A few years back, I began hearing rumblings about Outlier, a Brooklyn-based performance clothing line, and decided to investigate. As NYC bike commuters, Outlier’s founding partners Abe Burmeister and Tyler Clemens recognized the need for clothing that could easily transition between active, formal and casual. Intrigued by Outlier’s blend of style and specs, I was soon swayed to throw down on a pair of their Three Way Shorts — the Swiss-Made 4Season fabric appealed to my inner bike geek, while the tailored design appealed to my desire to not look like a bike geek. As a pro bike advocate and an amateur bike racer, it goes without saying that I spend a lot of time in the saddle, and need more versatility than most. It’s been three years, and I’ve come to know these shorts well – I’ve logged more miles in my Three-Ways than any other piece of clothing I own. They’ve stood up to the assaults of asphalt and those of my 4-year-old daughter, repelling stains and drying quickly when caught in a downpour. The drawstring is an apt alternative to belt loops, minimizing friction (bane of bicyclists), while getting the job done. And while garments that can make lofty technical boasts often land in the classic “Fred” paradigm, the Three-Way Shorts fall firmly on the side of sleek over geek.

But to me, Outlier’s appeal has always been more than style and specs, and the accompanying price tag is a reflection of more than marketing hype. Buying an Outlier garment is a gesture in support of the company’s values – uncompromising commitment to high design and sustainable business, all the while giving back to the bike community that were the core of their early support. Over the years, I’ve come to know Abe and Tyler personally. As success has come their way, they’ve become staunch supporters of Transportation Alternatives and the bicycle movement in their hometown. This year they even outfitted the NYC Bike Ambassadors. 

In the five years since their founding, Outlier has grown into much more than a clothing company for bike commuters, earning accolades from active folks of many stripes, and overtures from the fashion establishment. Outlier has grown rapidly, but its success has come from sticking to their guns, and unwavering values; a strategy I like to think Transportation Alternatives has shared during the same five-year period. And while you’re not likely to catch me doing donuts in a dune buggy anytime soon, I’ve been know to wear their Cali Pivot Shirt too.

^{Not Paul White | Image © Outlier}

Paul Steely White is an advocate for livable streets and sustainable transportation, and the 2011 recipient of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Jane Jacobs Medal. Before becoming Transportation Alternatives’ Executive Director in 2004, Paul served as Regional Director for the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.

Transportation Alternatives members get 11% off all Outlier clothing — find out more here.