| Mountain biking for a woman does present some | | | | secure-fitting Triple S Short by Shebeest is |
| gender-specific issues. These range from the | | | | an example. The aerodynamic cut, with |
| practical pain-in-the-butt riding, to the | | | | eliminated inseams and flatlock center seam, |
| broader concerns of women in the sport.One of | | | | is a dream to wear. DriStyle fabric ensures |
| the first questions that is asked, is whether | | | | superb wicking.Padded baggie shorts are |
| a women-specific bike is necessary in | | | | gaining in popularity. Look for names such as |
| mountain biking for a woman.The answer will | | | | Sugoi and Pearl Izumo.In warmer weather, your |
| depend entirely on your build, your | | | | top can be a cap sleeve base in Silkweight |
| preferences, and your riding style. Finding | | | | Micro Polyester with Spandex, by Shebeest. |
| the right bike for you, involves test-riding | | | | This offers the lightness you need in |
| as many types as possible. This will give you | | | | mountain biking for a woman. In cold weather, |
| the best indication of your body's fit on a | | | | you can add the Full Zip Velocity Jersey in |
| non-gender specific bike, compared to a | | | | DriStyle. The zippered pockets come in handy, |
| women-specific bike.Looking at mountain | | | | and the full zip front gives a variety of |
| biking for a woman, a regular bike is fine, | | | | cooling options.Fox Racing protective gear |
| but your hip structure may necessitate | | | | has a great range aimed at mountain biking |
| choosing a more suitable saddle. If you are | | | | for a woman. Their elbow/arm pads and knee |
| narrow-hipped, you probably won't have a | | | | shin guards in size small seem to fit most |
| problem. If this is not the case, you will be | | | | small women well.Mountain biking for a woman, |
| more comfortable on the wider structure of a | | | | is no longer limited to the sidelines. Many |
| women-specific saddle.As for the bike itself, | | | | strong-voiced advocates are emerging to |
| unless you are quite small, with a short | | | | promote the sport among women. Finding ways |
| upper body and short arms, there is a good | | | | of making entry-level racing more open to |
| chance that you won't need a women-specific | | | | women, are often on the agenda at |
| bike. In most cases a normal frame type with | | | | conferences.Bike shops, clinics, and clubs |
| the straight bar, holds up better for | | | | also play an important role in opening up the |
| mountain bikes, and is commonly used in | | | | sport. Bike shops are no longer seen as |
| mountain biking for a woman.This type of | | | | intimidating and over-technical. They are |
| frame encourages a position where the weight | | | | constantly trying to come up with ways to |
| of your body is more evenly distributed | | | | make the store inviting enough to support |
| between the two wheels. On the typical | | | | mountain biking for woman.Many articles and |
| 'women's' bike with a sloping top tube, the | | | | books have been written about mountain biking |
| weight is placed back on the saddle. This | | | | for a woman. These offer how-to advice, bike |
| position is not very effective in mountain | | | | buying tips, basic riding know-how, and trail |
| biking for a woman.Also keep in mind that, in | | | | advice. One of these is 'Mountain Biking For |
| mountain biking for a woman, an elastomer | | | | Women' by Robin Stuart and Cathy Jensen. It |
| fork may be your most comfortable choice. | | | | is clear from their writing that they are |
| Lighter riders perform better with these.Find | | | | experienced riders.Watching the 'Wildflower |
| a specialized bike shop with a reputation for | | | | Mountain Biking for Women' video, is a great |
| good mechanics and service, as well as | | | | way to start mountain biking for a woman. It |
| knowledgeable salespeople. If you are a | | | | features topics such as bike selection, bike |
| novice, you will need some guidance at first. | | | | maintenance, finding riding companions, |
| It is important to make sure that they have | | | | practice drills, and more.It will be |
| experience in mountain biking for a | | | | difficult to find a more entertaining, |
| woman.Mountain biking for a woman involves | | | | mind-and-body building sport than mountain |
| more of a distinction when it comes to | | | | biking for a woman.For more information visit |
| clothing. The main difference is in the | | | | Best-Mountain-Biking.comRika Susan of |
| shorts, so to speak!You will need a good pair | | | | researches, writes, and publishes full-time |
| of cycling shorts, with a chamois, | | | | on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 |
| specifically made for use in mountain biking | | | | Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if |
| for a woman. You don't want the chafing | | | | the resource box and hyperlinks are left |
| center seam present in men's shorts - riding | | | | intact. |
| isn't supposed to be torture! The | | | | |