Marketing women's Cycling Products

[Bluetree]

I hate to come across as a gadfly, but I'm looking for a more constructive way to "complain" about women's cycling products and offer suggestions/request for what I would like to see. I've written/talked to many, many manufacturers, LBS owners, distributers, etc. and few have offered a reply beyond, "Sorry kid, that's just the way it is."

I have often felt that I speak through my pocketbook, but when the items I am searching for are not available or very rare, I cannot even do that. Here's just a few sample items that I have looked for in the past year:

• 165 or 167.5 carbon cranks (SRAM finally started making them)

• Women's bib knickers (only $280 Assos so far)

• Bib shorts or tights in anything other than basic black

• Sidi Ergos in smaller sizes (they start at 40)

• Women's full zip jerseys... with better designs

• FSA carbon bars with internal cabling, smaller than 40

• Winter clothing in BRIGHTER, flashier colors with more reflective pieces

• Safety-minded gear that not baggy and dowdy-looking.

• Men's accessories in XS (not just Small or Medium) so women can wear them, too.

My LBSs kinda see me as a dream customer – I'm not afraid to spend money as long as it is quality stuff. But I often feel like the bike industry in general **cough*campagnolo*** doesn't want my money. Is there a better method to get my wants known, or is it a sad truth that the industry doesn't give a rat's behind about such a small marketing niche?



/rant