Women's cylcing apparel in DC area??

[Kalidurga]

Hey there, bikaroney: Where in the DC area are you willing to drive? The best selections of apparel I've found so far are at Race Pace in Ellicott City and The Bike Doctor in Frederick. I'll agree, though, that the pickings are a bit slim. I refuse to wear pastels or bright primary colors, so that knocks out 80% of the women's apparel out there.

And, I'll second Nicole's invitation to join us this weekend

[HillSlugger]

Hey there, bikaroney: Where in the DC area are you willing to drive? The best selections of apparel I've found so far are at Race Pace in Ellicott City and The Bike Doctor in Frederick. I'll agree, though, that the pickings are a bit slim. I refuse to wear pastels or bright primary colors, so that knocks out 80% of the women's apparel out there.

And, I'll second Nicole's invitation to join us this weekend

Kali, the Race Pace website says that they have four locations, including Ellicot City and Columbia. Have you been to both? Do you specifically mention Ellicot City because they have a better selection?

Thanks, Nicole

[Kalidurga]

I haven't been to the Race Pace in Columbia. Ellicott City is kinda sorta on my way to and from B'more, so it's easier for me to get to than Columbia. Plus, I have a tendency to get lost in Columbia.

The guys in the E.C. shop, though, mentioned that the Columbia shop is bigger, which must be incredible because the E.C. shop is huge.

[HillSlugger]

I haven't been to the Race Pace in Columbia. Ellicott City is kinda sorta on my way to and from B'more, so it's easier for me to get to than Columbia. Plus, I have a tendency to get lost in Columbia.

The guys in the E.C. shop, though, mentioned that the Columbia shop is bigger, which must be incredible because the E.C. shop is huge.

I ask because I've never been to Ellicot City but I frequently end up in Columbia. For me Columbia is more convenient. I'll try to check it out next weekend when I'm in the area and let you know.

[7rider]

[QUOTE=Kalidurga;133328]Plus, I have a tendency to get lost in Columbia.
QUOTE]

I'm glad I'm not the only one!

As much as I love my LBS, I am frustrated by their women's clothing selection. If you wear size S or XS, perhaps you'll have luck, but for the rest of us.......

Thanks for the Race Pace link...I'll have to check them out next time I'm in Columbia.

[aicabsolut]

Hmm.. I wear an S usually and I've had minimal luck. Found a good pair of Cannondale shorts, ordered a pair of ok (chamois is kind of weird) Nike knickers online. Tried some jerseys (LS for fall..don't have any summer ones yet either), and none fit. They're all horrible colors and too short. I think I'd need a men's XS, possibly S, (I've got broad shoulders and a long torso, but it's only about 33" chest) but these LBSs don't carry those sizes in the men's stuff either.

And what's up with all the women's shorts having the itty bittiest inseams?

I've looked in Revolution and City Bikes. Last time I went in Spokes, I forgot to check out the clothing.

It seems everywhere I look it's all women's large or just so wrong I don't get close enough to look at the sizes

[7rider]

Well, you may want to check out the Bicycle Place on Grubb Rd in Silver Spring - http://www.thebicycleplace.com/
They carry Nike, Descente, and Castelli, generally, and some other stuff. I think I've seen some Zoic in there for tri-stuff from time to time. Not a huge selection, but maybe something will click for you there. Of course, the men's selection is bigger....Grrrr.....

[Mimosa]

Well glad to see the problem is the same everywhere

What I also find stunning is that the womens apparel that meets my standard (meaning normal colored, functional clothing) is so expensive. Often the normal priced womens clothing have:
- a horrible colour design,
- the length is too short,
- is made out of stretchy material (which means you can't put anthing heavy in your backpocket then the shirt will bounce around),
- only has one backpocket(instead of 3)

Near me is only one shop that has a decent collection of womens clothing (they are more a sportsclothing shop then a bikeshop) so I first look there. And afterwards I also look in the mens section to see if I can get something simular in there (for often less money). The only thing I pay attention to is if the mens shirts isn't to thight around the breasts.