Download - Cycling for Women: Deconstructed (AU)
cycling for women:deconstructed
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a little bit about usWe strive to set the bar for women’s
cycling products. We want to be the
brand of choice for all female riders,
from first timers to pros. As women,
we know that it’s as much about
looking and feeling great as it’s
about having a great product.
With a mission to get more women
feeling empowered — on the road and
on the trails — we hope to inspire you
and women everywhere to find more
reasons to ride.
Products designed for womenWomen are not just “small men,” and we don’t
approach product design that way. We start
with women’s specific data, consider your ride
experience and design the perfect bicycle from
the ground up.
by womenWomen’s products are designed FOR women who
ride, BY women who ride. We are also inspired by
female bike shop employees, professional athletes
and everyday cyclists. We travel the globe to hear
from other women cyclists about their needs and
experiences, which can be found in every product
we create.
tHat fit greatEvery woman has specific fit needs, and we
address those needs with each product we create.
There is no one “women’s geometry” that suits all
female riders. For this reason, we have different
geometries for each ride experience, so you get
the best fit possible.
are beautifulWe’ve come a long way since pioneering our first
bike specifically designed for women 10 years ago.
Since then, we’ve launched a full line of women’s
road, mountain and fitness/recreation products to
fit, encourage and empower all female riders.
We strive to deliver uncompromising products that
are technically advanced and built for women.
and give you tHe confidence to cHallenge yourselfRide further than you ever have, try out a sprint
triathlon, tackle a technical piece of singletrack —
we want you to do it all. Every ride should inspire
confidence. That’s why we carefully design bikes
to offer low standover heights, stable handling and
a wide range of sizes that are all custom tuned for
the female rider.
Whether you’re training for your next race or riding
for the first time, we hope you’ll find this guide a
helpful companion.
Welcome to the Club!
Specialized’s Women’s Team
>
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wHy ride?reasons togo by bike10
Shape up that booty
Arrive at work
feeling energized
Put a big fat smile
on your face
Build legs of steel
Whiz past traffic jams
Give a little love to the earth
Log a little extra sweat
for the day
Act like a kid again
See things you wouldn’t
notice in your car
Feel the wind in your hair
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What the LBD (little black dress) does for your wardrobe, your LBS (local
bike shop) can do for your cycling experience: it’s a necessary staple.
But, we know bike shops can also seem overly technical and intimidating,
which can be a roadblock for many women who are considering getting
into cycling. Our goal is to help break down those barriers by creating
user-friendly experiences at our dealers, and making it easy to get started.
Here are a couple of tips for making your first bike shop visit —
and return visits — a success:
•Bringafriend(cyclistornot)
•Getcomfortable(checkoutthewomen’scyclingapparelfirst)
•Letasalespersonknowwhyyouarethere
•Askquestions(don’tworryifyoudon’tknowthelingo)
•Goatyourownpace(don’tfeelpressuretobuy)
Making a connection with your LBS gives you access to people who
are passionate about cycling and can also save you time searching for
answerstocyclingquandariessuchas:
•MybackhurtswhenIridemorethanafewmiles,isthathowit’s
supposed to feel? (spoiler alert: No)
•Canyoushowmehowtofixaflat?
•WhatmaintenancedoIneedtodoonmybike?
•ArethereanylocalgroupridesIcanjoininon?
•Whatarethebestcyclingroutesaroundheretoavoidtraffic?
Having a connection to the cycling community can help you learn about
the sport and you’ll probably make some friends along the way. Sounds
more fun than trying to muddle through it yourself, doesn’t it?
your localbike sHoP
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wHat is body geometry fit? BodyGeometry Fit is a step-by-step method based on 30 years of
experience and bike fitting in conjunction with the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine and Dr. Andy
Pruitt. BodyGeometry Fit is designed to help cyclists of all levels ride faster, longer, more comfortably
andwithreducedchanceofinjury,BodyGeometryFITisavailableonlythroughSpecializeddealers.
wHo can benefit from a bike fit? Anyone who
rides a bike will benefit from a bike fit. What if
your bike isn’t set up properly? Let’s say, you ride
your bike 40 kilometres… you will turn the pedals
7,500 times! Cycling is a sport of repetition. Poor
fit + repetition = injury. Everybody can benefit from
a bike fit to be more comfortable and efficient on
their bike, and to protect from overuse injury.
finally, wHy sHould you get a bike fit?
