I just had the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire from a bike catalog. Most of the options were multiple choice about service, but one question with space for text answer was, "What one thing would you most like to see different?" or something. I said that I would like them to pressure the manufacturers to increase choice and substantive design differences in women's bikes, equipment, components and clothes. I said that I wanted to take women's cycling from niche market to 1/2-the-population market, and that I would like more differences of substance, rather than marketing.

My hat is off to the companies who are making real change in their mass market products. We have a long way to go before we can open a catalog and find 1/2 the stuff made for us, including broad choices in sizing and design.

OK -- end of rant!! ;-)