Poll: Women specific cycling magazine

[JanT]

The bike magazines I've seen, both mountain and road, are lots of ads and hype for high end equipment. I usually don't feel there is much in there for little old average me, who rides for the fun of it. I rarely buy a bike magazine, although I will sit down at the library and read whatever they have there. I have never come across an issue that I've wanted to go out and buy because there was some really good information in it for me. So, I'd be looking for a magazine that provided lots of practical information, such as the kind that's shared here on the forum. I'd also like to see products reviewed and compared, but some lower priced things I could afford. Of course, maintenance and repair articles with step by step directions and photos, would be mandatory. A women's mag is a good idea. Back when I was a runner, there was a women's running magazine; I wonder if it still exists?

[Irulan]

ok, how about a serious post?

I have very little use for most cylcing and sports magazines. I can most everything that interests me in 15 minutes or less. I find most of them, if you read them long, just keep recycling ideas.

I was just kidding about the beefcake, you know. I'd be much more interested in the use of "real women" in photo shoots.

irulan

[RoadRaven]

do we get pics of hot half naked biker guys on the cover?

I want the pic of the fully nekkid guy who did the one-armed handstand in the Cannondale(?) ad a few years back.

I VOTE BIKERFOX!!!!!!!

[RoadRaven]

I think this is a great idea if anyone could get it up and running

I'm sure you'd get lots of potential article writers from here

Content would be what we talk about here... nutrition and training tips, looking after your bike - FAQs... different disciplines within cycling etc etc... just look at what the common threads and the most regularly talked about things here... perhaps a human interest story or two - something inspiring like Emily...

The trick will be getting advertising support... that will make or break the mag

But I'd place an order for it... and promote it in local shops, clubs etc if it rolled off the press the way I think we would like to see it...

[nuthatch]

Just like RoadRaven said, it's not the assembly of the mag that's the big challenge - it's attracting advertisers. You have to have an awesome marketing person who can find and keep advertisers who want to sell specifically to women, and it's not a big field out there, unfortunately. My sister-in-law started a mag called Dandelion (dandelionmag.com) that is dedicated to women in the outdoors (all sports) and it's pretty tough to 1) find startup funding and 2) keep advertisers interested in investing. So, if anybody has marketing experience.... I would LOVE to subscribe to a women's cycling mag!!

Articles on where to locate cute women's apparel
Bike fit for women with "body type" guidelines
Where to bike - safety issues
Interviews with women pros and how they got started
Encouragement for beginners
Success stories of "average janes"
Tips from folks like Irulan, who make bike clothing
Tips from mechanics
Recipes for on-road nutrition (Corsair, where are you?)
Special issues, like allergies, injuries, etc.
More articles that address the "spiritual" aspect of cycling, like this forum does!

[Satori78]

This is a great idea!! I have experience in design and magazine layout/publishing and pre-press.... plus a soon to be degree in advertising and pr.

[Trek420]

Degree in Graphics from C.C.A.C, 12 years experience in the field as an Art Director in publication design all currently being wasted working for da' phone company. I don't want to do design again. I told Spazz that my normal docile, helpful, kind, humorous, peacefull etc personality transforms into a homicidal raging b**** when faced with deadlines and production values no matter how much chocolate you give me. Wisdom, consulting, experience it's all yours gratis.

However, I cartoon and illustrate like a house afire ;-)

I've always felt, and shared with TE staff that I believe there's a book in this board. Consider publishing online. Whatever you do Spazz, the full page TE ad should be free and front and center on each issue because without this space there would be no idea.

Spazz, let the gals have their beefcake, I'll just look at the women in the ads ;-)

[SadieKate]

Spazz, let the gals have their beefcake, I'll just look at the women in the ads ;-)

I just want equal opportunity.

[Bike Goddess]

Love the idea! Might talk to the Bicycling Magazine people about the idea. That mag is pretty much a guy thiing, but I do like some of the things they do for the community- the bikes they give away and then have stories about what happened after a few months, etc.

[juvel01]

Might add a "regional" section. Maybe have a running lists of clubs websites so people can connect with others.

What about:
Test rides of bikes - the female persepctive
Fitting bikes/parts to women (since most of them are designed for men and WSDs are still lacking)
Riding techniques for smaller/larger/thinner/fatter etc riders
Step by step bike maintenance (ok, he' s a man, but my DH is an awesome mechanic in an awesome shop and I bet he would do a few articles with pics)
Safety - dealing with dogs, unwanted attention, etc, maybe some self defense ideas?)
Bikes for the average person, I love reading about the latest $6k bike, but most people ride bikes that are well under $1k, how about a "Bang for Your Buck" section
Bike tours/trips/trails reviews

Also, I'd cover it all, road, mountain, cyclo cross, trials, BMX (there are a few women doing that), recreational, family biking, etc.

[Trek420]

SadieKate "I just want equal opportunity. "

foldouts! yep, we read the magazine for the interviews. AG is voting for pictures of George.

seriously Spazz how about testing the waters as a blog supported by advertising, linkshare to TE and others, publish online, get sponsorship and readership and then go from there?

[LBTC]

Wow!

This is such a cool idea, whether in glossy magazine format, or busy online blog! I LOVE it! I hope that I can contribute something at some point, too!

If I think of something you girls haven't already said - and you've had so many great ideas! - I'll let you know.

Good work! Very exciting!

Namaste,
~T~

[Grog]

This is such a cool idea, whether in glossy magazine format, or busy online blog! I LOVE it!

I am not sure about the odds for a glossy magazine, but I am a happy subscriber to a couple of feminist zines (including Shameless Mag - http://shamelessmag.com - that's for teenagers but at 27 I still find it great!!) that are not on the glossy side of things and that's quite fine with me. I don't feel like I need that much advertising in my life.

A webzine with lots of contents with monthly publications could be great too, and may require less advertising support. Here's one I find kinda cool. It's in French but you'll figure it out (just the looks of it): http://www.p45.ca/ Considering the fact that women cyclists are everywhere, that could be easier...

[SadieKate]

foldouts! yep, we read the magazine for the interviews.

The lastest VeloNews has Ivan Basso.

[nuthatch]

Love the idea! Might talk to the Bicycling Magazine people about the idea. That mag is pretty much a guy thiing, but I do like some of the things they do for the community- the bikes they give away and then have stories about what happened after a few months, etc.

I think we should also talk to someone like Nike who's looking to get into women's cycling clothing/accessories. They're big bucks!!