular Flandrien Road Shoe Covers, this off-road cousin brings style and waterproof functionality to off-road riding

Following the launch and popularity of the Flandrien – which combines the retro style of the ‘Belgian bootie’ with modern waterproof technology – riders were quick to ask when a more robust off-road version would be released that could put up with the demands of gravel riding.

Now, with the launch of the GripGrab Explorer Waterproof Gravel Shoe Covers, that time has come. Hours of design work and in-the-field testing, through several generations of prototypes, have led to the version that is now available for purchase.

For now, the GripGrab Explorer Waterproof Gravel Shoe Covers are available exclusively on gripgrab.com but they will made available through selected retail partners in the near future.

Research and development

The design, functionality and features of the Explorer Shoe Covers were meticulously developed in cooperation with elite gravel riders – providing feedback from numerous test rides in varying conditions. As a Scandinavian brand, GripGrab embraces the conditions – meaning that wind, rain and cold shouldn’t be a barrier to riding.

Forget off-seasons, cyclists can ride all year – by choosing the right gear for the right conditions.

The Explorer shoe covers feature enhanced weather protection, so your gravel ride will be a great experience, even in demanding conditions.

Designed for cold and wet weather

The mission with the Explorer was to create a pair of versatile shoe covers specifically designed for gravel riding in cold and wet conditions. The result uses cutting-edge waterproof membrane technology to create shoe covers that look great and perform.

Three-layer waterproof construction

A three-layer composition consists of an insulating inside knitted layer, a fully waterproof membrane and a robust outer knitted layer. The choice of materials combines fully waterproof functionality with a modern take on a retro design.

Form fitting and zipperless design

The high-stretch fabric provides a form-fitting profile, while the zipperless cuff reduces irritation and extends product life compared to standard zip designs. Shoe covers that look and feel great.

Toe cap reinforcement

The TPU toe caps on the Explorer protect the front of the shoe covers from wear and impacts. The toe caps are key to the enhanced durability of the gravel specific design.

Made from injection moulded TPU, they protect areas of the shoe covers that are repeatedly exposed to abrasion during your rides and when getting on and off the bike.

Shoe underside reinforcement

The strategically placed TPU underside wear patches further enhance durability.

These patches are positioned between the forefoot and heel treads – an area that receives notable impacts from rough surfaces when walking off-road, and an area that can come into contact with the pedal if the pedal is missed when trying to clip in.

The protective TPU patch helps avoid damage to the soft knitted fabric.

All you need to know: Explorer Waterproof Gravel Shoe Covers

PRESS RELEASE - 16/11/2022

GripGrab will launch Cycling Wear for AW23

Danish cycling essentials brand, GripGrab, is betting big for Autumn-Winter 2023 by entering a completely new category with its first complete range of cycling wear. The brand has listened to its growing base of loyal customers who want functional, good looking and innovative kit from their favourite brand 

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GripGrab is set to enter a new market for Autumn-Winter 2023 with a new, extensive range of cycling wear – so now riders can dress head-to-toe in the brand’s kit and ride all year. GripGrab has already lined up meetings with its most trusted retail partners across Europe, so that the planning for consumer launch in August/September 2023 can be a true omnichannel event across GripGrab’s extensive sales channel network.  

The past 22 years of continuous growth within the areas of gloves, shoe covers, base layers and socks have taken the brand across the world. Now, the founders say, “it’s time to take the range up a notch, by launching our first collection of cycling wear as part of our extensive product portfolio”. 

The GripGrab cycling wear collection is not intended to showcase “just another cycling wear brand”. GripGrab wants to challenge the status quo and do things the GripGrab way. GripGrab has entered the development with a clear vision and a strong value proposition that reflects the overall company values. 

“It is our ambition to be able to equip cyclists from top to toe, which quite obviously requires cycling wear. Contrary to what most brands do, we believe the cold, dark and wet conditions of Autumn-Winter is the right time to do it. This is where we can really show what we can do”  – Kristian Krøyer, GripGrab co-founder and head of R&D 

AW is GripGrab’s peak season. That is when riders are most challenged by the weather – especially in Scandinavia, GripGrab’s home, which is where the brand gets most of its inspiration. Cyclists who actively choose to ride all year, for whom there is no off-season – these are GripGrab’s target riders. For riders who don’t yet ride all year, the kit will enable them to do so. With a complete range of essentials for all possible weather conditions, the next step is to launch a range of essential cycling wear items with that specific GripGrab touch.  

Essential layering system

The range is based on an ‘essentials layering system’, which allows the customer to own only a few key items which, when combined in different ways, are the perfect match for the specific temperatures and weather conditions on any Autumn-Winter ride. Combined with the existing series of GripGrab base layers, merino socks, arm and leg warmers or other products, cyclists can complete the kit they need so they can ride all year. 

