I agree that education is the key to perception problems, but , I also know that women can be their own worse enemy. Insecurity and ignorance serve only those who exploit.

There have been 2 woman in the past 2 spin classes who have had trouble with their shoes clipping-in; it turned out that the problem wasn't the peddles...the shoe cleats were not adjusted at the shops where they bought the shoes; the women were unaware that the cleats had to be adjusted to the ball of the foot---no one showed them, helped them, nada. Perfect opportunity to educate...granted there are times when I feel that I'm the blind leading the blind, but, who cares?

I'm going to start bringing a tri-tool to spin. Hopefully, someone will ask where I got it and I can send them to my neighborhood bike shop where there is a female machanic. She's a downhill pro and a great help (and, so are the guys that work there, too).
Terry