fashion!

[newgirl]

so what are you girlies wearing on the hills these days? i seem to be sporting sombrio and old roach stuff these days, lake shoes or vans.

Do you think the boy's stuff is cooler? do you wear more boys stuff than ladies?

I personally think the girlie stuff is not really up to scratch - I like stuff that looks like mens (ie no flowers, pink etc) but with a fit for our form...

[heckler's better 1/2]

I am wearing a lovely pair of capris that I bought from this store in Hood River, Oregon

www.melika.com

I like to make sure I look like a girl when I ride so I usually have something a little girly on.

[Fluid]

I have no choice but to wear boys stuff as 99% of the womens stuff simply doesn't fit my body type. I wear men's Mace 3/4 length shorts and LOVE them! Jerseys are a mishmash of anything that I can find for $40 or less that is technical moisture wicking fabric. I think my Roach jersey is the only 'brand name' jersey I have. And hey, it's a women's jersey too - bonus! :)
My latest super fave item of mtn bike wear are my FiveTen Impact shoes with that super sticky rock climbing rubber soles. I practically feel like I'm clipped in on my flat pedals with these shoes. They rock!!!

[Lady Gravity]

i wear guys stuff as i like the fit - raceface shorts (the pockets are awesome) and i have a pair of older style roach shorts as well, with no pockets :(. jerseys are mainly 3/4 sleeve dakine (thanks nsmba! a volunteering perk) or stuff i sew myself. i dont worry about wearing stuff that's "girly" as i figure my boobs will pretty much give it away :P

i find that most of the "female" riding shorts at least are simply not baggy enough for me - i like them loose in the waist and hips - and i dont like the integrated liners. the sombrio stuff is nice but cut way too small.

i need to get some of those 510s - badly! my old boots are totally worn out.

[Neo]

what about the riding skirts? i know roach made one back in the day i think there are others. they are quite practical and functional, and actually not really that "girly". PCH had a nice one (roach i think) back when we used to ride together. but otherwise, i'd say you should go with function and form before fashion. :)

[SuperKat]

Guys FOX stuff. Right now I love the Huck shorts I got on sale, medium jerseys...

[newgirl]

see I am about 120 pounds, and have pretty slim hips so boys stuff fits better than girls - I don't like the way they cut women's shorts to high in the waist and for me it it fits in the waist its too baggy around the bum and hips....jerseys are difficult too - MACE seems to have some sweet ones for girls. I think I am going shopping soon....

[rookie_ryda]

I sewed my own 3/4 pants and used a heavy cordura. They fit well.

I wear a moisture wicking, long sleeve top under my armour and that keeps me cool. I have a collection of inexpensive, sleeveless jerseys and a few long sleeves, as they get so dirty and scratched up from my crashes.

I try to choose more girlie colours, like purple, reds. I also have a custom painted helmet with flowers.

[newgirl]

pictures of the helmet please!!

[dbaker]

I have mostly boy stuff because my boyfriend does most of my bike clothes shopping, whenever he finds something small on sale he buys it which is awesome since I hate clothes shopping. I've also stolen one of his t-shirst and ripped the sleeves off to where over my armour. I'm okay with looking like a boy on the mountain - it's kind of like my alter ego ;) Not quite superman/Clark Kent - but it'll do ;)

Oh and what's with clothing companies making girl's tops so short. I'm a short girl and they don't even work for me.

[Marvel]

newgirl...perfect timing on this topic as I'm shopping for some MTB stuff this weekend.

What shops in Vancouver have good stuff at great prices?

[newgirl]

On Top for sombrio and John Henry for Mace...

[Fluid]

Caps Westwood had a really good selection of women's riding clothes the last time I was in there. More than I'm used to seeing in most bike stores.
And it seems like they have some good sales on sometimes, too.

[discowitch]

I have the opposite problem than most of you, as a plus size rider, no one make ride stuff in my size so I impovise and just wear old workout shorts, tights and an old baggy t-shirt, (hopefully one day manufacturers will catch on and figure out that not only normal size people ride). I can dream can't I

[enduramil]

Here is an option,

http://www.hossmtb.com/shop/index.php

[Dan CH]

http://www.loeka.com/

i dont rep it, but all the cool women do

[boardchk]

I wear a mix of guys and girls. My shorts are all guys...I bought a pair of sombrio shorts last year...guys style, came with zippered vents and tough material...the wms version was a cheaper material and no vents...for the SAME PRICE!!! Same with the Troy lee pants I bought...got the mens version that zip into shorts...the girls pants fit swesome...but no zip! I wear girls shirts (MEC has great cheap LS and SS shirts for $20) but my sombrio shirts wouldn't fit if I wore armour. There is definately a need in this town, I would love to start up a wms company with good DH stuff. I find a lot of the wms stuff out there is more XC, road wear.

[ralph]

This is definitely something that I can chime in on. I have been wanting stuff that fits girls for years, and they're really coming out with more stuff, but I get super frustrated when I see new girls stuff and its all pink or baby blue, with flowers on it and the whole shebang! I'm definitely not into that, and looking at this thread there are obviously other girls who are not either.

