The cycling world still doesn't get that women are active in the sport and we have $$$ too. I went looking for shoes recently. While Shimano, Sidi, Time, etc, make lots of different styles for men, they usually offer one style for women AND bicycle shops only carry a few sizes. Extremely frustrating!!!

As for bikes themselves, I ended up having a custom bike made eight years ago because my 40 year old back complained every time I got on my Trek. The handlebars are narrower, the geometry is narrower (I can only get one water bottle on my downtube...not good in the desert!) and the gearing is set up so that I don't lose pedal when I'm going downhill chasing bigger, heavier guys.

I hope you folks have different experiences, but I feel like I'm still not treated seriously in most bike shops. They're run by young kids (guys) and when they see a middle aged woman come in, they probably envision a bike with the fake fur seat, basket in front & Toto in the basket. As a result, they don't spend time looking for what I need ("No, I said I needed presta valve tubes, yes I said I need the cyclometer that shows cadence..").

I just hope I meet them on the road....<evil grin>