BikeBiz

WOMENS PRODUCTS

HOPE

The Lever to the lightweight Mono gives a smooth, progressive feel and provides greater stopping power than ever before. It features a split clamp for easy handlebar installation, as well as an integrated master cylinder reservoir for convenient bleeding. The lever’s reach is adjustable so the rider can customise for greater comfort. A standard black hose joins the lever to a one-piece calliper, which is machined from a solid billet of aluminium. The calliper bridge is stiffer than previously. The whole set-up is pink with silver bore caps allowing access for servicing. Caliper pistons are now made from phenolic to isolate the caliper from the heat generated in the pads.

SUGOI

Sugoi's women specific jerseys take high-quality fabrics and blend some highly artful construction with well-thought-out, practical features. The RS bike series from Sugoi is rigorously tested by competitive athletes under race conditions. For 2008, Sugoi has launched a complete RS programme including jerseys, caps, gloves, socks, jackets and vests. In the line you'll find fabrics like FinoStretch, unmatched for lightweight moisture transfer, Vector Stretch, which moulds stretchy performance with an open air architecture that creates a rapid moisture uptake to cool your skin, and Ultra Aero, which utilises a golf-ball-like surface to create less friction and superior aerodynamics when moving through the air.One product to highlight is the Helium jacket, which Boasts an ultra-lightweight Microfine textured polyester shell fabric. The Helium is exceptionally wind-proof and water-resistant, impervious to all but the most drenching downpours. To achieve the gossamer results of the jacket, Sugoi designers created new methods of shaving weight; pit zips were replaced with tiny, unstructured venting holes, and a semi-fitted form reduced overall fabric weight.The women's line includes the Helium Jacket, Helium vest, RS S/L Jersey, RS Jersey and the RS Knickers.

VELORBIS

The Victoria ladies specific model takes its curvilinear shape from the subtle, smooth lines of the female form. As this traditional vintage cycle or 'utility bike' is typically used as part of everyday life, it has been designed to be ultra convenient, durable and reliable. Equipped with a Brooks leather saddle, Brooks leather grips and a Brooks mud flap, the model has a trendy, aged look.Enclosing the gears protects the machinery from the weather, hence they involve much lower maintenance than the derailleur systems found on most bikes. Another advantage of internal gears is that they are very simple on the outside and come with a chain guard. This is a much cleaner option allowing you to ride in any clothing rather than having to wear specialist cycle gear. The classic model is fully equipped and comes with mudguards, mud flap, skirt guards, chain guard, enclosed hub driven lights, a double stand, bell and a rear carrier as standard. Velorbis has also equipped all bicycles with the highest quality Chromoly steel, rather than Hi-ten steel, as found on the majority of cycles. The Victoria weighs in at only 16 kg.

LUSSO

The ladies Coolmax range from Lusso features various jerseys, shorts, jackets, leg warmers and more. Breathable fabrics are used throughout and all fabrics are machine washable.The Summer jersey, which retails for £29.99, features Coolmax wicking fabric, rear pockets- both zipped and open and comes in two colours.The matching nine-panel shorts feature a HT-90 ladies seamless insert, SC9 leg grippers, flat seams and the same wicking fabric. The shorts retail for £34.99 and both items are available in sizes from small (eight to ten) to extra large (size 16).Alternatively, a long sleeve jersey is available at £34.99. Dubbed the Breathe2 and part of the Lady-Lime range, the jersey features lycra binding, a sewn-in reflective panel, two rear pockets and a full frontal zip.See www.lusso-clothing.co.uk for more information on each product.

LAND ROVER

The Schiara frame has a shorter reach, a lower step-over and lower centre of gravity. The bike features lighter parts, as well as ladies specific components such as a special saddle, shorter cranks and thinner grips.The bike has Shimano 21-speed gears with STI controls, as well as front and rear Tektro mechanical disk brakes. Easy rolling tyres with a less aggressive tread pattern make for a faster, more comfortable ride.Alternatively, the Molvino has larger wheels with a narrower tread offering lower rolling resistance. Light alloy straight blade forks give sharper handling, while 24-speed Shimano gears enable this model to comfortably take on challenging terrain. An adjustable stem means this is one of Land Rover's most adjustable models.

SPECIALIZED

Specialized apparel uses specific construction techniques to improve the cycling experience and to set its garments apart from other cycling clothing. Double-needle stitching is used on the many of the garments to give a sleek, uncluttered look that highlights the function of the garment without looking overly industrial. Minimal construction on bib uppers offers great freedom of movement, while functional seam placement makes for minimal chafe.External zipper constructions offer a cleaner and softer inside surface of the jerseys, while ergonomically designed pocket constructions on jerseys make them easier to reach. No garments contain interior tags. Many of the high-end jerseys in the Specialized range feature security pockets.Several fabric technologies feature across the garment range including Cocona Natural Technology, found in the high-end Jet jersey. This material uses carbonized coconut shells to enhance the performance of the fabric. The addition of carbon to the yarns assists evaporation odour resistance and adds UV protection.Another featured technology is the Fieldsensor fabric, which uses one-way capillary action to effectively transport moisture away from the skin. This ability to transfer moisture will never diminish or wash out.