You can spend a lot of money on a bike and if
it hurts you, or isn’t fun to ride, it may just sit in
your garage. A good bike fit will help you to feel
comfortable and safe on your bike. And you never
know, you may just become hooked! Also, your
bike fitter is someone you can rely on to help guide
you down the road. You now have someone you
can trust to help you make decisions about future
gear purchases and your next step as a cyclist.
Cycling can be a lifelong passion, taking you to
incredible places where you will meet wonderful
people. You will experience life from a different
vantage point and learn about yourself in ways
you never thought possible. A bike fit will help
you take that journey safely, comfortably and
more efficiently.
body geometry fit
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It’seasytowalkintoabikeshopandspendaninfiniteamountofmoney.
Like shoes, you can never have too much bike stuff. But if you’re
looking to get started, here’s the inside scoop on what you really need.getting started
Pink starter kit - $70 black starter kit - $70
vita - $599
sierraHelmet - $70
ariel disc - $649
>“IWAnTTorIde
MyBIkeToWork”
>“IWAnTToGeTAWorkouTonTheLoCAL
dIrTpAThSAndrIdeTheroAdToGeTThere”
total $739 total $789
sierraHelmet - $70
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total $1852
asPireHelmet - $100
tHe works kit - $130sPirita rbxsHoe - $130
dolce sPort - $1169
bg gelgloves - $45
bg comPsHort - $139
>“I’vedeCIdedIWAnTToGeTInToroAdCyCLInG
AndBuyMyFIrSTroAdBIke”
jersey - $139
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saddle q&a q:I’minterestedinridingabike,butallofthesaddlesseemsouncomfortable.
howcanIbecomfortable?
q:Ialreadyrideabike,butwhenI’mridingIfeelnumb,soreorgetchafing
orsaddlesores.WhatshouldIdo?
q:I’minthemarketforanewsaddle;whatshouldIlookfor?
a: My best advice is to visit a Specialized retailer and work with a
knowledgeable salesperson. He or she will measure your sit bones and
askquestionsaboutyourridingposition.notworidersarethesame,
and a good salesperson will help find what works for you.
a: Getting a saddle that fits you correctly is the most important way to feel
comfortable on a bike. All Specialized saddles are designed and tested with our
global team of BodyGeometry fitters. We’ve taken thousands of measurements
to dial in the best fit. Our saddles are also medically tested. We use a process
called pressure mapping to create saddle cutout shapes that remove pressure
from sensitive soft tissue areas, making your ride more comfortable.
a: Suffering from any of these problems is uncomfortable and unacceptable!
youdefinitelywanttogetaBodyGeometryFitandtryanothersaddle.It’s
also important to consider the shorts you’re wearing for cycling. Be sure that
they’re made by a good cycling brand. Also, never wear underwear with cycling
shorts! We know this seems radical, but the chamois pad inside cycling shorts
is typically anti-bacterial and your shorts are designed to move with you and
pull sweat away from your body. The fabric and seams of underwear do not
move with you, and the bunching can cause chafing, sores and discomfort.
