Bike Shop Girl

[Zen]

A website/blog.
and a disclaimer- I haven't explored it yet but at first glance it looks interesting.

http://bikeshopgirl.com/

[Bike Chick]

Interesting site Zen. I've bookmarked it for later review. I think I need some Grease Monkey wipes to keep in my bag to wipe the chain tattoo off my inner right calf mid-ride and I must have some Hoo Ha Ride Glide:D

[Tri Girl]

Looks pretty cool. I just briefly looked at it, but it seems chock-full of good tips and ideas. Yes, the Grease Monkey wipes would come in VERY handy... for many uses. I just look at my bike and I get grease on me.:p

[BikeShopGirl]

Thanks for mentioning the site! I saw the referral and quickly joined the forum!

Any input or suggestions are always greatly welcomed

[bluejellybean]

Thanks for posting, bookmarked!

[Dogmama]

Interesting site Zen. I've bookmarked it for later review. I think I need some Grease Monkey wipes to keep in my bag to wipe the chain tattoo off my inner right calf mid-ride and I must have some Hoo Ha Ride Glide:D

Those are called "freshmen tattoos"

I liked the article about "more than zero." Yesterday I cleaned house. Does that count?

[ginny]

tri girl, that's a joke with me too! I get anywhere near any of my bikes and grease magically jumps onto my leg (obviously), my forehead (?) and often my nose and for some reason, my forearms... I think there's something wrong with me :rolleyes:

[Owlie]

I think bikes are like cats. The grease is merely their way of telling you "This is mine. And this is mine, and this is mine..."

(I also get grease all over me whenever I ride...)

[softthings]

just skimmed the article on base layers. you are supposed to wear them UNDER your sports bras? didn't know that, but, i'm a noob. :o

[Zen]

"If possible, wear the base layer under your sports bra, it normally does a better job of wicking than the bra"

I've never heard that. Seems like it would be awfully uncomfortable.
And there are plenty of good wicking sports bras, like Under Armor or wool (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_240_0.html)

[Owlie]

just skimmed the article on base layers. you are supposed to wear them UNDER your sports bras? didn't know that, but, i'm a noob. :o

It makes sense, but it seems really uncomfortable. I'd sooner buy a wicking bra, and I'm poor.

[OakLeaf]

I don't know the band would "catch" well enough to support anything, with a base layer underneath. :confused:

[katluvr]

I don't know the band would "catch" well enough to support anything, with a base layer underneath. :confused:

That is if you have anything that needs supporting!
Yeah, sound funny. But makes sense if your sprots bra is not made of wicking material.

[ny biker]

I don't know the band would "catch" well enough to support anything, with a base layer underneath. :confused:

Maybe it depends on the style of the bra and how much it has to support.

[Shara]

That's a fun site. I don't think it's the norm to wear your base layer under your bra... and I used to live in a cold part of Canada.

I think I relate more to the men mentioned in the site. I'm more about function over looks. And price over looks lol

[Atlas]

Bookmarked for sure.

[BikeShopGirl]

The key words were "if possible"

Many bra's wick well but women tend to dry them with the rest of their clothes, killing any wicking properties.

[shootingstar]

The key words were "if possible"

Many bra's wick well but women tend to dry them with the rest of their clothes, killing any wicking properties.

I read earlier about wearing base layer under sports bra....really? Even a "smallish" woman with a not too tight bra would find it uncomfortable. It would cause me to sweat even more.

Why is it that I get a feeling this suggestion comes from a male? :o Or maybe I just live in a narrow, boring world. Probably.

[OakLeaf]

Why is it that I get a feeling this suggestion comes from a male? :o

I had the same thought....

I don't have a whole lot up there - if the band doesn't "catch," it pulls halfway up my b00bs and is not a bit comfortable...

[shootingstar]

http://bikeshopgirl.com/2009/10/riding-with-your-menstrual-cycle-guys-beware/ I guess this information needs to be told to women after they're 20 yrs. old ...how to deal with tampons. And strange advice about menstrual cramps..interc**se etc.

http://bikeshopgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/gi_knew_suro_nabk_me.jpg If this was put up on a women's cycling gear website as a joke/tongue-in-cheek for women..I dunno. Kinda of childish for broad reach, professional marketing worldwide to women. Cut out the parody/in jokes, just deal factually with women about products.

Would suggest that Arleigh the owner, describes her cycling profile to the world. It would help credibility of her biz.

[Zen]

^ a rather harsh critique. What bothers me is that it was posted here instead of on the BikeShopGirl site.

You can register on their site and leave comments.

[shootingstar]

^ a rather harsh critique. What bothers me is that it was posted here instead of on the BikeShopGirl site.

You can register on their site and leave comments.

I appreciate this but haven't gone at length here at all. Doesn't discount other useful info. there. On my last point, it doesn't hurt for other women or (many men) who hang out here registered or unregistered here to also know, that women who do own businesses and cater services and products specifically to women and to know of their preferences/feedback, make themselves more 'visible' of who they are..to their target audience.

