r/ladycyclists

So it's kinda embarrassing but I am a trans woman and it's been getting warmer and I am overheating at times and I kinda lower my zip jersey down a little bit revealing my sportsbra and cleavage

Which men in particular stare at my growing chest lately I might be overthinking it I know some of my woman friends laugh it off but um yea it's kinda messing with me 🥺

Any suggestions would be really greatful on lol thanks 🤗

@ cyclists who wear women’s bibs:

Does anyone have any recs for bibs with chamois that are relatively narrow in the not butt area? I’m desperately seeking a brand with padding that isn’t so wide that it cuts horizontally into my legs in a highly uncomfortable way!

I’ve tried rapha and assos and both apply so much pressure to the insides of my thighs that it’s painful during and after a long ride. I have a pair of terry cycling winter padded pants and the chammy feels amazing, not too thick of padding and not too wide - I suspect because they’re a female owned/designed brand? But I’m looking for some sleeker and less patterned designs in more muted colors (and I do tend to prefer a slightly thinner chamois). I haven’t tried maap or pns yet.

What is working for you all?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to get my girlfriend a new saddle for her birthday. She’s currently riding a gravel bike, but she finds the stock saddle way too hard and uncomfortable, which is starting to ruin the fun of longer rides for her.

I want to surprise her with something better, but I know saddles are super personal.

Some context:

• Terrain: Mostly gravel paths and some light singletrack.
• Issue: Pressure and overall hardness of the current saddle.
• Goal: Finding a balance between support for power and enough dampening for vibrations.

I’ve been looking into the Specialized Power with Mimic, the Ergon SR Allroad Core, and the Selle Italia SLR Boost Lady, but I’d love to hear some real-world experiences from the community.

• Does anyone have specific experience with these on gravel?
• Are there other "holy grail" saddles for women I should consider?
• Is it a bad idea to surprise her with one, or should I definitely get her sit bones measured first?

Thanks for the help!

I'm taking a celebratory tour of the San Juan Islands this June. I've been planning out this trip for the better part of a year, so I'm super stoked that it's finally happening in ~6 weeks. I mentioned it here before, so I figured I'd share some details.

Timeframe: 10 days total (8 on the bike, 2 for pre/post ride funsies)

Distance: 414 miles (340 bike miles, 74 ferry miles)

Elevation: 22,954 feet

Start/End: Seattle, WA

Bike: 2022 Kona Rove ST, upgraded to hydraulic brakes and electronic shifting (SRAM Rival + Eagle GX)

Daily Breakdown:

1. Arrive in Seattle. Put bikes together. Last minute snack/essentials purchases.
2. Seattle to Port Townsend. 53 bike miles, 8 ferry miles, 3,712 feet of elevation.
3. Port Townsend to Anacortes. 44.4 bike miles, 6 ferry miles, 3,196 feet of elevation.
4. Orcas Island. 38.3 bike miles, 15 ferry miles, 3,142 feet of elevation.
5. San Juan Island, North Loop. 24.5 bike miles, 8 ferry miles, 1,742 feet of elevation.
6. San Juan Island, South Loop. 29 bike miles, 0 ferry miles, 2,011 feet of elevation.
7. Shaw & Lopez Islands. 51.3 bike miles, 12 ferry miles, 3,030 feet of elevation.
8. Anacortes to Coupeville. 41.8 bike miles, 11 ferry miles, 2,722 feet of elevation.
9. Coupeville to Seattle. 57.7 bike miles, 14 ferry miles, 3,399 feet of elevation.
10. Seattle. Pack up bikes. Get ready to fly home.

Route, for anyone interested. I've made a couple tweaks since breaking it down into my daily routes, but this is pretty close.

If anyone has any places/trails/suggestions for side quests during my trip (or questions about the trip), I'd love to hear them! Once I finalize my setup, bags, and gear I'll share a breakdown of that.

My cousin recently had a baby and I'd like to gift her some bike themed items because it's a hobby we both share. Has anyone come across any great bike kids books or bike themed toys for babies?

I’m somewhat new to cycling (casually for a couple years but picking things up now). I recently got a new bike (yay!) but the shift to aggressive/forward seating position, drop bar handlebars, and a much more compact and lightweight bike has been a challenge.

