ellie
Reged: 12/11/2008
Posts: 2
Loc: UK
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Hi.
It is with some trepidation that I enter this forum!! You all seem like such experts - something that I am not!!
Anyway, I've been browsing through the forum trying to find some advice on the best cycle clothing for the female form but only seem to see posts from guys and not about clothing but I'm guessing there's no surprise there!! Anyway - new to this cycling and fed up being cold and sore!
I know there are articles in magazines but that's companies trying to sell stuff and they all say they are the best - but what is the opinion of real cyclists who've put in a few miles?
Any gals out there that can advise - or any blokes with an opinion / recommend that won't break the bank?!?!?
Thanxs.
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bigoldsideofham
Reged: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2288
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Welcome. Im not a girl but in general advice specialized kit,though not cheap usually does what it claims to. Also for good quality budget kit try DHB make gear from wiggle.co.uk as they now do a female orientated range.
Good luck, enjoy cycling its a fantastic activity and for everyone.
I will resist my stupid schoolboy urges to make jokes about assisting with fit or being willing to wear girls stuff myself....well almost! 
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peanut
Reged: 15/06/2006
Posts: 178
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Hi Ellie welcome to the forum.
I think your best bet might be to go to a local cycle shop for some advice and to look at some of the clothing.
I would say the first thing you should do is buy a pair of padded under-shorts they are cheap and comfortable and you can wear them underneath anything.
They have no seams on the inner thighs so they will prevent chafeing and sores which you'll get using trackie bottoms
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As its cold and wet and wintery there is little point in buying expensive shorts .I would recommend that initially you use a good pair of running longslike Ron Hills running bottoms.They are warm and comfortable, easy to put on and will not make you feel too self-concious .
Try to find a breatheable long sleeved jersey or top. Again Ron Hill will have plenty of choice at cheap prices. The material needs to allow sweat to evaporate .Helly Hansen makes a good under jersey but a bit pricey.
You can find a good selection of suitable stuff to start with in the Running magazine in your local supermarket.
Lastly a high visibility windproof cycling top which will have a full length zip, elasticated wrists and hem and an extended back to cover your butt and keep the small of your back warm.
lastly some gel padded gloves, some overshoes and something to keep your head warm
hope this helps
SUGGESTIONS
under shorts
under shirt
tights
ron hills tracksters
Edited by peanut (12/11/2008 22:42)
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thatwomanagain
Reged: 30/07/2006
Posts: 2335
Loc: Hugh Porter country...
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Welcome Ellie!  Altura make reasonable and affordable women's stuff. The Winter cruisers are particularly snug though not very flattering. But who cares in winter?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Altura_Winter_Cruiser_Ladies_Tights_w~o_Pad/5360025745/
But always wear padded shorts or even padded undershorts underneath them otherwise you'll end up sore!
I find that the Endura women's cycle shorts are very comfortable- but not exactly cheap. I've also got some cheaper Altura women's shorts but I have to snip the elastic out of the waistband to accommodate my middle-aged spread. (Don't worry, I read somewhere that Oscar Freire does the same - but to accommodate his bulging muscles, not his blubber!! )
There's just not the same kind of choice for women as there is for men - but persevere in the hunt because men's stuff - even jerseys - rarely fits in the right places! Corinne Denis and Edinburgh Cycles - both with on-line stores - seem to have a decent selection. But women - specific winter jackets are just way too expensive for my purse so I always end up with cheaper unisex versions but they'll just have to do for now. I need to wear a scarf or buff to stop the draughts getting down my neck 'cos blokes have clearly got thick, ugly, necks!! 
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If you want something done, ask a busy penguin...
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colnagodram
Reged: 06/04/2008
Posts: 769
Loc: Langholm, Dumfriesshire. 10 mi...
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WELCOME ellie  , you will get plenty of advice on clothing for the Female form somewhere on these forums  . Go back a few pages in various threads you will find something, like bigold said DBH makes some pretty good stuff that won't break the bank, think some of their stuff got 10/10 in a Cycling Plus review . Good luck with the search.
