"Ride like a girl"... How do you feel about that?

[Geonz]

I like the idea of owning hte phrase... but I also figure - hey, it's marketing.
And then I think... and marketing has a pretty profound effect.

I wouldn't buy it 'cause I don't ride "like" anything. I just ride. I like turning "ride like a girl" into something strong.

[Kalidurga]

I wouldn't buy it 'cause I don't ride "like" anything. I just ride.

Thank you! That's exactly how I feel, and you said it perfectly.

[NbyNW]

I got one of the beanies from Terry that fits under your helmet and is long enough to keep your ears warm. I didn't realize it had "ride like a girl" on it until it came in the mail.

I probably wouldn't have chosen it since I'm not really into things with slogans, but I figure it's barely visible under my helmet and gets the job done. Having "ride like a girl" on it was not enough of a reason to return a perfectly good beanie.

The way the phrase is used on Terry merchandise doesn't bother me. I agree that they're taking a traditionally derogatory phrase and trying to rework it into something empowering.

[firenze11]

I don't mind the phrase in the context of being a strong, athletic woman.
I'm starting to love this new feeling I've developed over the past year, since I've gotten my bike actually, of being both feminine and strong. Part of me doesn't love the use of "girl" but part of me really likes it. I think it's cheeky and I like reclaiming a phrase that is often derogatory. I'm not sure I would buy something with the phrase on it, but only because I usually don't wear clothing with slogans.

[Bluetree]

If I went into a shop and saw the RLAG merchandise, I would be less interested in that LBS. I have no negative feelings about the slogan, but I've never seen RLAG merchandise that isnt girly, adolescent or (IMHO) silly looking.

When I walk into a shop I want to see high-end performance gear that helps me kick butt as an athlete. If a shop wants to be woman-friendly, I'd rather see employees versed in womens riding issues, smaller high-end bikes, wide selections of small wheels/shifters/handlebars/etc, and a larger selection of womens technical apparel.

That RLAG merchandise just doesn't to it for me.

[singletrackmind]

If I went into a shop and saw the RLAG merchandise, I would be less interested in that LBS. I have no negative feelings about the slogan, but I've never seen RLAG merchandise that isnt girly, adolescent or (IMHO) silly looking.

When I walk into a shop I want to see high-end performance gear that helps me kick butt as an athlete. If a shop wants to be woman-friendly, I'd rather see employees versed in womens riding issues, smaller high-end bikes, wide selections of small wheels/shifters/handlebars/etc, and a larger selection of womens technical apparel.

That RLAG merchandise just doesn't to it for me.

BINGO!!!
While I don't use the smaller stuff it would be nice to be able to find high-end women's gear, especially clothing, as well as people not automatically steering me towards a hybrid when I say I want to ride dirt, etc.
It'd also be nice if that gear was a mix of girly (bleh) and whatever you call the regular not girly stuff, rather than all girly or nothing.

[short cut sally]

I purchased the RLAG socks a couple years back and gave them as gifts to the other girls that I rode with. One lady asked me if I was trying to tell her something. She responded first with, I don't know if I should be offended or take them as a compliment. She then asked me if I thought she should slow down and cycle slower like the "rest of the girls did". Needless to say, I never purchased socks with that saying again. I still wear mine, and enjoy wearing my socks. I wouldn't mind a small bumper sticker that says that, but as far as bigger items, shirts, sweatshirts with that saying, not for me.

[chutch]

I never took offense to it. I always assumed, like others, that it was to give an offensive phrase new meaning. I do think they should branch out and try some other colors instead of pink. It can still be feminine but more color variety may tone down the cutesy-ness of it.

[Irulan]

If I went into a shop and saw the RLAG merchandise, I would be less interested in that LBS. I have no negative feelings about the slogan, but I've never seen RLAG merchandise that isnt girly, adolescent or (IMHO) silly looking.

When I walk into a shop I want to see high-end performance gear that helps me kick butt as an athlete. If a shop wants to be woman-friendly, I'd rather see employees versed in womens riding issues, smaller high-end bikes, wide selections of small wheels/shifters/handlebars/etc, and a larger selection of womens technical apparel.

That RLAG merchandise just doesn't to it for me.

instead of punishing your LBS, if if you have that strong of feelings about RLAG, perhaps write a letter to Georgia Terry, founder and owner of Terry bikes. She's female obviously, and had done a tremendous job of promoting and enhancing women's cycling.

Terry builds bikes for women, and has an incredible line of clothing and accessories. I doubt that RLAG is not women friendly, it's just a perspective that doesn't appeal to you.

[Deborajen]

Hasn't RLAG been around for awhile? I know I've seen it in the catalogs for at least a few years now, so somebody must like it and be buying it.

I don't find it offensive at all. I wouldn't want to be told I ride like a guy. But on the other hand, I wouldn't wear anything that says "Ride Like a Girl" or anything bright pink on a ride. I don't want to stand out from a distance as - "Woman . . . BY HERSELF!!" if I'm riding by myself or have gotten separated from the group.

I like the message. Girls can ride. Some girls are darn good at it. I'm not surprised some women like it and some don't care for it at all, but personally I'd only wear that kind of stuff for day-to-day off-the-bike.

Deb

[Bluetree]

Well, I certainly dont refer it as "punishment" as there is nothing punitive in my choice of shops. And yes, it IS a different perspective.

In my area I'm very fortunate to have about a dozen local bike shops from which to choose. Some are geared towards the bling-bling/race crowd and others are geared towards the more recreational riders... and it's easy for me to get an idea of which one according to the merchandise on the floor.

It's about perception, branding, marketing and name-recognition. If I walk in and see names like Assos, Sidi, Campagnolo, Cervelo, for instance, I get a good idea of the focus of the store. But with the limited floor space of most LBSs, if I see the womens section highlighted by an overload of pink (or RLAG stuff) my perception is that the store is not aiming at me as a customer.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that approach, and I can certainly understand why one segment of the womens population would like it (Terry's success is proof of that)...but it's not for me. I speak with my $$$ and I'd rather do my talking elsewhere.

[Bluetree]

Btw, I have no feelings one way or another about the slogan. I don't really need one to show people I'm "a girl"... Kinda obvious, you know!

Besides, it doesn't matter if you're wearing pink, riding a triple, have a ponytail, or dressed in a burlap bag... When you drop a guy, he knows darn well he's been dropped BY A GIRL!!!!