Dictionaries define the word authentic as meaning true, genuine, valid, dependable, faithful and real. Authentic products are often promised by brands in today’s world, but it’s all too common to see these promises broken in the relentless pursuit of profits.
People passionate about their beliefs know true authenticity when they see it. To these folks, no amount of marketing can substitute for trust that's been earned through offering reliable products that remain consistent with their core values over time. K2 Bike’s organization and our Alliance Team are such passionate people, dedicated to improving the cycling experience for women through our actions.
While other bike brands had produced women’s-specific models before us, our development group and Alliance Team agreed that we could provide a uniquely different, completely separate and naturally authentic women’s line that embodies the following key concepts:
- Select unique names for our distinctive women’s bicycles, not just recycle traditional names from men’s or unisex models and call them women’s-specific
- Choose new, vibrant colors which women felt strongly about, not fall back on hues that had traditionally sold well on step-through framed versions of existing bikes marketed as ladies' designs
- Design stand-alone aesthetics with gradual color transitions and subtle graphic elements that break the bike industry clichés of hard-edged, high-contrast, blocky, billboard style colors and graphics
- Offer a wide range of bicycles that suit many womens’ budgets, riding styles, abilities and ambitions, not just a few models at high price points for elite riders
- Develop new, exceptional frame designs that offer high-performance features appropriate to women instead of accepting design elements from existing men's or unisex models
- Design proprietary women's fit-related dimensions according to a library of data from custom fitting sessions with a group of cyclists of many ages, heights and riding styles
- Pick specific components in coordination with the frame design process to properly suit lighter, smaller riders, not just add "women's" parts arbitrarily after the fact
- Make conscious choices to ensure that our bikes are more fun to choose, ride and own, and that safety and convenience are not compromised to achieve these goals
- Reserve the T:Nine brand name exclusively for bicycles that fulfill all of the closely held values of the Alliance, including every one of the above concepts
We want our Alliance to grow into a diverse community of women cyclists that fosters spirited discussions, sponsors incredible events and creates inspiring products that both enhance the cycling experience and make it accessible to more women around the world.
In order to succeed in this goal, it’s important that you understand what we feel is appropriate for women’s bicycles, and can trust that we’ll always act consistently with these beliefs. That’s what authenticity means to us, and why we’re so serious about your fun!
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