Perris, Calif. – Partnering with a legendary California band, which adopted its now-iconic name in 1965 and began a "long strange trip" as pioneers of the counterculture movement and the jam-band genre, Retrospec, a digitally native leader in recreational bicycles and outdoor equipment, today announced a licensed collaboration with The Grateful Dead.
A limited-edition line of Retrospec x Grateful Dead products just launched. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Dead and its spirit of freedom, adventure, innovation and community, the collection spans more than a dozen Retrospec products bearing imagery including the instantly recognizable Grateful Dead logo, a skull with a lightning bolt through it.
Products include:
- • EBikes: Koa Rev+ 2, Boca Rev, Valen Rev+
- • Bikes: Chatham, Kinney Mixte, Sully, Harper, Amok
- • Paddleboards: Weekender, Weekender Plus, Weekender Crew & Crew XL, Weekender Nano
- • Kids: Cub Plus, Cricket
"The Grateful Dead has been the soundtrack to many of my dawn-til-dusk hikes and thousands of miles of road travel through some of my favorite places and experiences worldwide," said Retrospec CEO Ely Khakshouri. "We're thrilled to celebrate the Dead's 60th anniversary with this collection of limited-edition gear, which resonates with the band's deep connection with the outdoor community. The Grateful Dead inspires spontaneity, creativity, curiosity and fun-loving – virtues we live by daily thanks in great part to the music."
The Grateful Dead began to form when Palo Alto guitarist and music teacher Jerry Garcia met Bob Weir, a young local guitarist, later teaming with Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart and Phil Lesh. Originally named The Warlocks, they discovered that another band already had that name, changing theirs to the Grateful Dead in 1965, inspired by a reference in a folklore dictionary. Establishing their improvisational, experimental sound that blended rock, blues, folk and psychedelic influences, they became best-known for such songs as "Truckin," Casey Jones," "Sugar Magnolia" and "Friend of the Devil."
About Retrospec
Retrospec is a Southern California-based active-lifestyle corporation that removes the high-cost barriers of entry into the Great Outdoors. Founded in 2009 by Ely Khakshouri as a local bicycle manufacturer, Retrospec has diversified its product offerings to include stand-up-paddleboards, skateboards, as well as children's and snow equipment.
Visit the website at retrospec.com.