Mostly I care about fit, and girls stuff generally doesn't fit that great. Shirts are usually fine- I go to REI sales to find cheap wicking layers, but generally these are not bike specific clothes. They're usually stuff like underarmour clothing and climbing or running shirts. Over the armor I can wear small or xsmall guys jerseys no problem.

As far as shorts go, I just wear guys shorts, Fox so far has the best IMO. (And I actually found an AWESOME pair of 2004 Fox Huck shorts on sale at REI for $20, I love them... I would wear them constantly if I could.) Azonics seem to be really good too, I have a pair of azonics from 2 seasons ago that are hardly even worn at all. Women's shorts are usually too short, light, high in the torso, and wtf is up with the liners... bleh. I did try some girl sombrio shorts and I hate the fit, its so bad I'm just not interested in Sombrio clothing at all anymore.

I think there is a definite need for the industry to step it up and make girls clothing that is as hard wearing as guys, as comfortable, and doesn't just come in girly colors. :)

[Fluid]

I agree with ralph...while I don't have an issue with the pinks, baby blues, and flowers, etc. now, I wouldn't have been caught dead wearing that before last year! I'm fine with them offering these options, but they should also consider that not all girls want that.

What does REI stand for?

[newgirl]

^^^

I am with you - I don't want pink flowers etc. I like the boys stuff waaay better - the jerseys will just never fit right - too huge. And girls jerseys can't accommodate armour so what are we supposed to do? Fine in the summer when you rock a wifebeater with your armour overtop but what about winter!? although xs boys shorts are fine - I just saw some real nice TL pants in Cove that i want - lotsa mula though (of course) - pretty hardy - don't think they'll rip easily or anything.

[Lady Gravity]

http://www.loeka.com/

i dont rep it, but all the cool women do

going by the sizing chart, that stuff isn't going to even come close to fitting me, and i know i can't be alone in this. sombrio stuff is the same - come on, i work out, and am def not pencil thin. i'll stick to the guys stuff.

[Marvel]

REI is like MEC in the United States. They can have some killer deals online and below you'll find the link to their website
http://www.rei.com/outlet/index.html

I just picked up some things from them.

[DARTHYOGA]

I want to find some truly offensive tshirts for over my armour. I dont know why I like offensive t shirts and stickers on my helmut but I'm just into it. My fiancee has a shirt that says " I see dumb people " which I would wear if it wasnt so huge. I have classic (15 year old) No Posers shirt but I dont want to wreck it on the hill.
other than that its my grubby, smelly, fallen off my butt shorts that I absolutly love. Oh and my super cool flame sneakers. Black with red and yellow flames, they so rock!

[Fluid]

^^^Your flame sneakers really ARE super cool!
I'm SO jealous...

[Marvel]

I want to find some truly offensive tshirts for over my armour. I dont know why I like offensive t shirts and stickers on my helmut but I'm just into it. My fiancee has a shirt that says " I see dumb people " which I would wear if it wasnt so huge. I have classic (15 year old) No Posers shirt but I dont want to wreck it on the hill.
other than that its my grubby, smelly, fallen off my butt shorts that I absolutly love. Oh and my super cool flame sneakers. Black with red and yellow flames, they so rock!

I find Willy's in Whistler Village has some great shirts with great slogans, pictures that are offensive and I get a good chuckle from most.

[enduramil]

Saw something that might be of interest yesterday.

Talked with a woman who was wearing a hockey jersey for riding. She usually wears it for Blue with body armour, hockey jersey's are made to fit over padding.

Can probably get them cheap at Cheapskates, Sports Junkies, North Shore sport Swap, or even the Goodwill.

[discowitch]

Thats an idea now that they traded my man Todd Bertuzzi, I can wear my canucks jersey and thrash it.

[enduramil]

Thats an idea now that they traded my man Todd Bertuzzi, I can wear my canucks jersey and thrash it.

Was thrashable long ago. He's no Stan Smyl.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

The ladies are making a good point about the fit issues with womens mountain bike specific clothing. In the shop we find most styles only seem to fit 10% of the general Kamloops public, which is disappointing.
I sport men's shorts and whatever jersey strikes me.

[Lady Gravity]

Wash thrasbable long ago. He's no Stan Smyl.

no kidding.

[enduramil]

The ladies are making a good point about the fit issues with womens mountain bike specific clothing. In the shop we find most styles only seem to fit 10% of the general Kamloops public, which is disappointing.
I sport men's shorts and whatever jersey strikes me.

You are forgetting another problem. Ever manufacturer has a different idea about what a size is. Plus the size can vary from one model to the next.

Sugoi uses different sizing than say Louis Garneau.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

I agree somewhat, however we carry about 7 lines of men's shorts and each company fits the majority of customers. Sombrio, Oakley, Raceface, Fox, Kona, Troylee, Shift....guys come in, try on a pair they like the look of in their size and leave happy. Ladies try on 7 different pairs and not one seems to fit the way they like. I wonder why?

[enduramil]

I agree somewhat, however we carry about 7 lines of men's shorts and each company fits the majority of customers. Sombrio, Oakley, Raceface, Fox, Kona, Troylee, Shift....guys come in, try on a pair they like the look of in their size and leave happy. Ladies try on 7 different pairs and not one seems to fit the way they like. I wonder why?