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tvrbird
Reged: 21/06/2008
Posts: 1135
Loc: slumped over the keyboard
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Hi Ellie! Welcome welcome welcome. Right, I'm going to put the cat amongst the pigeons with my advice...I reckon it IS worth spending a bit on a good pair of shorts and a good winter jacket right now. The thing is you've picked a horrible time of year to start, and good kit helps you get on the bike more often than cheaper, make-do kit. Added to this you will feel the need to justify the expense! Good shorts can indeed be worn under Ron Hills or any other trackie bottoms, and come the spring/summer when you're super-fit and keen, you'll already have a pair of good shorts. I have to disagree with peanut [sorry] but padded undershorts just aren't good enough, and may well put you off. TWA is right - Altura are good, and especially Gore if you can stretch to it. Nike stuff can be good, and it's all cheap as they stopped doing cycling gear when some bloke they sponsored 'retired'. If you search around lots of websites are selling off the kit really cheap. I have an Altura Night Vision jacket [admittedly bought at a big discount] and with a couple of layers underneath feel happy going out in ALL weathers in it.
Thankfully there is more and more women-specific kit out there now and it does make a huge difference. Try Pearl Izumi [pricey but there is always some website with a sale]. It fits, does the job and looks great! I have a winter jersey/jacket which I bought in a sale about 4 years ago and it's absolutely brilliant - on and off the bike.
And look at www.minx-girl.com as well. Debbie actually does proper write-ups for the kit she sells, with advice as to sizing, use etc, rather than just reprinting the producer's blurb. Very useful when you're just looking at pictures on a screen.
Anyway, my advice is to invest in some decent kit right now - it will make getting on the bike a pleasure right through the winter, which is the whole point surely?
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What doesn't kill us makes us stronger - Friedrich Nietzsche (German Hill Climb Champion and sub-19 man)
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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Oh don't think we are experts in much at all, my advice is simple, listen to tvrbird, she's a woman and is wise in all thing woman related cycling kitand is just wise in general!! And yes I would go for the best kit you can get, it does motivate you to get out and use it, Here are some good deals I found...Happy shopping
http://prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=mfc&fkid=63&ID=2066
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id33246.html
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id40905.html
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=ALTUZTIG220
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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Bluebeard
Reged: 27/03/2008
Posts: 528
Loc: Brixton innit
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Quote:
Here are some good deals I found...Happy shopping
Lumberjack one week, expert on ladies apparel the next. Very much so.
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You can take a bike to water but you cannot make it drink
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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Na just a scotsman who hates spending money so know every good deal going whether I need it or not!!!
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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colnagodram
Reged: 06/04/2008
Posts: 769
Loc: Langholm, Dumfriesshire. 10 mi...
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Buy the Summer(ha ha)kit next month when most shops will have there clearance sales on, might be last years style, so what .
Buy Winter clothing in Summer  ,Summer clothing in Winter( might wear the Winter stuff more than the Summer stuff tho') 
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ellie
Reged: 12/11/2008
Posts: 2
Loc: UK
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Hi -
First, a huge thanxs for all the enthusiastic welcomes!!
Second - for the advice. I've had a good read and gone and spent some money so cheap presents for folks this christmas.
I've gone for the Gore shorts as the pain is just not worth it and the Altura jacket. Will get some more kit, keeping in mind all your thoughts over the next few weeks but at least these should make it a more pleasant experience for the time being.
Many thanxs again.
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tvrbird
Reged: 21/06/2008
Posts: 1135
Loc: slumped over the keyboard
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Hey Ellie - I've sent you a private message. Click on 'Check messages.'
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What doesn't kill us makes us stronger - Friedrich Nietzsche (German Hill Climb Champion and sub-19 man)
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thatwomanagain
Reged: 30/07/2006
Posts: 2335
Loc: Hugh Porter country...
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Oh and Ellie, if you're running out of cash and still need some snug base layers, try these-
http://www.millets.co.uk/Womens-Clothing/Baselayers/Womens-Thermal-Baselayer-/product/070100.aspx
I've got loads of them - I wear them all winter - they're a good length on the body - and don't cost the earth. Even smart enough to wear for work, beneath a jacket!!
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If you want something done, ask a busy penguin...
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hubbub
Reged: 22/10/2007
Posts: 813
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Hi Ellie, take a look at Corinne Dennis (google). She does both mens and womens stuff, the wife and I both have her products, well worth a look.
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