> riding a bike can be fun (or not!) based on How your saddle feels. julie bates, a certified body geometry fit Professor at sPecialized, answers commonly asked questions about women’s saddle fit.
oura Pro saddle
bg comfort gel saddle
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wHy cycling sHoes?
cycling sHoessneakers
accessibility? Chances are, you already have them. Consider it the latest addition to your killer shoe collection! Ifnot,startsat~$70. Availableatbikeshopseverywhere,startingat~$90.
initial benefit? keepsyouwithinyourcomfortzone. Allowsyoutousepedalsthatyouclipinto (ironically called “clipless”).
wHat about tHeir sole? It’susuallycushyanddesignedforthe Thestifferthesolethebetter.yourfootdoesn’t way your foot rolls as you walk/run. need to flex at all on a bike pedal, so reducing that boosts efficiency and minimizes the risk of injury.
arcH suPPort? Yes, but not ideal for cycling. Yes, Specialized footbeds offer three different levels of support so you can get a customized fit.
laces to tie? Almostdefinitely. notlikely.Strapswithratchetclosures,velcro,orSpecialized’s patented BOA dial system snugs things up in a jiffy.
sPin-class aPProved? Greattostartwith. doublesyourworkout—worksyourhammiesandquadsby allowing you to pull up as well as push down on the pedals.
sPecial Perk? Lessclumsy/noisyinthecoffeeshop, Admitit,youmisshavingvelcroonyourshoesanddon’t easiertomaintainsassywalkoffthebike. wanttowaituntilyou’re90tobeabletopullitoffagain.
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Helmet fit
Your helmet should have a snug fit and sit
squarelyonyourhead(nottiltedtoofarback!).
Italsoshouldnotbeonbackwards(we’veall
seen it happen…). The most important thing
is to make sure the chin strap is as tight as
itcanbewhilestillremainingcomfortable.It
may seem too tight at first, but it is the single
biggest factor in keeping the helmet on your
head in the event of a tumble!
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wHat do i wear?Before we get into specifics, why is most cycling apparel so tight?
Theshortanswerisit’ssimplythemostpracticalthingtodo.Itkeepsyou
fast, using less energy and more importantly safe, so loose pant legs don’t
get caught up in your chain. Not wearing it is like a swimmer wearing a
sweater in the pool. The good news is, the more miles you ride, the better
it will look.
Bike shorts take some getting used
to. Having padded shorts can feel
strange on top of the fact they’re
really the only acceptable reason to
go commando. However, once you
start logging more and more miles,
that extra padding will keep you more
comfortable.
One of the best things to do
while riding is layering.
Temperatures can vary
widely throughout the
day. Having arm and leg
warmers are great and
easy to stash. Jackets
and vests that take the
edge off the wind can be
life savers as well.
Fabric technology has been
developedtoofferuvray
protection benefits up to SPF 50
and can help you stay cooler even
though you are more covered up.
Check the tags on any apparel you
buy! (All Specialized apparel offers
a minimum protection of SPF 30,
so you can skip the tag check.)
Beginner cyclists tend to put more pressure on their
hands than is necessary, even with a good bike fit.
The extra padding in cycling gloves can save
you from any unpleasant sensations that
come after relying on your hands too
much when riding. Also, in case of a spill,
gloves can save the day — at least where
your hands are concerned.
solar vita jersey
arm warmers ex
lo down glove
bg rbx sHort
deflect Hybrid jacket
sl comP glove10
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> keePing your trusty steed trusty
Before you go out for a ride, there are a few things you
should always check:
Tyres: Check to make sure there aren’t any small
holesorcracksinyourtyres.Ifthereare,skipthe
ride and bring your bike to your local bike shop.
You don’t want to get a flat on the ride or worse
have your tyre blow out.
Tyre Pressure: Not having enough air in your
tyres will make you work a lot harder and can
also cause pinch flats. The tyre will get pinched
going over bumps and cracks in the road and can
put a little hole in the inner tube.
Chain:haveItakencareofmychainlately?your
bike’s chain needs to be cleaned and lubricated
about once a week. Not sure what to use to clean
or lube your chain? Your bike shop is a great
resource and will be happy to show you what you
need and give you some cleaning tips.
Flat Kit: Make sure your flat kit is always
complete with a tube, tyre levers, patch kit and
pump.