I know that it takes time and minute adjustments to the saddle; I have had a professional fitting as well, and I’m experimenting with different saddles, as well as trying different chamois and shorts, and I’ve been using a quality chamois cream.

My question: I am registered and very excited to do a long ride in about two weeks, and so far nothing I do is fixing a particular hot spot/raw spot on both sides right where my leg meets the groin area. I’m certain I can correct this over time, but I’m looking for a quick-fix to cover me so I can do this ride without this pain. I have not gotten actual saddle sores, it just gets really raw and tender for a day or two and hurts quite a bit during the ride.

I am wondering if anyone has tried a liquid bandaid product like New Skin? I thought about moleskin but can imagine how horribly it will stick to hair! and I expect it would just bunch up and be even worse. I have not tried silicone protectant yet, that’s next on my list, but just wondering if liquid bandaid might work in this case or if anyone has ideas of other quick-fix temporary solutions.

*EDIT - this is NOT on or near any female parts - just in the nook right where leg ends.

Thanks so much for your advice - so happy I found this community! As a middle-aged woman new to cycling, we need all the support we can get :)

New-ish to cycling. So far I’ve only used bike shorts, but I really don’t like how they squeeze at the waistline, so I’m interested in trying bib shorts instead.

I’m wondering - when you wear the bibs in the summer, do ladies wear a layer under the straps, and then also wear a jersey? Or do we put the straps over a jersey? Directly on your skin and wear only a sport bra? Just not sure how it goes lol. I understand in the cooler months you put it over your base layer, but just not sure how it goes in the heat.

Thanks so much!! If you have a favorite brand for women’s bibs, please let me know :)

I started cycling last year because I rode a mountain bike a lot around my neighborhood park, but I wanted to go more intensely. My friend fixes up road bikes, and he built one up for me. I don't do any formal training and just go to a nearby trail to bike by myself; it's pretty flat. Max I went last yr was 40 miles and just started again this year. I'm also not a runner or anything. I want to get a lot more into it this summer, before I leave for college. I have a few questions:

1. Right now, I have one pair of padded shorts and just wear long shirts, but I want to get more gear, especially because I plan to go a lot more. Are jerseys worth it? I also only wear like running shoes (Nike Pegasus), do I need specific or a different type of shoes? Also are sunglasses good, if so what? Any other things I should invest in. I want to continue cycling in college as well.

2. What is a good schedule for going on rides to build my endurance, to learn how to go further and faster?

Please let me know if you have any advice. Thank you!

Hello ladies,

I’m a beginner road cyclist who recently picked up a Specialized Allez and I’m absolutely loving it so far! I’ve got padded shorts on the way (because let’s be honest… Toronto roads are not the greatest 😅).

I wanted to ask—what are some good cost-friendly padded or cushioned saddles you’d recommend? Comfort is definitely my priority right now while I build up longer rides.

Thanks so much in advance! 💕

Looking for affordable pregnancy bibs available in Canada! Mostly for biking 40-60km, not sure if I’ll be able to pump out more than that anyway haha

Edited to add - or other solutions for how to support belly?

Thanks!

Anybody have good recommendations for cycling shoe insoles? I have a pair of Lake shoes and my feet cramp up when I ride. For context: I have very wide and very flat feet (pancake flat!). Thanks for any insights!

hi, im fairly new to cycling and am looking for some bibs to get me started. i asked in r/cycling however most brands i was reccomended only seemed to have mens shorts. looking for 1 or more pair for under £30? i cant really afford anything more. maybe £40 for 2 pars would be my limit. idealy i need 2 pairs as i cycle almost every day so would need to wash! thanks if anyone is able to helpp

I'm looking for my first pair of cycling bibs and am struggling to decide between the following:

• Garneau Women's Evolution PKT Bib Shorts
• Garneau Women's Evolution Bib Shorts
• Pearl Izumi Women's Expedition Bib Shorts

I have a coupon to a site that has these - If you have a rec that isn't these & want to share, please do, but I'm looking to spend $100 or less on my first pair.

My first choice was Assos Dyora but sadly the cost is much higher than I'd like. If they go on sale, I'd consider.