The Final Lap š“ā¤ļø
Well, here we are, 12 years, 100ās of 1000ās of riders and about a million bacon butties later...
Weāre writing with big hearts and slightly wobbly chins to let you know that this will be the final season for Fat Lad At The Back.
It all started when Richard had a moment of pure genius (or madnessājuryās still out) and wondered why on earth there wasnāt decent cycle kit for people who didnāt look like pro racers. Pedal forward and that spark turned into something way beyond what we ever imagined: a brand, a movement and a global community of glorious misfits who proudly wear their kit (and their curves) with pride.
FLAB hasĀ neverĀ just been about the clothes. Itās always been about the people and including every body, every shape, every size. Weāve stood firm on our values (no sweatshops, no shortcuts, no BS) and weāve loved every second of it.
But, like all good rides, this oneās coming to an end. Not because the wheels have come offāfar from it! The business is doing well and weāre proud to say itās going out on a high. But for me (Lynn), this path was never the plan and after over a decade at the helm, itās time for a change. Iāve been itching to start a new chapter and the time has come to close the lid on the FLAB toolbox.
What does this mean for you?
š„Ā We're still open!Ā You can still shop as usual, but this seasonās stock is the last of it.
āļøĀ No Autumn/Winter collection.Ā Once itās gone, itās gone.
šļøĀ No sales or price slashing.Ā This isnāt a clearance sale, itās a respectful roll-down of the shutters.
š¦Ā Backorders and custom kitsĀ are still being made and will be delivered as planned.
šĀ Got a gift voucher?Ā Use it sooner rather than laterāweād hate for you to miss out.
š§¦Ā More gear incoming!Ā Final bits like socks and undershorts are still en routeāso keep your eyes peeled.
And yes, the legend that is Amy is sticking around to help me see it all through, with her usual brilliance and sassery. After that, weāre off to explore pastures new (probably not on bikes, though!).
So, one last thank you!
You lot. Youāre the reason we kept going. Your stories, your smiles, your āI never thought Iād wear lycra but now I love itā momentsātheyāve meant the world. You helped us shift attitudes, challenge nonsense and make cycling a space forĀ everyone.
Weāre leaving with full hearts, no regrets and a hell of a lot of love for each and every one of you.
The FLAB flame will keep burning in every one of you who believed in what we stood for: that you donāt have to look a certain way to ride, to move, or to belong.
Ride on, you beautiful bunch and thank youātrulyāfor everything.
With all our love,
Lynn & RichardĀ š
Team FLAB (Forever in Spirit)
Please sell your patterns to another company or onsell the whole business. I have requested larger sizes from local suppliers and one now goes up to a 16 for women (still far too small). It has been great to feel confident in your gear and an actual cyclist. I have had prompt delivery all the way to New Zealand and love my Fearless Fabulous Female top which lifted me up when I was feeling particularly low. Your white butterflies are different from the ones we have here. All the best for your future ā if retirement, get a camper/motorhome. Best thing I ever did!
Genuinely absolutely gutted to be reading this!
I was so proud to take part in the FLaB 100 sportive coming last, but finishing it in my FLaB gear. I probably wouldnāt have done it without it as it made me feel so much more comfortable on the bike, both physically and knowing that I didnāt look awful!
Iām sure you thought long and hard about it, but surely another brand/company would take on your existing lines so the FLab community can keep going?
Also as I am sure you have thought a lot about ā while great, itās not cheap! I really want to get another couple of pairs of bib shorts but canāt afford Ā£200 just now! Please give plenty of notice for when the last load of stock will come in.
Thanks for everything and good luck in your pastures new
Iām very sorry to hear the news, but wish you all the best!
Iām a little too curvy for most high end brands, your kit makes me feel great, whether itās a bike event or just striding through the factory doors after my morning commute!
With love.
Thatās a huge shame, you sell great products and have got some of us back into cycling by providing appropriate clothing. Is the business not sellable? Iām sure lots of us would be interested in learning more
Hi Lynn so sorry to hear this news,Iām hoping you can help ( & remember) Geoff my husband who you brilliantly dealt with all those years ago,we even came to your home so he could properly be measured. Due to ill health Geoff stopped cycling & as a result of that put most of his weight back on & now heās unsure of what sizes heās going to need.
Hope you can help,but we both wish you & Richard all the very best for the future.
Kind regards