Inside Givi Givi Bike

Although we’d been interested in this for a long time, it began to materialise three years ago with the desire to transfer the experience acquired in the motorcycle world to an adjacent sector.

Our desire to travel, combined with our experience, have made this new project come to life. The main concern at the start was how to correctly interpret our analyses of a market that for us was completely new. The data we found represented an important starting point for the entire production process and above all for understanding the needs and habits of a new consumer demographic.

Undoubtedly, working under a name like GIVI, and being able to offer a range of products whose DNA is recognisable, has put us in a beneficial position in the eyes of those consumers who already know the brand. For a - fortunately small - section of passionate cyclists, GIVIBike appears as a legitimate start-up in all respects.

We aimed to sell online-only from the very beginning. We believe that for this type of market and customer base, this strategy can be very successful. We started less than a year ago so it’s still early to take stock.

Yes. We had the opportunity to have our products tested by the trade press. In addition to the positive feedback that we’re delighted about, we’ve also discovered a lot of interest in the project, as well as collaboration opportunities. The welcome we have received has certainly been very positive and encouraging for us.

For example, when you meet them at fairs and events, or choosing what technical language to use…

There are many elements in common, even if we are well aware that the target audience is very different from what we’re typically used to and the language is different. That’s why we have created a specific bike team internally to work on the project.

Cyclists have a much more physical, and therefore less technical, relationship with their means of transport than motorcyclists. This consideration translates into a constant and precise search for the user’s riding attitude and the organisation of their gear, which is very subjective and linked to the specific type of trip.

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The line that’s enjoying the greatest success is Adventure, probably because it’s the richest in technical content. And the growth in recent years, especially in Italy, of “gravel” enthusiasts is also impacting the market.

Our R&D department is always active and in a constant research and development phase.

We have some very exciting projects being finalised for 2023 such as expanding our Adventure line and unveiling our new “Contatto” fitting system. We also have other projects under development but we can’t reveal anything further at the moment…

Our approach is step-by-step. At the moment we’re focused on Italy but from 2023 we're intent on attending European events, starting specifically with certain nations that we’re currently evaluating

We’re preparing for Eurobike, an event that we believe is significant for entering the foreign market. We’re also evaluating other fairs that are smaller in size but with a quality audience. And then, of course, the Italian Bike Festival in September which has become a regular occurrence for us.

The initial phase is definitely the search for the key features that the product in question must have, combined with consumer needs and expectations. This allows you to focus on the key points of the project and helps you think about how to invent new solutions or improve existing ones. The design process changes depending on the technology that is used to create the bag. For example, for the Experience and Adventure lines, I started from the assumption that they had to be heat-sealed bags and consequently I considered the technical constraints that technology imposed on us. It’s essential to know the product development methods well to facilitate the design phases and avoid designing infeasible products.

From here we move on to the most enjoyable phase, the creative one, where we strive to fit all the elements together. Being a technical product, every idea must be balanced with the constraints of the product, without spending too much time with infeasible ideas.

Once the style has been defined, we move on to the creation of the technical files which I then send to the modelling department, where we go to outline the pattern of the bag (in paper or fabric) which is then positioned on the bike. This process helps us better understand what to change and improve during the preliminary phase. We then send the supplier all the files necessary for the creation of the first sample. The manufacturing phase of the product passes through multiple samples; the approval of the definitive one marks the end of the project and the start of the production phase.

I wouldn't say essential, but certainly being a first-person user does help a lot. You have the opportunity to personally try the products and evaluate the criticalities at the start of the design process, in order to improve every detail step by step. For example, with one of the new products in the Adventure line, we damaged a smartphone screen during a test on an impervious path. Thanks to this we were able to highlight a problem that hadn’t emerged back in the office, leading us to a different technical solution.

Obviously the tests are carried out by several people during the design phase, helping us obtain the best results.

That depends on the line. Each line requires its own set of features also in terms of the choice of materials. Products in the Adventure line must be very light and very resistant, which is why we opted for ripstop nylon. The Experience line, on the other hand, requires very resistant but also thicker materials.

The Urban is a versatile line that has no real technical requirements in terms of material. In general, all our selected materials, across all product lines, have one feature in common - they are resistant to UV rays.

For the Urban line, the lateral 13L Boulevard for its size and practicality for home/work use. For the Experience line, the 20L Junter side bag which is comfortable, waterproof, robust and useful for getting noticed by cars in the urban jungle thanks to its bright colours and reflective elements. The air valve technology is the gem of this product, which allows the air to escape automatically while closing the bag.

For the Adventure line I’d say the Climb handlebar bag - I really appreciate the extra load system integrated in the front part of the bag.

What makes the difference, and a potential distinguishing feature, are the quick coupling/release systems of the bags. Having designed and patented the “RAPIDO” and “CONTATTO” systems (new for 2023) means giving an extra boost to your products, making them extremely comfortable, immediate and original.

We’ll reveal a very interesting innovation that will enhance our product range…. hold on to the handlebars!