But sure this last point can be made later...there as well as here, because of all the cross-linking between websites. Added: If one can find a generic comment spot there to make a public comment, instead of having suggestion buried unrelated to any of their articles thus far or a private email which no one can see such a generic suggestion.

Oh well. The difference between a forum and a blog with comments. The audience makes up the topics here on TE.. :)

[sundial]

I think I need some Grease Monkey wipes to keep in my bag....

I keep a stash of Wet Ones and it works well on chain grease.

The Hoo Ha cream sounds interesting although I've pretty much weaned myself off chamois butter.

[Susan Otcenas]

http://bikeshopgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/gi_knew_suro_nabk_me.jpg If this was put up on a women's cycling gear website as a joke/tongue-in-cheek for women..I dunno. Kinda of childish for broad reach, professional marketing worldwide to women.

This photo is from a Giordana apparel catalog.

[ridebikeme]

Like many of you, I think the website has many useful tips.

I am a Giordana dealer, so obviously have seen the catalog. It seems that there have always been catalogs/posters like this, for some reason most companies seem to think it attracts our attention. The only unusual thing here is that this catalog featured a man rather than a woman. I wish that we could simply have straight forward ads without any conotation towards sex... but that's only my personal opinion.

But with all of that said, the fact remains that the Bike Shop Girl website is informative, and we should be thankful that someone is taking the time to do it. Now whether men have any imput in that website is another subject.. but since we have men here on a womans website, do we have the right to disagree?

[Zen]

but since we have men here on a womans website, do we have the right to disagree?

Always :)

[ridebikeme]

Thanks Zen:D

[BikeShopGirl]

Wow,

all great feedback. Thank you all for your feedback.

Trying to touch upon everyones comments..


Many women that are cyclist forget what it was like to start out, with zero clue about what to ask or who to ask. Everyone of my topics are things that have come up at the shop I manage in North Carolina.

Yes, women do ask about riding with their period. I also believe information came from that, like the Diva Cup, that many women don't know. As a seasoned riders, we forget.. we forget fears we had, or maybe never had because we are more adventurous.

The site is provided as informational to all. There are facts and yes, there are tongue in cheek jokes but not mean to be harsh or rude.. that is who I am, and to keep the blog personal or not formal.. that is how it is I guess.

When the blog first started I had a great about me feature and I will be linking it in the "about" page, thank you for that comment as well.

Quickly for you all.. I've worked in the bike industry for 10 years, mainly on the retailer front, but also as a mechanic for pro teams, at Cane Creek Cycling and a leader for a couple bike advocate groups. Mainly my riding consist of commuting and mountain biking, but raced road, cyclocross and mountain through the years. I believe bikes can make a difference and that is why I am spending my time writing/running Bike Shop Girl.

Blanket suggestions can always be sent by email girly@bikeshopgirl.com.

I think this site is needed, just like this forum is needed. The popularity of women riding bikes is growing and that needs to continue to happen and women need to feel happy/safe/strong when riding their bike to continue.


Thanks again!

[BikeShopGirl]

Wow, thank you all for the feedback!

To try and touch upon everything..

Bike Shop Girl was created as I manage a bike shop in North Carolina and daily have questions asked or the need to answer questions that women don't even know to ask.

Often, we forget as experienced bike riders what it was like to start out. The fears, questions and confusion. Maybe many of us are more adventurous than others so it was easier to get into with out fear.

All of the topics covered on BSG are those that have been talked about either in my shop, by others online, or maybe emailed to me from readers.

To say something is immature because you think that it is known knowledge or something you should know by the time you are 20 isn't fair. Yes, as athletes we know how to deal with our menstrual cycle on the bike.. but some women don't. I also think that article brought up many points that all of us wouldn't of known about, like the Diva Cup. It was a fear that was expressed to me, but a woman in her upper 40's. She wasn't athletic and she didn't want to "ruin" her $140 pair of shorts.

I'm sure BSG can come off with jokes and humor, that is my personality and I want to keep the blog as personal as possible while informing the public about different issues, product reviews or thoughts. I'm trying to convey the same feelings your atmosphere that you would feel if you were to talk to me in person. The image from Giordana of the guy with base layer items all over is humorous and also (to me) shows how the items fit or to be worn.

This site, just like the forum we are using, is much needed. More women are getting into cycling than ever, and to keep those women happy, safe and strong is my overall goal.

When the site first launched I had a great article on "about me" and my history, I will link that in the about page. Thank you for that feedback!

Quickly for everyone's knowledge reading this.. I've worked in the cycling industry for 10 years. Mainly on the retail front, but also as a professional mechanic for two pro team, on the industry side at Cane Creek Cycling and on the advocate front as a leader of a couple local/regional cycling advocacy groups. Primarily these days my riding is commuting, or mountain biking with my kids. I've raced road, mtb, and cyclocross over the years. Not only do I feel I have a lot of knowledge to provide, but also the means to find knowledge from various coaches, product designers and other "bike shop girls."