Sorry, was just pointing out the varying manufacturing sizing standards. Being a guy I'm not too worried about whether my shorts make my ass look big. I'm more worried about price and how long they will last.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Ya agreed, it is an interesting phenomen with the shorts. I can't figure out if the manufactures are missing the boat on sizing or if the women are just too picky? But on the other hand, look how many are claiming the fit of mens shorts work best. I know I am one of those ladies, so why not size it similarly with a more girly looks?

[enduramil]

Ya agreed, it is an interesting phenomen with the shorts. I can't figure out if the manufactures are missing the boat on sizing or if the women are just too picky? But on the other hand, look how many are claiming the fit of mens shorts work best. I know I am one of those ladies, so why not size it similarly with a more girly looks?

Maybe now is a good time for one of the women riders here to take notice of this. There is an oppurtunity here to fill a niche, at least in BC.

[Lady Gravity]

i've been thinking about doing that for a long time, maybe next year i'll try and put something together.

[enduramil]

i've been thinking about doing that for a long time, maybe next year i'll try and put something together.

Don't think Lady G, do. And once you have made your millions from this i want my cut.

[Fluid]

Being a guy I'm not too worried about whether my shorts make my ass look big. I'm more worried about price and how long they will last.

That thought has never even crossed my mind when choosing shorts. Who cares if it makes my ass look big? I'm more concerned with the fact that I can't even get the women's shorts to zip up in the first place! And I wouldn't consider myself a big girl.

Aside from getting them to fit over my hips and actually be able to zip up, price and durability are also high on my list.

[enduramil]

i've been thinking about doing that for a long time, maybe next year i'll try and put something together.

Just remembered an observation.

Out here one item that seems to be popular, especially with the XC crowd is the Skort. Mostly because that is what some of the women put on right after a ride before going to hang out at the pub or whatever.

[Marvel]

So I'm gonna add my 2 cents. I think the reason that men have it easy is that they don't have as much variation in their body types, unlike women who have difference in the size of their waist, hips, stomachs and ass. If you look at women, we come in many many different shapes and sizes. For me, I lucked out with men's shorts, since I'm not curvaceous, my shorts sit on my hips since I have no waist. None of the women’s shorts I have ever tried fit me well.

I know it can definitely be done…these bike companies just need more women in their clothing department or.....Lady Gravity....

[ralph]

So I'm gonna add my 2 cents. I think the reason that men have it easy is that they don't have as much variation in their body types, unlike women who have difference in the size of their waist, hips, stomachs and ass.

I'm gonna have to agree with Marvel on this one, it seems like in general there is more variation between women than men. (Though, having a significant other who isn't the average male height, I can definitely say that some men have similar problems.) Men seem to vary more between pencil thin to barrel round, where women can be anywhere from pencil thin straight-up-and-down to pear shaped, to whatever other neat little labels they like to give body types. (I'd call my body type pain in the ass!) Makes it hard for clothing companies to make say, one style of short that fits all types.

I think in addition to body type variation, there's also not enough mtn bike clothing companies make good women's clothing (there is plenty of cross country & road clothes, but that doesn't quite work for what we're talking about here). Men have many companies and products to choose from, women have only a handful of companies making maybe one or two women's products. Or, that's my take on it at least. :)

You know, I've heard that some of the mtb companies say that there's just not enough market to put the effort into producing women specific products. I'd wish some of the company reps would take a look at this thread and realize there really is a market, and maybe listen to what their customers have to say.... and maybe even speak up about how they're addressing the women's market...

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

I think in some respects it's not the lack of overall market, but it's how hard it is to make it work within that market. Like I was saying a guy comes in finds a pair of shorts he likes and buys em. Ladies come in, try on 10 pairs and none work. Pretty soon a good formula presents itself. Mens shorts sell out, fast. Womens shorts sit on the rack.

[SIDESHOW]

not too many comments about that new ladies line that just came out, have you guys checked it out or what, aren't they all about filliing this niche ya'll speak of???

[sweet addiction]

i'm a newbie downhill rider as of this summer so i have to admit i don't know much about which brands work well and which don't - but i was up at the Crankworx event in whistler back in july (i think july, the summer has sort of flown by) and was introduced to the Loeka womens clothing line (www.loeka.com). the technical shorts felt as soft as silk so i was sold....have worn nothing else since. i think they make a great fit and i have yet to come across anything that is as lightweight and soft as they are (trust me, everytime i'm in a bike store, my hands touch everything! lol).

i like how the clothes are feminine enough for times when i can be rough and they have withstood all my nasty falls (including an unpleasant one where my entire body weight fell on my one shoulder...the rather large bruises i received made people literally wince afterwards).

anyways, IMHO i think loeka rocks. now if only i can find a body armour....

great ladies forum, btw. it makes me smile that you ladies exist, wreaking havoc in this boys world.

[newgirl]

can't judge until tried on - not crazy about the jerseys but I likee the shorts! Problem was when I looked on the site before the clothes were only available in Whistler and Sunpeaks so good on Coreena for getting it into vancouver - now how bout N. Van for us lazys......

oh and is there winter stuff coming?