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Pre-ridecHecklist
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best riding adviceInadditiontoourtips,weenlistedourFacebookcommunitytoseewhat
was the best cycling advice they have been given.
> wHat is tHe best riding advice you Have been given?
• “Do not wear underwear under your padded shorts — learned this first-hand. Just trust me.” – Maria R.
• “Take a swig of water every other kilometre, just to make sure you don’t get dehydrated!” – Lisa Marie J.
• “Look where you want to ride.” – Laura V.
• “Ride with all five senses.” – Mimi B.
• “Always carry a spare tube, H20, a snack and tools!” – Tracey J.
• “Just keep pedaling!” – Heather R.
• “Get the ‘BodyGeometry Fit’ done so that the bike is just right for you!” – Lauren B.
• “Get a women’s specific saddle!” – Diane N.
• “Don’t go cheap on a bike chain and theft prevention.” – Jennifer M.
• (regarding clipless pedals) “Some day you’re GoInGTofallover.Justlaughitoff, becauseeveryBodydoes...”– Sheila C.
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stay motivated> toP five ways to stay motivated
You have all the gear, you know you’ll feel better if you
just get out there, but you just can’t push yourself to get
out on your bike. Here are some of our favourite ways to
stay motivated!
1 Join in on a group ride at your local bike shop.
2 Pick somewhere close that you normally drive
to, and see what it’s like to travel there via bike
instead.
3 Go watch a race in any cycling discipline, even if
you never plan to race yourself.
4 Find a charity ride close to your heart and do it!
Most have multiple distance options to choose
from. Start small for your first one and work your
way up.
5 Tell family/friends about your cycling aspirations.
You are more likely to push yourself to follow
through if you know someone may ask you how
it’s going later!
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glossaryTops
DropsHoods
HANDLEBARS
Saddle
Cassette
Brake Caliper
Brake Lever
Seat Post
RearDerailleur
Fork
Top TubeShifters
DownTube
Seat Tube
Stem
Seat Stay
Crank
Chainring
Chain Stay
Head Tube
FrontDerailleur
> road bike anatomy amira
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> mountain bike anatomy myka fsr Grips
Saddle
Rear Brake
Head Tube
FrontDerailleur
Front Brake
Brakes
Seat Post
RearDerailleur
Front Shock/Fork
Top Tube
Shifters
SeatTube
DownTube
Rear Shock
Stem
Seat Stay
Crank
Chainring
Chain Stay
glossaryHANDLEBARS
Cassette
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crankset The combination of the front chainrings
and the cranks.
derailleur The mechanism that moves the chain from one gear
to the next when you move your shifter.
droPs The lower part of curved road handlebars.
When your hands are here, you are “in the drops.”
stem Part of the bike that keeps the handlebars on.
saddle The bike-nerd term for the seat.
cHamois Pronounced “shammy,” this is the padding
part of bike shorts.
skewer A skewer is a rod that threads through the wheels
and attaches them to the bicycle. You can either
havequick-releaseskewersthatallowyouto
take your wheels off without tools, or you can
haveaversionthatrequirestoolsandisa
little more theft-resistant.
cassette The stack of gears on the rear of the bike.
cliPless Pedals Pedals that you clip into on a bike. They engage
with a cleat on a cycling shoe to attach the shoe
directly to the pedal.
cleat Hardware that you bolt onto your shoe in order
to connect with clipless pedals. Different brands have
different bolt patterns, so you need to make
sure your shoes are compatible. Also, not all
cleats will connect with all pedals, so you have
to match those up as well. Road bikes and mountain
bikesusedifferentpedalsandcleats.Ifyouhear
the term “SPD” in your spin class, this is a classic
mountain bike pedal and cleat system.
cHainring The toothed wheel/gear (aka sprocket) that is
connected to the cranks.
cranks The two straight arms that you attach the pedals to.
Whether you’re talking with your local bike mechanic, chatting it up on
a group ride or hoping to impress your date with your cycling expertise,
here are some key terms to know.
key terms
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notes:
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notes:
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