What dumb stuff have men said to YOU since taking up cycling???

[sydney_b]

This reinforces my secret desire to open a bike shop for women. My husband's response was that bike shop owners don't make any money; I replied that I wouldn't be doing it for the money. I just want to help more women get out there and ride, on any kind of bike. I would hire women mechanics so that women customers would never be intimidated. I would have a book section, too--I've never seen one in a bike shop--books on training, riding, nutrition, etc.

Would you go out of your way to get to a LBS for women?

Although the guys at my LBS are really nice, they don't seem to get the idea that I'd really like to learn more about my bike. So, I learn on my own and gradually ask better questions, but it would be nice if their attitude was one more into teaching.

One might not need to do a shop. What about a sort of cooperative where folks could pay a membership and maybe be able to purchase parts at lowered prices and be able to use tools? Of course, you'd still need to have an expert on hand once in a while, but maybe it could be more along the lines of mentorship instead of client/professional.

[Ninabike]

I would support a women's LBS or co-op in a minute.

I think there is a general lack of recognition in the cycling industry that women make up a significant portion of the market. I have a couple of good LBS's who are attentive to my needs, but I am looking for a "winged" carbon handlebar with short drop and reach, and my LBS guy looked all over for one and said he would check at Interbike - Nada!! There is nothing out there. He said there is just not enough demand from women!! I told him if the stuff we wanted was out there, there would be plenty of demand!! (By the way, anyone out there know of a 40cm, short drop and reach carbon winged handlebar?)

Nina

[Asphaltgirl]

a female LBS?! I'd be there in a heart beat! This summer, cycling on Cape Cod with DH, we stopped in a bike shop that had the most beautiful purple Specialized WSB that was just my size. But I left it there when the salesman tried to sell the bike to my husband...like he thought I didn't have a clue what he was talking about-- I was just "the little lady". It really made me angry that he thought he couldn't talk to me about the components on the bike--I know what the heck a derailleur is! Happens all the time--into the bike shop--talk to the husband....ignore the woman. Makes me really really mad!
~~AG~~