Women on cycling, give me your views....

[Wheeledweenie]

I see, I like lots on my legs as they are what move and draw attention to me. But I can't imagine wearing leggings off the bike! Shows how much I know about fashion

I've learned out of necessity. My younger sister's fab at styling and has picked out several outfits that are super comfy in but that I feel equally comfy going to the pub/shops/cafe/restaurant in.

 

[trio25]

I've learned out of necessity. My younger sister's fab at styling and has picked out several outfits that are super comfy in but that I feel equally comfy going to the pub/shops/cafe/restaurant in.

My concession to that is I wear baggies instead of lycra! Unless I am just nipping to town and then normal clothes, usually just roll my jeans up. But I am a bike-nut I will often be in the pub in a helmet till someone points it out to me!

 

[summerdays]

I do think a lot of women are put off by the idea that they must wear lycra, I find its OK if I'm doing a long distance but for trips around town, pick up the kids from school etc then prefer the non-lycra look. As it is my cycling jackets usually make me stand out at school - to the extent that a child with special needs including poor vision came up me and started touching my jacket.

I don't have a problem with anyone wanting to wear lycra on or off the bike, but sometimes it takes a bit of confidence to show those bulges.

 

[summerdays]

But I am a bike-nut I will often be in the pub in a helmet till someone points it out to me!

Yes I have forgotten to take mine off when I've popped into the office before now.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

So, theoretically, I'm getting the impression that it would be useful to get some top tips on things like transferable outfits and women-specific kit that's flattering, cut properly and practical. Like reviews?

 

[ladyrider100]

Hi

My thoughts are below and I think its a great idea. Am newish to cycling so wasnt aware of any women specific websites.

1. What do you rate most highly:
News
product reviews
features
peer support

2. Why do you cycle:
Commuting
Leisure
Shopping
For everything

3. As a beginner who did you go to for help and advice?

CC once I had found it. I then read other peoples knowledgable posts and store the info away.

4. Do you feel that more women are cycling now than were last year?

Havent noticed any new ladies on my regular commute

5. Many brands have expanded their women's range, are you aware of this?[/quote]

Yep - I dont spend a lot but love to look.

I agree - it would be great if there were some rides aimed at enjoyment without the need for speed

 

[Wheeledweenie]

Another impression I'm getting is that a social element would be needed to give women the opportunity to get together for said genteel rides. Hmmmmmmmm

 

[trio25]

I do think a lot of women are put off by the idea that they must wear lycra, I find its OK if I'm doing a long distance but for trips around town, pick up the kids from school etc then prefer the non-lycra look. As it is my cycling jackets usually make me stand out at school - to the extent that a child with special needs including poor vision came up me and started touching my jacket.

I don't have a problem with anyone wanting to wear lycra on or off the bike, but sometimes it takes a bit of confidence to show those bulges.

I think as I come from mountain biking orginally where the look is not lycra I never faced that as a beginner.

 

[ladyrider100]

I think that would be great or even a sort of contact type thing so ladies in the same region could maybe meet up as we are going to be spread all over the place.

Sometimes when I read some posts on here I feel a bit lost!

 

[trio25]

Another impression I'm getting is that a social element would be needed to give women the opportunity to get together for said genteel rides. Hmmmmmmmm

I think that is the main thing people use the shecycles forum for. But apart from mountain biking there didn't seem to be the same amount of interest in other rides. I have done a few road rides with people off there but there was more travelling to meet people.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

I've definitely noticed more women on the roads on my commute and they tend to more chatty than the men. I know quite a few female beginners as well and they find the male-dominated sites quite intimidating. From what I can gather, women seem to want more in terms of actual meeting up (rather than just online contact) and practical help when they go on a site.

Please do correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[summerdays]

ISometimes when I read some posts on here I feel a bit lost!

In what way? That they are too technical or using acronyms that you don't know? Most people don't bite (although I wouldn't garenttee that in P+L)

 

[ladyrider100]

I've definitely noticed more women on the roads on my commute and they tend to more chatty than the men. I know quite a few female beginners as well and they find the male-dominated sites quite intimidating. From what I can gather, women seem to want more in terms of actual meeting up (rather than just online contact) and practical help when they go on a site.

Please do correct me if I'm wrong.

That definately applies to me - the feeling of inadequacy too, even though everyone on CC has been brilliant - male and female. It would be good to get together with other 'ladies that cycle'

 

[ladyrider100]

In what way? That they are too technical or using acronyms that you don't know? Most people don't bite (although I wouldn't garenttee that in P+L)

Its silly really as theres no reason - I just read about people doing 100 m ilers and things like that and think OMG I could never do that. None of my friends cycle so dont have peope to chat to about cycling

I dont have much knowledge about bike parts and techie stuff not that I mind as MrLadyRider and junior LadyRider do.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

Its silly really as theres no reason - I just read about people doing 100 m ilers and things like that and think OMG I could never do that. None of my friends cycle so dont have peope to chat to about cycling

I dont have much knowledge about bike parts and techie stuff not that I mind as MrLadyRider and junior LadyRider do.

Ah but I'll admit I felt hugely empowered when I did my first solo puncture repair. And, frankly the men I knew insisted on doing it for me rather than letting me get on with it. I only got the chance because I was on my way to work and alone.