Elizabeth,

I would guess that Pearl Izumi does their research. I say that because their women's chamois is truly different then the men's model (it's *perfect* for me). They also make shorts in modest lengths - not just the 5 inch inseam variety. They also offer nearly as many clothing options for women as men. One thing that nobody has been able to do yet is make bib shorts for women. I always wear mens, but the straps do require some creative sewing on my part. I hear castelli is offering a women's bib, but I have yet to see any reviews. I think that Zoic (http://www.zoic.com) also does some research. They make jersey's without the dreaded tight elastic hem! And their stuff is subtly stylish...not like that garish primal stuff. And it probably goes w/o saying, but Terry does research as well.

Shoes are another thing that I think manufacturers miss the mark on. "Built on a women's specific last" is a phrase you see often (Lake, Sidi). To me all this means is incredibly small and narrow!

Hope this helps!