These first products have been designed and developed to have a strong connection to GripGrab’s core categories, thus making cycling wear a want-to-pair with existing, trusted essentials. An example is the next generation AquaRepel Water-Resistant Leg Warmers that will pair perfectly with the newly developed AquaRepel Water-Resistant Bib Shorts. The collection focuses on what the brand defines as “cycling essentials” – products that can be joined together and combined with accessories to kit you out with the perfect solution for any weather conditions.   

“In the development of the new cycling wear, we have stayed true to our sustainability promise to create products that last longer and that implement recycled materials, as long as durability is not compromised. The new range will reflect our sustainability-driven approach anchored in the idea of managing cycling life with fewer products, reducing the need for washing and making products that last longer. An example of such product versatility is our non-padded AquaRepel Water-Resistant Bib Tights which come paired with premium padded cycling shorts, the Airflow Mesh Liner Shorts. The tights will be made of a high-stretch softshell fabric with a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatment that will offer waterproof and windproof protection and shield legs and lower back against rain and road spray” 

– Anne Sophie Goetz, GripGrab Product Developer 

Classics and innovations 

The collection includes well-known categories such as a rain jacket, a winter jacket, a long-sleeve jersey, along with winter bib shorts and bib tights. 

Also introduced is a new piece of kit that adds great versatility to most riders’ kit drawers. The Mid-Layer Bodywarmer Vest is a product that can be used to increase the thermal insulation of any kit. Put it underneath your jersey to get an extra level of insulation or pair it with the winter jacket when you are heading out in sub-zero conditions. This is a step up in insulation and comfort, and takes inspiration from the outdoor industry, where everyone has got used to layering up and down on the fly. 

Bundling long tights with liner shorts is based on a vision where cyclists want less kit and need to wash their entire cycling wardrobe less. With liner shorts, you only have to wash the under-layer after each ride, not the tights. The tights only need washing after three to five rides depending on the conditions they’re used in. This will also allow for a longer lifetime of the tights, as washing is often quite hard on garments. The dedicated rider, who is on their bike quite often, can then just purchase a few of the less expensive liner shorts to pair with one set of bib tights. 

These mesh liner shorts – which are also offered as a stand-alone item – feature an Elastic Interface high-density foam seat pad for pressure relief, and highly breathable fabrics for the best temperature regulation. The padded liner shorts are also perfect for indoor training sessions or can even be worn under baggy shorts. 

Subtle branding, essential colours 

The choice of branding and colours is subtle, highly functional and modern. This perfectly complements the season and Scandinavian riding style, which is seen more and more across Europe and the USA. The choice of materials is high-end, but the items are more accessibly priced compared to most established brands.    

Still an essentials brand 

GripGrab is a brand populated by cyclists, and its ‘Gripsters’ are excited to now be able to ride in their own kit – from head to toe. Although it’s very exciting for the brand to launch cycling wear, it’s important to reiterate that GripGrab will remain an essentials brand – where cycling wear just happens to fit in perfectly.

 

PRESS RELEASE - 11/10/2022

GripGrab launches new Autumn-Winter products with a focus on recycled materials and riding in all weathers

GripGrab’s new AW22 product range includes the brand’s best ever gloves plus new lines to bolster the product range of all-weather cycling essentials: now you can ride all year

GripGrab has launched a new range of products for Autumn-Winter 2022. This includes the Danish brand’s best gloves ever, so you can ride all year. The five key glove models have been designed to cover every weather type and eventuality, so cyclists can get out and ride in all conditions.

The Insulator 2 will keep off the first chill of autumn. Next the Hurricane 2 – probably GripGrab’s most versatile pair of gloves – keep the wind off your hands and shrug off light ran. As the wind chill increases and the temperature drops, the Windster 2 takeover to keep riders’ hands warm on long days on the bike. When the weather turns wet, the Polaris 2 will keep your hands warm and dry. Finally, for the coldest conditions, the Nordic 2 Lobster gloves shrug off the worst of winter.

GripGrab is at its best when the weather is at its worst

Continuing its work to get more people cycling and to keep them riding all year round, these new premium gloves will help cyclists to ride all year – regardless of the conditions.

All the new premium gloves are based on their respective first-generation predecessors. In generation two, we have used customer feedback from first-generation products, which have been on the market for several years, along with the latest fabrics to take glove construction to the next level. Overall, the range is made of 70% recycled materials.

“At GripGrab we envision a future where every cyclist on the planet is inspired and enabled to live out their cycling potential, so our mission is to inspire cyclists to explore that cycling potential and to create products that enable them to live it out. Now, with the new range of Autumn-Winter 2022 gloves – GripGrab's best ever – cyclists can ride all year in comfort, ready take on all conditions” – Martin Krøyer, CEO and co-founder

In addition to premium, top end gloves, there are also the GripGrab Ride Windproof Deep Winter Lobster Gloves – with a design much the same as the Nordic 2, but different material choices allow for a lower price point.

