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Clothing Research - Can you spare me a minute of your time
What's good for riding in??
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Hey,
I'm currently studying Performance Sportswear Design at Falmouth University and am researching cycling clothing for my project.

It would be great if you could tell me what brands you all use and also if you wear a lightweight waterproof jacket which one do you own.

As keen riders is there anything you'd like to see improved with the current women's garments that are available?

Just some background info about myself:- i've been cycling for around 15yrs now, and have been racing for around 11 yrs nationally and internationally. I basically love bikes more than a good cuppa and a chocolate biscuit. I ride mtb xc and downhill, cyclo-cross, road, bmx freestyle and dirt jumping. I've competed in all kinds of events ranging from the NPS's, World Cups, 12hr and 24hr enduros, bmx freestyle events, DH races and cross races all over the places!

So as you can tell i'm a pretty keen rider, so would love to hear what riding clothing is good for you guys.

Thank you for your time, RIDE ON!
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Keep googling. There more forums out there. Pinkbike for instance.
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I ride in a tweed suit with moleskin briefs
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When he's not naked.
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Only BMX Freestyle, where the superman to cock grab is my crowning glory move
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(shit just realised this was in 'ladies only')

You're a bad man gorehound

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Knew someone would bite.

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You are all naughty LITTLE boys!

Assuming for a moment this is a serious request and not some bloke asking what type of underwear we use...

For Cross-country riding in most of uk/scotland... 

I have both Rab and Marmot Paclite jackets, not biking specific as I go climbing as well.  The Marmot has pit zips which are great to keep you cool while it is chucking it down.  The RAB is ladies specific but the Marmot is a mens size as I have long arms and tend to find the womens ones are not long enough in the sleeve.  I have the same problems with trousers/leggings as I have a 33" inside leg (did you enjoy that bit boys?) 

Legwear tends to be 3/4 baggies with padded shorts under for summer and long tights under for winter.  Currently Endura Humvee 3/4 but have also had some very nice Altura 3/4 now sadly past their best and no longer available.

Helly base layers with a wicking T-shirt then one or more thin fleeces (eg Craghoppers miska) for warmth.  A Marmot dri-clime windshirt is the best thing I ever bought - gets worn summer and winter.  A Berghaus Windstopper fleece for winter, although it does make you feel like a michelin man.

Gloves: Specialized BG long finger gloves for summer, in winter I wear ski gloves over the summer gloves else I find my hands go numb!

Now boys - undies: Sports bras in a DD cup are hard to find so I tend to wear anything thats comfortable and supportive.  For multi-day trips when I can't carry lots of pairs of padded shorts I wear Helly Hansen wicking boxers under the padded shorts as they can be rinsed out and dry quickly.

Hope this helps!

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My main problem with womens cycle gear is that the decent brands sizing is not very generous! I'm a 14 in normal clothes but often 16 in cycle gear is too small - if they even do it! I tend to go for event fabric jackets from outdoor gear brans for jackets - Montane or Rab.
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It's the same with mens cycle gear Jen. At 5' 9" and 13 stone I often have to get xxl jerseys and large shorts when in everyday clothing In would be buying large and medium. Do the manufacturers think we are all built like whippets?
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Y'know, I think I may just start emailing some of the manufacturers and pointing out their failings!
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Don't forget to go into pitbull mode first.
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Is it the same for cycling gear as in other sports where you ladies have to really pay good money to ensure that you get ladies-fit gear?

My wife has a horse and the only gear she can get that fits properly is either custom made or expensive - due to that wonderful problem of short and slim, with long legs and a big bust

For myself I don't 'under' spend either, and use Gore (jerseys), Endura (shorts/all-weather), Berghaus (waterproofs) and Seal-Skin (socks/gloves); and Specialized/Shimano (shoes).

"There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices..."

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What would we like?  Where to start!!! 

Well fitting quality gear in some colour other than pink.  Legs and sleeves that are long enough for someone over 5ft 2.  Gloves that are large enough and with long enough fingers.  Close fitting jackets that allow for boobs but are long enough in the body to keep your bum dry and don't inflate like a parachute on windy days.

REALLY WARM AND WATERPROOF gloves with cuffs that will go UNDERNEATH the cuffs of my waterproof so that the water running down my arms does not fill up my gloves.

Shoes in a size bigger than 7 (most size 8s in outdoor shoes aren't really a size 8).

One of the best peices of kit I have is a Marmot dri-clime windshirt, which is now really hard to find.  The other is my Buff/heddy which is a tube of fabric which stops the draught round my neck or can be used as a hat.

In terms of budget I always buy the best I can afford, in fact I often spend more than I should, but time after time the peice of kit that you pushed yourself to afford turns out to last years and really work while the 'bargains' get sent to the charity shop because they either don't really fit or don't really work.

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I've often wondered why manufacturers think all women cyclists are only 5'2" and a size 10. At 5'8" most womens stuff is way too short for me!

  
 

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