Long time manufacture of performance athletic clothing, KB Performance Gear (KB), has announced its intent to enter the retail market. 

KB, who has been a manufacturer for other major labels in the running, riding and hiking industries, has decided to break out of the traditional role as a manufacturer and get into the design and sales of its own line of performance athletic wear.

"High quality, functional athletic wear should be readily available to everyone, not just the elite," says Katja Nordstrom, president of KB.  "We have watched for too long as distributors made sports like cycling and running in accessible to the masses." "It’s our intent to provide functional athletic gear that everyone can afford without looking like they bought them at a local thrift store."

Functional performance apparel isn't the only thing KB is promising to deliver.  They would like to introduce garment warranties an approach that has traditionally been left to industries like electronics and automotive.  In addition, KB hopes to launch a line of "green" cycling wear.

"It's a natural fit" says Nordstrom.  "Cyclist by nature or nurture are in tune to the environment.  It’s our goal in the next few years to launch eco friendly products that are not only comfortable and functional but are environmentally sensitive."

When pressed on how this might be accomplished Nordstrom was tight lipped about new fabrics that were in development, but said that organic cotton and bamboo fiber products were already available in the textile industry and carrying the green label.

Big talk from this little Morro Bay, CA based company may just be the thing to change what many view as an unfriendly and unapproachable industry.