All blanket suggestions can be emailed if needed to girly@bikeshopgirl.com

Thanks to all of you for the feedback, it is needed and I will adjust the site as I can.

[BikeShopGirl]

One last thing..

The whole base layer under bra was actually taught to me about 3 years ago by a professional cross country skier (woman.) As far as it not working for "petite" women.. she was about 5'2 and maybe 90 lbs.

It's finding the right baselayer, (light & thin) that won't bunch up. Off hand I can think of about 9 customers I have told this to, only to get phone calls within the next week saying they tried it and it worked wonderfully.

Maybe it won't work for your body structure, but try it before you bash it.

[Wahine]

I'm totally going to try the base layer under the jog bra thing on my next cold ride or cross country ski. I think it's a good idea. I have a microweight smart wool layer that I imagine would work wonderfully.

Thanks for the tips Bikeshopgirl.

[Zen]

In the interest of science and investigative reporting I'm going to try it too.

[OakLeaf]

I'm not in any hurry for it to get cold enough for me to need a base layer for running. :cool:

[PamNY]

I'm totally going to try the base layer under the jog bra thing on my next cold ride or cross country ski. I think it's a good idea. I have a microweight smart wool layer that I imagine would work wonderfully.

Thanks for the tips Bikeshopgirl.

I'm going to try it also, using exactly the same garment. Thanks from me, too.

Pam

[ny biker]

I'm not in any hurry for it to get cold enough for me to need a base layer for running. :cool:

Word.

[BikeShopGirl]

Thank you all..

please visit the site often, give feedback, and perhaps if you want to write a guest article let me know!

[cylegoddess]

Im gonna try it too( or when its no longer getting to be charbroiling time on the bike!) That would have worked well too, hmmm:)

Oh and yes, the Diva cup isnt always known.
I had a GUY tell me about it!! ( He cycles and is fairly femme friendly! Also, a VERY close friend, so I guess it doesnt count!)

I just pinch pack wet wipes from fast food places( chicken ones). Get a bottle of water and stock up!

[nscrbug]

So far, I'm really liking the "Bike Shop Girl" website. Would have never become aware of "Hoo Ha Ride Glide", had it not been for that site. Definitely plan on getting some of that stuff in the near future.

[sundial]

Off hand I can think of about 9 customers I have told this to, only to get phone calls within the next week saying they tried it and it worked wonderfully.

I'm always looking for that perfect wicking bra and I just happen to have summer weight wool tees that I can layer under the bra. I'll definitely give this a whirl. :)

Zen, meet me at Waffle House and we'll discuss our findings.

[Zen]

I passed by Waffle House tonight, they had a banner sign that said "14 complete meals each under $5.00, beverage included".
So...I'll be there!

[ny biker]

I wish there was a Waffle House near me...

[Selkie]

Come to the IHOP in Ballston! Or the Metro29 Diner on Lee Hwy.

[BikeShopGirl]

Has anyone tried my crazy idea of base layers under the bra?

[OakLeaf]

I got as far as putting it on, on Monday.

I did have a zip-neck base layer, but the instructions should note that it needs to be either zip-neck or scoop-neck (since you will have to reach into the base layer to straighten your b00bs).

The band of my bra didn't seem like it wanted to catch under the HRM. It was really hard to get the right amount of fabric on each side of the bra, so it wasn't pulling on my neck and shoulders, but wasn't bunched up so it would chafe.

It was one of those days and one of those ideas like padding my first MTs, or doing something different to prevent blisters... if it didn't work, I was going to have to cut my run short, and it wasn't a day I wanted to cut my run short. So I took it all back off and put it on the "normal" way.

Since then I've been down with a stomach virus. :( I might try it again, but it'll have to be a day I'll be okay with cutting my run short.

[hoffsquared]

Has anyone tried my crazy idea of base layers under the bra?

I saw this idea and like it but when it is cool biking weather - I forgo the bra completely under all the layers. "They" just don't warrant much support while commuting smooth roads.

But I will try this when I start running again in cool weather.

[BikeShopGirl]

Oakleaf -

A zip neck? I would disagree.. having a zipper tight against my skin sounds terrifying..

I use Craft's or Defeet's base layer which come up to my neck, if not higher..

[OakLeaf]

So do you straighten your b00bs from underneath, then? Or are you able to get your arm down the neck of your base layers without stretching them out too much?

I always do it from the top. I don't think I could do it from underneath, it's so easy to just pull on the skin over my pecs...

[BikeShopGirl]

From underneath, inside out.. or you put your hand on your breast over your base layer and push it in the sports bra.

The base layer should also be like a second skin (like long underwear) and snug.