“At last, I've found some cycling jerseys that actually fit. Now you don't have to be a stick insect to cycle, or look like a badly filled sausage. I'm not the biggest fan of their designs and, like all cycling clothes outlets, they are not cheap. Nor do they offer free delivery on orders over £50 like many outlets do, but they still deserve the support of every large person who is fed up with only finding clothes made for small, thin Italians.”
“The clobber is always great & arrives on time also more importantly it fits . My only negative is that I’ve been trying to purchase a pair of the mountain bike shorts but they seem to be stock at the moment”
“Only bought one winter weight jersey for a woman. Lovely quality fabric & pattern, even if expensive. But given the insignia of 'Fat Lass at the Back', I was genuinely assuming that there had been thought given to the shape and sizing for plus sized gals of all heights. This wasn't the case - so got a size (14) fit based on bust measurements as recommended and the sleeves and torso length were standard (or even longer). Both sleeves & torso were a foot too long. Didn't return as I live in Aust. Time to take the notion of a 'petite' sizing seriously for a wide range of styles (not just one token one). It would be a global winner. I know I'm not the only one looking for real petite sizings of style. You could be the leader of this movement. If you add to this using recycled polyester, you definitely would be.”
“Food stops had very limited choice & timing chips never worked. When I queried this after the event I was told someone would get back to me but no one ever did. I wouldn’t do the event again”
Hi Simon
Sorry about the issues with the Sportive - we are well aware how disappointed you were and where we failed.
We did email all participants explaining that we had been badly let down by the caterer and that the excessive rainfall and resulting flooding at event HQ had broken the timing system, leaving some people without a time.
We haven't yet launched the 2020 event but will be offering all people affected a discount on this years event. Again apologies for the issues.
“This is a great website which allows you to target and focus on areas of interest. Lots of choice in items and sizes going up to larger than you average cycle shop. Great quality and customer service. Would definitely recommend.”
“After multiple purchases the quality of the gear remains fantastic, delivery and customer service response has always been equally as impressive. Wouldn't consider shopping anywhere else - keep up the good work!”
“A company I once held in high regard, it turns out that actually they are contemptous of their own core market and certainly only in it for the 'obese pound'. Mediocre quality at premium prices. There are certainly better quality, cheaper products available from more honest companies.
Their flagship sportive was a mess this year too, disorganised and poorly run, not a patch on the previous ones I've attended.”
Hi Paul, it's bitterly disappointing to read such a damming review and particularly so from someone who was once an advocate of the brand. I have searched our emails and CRM system and can not find anything from you which gives insight into your comments and therefore it is very difficult for me to respond on the specifics.
Our garments are still made in the same ethical European factories that we have always used. The only changes in quality have been the introduction of better components and fabrics in order to offer all sizes the best quality on the market. There are cheaper products but as a small company we can not compete with larger brands, however I categorically disagree that they will be of a better quality and I doubt that they will be ethically manufactured in Europe, or that there is the same choice of sizes available elsewhere.
Your suggestion that we are a dishonest company is most hurtful, as it suggests that Richard and I as Founders of the business are dishonest and this is not true - we have always been very transparent and have always put integrity at the fore of everything we do.
We invest considerable effort and resource in our community - no other brand has bothered to do this - because we have a genuine interest in getting people onto bikes and giving them somewhere to belong and I would suggest that even a glance at our community pages would adequately dispel your suggestion that we are 'contemptuous' to our customers.
There were several issues with our 2019 Sportive and we have been very open at this, however logistics was not one of them and at no point were people at risk or unaware of what to do or where to go. As per our correspondence straight after the event, we were let down badly by our caterer and the appalling weather and flooding at HQ caused issues with the timings. Remedies are in hand to give participants of the 2019 event a discount on the 2020 event as soon as it is launched.
As you know, both Richard and I have a very hands on approach to the business and I am always available to customers therefore it is disappointing that you have not reached out to me direct.
Lynn Bye
Co Founder
Boss Lady/MD
“Great company with great products. Fast delivery and excellent customer service. Got a great pair of Fat Lass at the Back cycling shorts, they’re extremely comfy and don’t cut your blood circulation off above the knee. I would and do recommend this company very highly.”
“Gear that fits, and the good guys of the cycling industry - encouraging social rides at a grassroots level.
I’d recommend getting in early on the new stuff when it is released, as sometimes the popular sizes sell quickly.”