[Lady Gravity]

... and was introduced to the Loeka womens clothing line (www.loeka.com. the technical shorts felt as soft as silk so i was sold....have worn nothing else since. i think they make a great fit and i have yet to come across anything that is as lightweight and soft as they are (trust me, everytime i'm in a bike store, my hands touch everything! lol).

i think that's great that the clothes fit you, and they do look really nice, however, going by the sizing chart, there's simply no way those shorts/pants will ever fit my body. i'm not posting my measurements :P but i dont consider myself fat, but after 2 kids and doing ab work my waist is definitely not small. since guys dont normally have a defined waist either, this is why i find guys shorts/pants fit me fairly well.

[heckler's better 1/2]

i have to agree with lg... none of their stuff would fit me either. All of it looks like it is for those without curve and bends. I curve and bend.

I just wish there was something out there that didn't look too butchy and yet was practical. I meet a lady on the trails on Fromme about a year ago who stopped and took pic of me and a couple of friends who were out riding. She was working for trek and was tasked with designing the women's specific line... we filled her in on all the girl issues we had.. I was wearing shorts I made myself, one other girl was on a modified bike and the othe girl was in guys clothes even though she is a clothing designer!

[sweet addiction]

i don't know about the sizes although being a new company i'm sure loeka would be open to feedback....afterall, it's meant to cater to us! i noticed they have a blog set up (www.loeka.com/blog/index.html) so maybe some of you might want to let them know sizing could be an issue? but ya, it'd be hard to determine i think without actually trying them on.

i guess it's true what some of the others have said about it being hard to come up with something that would fit every gal. i fit a Small but opted for a Medium. i kind of swim in them but i like the bagginess of it (considering beforehand i was wearing my boyfriend's old pair of corduroy shorts. belted of course. lol). they've got this stretch panel thingy too across the back which allows for extra room when you bend.

newgirl - i don't know about winter stuff but i would imagine so?

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

I gotta be honest about the Loeka shorts on the site. I notice even on the model that the shorts are doing that crotch pucker thing that I and everyother woman who comes into the store complains about. You know the one that gets worse when you bend over?

[dbaker]

I have a pair of men's Race Face shorts that I love, they have vents and a waist closure that can be adjusted. I can wear them with or without my dainese pads underneath and they match my bike - how girly is that?

I know that a lot of girls want more femine colours but for me I like the stuff that doesn't show the dirt. I don't want to be wearing a pair of light pink shorts with a big brown dirt stain on them all day ;)

[Lady Gravity]

I know that a lot of girls want more femine colours but for me I like the stuff that doesn't show the dirt. I don't want to be wearing a pair of light pink shorts with a big brown dirt stain on them all day ;)

i agree. i wear guy's jerseys in dull colours (ok, one is red :P) and yes i crash so they get thrashed and ripped. if i did buy the loeka jerseys, i'd wear them for hanging out, not for riding.

btw..i can highly recommend the dakine jerseys, i have several now from vollying at the nsmba rippers and they're pretty decent.

[Fluid]

I was pretty excited when Loeka first came out, but I'm really beginning to wonder if it does in fact cater to the majority of us female riders who ride the Shore all year round.
The light colours and fabrics that feel "as soft as silk" sound like the opposite of what we're looking for. And I agree that the sizing charts suggest that the shorts wouldn't fit me either.
I would like to see the model wearing the jerseys over armour, and have just overshorts without a built in lycra lining since I already have my own separate lycra shorts and have never liked the way the built-ins feel. All the clothes just look so slim in the pictures that I doubt they would really work functionally the way they're meant to.
If I were to buy the jerseys it would be for hanging out and not for riding.

[ralph]

I was pretty excited when Loeka first came out, but I'm really beginning to wonder if it does in fact cater to the majority of us female riders who ride the Shore all year round.

I felt the same way when I first looked at Loeka's line a while back. I was really excited when I found out there was a women's line, then when I looked at them I was not into it. The colors are too light and there's not a really any options (have i mentioned that i hate pink, i HATE pink ;)). And if they really are silky smooth I'd be worried about durability! I would probably fit into the shorts if they are actually the size they say they are, except I'm with newgirl in that they really look like they're missing the curves that many of us girls have. I think that's actually one of the reasons I hate the sombrio shorts I have, they're almost tubular and I swim in them in medium, but the small pulls at my hips- and I'm really not even that curvy!

In general I'd say I haven't come across Loeka in a store, so I can't really comment on their fit- but they are really expensive and most of what they offer just doesn't appeal to me, so I prolly wouldn't be that into em' if I did find them in a store. (for those prices, there better be something really cool about them for me to try em' out!!)

That being said, I think its awesome that there is someone trying to fill the niche, and maybe its because they are new and still small, I just think they are actually only filling a small portion of that niche.

[sweet addiction]

but i think that's what makes Loeka unique?? b/c they have some new advanced fabric or something for their shorts which makes for incredible durability but at the same time is super soft? shrug, who knows...seems like everyone has valid points to make!

ya i think they're just small right now breaking into the scene.....that's why i think they'll probably continue to evolve as they get more feedback from the ladies (one can only hope).

happy riding!

