Join us in a fun weekly showdown where we compare club kits and let you vote for the most impressive designs. Have you ever spotted a local cycling club whizzing by and thought their gear was either top-notch or totally misplaced? Now’s your chance to voice your opinion. We’re gathering cycling jerseys from various clubs and diving into their backstories to understand what makes each design special.
This week’s feature showcases two distinguished cycling clubs with rich histories and impressive kit designs. We’re putting the best cycling jerseys from Bourne Wheelers and Icknield Road Club head-to-head. Throughout this article, you’ll discover the inspiration behind each design, the community impact these clubs have made, and ultimately, you’ll get to pick the winner in our weekly Club Jersey Clash. Stay tuned for the results of this exciting matchup and be sure to cast your vote at the end!
Bourne Wheelers: Lincolnshire’s Classic Cycling Heritage
Bourne Wheelers represents one of England’s most storied cycling clubs, with roots stretching back to 1888. The club’s earliest documented photo dates from 1910, though it wasn’t officially formed until 1930. After a period of inactivity, the club was successfully revived in 1961, and today it thrives as one of the region’s most active cycling communities.
Club History and Activities
We spoke with Stuart Handley from Bourne Wheelers to learn more about the club’s operations and vision. The club is renowned for organizing time trials, weekend social rides, and midweek outings that cater to cyclists of all abilities. One of their most celebrated events is the longest day ride, featuring both 100 and 150-mile routes that benefit Cancer Research UK. Additionally, Bourne Wheelers hosts two impressive 120-mile fish and chip rides annually and organizes a popular sportive that attracts riders from across the region.
Post-pandemic, the club experienced what many organizations faced: a temporary membership decline. However, through dedicated efforts and engaging community events, Bourne Wheelers has nearly doubled its membership over the past two years. The club has become a hub for local cycling events, hosting prestigious competitions including the Junior Nationals and the Bourne CiCLE festival—a weekend celebration for cyclists of all abilities. Looking ahead to 2024, this event will expand into the Festival of Wheels, promising even greater community impact.
Jersey Design and Specifications
The current Bourne Wheelers cycling jerseys were approved at the most recent Annual General Meeting and represent an evolution of the club’s visual identity. The design thoughtfully incorporates elements from previous versions, honoring the club’s long heritage while maintaining contemporary appeal. The primary jersey features vibrant club colors paired with crisp black shorts, creating a striking and professional appearance on the road.
Ellmore serves as the official kit provider for Bourne Wheelers, ensuring quality construction and comfortable fit for all members. The jersey design balances classic aesthetics with practical cycling performance features. The thoughtful color coordination and modern fit make these cycling jerseys instantly recognizable during weekend rides and competitive events, helping members stand out safely on busy roads.
The 80th anniversary jersey, designed and worn during the club’s 2015 celebration, became a cherished collector’s item among members and demonstrates the club’s commitment to commemorating milestones with special kit editions.
Icknield Road Club: Bedfordshire’s Distinguished Cycling Legacy
Icknield Road Club stands as another beacon of British cycling heritage, having been founded in 1933 at the White Hart in Ampthill, Bedfordshire. The club recently celebrated its impressive 90th anniversary, marking nine decades of continuous service to the local cycling community. Named after the historic Icknield Way—an ancient Roman road that still winds through the English countryside—the club carries both geographical significance and deep-rooted tradition.
Club History and Ride Programs
We had the pleasure of chatting with Martyn Anderson, the club’s chair, who shared detailed insights into Icknield Road Club’s operations and community contributions. The club has developed an impressive array of rides and events that serve cyclists at every level, from absolute beginners to experienced racers.
Central to the club’s identity is the Summer Evening League, which features competitive 10-mile time trials open to all riders—including cyclists from other clubs and independent participants. This inclusive approach has helped build a welcoming community atmosphere. Members also compete in various interclub league events throughout the season.
Year-round, Icknield Road Club conducts a signature Sunday club run covering approximately 60 miles, with a shorter 30-mile alternative available during summer months. Beyond regular rides, members enjoy extended trips to picturesque destinations including the Cotswolds, historical tours in France and Belgium, and annual excursions to Spain, adding adventure and camaraderie to the cycling experience.
The club’s charitable work is particularly impressive. Annually, they organize a 30-kilometer sporting time trial in April and a Charity 10-mile time trial in September, raising over £1,000 for local causes. Members participate in prestigious events including Ride London 100 and the Welsh Dragon Ride. Remarkably, through their charity sportive efforts, Icknield Road Club has contributed over £15,000 to the East Anglian Air Ambulance—a testament to their commitment to community service.
Jersey Design and Visual Identity
The Icknield Road Club cycling jerseys are instantly recognizable by their striking scarlet and gold colorway—the club’s enduring colors since its founding in 1933. These colors were selected when the club chose its official badge from two competing designs, and they’ve remained central to the club’s identity for over 90 years.
What makes the Icknield Road Club jerseys particularly special is their artistic heritage. The design was created by an art teacher from Icknield High School in Luton who was also an active club member, adding a meaningful community connection to the kit. The thoughtful design ensures that members are easily noticeable on the road during regular rides and especially visible during competitive sportives and events.
Kalas currently supplies the club’s cycling jerseys, a partnership that followed a previous relationship with Endura. Despite changing kit suppliers, the club has maintained design consistency for the past 20 years, demonstrating their commitment to a cohesive visual identity. The scarlet and gold colors continue to command attention on the road, providing both safety through visibility and pride of association with this distinguished club.
Jersey Comparison: What Sets Them Apart
Both clubs represent excellence in British cycling, yet their jerseys tell distinct stories. Bourne Wheelers’ design emphasizes clean lines and a modern aesthetic, with Ellmore’s construction ensuring comfort during long rides. The pairing with black shorts creates a professional, contemporary look that appeals to cyclists seeking sleek performance wear.
Icknield Road Club’s scarlet and gold jerseys, by contrast, evoke tradition and heritage. The vibrant colorway has proven effective for nearly a century, providing excellent road visibility while maintaining distinctive club identity. The artistic legacy of the design adds cultural significance that resonates with members and the cycling community alike.
Both clubs represent the best cycling jerseys from their respective regions—Bourne Wheelers embodying modern cycling performance values, while Icknield Road Club celebrates artistic tradition and enduring community spirit.
Community Impact and Member Stories
Beyond the physical design, both clubs have created vibrant communities where cyclists form lasting friendships and achieve personal goals. Members of Bourne Wheelers report that the club’s revival brought renewed energy to local cycling culture, with weekend rides becoming anticipated social events. The club’s success in nearly dou
