If women cyclists can embrace the Lyrca of it all, they will likely face another apparel hurdle: Most biking kits are catered to men and their, ummm, equipment.
In many bike stores, the women’s clothing section is more paltry than panoply. Relegated to the tiniest rack, meager offerings normally include about two pairs of shorts and a few jerseys that are just smaller, off-brand versions of the men’s choices. And if the shirts aren’t exact copies, they’re probably covered in pastel butterflies or soft-hued flowers.
After many a failed trip to find new biking gear, Lisa Carponelli, a Simpson College professor and serious cyclist, wondered to herself, “If I am having problems finding comfortable, cool clothing, what was the casual biker going through?”