http://road.cc/content/news/183344-specializeds-playboy-e-bike-sparks-social-media-sexism-row
Pics in link – just a bit sad really
Specialized has found itself at the centre of a sexism row after a limited edition Playboy e-bike was unveiled at a Berlin bike show alongside women dressed in Playboy Bunny costumes.
Although the bike was intended for a German market some Brits in attendance at the Berlin Fahrradschau over the weekend expressed shock and disappointment at the association between Playboy and Specialized.
Some complained the marketing was outdated, and discordant with Specialized’s position as an aspirational brand for women, while others say the product’s marketing was lost in translation, and German clientele at the show – both male and female – enjoyed the bike, and the presence of the women.
Monika Zamojska, cycle clothing brand House of Astbury co-founder, spotted the “Playboy Bunnies” at the Berlin Fahrradschau over the weekend, and says she feels the marketing contributes to a gender imbalance in the cycling industry and in the sport.
Zamojska told road.cc: “The reaction were mixed, some people did happily take photos with the models, but not many. A lot of them walked straight past the stand. People I spoke to at the show felt simply uncomfortable with that. –
– See more at: http://road.cc/content/news/183344-specializeds-playboy-e-bike-sparks-social-media-sexism-row#sthash.sWkwQ5TH.dpuf
Seriously do they not read STW….