For the Lady 'Linkers

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Permalink Reply by Dana on January 14, 2010 at 2:30pm

I think by both product and patience, the LBS seem to fail women - not all, mind you. But generally speaking, I would agree. I haven't been to a bike shop yet where I've felt comfortable enough to make it "my" bike shop. So, I just pick up a few books, and join forums like this to try and education myself on technique, products, repair, etc. It really is a shame that there are bike companies out there that really think that all women want pastel pink bikes - that this would be the clincher to suck women in. Such a shame.

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Permalink Reply by heather s on January 14, 2010 at 5:20pm

I tend to only patronize the one or two shops where I've consistently had good experiences and where I've been going long enough that the staff usually recognize me and my bikes. There are also a couple where I was totally condescended to--and I no longer bother going there.

For me, the real failure is in the bike industry. As Dana said, there seems to be an assumption that women require their bikes and clothing to be pink or purple, complete with flower and butterflies. That obviously works for some women, and that's fine, but I don't see a lot of other athletic apparel that is designed like this. When I go shopping for running shoes or a swimsuit or camping gear, the stuff that is designed for women does not exclusively look like it's designed for a (stereotypical) six-year-old girl. In addition, most bikes are made to fit men's body proportions better than women's. It is the women who have to spend extra money switching out parts, or buying a WS frame (really tough if you'd rather buy used).

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Permalink Reply by Dottie on January 15, 2010 at 7:12am

Those are great articles. Thank goodness for the internet, where we don't have to wait for the mainstream media to have our voices heard.

I've had some bad experiences with bike shops, the worst being an independent shop in Nashville where the guy kept addressing my friend and I as "girls," told us to stay on the sidewalk for our test ride, and advised me that I would embarrass myself if I tried to ride in my skirt. I've also had lots of fantastic experiences with bike shops. Now there are a select few shops I always go to, almost all partially woman-owned.

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Permalink Reply by Anne on January 15, 2010 at 9:39am

I always remember in the late '80s there was a women's clothing line by Marianne Berglund (pro rider, Olympian, and somewhat of a 'designer'.) A really cool lady, but her shorts had lace panels down the leg! One of the jerseys had lace fringe on the sleeves and collar.

So yes, the industry just doesn't get it, but sometimes it's the women who do it to us! haha.
But it is good to note women in the industry who are 'movers and shakers', like Georgina Terry and Sky Yeager (who created the Pista Concept for Bianchi and I'd say she is the Great Earth Mother of the fixie crowd haha!)


For me, the real failure is in the bike industry. As Dana said, there seems to be an assumption that women require their bikes and clothing to be pink or purple, complete with flower and butterflies.It is the women who have to spend extra money switching out parts, or buying a WS frame (really tough if you'd rather buy used).

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Permalink Reply by ishnock aka the blue baron on January 16, 2010 at 9:26am

I disagree with some of the statements that
have been submitted in this post.I don't believe that bike shops target women,specifically,in a
condescending way when it comes to
information about bikes....They target everyone.

Most shops,not all,generally,have assholes for employees,who feel that they are superior in knowledge and ability when it comes to bike.....and half of them don't know shit

I go to mainly garage bike shops and I work
on my bikes,as well as convert vintage bikes...I did learn from others, but most of my learning came from me actually working on my bike....

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Permalink Reply by Curt H Moore on January 17, 2010 at 7:30am

Shops will sell what they have on hand (its there bread and butter). If the issue is clothes , style etc try being a 3x/4x and finding any thing in a shop that fits. For some reason there is no standard for clothes sizing, (unless 3x means xlg). The industry as a whole is looking at women, not that long ago the finding a bike women specfic would have been impossible.
Always good to shop local but the internet has deals and some times free shipping. good hunting ...curt

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Green on January 20, 2010 at 10:40pm

Hmm... here's a copy of what I posted on grit and glimmer:

I’m also from Chicago, though I just moved here in August and really only started riding in October (this. was. major.). I had bike friends and had been into plenty of bike shops back in Austin and even owned some bikes, but the culture there at every level for so dude-centric that it was indeed intimidating for a girl who knew absolutely nothing about bicycles.

In Chicago I’ve had a totally opposite and wonderful experience with people from Working Bikes, Blue City, West Town, and Rapid Transit. The most obvious thing in all those cases are that they have savvy women on staff (and as an owner for Blue City, I know). I have to say though that the whole cycling culture here feels a lot more inclusive and positive than it did at home (but as has been mentioned, maybe that had more to do with my own insecurities and concerns than the actual environment).

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on January 21, 2010 at 10:18am

Is everyone here familiar with Georgiana Terry and her story ?

It's pretty cool.

Pioneers such as her caused Trek to launch the WSD (Women's Specific Deisgn) line and others.

here is the link :

http://www.terrybicycles.com/

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Permalink Reply by Joe Studer 8.0 mi on January 21, 2010 at 11:46am

daniel brown said:

Is everyone here familiar with Georgiana Terry and her story ?

It's pretty cool.

here is the link :

http://www.terrybicycles.com/

Too bad that the sole dealer in Illinois for her bike line is such a jerk.

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on January 21, 2010 at 1:08pm

I have a friend that I believe bought one from REI a long time ago (in Oakbrook Terrace); before
Terry had a presence here IIRC.

DB

Joe said:

daniel brown said:

Is everyone here familiar with Georgiana Terry and her story ?

It's pretty cool.

here is the link :

http://www.terrybicycles.com/

Too bad that the sole dealer in Illinois for her bike line is such a jerk.

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