Away from gloves, the all-new GripGrab AquaShield Waterproof Cycling Cap is yet another step towards the brand’s mission to conquer all seasons and keep you riding outside whatever the weather.

The final new product is the GripGrab Alpine Merino High Cut Winter Socks – luxuriously soft warmth for your feet on long winter bike rides.

The product packaging has also been updated, with a reduction in the amount of cardboard used as much of the information has been moved online – which can be easily accessed using the QR code on each product’s tag (see below for the links)

Product evolutions

Chief among the product evolutions is the new optimised 1+1+3 finger split found on the lobster-style models – Nordic 2 and Ride Windproof. The optimised finger split gives a separation of the forefinger to allow for effective braking and shifting on both road and mountain bike levers. These gloves also employ a soft fleecing lining – made from 100% recycled material – with an anti-odour treatment to keep the gloves fresher for longer; this also means they won’t need such frequent washing, so they will last longer and have a lower environmental impact.

All part of the brand’s mission to make the world a better place with GripGrab in it than it would be without.

The range of gloves – from lightweight Spring-Autumn gloves to thermal lobsters to see you through the worst of winter – is curated to cover all autumn and winter weather eventualities, so riders can find what they need to keep them riding through all seasons.

PRESS RELEASE - 21/06/2022

In just two years, cycling essentials and accessories brand GripGrab has doubled its revenue

Last year was a growth-filled 12 months for family-owned business GripGrab. The Danish brand makes Cycling Essentials – the accessories cyclists need to ride in all conditions – which are sold throughout Europe. The company grew its turnover by 30% in 2021, to reach a total of almost 100 million kroner (approximately €13.1m). The next step is to enter the North American market and spread the vision of all the positive benefits of cycling – both personal and societal.

It all started with Kristian Krøyer's passion for cycling in 2000, where he saw an opportunity to make better mountain bike gloves than those already on the market at the time. The three Krøyer brothers – Kristian, Martin and Bjørn – joined forces and established GripGrab with the goal of making the world's best cycling gloves.

Now, 22 years later, the passion has grown into a rapid profit business with 51 employees, a turnover in 2021 of 98 million kroner and a wide range of different types of accessories for cycling, which are sold throughout Scandinavia and Europe.

GripGrab has redefined its category as ‘Cycling Essentials’ – that is, everything you cannot do without when cycling, regardless of cycling discipline and weather conditions. Especially within the rapidly growing segment of ‘gravel cycling’, GripGrab has experienced a perfect match between the special understanding of functionality and quality added to a single Scandinavian design.

“We are enormously satisfied with the result we have delivered in 2021,” says Martin Krøyer, CEO of GripGrab. “We had tailwinds during the coronavirus pandemic because people had to look outside to exercise. We could clearly feel it, and it turns out that people to that extent have opened their eyes to what cycling can do. You become happier, fresher and healthier – plus you can use your bike as a means of transport in everyday life. It supports our purpose of enriching lives through cycling.”

In 2020, GripGrab grew by 50% and in 2021 growth continued at a rate of 30%. Last year, 15 new employees were hired to strengthen the company's competencies and make it ready to take the next, significant growth leaps.

“We are in a place now where the volume and complexity of the tasks mean that we need extremely skilled people to be able to develop new products and enter new markets. The next step is to expand to North America in 2022, and the ambition is that in approximately five years we will have more than doubled our current turnover,” Martin Krøyer explains.

The vision is the driving force – not the economy

Although GripGrab grows and has tailwinds, the brothers maintain a long-range view. GripGrab is their life's work, based on their love of cycling and the brand that they have created together – and that is how it will continue to be.

“For us, it's not about making a lot of money, it's not about being sold or becoming the biggest. For us, in short, it is about wanting to make a difference in the world,” Martin Krøyer continues. “We want to help people open their eyes to what cycling can do, how it can improve people's lives and health and how the bicycle can be used as a means of transport, while at the same time contributing positively to the climate by allowing people to leave their car at home.

“Through our products, we want to remove the barriers that can stop you getting on your bike. We want to make the trip such a good experience that you cannot help but cycle instead of drive. Our product philosophy is to make quality products that last longer and do not go out of fashion next year. Alone, we cannot save the climate – but we can make a small positive difference,” Martin Krøyer concludes.

About GripGrab

• GripGrab develops and produces essentials for cyclists, such as gloves, shoe covers, hats, caps and socks for all cycling disciplines. Soon, there will also be cycling clothes for all kinds of weather
• The three brothers – Kristian, Martin and Bjørn Krøyer – own the company together, which they started together in 2000
• 51 employees as of 2022
• Annual accounts 2021: DKK 98 million
• Growth of 50% in 2020 and 30% in 2021
• Profit before tax in 2021: DKK 14.5 million
• Countries GripGrab is traded in: Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, France, Switzerland
• Sales channels: GripGrab.com, physical shops, online bike shops, Amazon
• Purpose: “Enriching lives through cycling”