[ralph]

This is kind of related to the discussion we've had here. I was sitting in a coffee shop the other day and saw the newspaper with this article in it:

'Clothes size can be a measure of vanity'
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/285279_sizematters16.html

Apparently women are extremely vain and need to have their bodies and egos boosted by what the size on the label says...

I found it to be quite a sickening article. I guess I do not relate to the women they interviewed at all, because really I just want clothes that fit well (that seems to be hard enough no matter what size the label says). If the size is really relative to the designer, then who cares what size it says! You should know its not real then. But more then that it pisses me off that the designers/the fashion industry changes the sizes to make people feel better... it just makes it that much harder to find clothes (I hate shopping, I'd rather run in, find the right size, and run out)....

Plus, I have a friend who is naturally just really really small (oh, and the roadbiking she does doesn't hurt either). When they keep making the bigger sizes small, it makes it almost impossible for her to find a size that fits her, which means she either swims in her clothes, or has to shop at specialty shops. It's stupid that they just can't make the clothes the actual size it is (how come we can't go by waist size anyway? Not the 1,2,3, etc... system)

Anyway, thought that was kinda related to some of the things brought up in this thread...

[Lady Gravity]

i sew a lot of my own clothes. pattern companies say i'm a 16, but i buy a size 8-10 in ready to wear. whenever i sew for clients i never tell them the size of the pattern.

ralph - i feel for your friend, but there's two sides to that. when i have to buy an xl just to get the right fit, i wonder what all the really big women get to wear :S

[Fluid]

I stopped caring about the number on the tag long ago. After all, aside from myself, who else is able to even see the number on the tag inside my clothes?
It's much more important to buy clothes that fit right and accentuate all the right areas than be obssessed with a number. I know a lot of women who still insist on squeezing themselves into clothes that are too tight because they don't want to move up a size! The end result? You can see "bulges" being displaced and brought attention to. That "muffin top" effect especially comes to mind with jeans that are too tight.
I have also often wondered what women larger than myself get to wear and where they get to shop since I'm always an XL nowadays in everything I buy.
I think my most frustrating experience recently was when I got into rock climbing. Climbing clothes don't even come in XL for the most part! And their idea of size Large is closer to a Small-Medium.
Bottom line: Wear what fits you. Ignore the number on the tag!

[discowitch]

I can tell ya that one, I make due, sometimes I make our own, other times I buy guys stuff and suffer poor fit, Some plus size women shops (Addition Elle, Pennigtons) carry pretty decent exercise wear lines (which is mostly what I wear when working out or riding). Bodacious on Main st. also carry a couple of higher end plus size designer lines that include work out gear (mostly yoga wear) , but for the prices they are, the quality is not what I would consider good riding wear. My problem is right now I am between sizes as I have come down a couple since I started working out in the spring, what I have is too damn big (so I am pinning and darting) and yet I don't want to spend the money until I actually can get into a smaller size, and not have "muffin top" or "rolly pollys" etc. but be completely comfortable with the fit and how it looks on my body.

[Marvel]

Bottom line: Wear what fits you. Ignore the number on the tag!

Totally agree!!! I hate seeing women in clothes that don't fit them, because it's so unflattering. I admire those bigger size women that dress well! It shows to me they know their bodies, they are comfortable with their bodies and I think their confidence is high and I believe they have a better grasp on their self-esteem.

I hate numbers on tags because I'm never consistently one size, so I find it frustrating when I have to take both a medium and large to save myself a trip to get another size, but find in the end I have to get the small because the small fits big. What a waste of time.

I know tags should be a good gauge...but there is no consistency store to store. So I always ask a sales person if their clothes fit small or big, and then go from there.

[discowitch]

Totally agree!!! I hate seeing women in clothes that don't fit them, because it's so unflattering. I admire those bigger size women that dress well! It shows to me they know their bodies, they are comfortable with their bodies and I think their confidence is high and I believe they have a better grasp on their self-esteem.

I hate numbers on tags because I'm never consistently one size, so I find it frustrating when I have to take both a medium and large to save myself a trip to get another size, but find in the end I have to get the small because the small fits big. What a waste of time.

I know tags should be a good gauge...but there is no consistency store to store. So I always ask a sales person if their clothes fit small or big, and then go from there.
I somewhat agree with you there, and it is the same issue for all women, you can be an 8 in one store and a 12 in another, and it sucks. As far as being plus size and a good dresser, well I can't speak for other plus ladies but I love clothes and am a total fashionista so yeah i want stuff I look good in, and that I look hot in.

[newgirl]

and on my end, I find that all clothes in my size (s) or 4-6 usually sell out and I can NEVER get anything in my size - its always xs or l xl on the rack - why don't they order in proportion to their buying turnover...grrr

[enduramil]

i sew a lot of my own clothes. pattern companies say i'm a 16, but i buy a size 8-10 in ready to wear. whenever i sew for clients i never tell them the size of the pattern.

ralph - i feel for your friend, but there's two sides to that. when i have to buy an xl just to get the right fit, i wonder what all the really big women get to wear :S

Try being the man shopping for bike clothes. In the last 4 months i gave up trying to find clothes for Joely. I told her it's better for her to buy them. I'll just buy gloves, armour and parts.

