Hincapie Sportswear: South Carolina's Cycling and Performance Apparel Brand

Hincapie Sportswear is a South Carolina-based cycling and athletic wear company founded by professional cyclist George Hincapie

Hincapie Sportswear manufactures high-performance cycling jerseys, shorts, base layers, and accessories designed for road cyclists, mountain bikers, and endurance athletes. The company is based in Greenville, South Carolina, and was founded by George Hincapie, a retired professional cyclist who competed in the Tour de France 17 times and won the Tour of Flanders twice. The brand focuses on technical fabrics, fit, and durability rather than mass-market production.

The company operates a retail location in Greenville where you can try on gear before buying, and sells online through its website. Hincapie Sportswear also sponsors cycling teams and events, particularly in the Southeast, and is known within the cycling community for custom team kits and made-to-order options.

Key Takeaways

• Hincapie Sportswear is owned and designed by George Hincapie, a former professional cyclist with deep experience in competitive road cycling.
• The brand specializes in cycling-specific apparel including jerseys, bibs, shorts, and base layers made with technical fabrics for performance and comfort.
• You can shop in person at their Greenville retail location or order online through their website for delivery.
• The company offers custom team kits and made-to-order options for cycling clubs, racing teams, and group rides.

What Hincapie Sportswear Makes and Who It's For

Hincapie Sportswear produces apparel built for cyclists who spend hours in the saddle. The core product line includes cycling jerseys in short and long sleeves, bib shorts with chamois padding, base layers for temperature control, and accessories like arm warmers and leg warmers. Most pieces use moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and are designed to fit snug against the body—the standard for cycling wear—rather than loose athletic cuts.

The brand targets serious recreational cyclists, competitive racers, and endurance athletes rather than casual riders. Prices reflect the technical construction and smaller production runs compared to mass-market brands. Hincapie also makes apparel for gravel riding and mountain biking, though road cycling remains the primary focus.

The Greenville Retail Location and How to Shop

Hincapie Sportswear operates a retail shop in Greenville where you can see and try on current inventory. Visiting in person lets you check fit and fabric feel before buying, which matters because cycling apparel fit is specific—too loose and it flaps in the wind; too tight and it restricts movement. The staff at the Greenville location are cyclists themselves and can answer questions about sizing, fabric weight, and which pieces work best for different seasons and ride types.

If you cannot visit Greenville, you can order online through the Hincapie Sportswear website. The site shows sizing charts, fabric descriptions, and product photos. Shipping is available across the United States. Returns are handled through the website, though you should check the current return policy before ordering.

Custom Team Kits and Group Orders

Hincapie Sportswear offers custom team kits for cycling clubs, racing teams, and organized group rides. Custom orders let you choose colors, add team logos, and specify quantities. This service is popular with local cycling teams in South Carolina and beyond. The process typically involves contacting the company directly with your design ideas and team size to get a quote and timeline.

Custom orders usually require a minimum number of pieces—often 12 to 20 jerseys or shorts per design—and take several weeks to produce. If your cycling group is interested, reach out through the Hincapie Sportswear website to discuss options and pricing.

George Hincapie's Background and the Brand's Story

George Hincapie is a retired professional cyclist from South Carolina who raced for 20 years at the highest level of international cycling. He competed in 17 Tour de France races, won the Tour of Flanders twice, and was a teammate and domestique to Lance Armstrong during Armstrong's Tour victories. After retiring from professional racing in 2011, Hincapie founded his sportswear company to apply his racing experience to product design.

The brand reflects Hincapie's understanding of what cyclists actually need during long rides and races—specific chamois designs, fabric weights that work in different weather, and cuts that don't chafe or restrict. Because Hincapie designed and tested the gear himself as a professional, the brand has credibility within the cycling community that comes from lived experience rather than marketing alone.

Hincapie Sportswear and South Carolina's Cycling Community

Hincapie Sportswear is woven into South Carolina's cycling culture, particularly in the Upstate region around Greenville. The company sponsors local cycling events, supports regional racing teams, and is a gathering point for serious cyclists in the state. Greenville itself has become a cycling hub in recent years, with growing numbers of road cyclists, mountain bikers, and gravel riders, and Hincapie Sportswear is part of that ecosystem.

If you are new to cycling in South Carolina or looking to connect with the local cycling community, visiting the Hincapie Sportswear retail location can introduce you to other riders and point you toward group rides and events in the area.

Sizing and Fit Considerations for Cycling Apparel

Cycling apparel fits differently than regular athletic wear. Hincapie jerseys and shorts are cut to fit snug against the body when you are in a riding position—bent forward on the bike. If you try on a jersey while standing upright, it will feel tight. This is intentional: loose fabric flaps in the wind, creates drag, and can chafe. The sizing charts on the Hincapie website show measurements in centimeters and inches so you can compare to a jersey that already fits you well.

Bib shorts—shorts with shoulder straps instead of a waistband—are standard in cycling because they stay in place during long rides and do not dig into your stomach when bent forward. If you have never worn bibs before, they take adjustment, but most cyclists prefer them once they get used to them. The Greenville retail staff can explain the fit and help you find the right size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hincapie Sportswear located in Greenville?

Hincapie Sportswear has a retail shop in Greenville, South Carolina. You can find the address and hours on their website or by calling ahead. The location is in the Upstate region, which is the cycling hub of South Carolina.

Can I order Hincapie gear if I live outside South Carolina?

Yes. The Hincapie Sportswear website ships orders across the United States. You can browse and order online, and items will be delivered to your address. Check the website for current shipping costs and delivery times.

What is the difference between Hincapie Sportswear and mass-market cycling brands?

Hincapie Sportswear is a smaller company focused on technical construction and fit, while mass-market brands prioritize volume and lower prices. Hincapie gear is typically more expensive but uses higher-quality fabrics and construction. The brand also offers custom team kits and made-to-order options that larger brands do not.

Do I need to be a competitive cyclist to wear Hincapie gear?

No. Hincapie Sportswear is designed for anyone who rides a road bike or gravel bike seriously—whether you race, do long recreational rides, or commute. The technical fabrics and fit work well for any cyclist who spends significant time in the saddle.

How do I order a custom team kit?

Contact Hincapie Sportswear directly through their website with details about your team, the number of riders, and your design ideas. They will provide a quote and timeline. Custom orders usually require a minimum order size and take several weeks to produce.