Women specific cycle clothing

I cannot even imagine how that would work. I would almost certainly fall over backwards or something.

oh, just seen the zip thing. Clever! But also, weird.

I read that with great interest. Then I realised that I was enthusiastically reading a thread about different things to wear on your crotch while cycling and came to the conclusion that somewhere over the last few months I have changed radically as a person.

Ha! I concur! What's happened to me? I think I was in my early teens the last time I had something padded in my knickers. And as for emollients? I wouldn't have even known how to spell it. I'm not sure I do now!

But yeah, about that saying too much thing...ahem

oh emollients...I have all this to look forward to on the 900 mile ride don't I? whimpers

ps. after riding around my patio/down the back drive repeatedly practising riding fakie, my new shorts still feel comfy but a bit oddly padded. Wouldn't wear for massive rides but will do for training.

@Mothergirl - get a saddlebag or bumbag for longer rides, bag straps across the chest are rubbish. The digging is worse if you've got wired bra on though...

I've thought before that there's a bit of a gap in the market or just a gap in the marketing regarding cycling bras - sports bras are for impact sports. I find them pretty uncomfortable and tight. Not much impact with cycling, therefore not much use, and you don't want tight over several hours. Just something comfy and breathable. In my mind, something non-wired, allowing decent breathing and reaching movements, decent breathability, and no fastners in places where they can dig from bags (ie. the usual front and back are both not good).

Oh and regarding Rapha - I've worn my baselayer a LOT even though it's white and kinda see-through which means you can't wear it on its own... the long sleeved merino tops are good (baggier than usual jerseys so bear that in mind), the bomber jacket is nice for cold evenings around town, but no good for long rides. Oh, and I have the padded shorts - they seem good (nicely made and fit, thick enough to wear on their own) but maybe too thick padding. I've been experimenting with longish rides with and without (up to 80mi) and I think with a well-fitting saddle and reasonable choice of trews it isn't necessary, or maybe I'm doing it wrong. Actually, thinking about it I have some lightly-padded liner shorts that I've never worn, maybe a 3rd part to the experiment...

Anyway, cut-out saddle FTW, seriously.

super useful post, appreciate it!

I'm superglued to my Brooks saddle, considering experimenting before the big ride but actually scared to...stupid I know.

oh - Brooks are supposed to be the best, no? I've never had one but plenty of forumites seem to swear by them and cycle an awful long way on them...

When is your epic ride? I have a spare Rapha padded shorts (unworn) that you could test out if you like... if that wouldn't be too weird...

Not until August. I need all the time I can get seriously!

That would be mega super amazing, I'm in Brum but can drop you a line when I'm about or send you the postage costs? Not too weird if they're as unworn as you say they are!

I was thinking about it being weird when they come back... ;) I'm not in london all the time, but sure let me know. are you about for ladies drinks on friday? I'm not in for a session but could drop by.

haha, big pants will be worn I promise! I'm gonna try and pop down for sure. I'll keep you posted.

(erm. you do know that shorts generally don't really work so well with pants, right? I mean, if you're just talking about trying stuff on, then ignore me... )

cough

yes! Just want to get a feel for them... (this convo is starting to sound weird!)

On the bag front, I'm with Hoefla - used to use courier bags, got annoyed with boob problem, switched to rucksacks, annoyed with sweaty back and lack of visibility, changed to carradice saddle bag=all problems solved.

On the bib shorts front, it reminded me of Dunwich last year and struggling with bibshorts/field peeing
Fluff, who I was riding with and I came up with a name for the combination of emollient cream/field detritus I suffered from. 'Grassos'
Well it was funny at the time, but we were suffering from sleep deprivation and had ridden about 90 miles.

oooh yeah why didn't I think of that? Great for day to day pootling.
Trouble is sometimes I have to carry so many folders/tools/cameras/laptop that I can't find anything big enough!

And don't get me started when I have to carry ten little shit's water bottles!

The big Carradice's hold a shit load - you'll need a bracket to support it - but they are worth it.
Check out the Camper Longflap, I think thats the biggest they do - and you can definitely get laptops in them.

I still use courier bags day-to-day, just not when the main event of the day is riding - they're too good off the bike for me to give up.

clefty - what is the benefit of bibs over regular shorts? just comfier round the middle? is it worth it?

I also prefer bibs over shorts, yup - without a waist to speak of, they're more comfortable.

It's only my back that gets sweaty really, mainly due to overloaded messenger bag I guess...

Likewise...I think it's a girl thing that the bigger the bag, the more crap you tend to carry around with you!

I still use courier bags day-to-day, just not when the main event of the day is riding - they're too good off the bike for me to give up.

clefty - what is the benefit of bibs over regular shorts? just comfier round the middle? is it worth it?

yep, much comfier around the middle, if you can get over the fact you have to undress to have a pee, they're good for keeping your lower back and kidneys warm when its cold too. For long rides I think they are worth it.

... I can't get over the fact that I have to undress to pee. Winter! Think of winter! So I haven't tried a bib yet although I like the idea.

I got myself a pair of Mavic 3/4 tights recently £70 Cloud knickers. They hold really nicely around the abdomen, ie you can breathe and are high in the back. The padding is also great. I wore them the first time on the IOW Randonnee, 80k + Assos cream and zero complaint. I would love to get a pair of Assos tights one day.

I wear an Icebreaker tank top with bra support under my jersey. I have small boobs so I don't really need much support and I find it really comfortable ie not tight and the wool keeps me dry.

And yes to saddle bags for long rides!

I wear an Icebreaker tank top with bra support under my jersey.

ooh that sounds nice. been having a bit of a search today and came across this 'bike-bra', looks awright but kinda pricey... I remember about ten years ago you could get stretchy seamless, fasteningless bras all over the place, I had a bunch from m&s, CK etc. sodding fashion, haven't seen them for years now...

Check this blog and scroll down for a sports bra review.

Ibex does a merino sports bra, now have to locate it in the UK.
and Icebreaker.

Following on from the Rapha reccomendation request: the women's shorts every time over anything else. They are far and away the comfiest, softest, most flattering pair of cycling shorts I've been lucky enough to own (and yes, there are different levels of attractiveness even amongst lycra garments, trust me!). I don't rate the women's bibs so much...but the shorts, oh, the shorts!

Also if they are giving you stuff for free then yes the undershirt is fab and try to get the windproof lightweight showerproof shell thingy which weighs almost nothing and is amazing.

^^ they both look lush, especially the Ibex one. hmm. can't find for uk...
couldn't find a tank/bra top at all though?