This plan greatly decreases me strangling some sales weasel who weighs 125lbs soaking wet.

[newgirl]

you buy clothes for her too!!???

god you are dream man!

[enduramil]

you buy clothes for her too!!???

god you are dream man!

No I don't. I tried briefly then gave up. It's hard to communicate with sales weasels with the sum age of 17 who are more worried that their sports bra's match.

[Fluid]

you buy clothes for her too!!???

god you are dream man!

I remember my first year of getting into riding, that Christmas my guy bought me a cycling jacket, cycling shorts, cycling tights, gloves, and shoes. All the stuff I was still missing. It was the best Christmas ever!!!
I think he might have also been the one to buy me my first ever Camelbak, too...

[newgirl]

wow! My roadbike was a birthday gift.....from my mother....she rocks.

Still haven't gotten around to buying roadiewear. I rip around with my 12 year old shimano shoes and roach shorts flapping in the wind...

so many hobbies, so little money......

[enduramil]

wow! My roadbike was a birthday gift.....from my mother....she rocks.

Still haven't gotten around to buying roadiewear. I rip around with my 12 year old shimano shoes and roach shorts flapping in the wind...

so many hobbies, so little money......

Funny you should mention that......

I have been recently accused of being a MTB geek. Might have something to do with some stuff Joely gets comes from my spare parts heap. Next add on will be a pair of bar end caps.

[boardchk]

Bike stuff for presents rock...I got my red troy lee shirt for valentines last year..now THAT'S romantic!

[newgirl]

I am a singleton and yeah I sure do miss the exchanging present thing - its so great when you find THE perfect gift that you know the other person is going to LOVE.

I guess I am just going to have to love myself and go shopping this weekend!

[enduramil]

Since this thread is about bike fashion. I observed something today that I just can't be silent about any longer. Was in the downtown core here and in the space of 30 min saw this 10 times.

When wearing lycra bike shorts one does not need to wear panties. Why? 3 good reasons. 1. Bike shorts have a liner already installed and work the best with the liner. Actually can cause chafing, 2. The liners are made to last one whole day of wearing, need more then buy more,

And lastly, if you ladies where wearing tight skirts or pants what would you do to avoid a panty line? Lycra is tighter and reveals the line even more than those. In lycra the line is even more invisible.

Sorry, if it sounds like a rant. It took 3 months to get Joely to realize how it worked.

[discowitch]

Since this thread is about bike fashion. I observed something today that I just can't be silent about any longer. Was in the downtown core here and in the space of 30 min saw this 10 times.

When wearing lycra bike shorts one does not need to wear panties. Why? 3 good reasons. 1. Bike shorts have a liner already installed and work the best with the liner. Actually can cause chafing, 2. The liners are made to last one whole day of wearing, need more then buy more,

And lastly, if you ladies where wearing tight skirts or pants what would you do to avoid a panty line? Lycra is tighter and reveals the line even more than those. In lycra the line is even more invisible.

Sorry, if it sounds like a rant. It took 3 months to get Joely to realize how it worked.

Its called a g-string.

[newgirl]

ok ladies I just got my hands on the winter 2006/7 Troy Lee ladies riding pants -awesome fit for me! super tough and will keep me dry in the mud - got the airvents and lower zips to get to any armour easily...they fit super nice around the waist and bum and I am stoked to get muddy!

[DARTHYOGA]

[QUOTE=enduramil]

And lastly, if you ladies where wearing tight skirts or pants what would you do to avoid a panty line? Lycra is tighter and reveals the line even more than those. In lycra the line is even more invisible.
[QUOTE]

If you hate visible panty line, stop checkin' out my ass.

[newgirl]

[QUOTE=enduramil]

And lastly, if you ladies where wearing tight skirts or pants what would you do to avoid a panty line? Lycra is tighter and reveals the line even more than those. In lycra the line is even more invisible.
[QUOTE]

If you hate visible panty line, stop checkin' out my ass.

and. p.s.s. - who the hell wears panties under lycra?! chamois people?!

[heckler]

who the hell wears lycra?

[Lady Gravity]

:lol: good point

[enduramil]

[QUOTE=enduramil]

And lastly, if you ladies where wearing tight skirts or pants what would you do to avoid a panty line? Lycra is tighter and reveals the line even more than those. In lycra the line is even more invisible.
[QUOTE]

If you hate visible panty line, stop checkin' out my ass.

Well then stop insisting on going first.

[enduramil]

[QUOTE=DARTHYOGA][QUOTE=enduramil]

And lastly, if you ladies where wearing tight skirts or pants what would you do to avoid a panty line? Lycra is tighter and reveals the line even more than those. In lycra the line is even more invisible.


and. p.s.s. - who the hell wears panties under lycra?! chamois people?!

Alot of women do actually.

[newgirl]

Alot of women do actually.

glad you are taking such an interest in ladies only posts and their underwear preferences!


that's a new one to me - I have never met a gal who wears undies and lycra riding - but there you go!

[dbaker]

Was in the downtown core here and in the space of 30 min saw this 10 times.

Is it just me or is that fact that so many women are wearing lycra shorts a bigger problem than the fact that they have panty lines??

Say it with me girls 'the lycra goes UNDER the riding shorts' :P

[enduramil]

glad you are taking such an interest in ladies only posts and their underwear preferences!


that's a new one to me - I have never met a gal who wears undies and lycra riding - but there you go!

Consider it a benefit of over 10 years of working in the gym industry and 20 plus years of sport.

Plus if I'm going to be a coach I gotta keep up with all aspects of riding. In 10 years of gym work you'd be surprised what one will get asked.

[newgirl]

Is it just me or is that fact that so many women are wearing lycra shorts a bigger problem than the fact that they have panty lines??

Say it with me girls 'the lycra goes UNDER the riding shorts' :P

lycra has its uses - mostly in cold weather, xcing and obviously roadie riding, but yeah not really my fave!

so D - does this mean my photoshoot is really going to be naked rather than strategically placed sugoi items!?! haha!

your pics look great - can't wait!

[enduramil]

lycra has its uses - mostly in cold weather, xcing and obviously roadie riding, but yeah not really my fave!

so D - does this mean my photoshoot is really going to be naked rather than strategically placed sugoi items!?! haha!

your pics look great - can't wait!

I thought lycra was something that only the Jane Fonda aerobics crowd wore.

[discowitch]

I thought lycra was something that only the Jane Fonda aerobics crowd wore.

again, ladies and gents if you only want to wear the lycra and don't want a panty line and want to wear something between you and the synthetic, a g-string is the way to go, it is why god invented them in the first place.

[enduramil]

again, ladies and gents if you only want to wear the lycra and don't want a panty line and want to wear something between you and the synthetic, a g-string is the way to go, it is why god invented them in the first place.

No, I believe that was man. I know how confusing that can all be.

[Lady Gravity]

again, ladies and gents if you only want to wear the lycra and don't want a panty line and want to wear something between you and the synthetic, a g-string is the way to go, it is why god invented them in the first place.

i do not recommend exercising with a g-string, go commando if you wear lycra

[discowitch]

i do not recommend exercising with a g-string, go commando if you wear lycra

I string it all the time, I guess its just comes down to what you are comfortable with.

[discowitch]

No, I believe that was man. I know how confusing that can all be.

HA HA.

[Fluid]

I would have to second Lady G on the not wearing g-strings to exercise...certainly not for riding.

[discowitch]

I would have to second Lady G on the not wearing g-strings to exercise...certainly not for riding.

Maybe we're not talking about the same thing. you know those little cotton t-bar things.

[Fluid]

I'm well familiar with g-strings, as they make up 90% of my underwear in general. But having tried mtn biking with them, I wouldn't do it again. They're beyond comfortable for everything else I wear them for, just not for riding.

[stinky_rider7]

But having tried mtn biking with them, I wouldn't do it again. They're beyond comfortable for everything else I wear them for, just not for riding.

Agreed, g-strings are simply not compatible with the type & amount of movement involved in riding.

[the_shark]

me. i would like to see more girlie stuff too. pink & such. but i wear old roach shorts & whatever old jersey that doesn't stink too much! my worst beef is trying to find hardshell leg armour (shin & knee) to fit, being a smaller person. i have settled for, not one, but two different types, neither of which i'm totally comfortable in (both a little bit big). but better than nothing! one is a MACE, the other is.. (i can't remember). silly girl.

[discowitch]

I'm well familiar with g-strings, as they make up 90% of my underwear in general. But having tried mtn biking with them, I wouldn't do it again. They're beyond comfortable for everything else I wear them for, just not for riding.


Let me rephrase, maybe I am not talking about the right thing, you know those little cotton t-bars.

Or maybe if we are its the fact that I got some caboose happening that it doesn't matter to me either with or without.

[Lady Gravity]

Maybe we're not talking about the same thing. you know those little cotton t-bar things.

i'm not talking about walking around the gym. ever tried to go jogging with one? obviously not.

[discowitch]

i'm not talking about walking around the gym. ever tried to go jogging with one? obviously not.
Again I don't think I am talking about the same thing you all are. I think I may have it wrong. I don't jog, I have knee problems, but I am wicked on the eliptical, first time I was on it could only last 3 minutes now I am up to 30.


Okay I googled it we are definitly talking about two different things, sorry.

[dbaker]

What is the difference between a g-string and a thong? I always thought they were the same thing - and both uncomfortable for riding.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Are they different then a T Bar?

[newgirl]

ladies the new troy lee lady specific pants I got totally rocked in the rain - I stayed dry as a bone and they seem to be pretty tough after a nice spill and slide.....

look nice on too!

[SJ.]

I really struggle getting ladies gear for riding in.
I generally wear a UK 14-16 (that's US 10-12) so I'm not a tiny person but I don't consider myself to be oversized.
In the UK most bike clothing manufacturers go up to a 14 but that's normally a small 14 and it doesn't ft comfortably over my hips and bum, hardly practical for riding in! Menswear is the opposite, I find it too big and baggy and unflattering - I still like to maintain some of my womanly figure ;)!
I don't mind a few pinks and blues but subtle, not floral! I have pink Dragon goggles and blue Sombrio gloves and that's pretty much enough for me I think!
In the UK the ladies bike gear is very limited, Sombrio are pretty good from what I can gather offering the largest selection I've found available to date, TLD offer one style of trouser and one jersey i can get hold of and all the Fox stuff seems quite impractical to me! Maybe I need to move to BC...?

[Pampita]

Any of you girls ever try one of those bike skirts?

[DARTHYOGA]

Lately I've been diving into his closet for bike gear. It's says something when you know you should dress nicely for something and all your "good" clothes are drying on your still soaked bike.
I really should get to a mall at some point. My summer gaucho's just aren't keeping me warm anymore. Crap, then that leads to Ch&$$@^%##s shopping.

[Marvel]

Any of you girls ever try one of those bike skirts?

I just have no desire to ever wear one of these and just don't think they're a good idea. I know MB actually wear something under their skirts, but everytime I think of riding with a skirt I think of those girls/women that I see when I am out for a leisurely ride at Stanley Park. I see a lot more of these girls then I want because they're riding with some short skirt on....these girl are trying to get noticed or didn't think they'd be renting a bike for a ride around the park. Gross.

[newgirl]

Any of you girls ever try one of those bike skirts?

a skort -

talk about getting laughed off the mountain!

[Lady Gravity]

there's no way i'd ever wear one of those skirts, but then i dont wear spandex and ride xc either. mec sells them, so someone must be buying them.

[enduramil]

I just have no desire to ever wear one of these and just don't think they're a good idea. I know MB actually wear something under their skirts, but everytime I think of riding with a skirt I think of those girls/women that I see when I am out for a leisurely ride at Stanley Park. I see a lot more of these girls then I want because they're riding with some short skirt on....these girl are trying to get noticed or didn't think they'd be renting a bike for a ride around the park. Gross.

I think it was originally for something to put on post ride to go to a cafe or whatever. Think XC lycra look.

Out here seen a few women who do that. Plus a few I know of who use it as extra coverage for the classic parking lot gear change.

[Marvel]

Out here seen a few women who do that. Plus a few I know of who use it as extra coverage for the classic parking lot gear change.
That's a good idea...I just get naked.

[Fluid]

I have the one from MEC which is just a simple wrap around short skirt (no lycra). I would never consider wearing it for riding as I rely on my riding overshorts for protection from falls. This skirt wouldn't do anything for protection. But I do use it extensively for extra coverage while changing in the Whistler parking lot. It works like a charm for that! :)

[enduramil]

That's a good idea...I just get naked.

Forgot to add. It can be used for the quick change for a beer of a cafe post ride. So you don't wear muddy baggies in the extablishment.

[SJ.]

I think for the type of riding I do a 'skort' would be ridiculous! Lol!

[newgirl]

there's no way i'd ever wear one of those skirts, but then i dont wear spandex and ride xc either. mec sells them, so someone must be buying them.

yeah - my mother. ooh now i have another christmas present to go buy...

[enduramil]

there's no way i'd ever wear one of those skirts, but then i dont wear spandex and ride xc either. mec sells them, so someone must be buying them.

You don't? Damm.

Just an idea though courtesy of the season change. Someone should make them out of Gore Tex. Might be a market.

[pete@nsmb.com]

That's a good idea...I just get naked.

God bless you. I'm sure there would be far less complaints from residents if there were more girls gearing down to change after a ride rather than all sweaty, muddy ombres.

[newgirl]

see if I were a whistler resident I would beg to disagree...

[RandomRider]

I have the one from MEC which is just a simple wrap around short skirt (no lycra). I would never consider wearing it for riding as I rely on my riding overshorts for protection from falls. This skirt wouldn't do anything for protection. But I do use it extensively for extra coverage while changing in the Whistler parking lot. It works like a charm for that! :)

So you bought a skirt just to use for changing?

I thought of getting one to throw on over the lycra after an XC ride but then I remembered that I always change out of my lycra after riding so I would never wear it. Cause I can't imagine wearing a skirt while riding.

[Fluid]

I don't use the skirt just for changing. I often will wear it for the drive up and back from Whistler, too, so I don't have to be wearing the lycra shorts for the journey. It's just an all around handy item to have which I have ended up using a lot for the changing part. It works great for me especially since I never quite figured out the towel tuck for changing :P

[discowitch]

i have one of those skort things, Hate it, doesn't fit right, either the skirt part is going down or the short part going up, not a good thing, the man who designed it should be persecuted to the fiullest extent of the law. However they do look good on some women so to each there own.

[pete@nsmb.com]

see if I were a whistler resident I would beg to disagree...

Girls gearing down in a parking lot can never be a bad thing. And isn't whistler the biggest sausage party of all?

[Lady Gravity]

Girls gearing down in a parking lot can never be a bad thing. And isn't whistler the biggest sausage party of all?

yes, thank god. having seen a few guys completely strip down in the parking lot i cant really complain :drool:

[pete@nsmb.com]

Right. So either newgirl is into girls (god for her - I can't see why not) or there is some hiddne meaning there. Judy, wipe your drool off your skort and get a hold of yourself.

[Scooter]

I don't understand the skort.....make up your mind, it's either shorts or a skirt your wearing! Much like shpants......pants or shorts....make up your mind!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

I love shpants. Or shants as I call em!