AVOCET

Coyote has both a long and short sleeved jersey, designed by professionals and tailored for the female figure. The fabric is designed to 'wick' away body moisture and keep the wearer warm. The cuffs are also elasticated to ensure a snug fit. Both versions come in sizes eight to 16.Avocet also has several Viking women's bikes on offer. The Valletta, Versailles, Vicenza and Venezia models all feature lightweight alloy tubing with ladies specific geometry. Components from Shimano feature on each model, while Kenda supplies tyres and Suntour supplies various components.The Versailles has an Acera 21-speed STI system, the Vicenza has an 18-speed grip shift changer, while the Venezia model consists of Shimano 21-speed STI gearing.

CORINNE DENNIS

Corinne Dennis Cycle Wear is a small company based in Yorkshire, dedicated to offering top quality clothing for ‘real people’ rather then just racing snakes. The clothing is designed from quality fabrics and suitable for people looking for something other than the tradition sports style of cycle wear. Where possible the garments are designed to look good off the bike as well as feeling supremely comfortable on the bike. Women’s sizes range from eight to 20, possibly meaning Corinne Dennis is the only clothing manufacturer catering for the larger cyclist.A very popular garment from the current collection is the Ladies Baggy 3/4 retailing for £39.99. These unpadded trousers can be worn over cycling shorts or padded undies. Being quick drying and not looking at all like cycling wear, it is ideal for all aspects of the sport, in particular touring and commuting.For full details please phone 01757 289800 or visit website www.corinnedennis.co.uk

PALIGAP

Kona has recently employed a specialist clothing designer to develop its range of technical and casual clothing. Newly appointed Michelle Gault gained her knowledge of sports-specific clothing design at Westbeach in Vancouver. The 2008 Kona women’s clothing range includes over 15 technical items, ranging from functional but stylish sports bras to the latest fashions in downhill shorts.The casual clothing brings bike-wear to the High Street and includes many different designs of hoodies, t-shirts, beanies and shorts. Gault has also done work with the Kona Bike Town programme, which takes proceeds of the Organic range of t-shirts and, when sufficient funds are raised, donates bicycles to poor African regions. The bicycles will help home health care workers deliver ARV drugs to HIV/aids patients.Each t-shirt is made from 100 per cent organic cotton and are printed using only environmentally friendly dyes and vegetable oils.

PASHLEY

The Sonnet ladies cycles feature the same striking features as the Pashley Princess model, but come with a splash of colour from the company's in-house paint finisher. ‘Summer Cream’ coloured frames are presented with a choice of claret or midnight blue mudguards and chainguards.Retail price for the Sonnet is £445.00 and the bike features a Sturmey Archer three-speed hub, 26-inch wheels with polished rims, slick tyres and an Antique brown Brooks B66 saddle.Another model in the portfolio and, for the same price, is the Double Scoop. This classic bicycle features Sturmey Archer gearing, Schwalbe tyres and a Brooks saddle.Pashley has also launched a model dubbed the TSR. The bike features 20-inch wheels, a rear shock and strength that claims to be far superior to a conventional framed bike.

FUJI

The Silhouette from Fuji has been very well received by those looking for a race-ready ladies specific road bike, according to national sales manager, Andrew Nicholson.The Ultrega and Shimano 105 equip Silhouette has a Monocoque C-4 carbon frame and fork. An FSA Gossamer MegaExo crankset with the exterior bearing system adds to the list of high-end, lightweight components featured.The bike has a ten-speed Shimano 105 cassette and a smattering of Fuji's own high-end product, including 6061 double butted handlebars, a forged alloy stem, a saddle and seat post/clamp.The main frame features an integrated aluminium cupped head tube, double water bottle mounts and the rear triangle has a cold forged dropout with a replaceable hanger.

CANNONDALE

The Scalpel feminine from Cannondale has been made stiffer, lighter and a heftier dose of travel has been added. 100mm of rear suspension provided by a Fox Float means this bike is suited to challenging terrain. DT Swiss rims hubs and spokes feature on both the front and rear, while Avid Juicy Seven brakes with 160mm disc rotors provide ample stopping power.X-9 trigger shifters, an X-9 rear derailleur, GXP1 cranks and much more of the drivetrain is made up by top-end Sram components. Shimano provides an LX front derailleur.The model costs £2,299 at retail and is top of the Cannondale female-specific range. A mid-range road bike dubbed the 'Six13', featuring an Ultegra groupset is also available, retailing for £1,699.

RALEIGH

Raleigh has teamed up with breakthrough for Breast Cancer and is fund raising through the sale of the specially produced Pink Ribbon bike and helmet. A donation of ten per cent from the sale of each bike and helmet will go to the charity. This will be used for vital research, campaigning and educational work.Aside from the Pink Ribbon model, Raleigh has plenty to offer ladies, from urban models to off-roaders. The Pioneer Urban3, for example is a lightweight, agile performer, perfect for the daily commute or exploring the great outdoors. The bike is designed to be fast rolling, easy to use and fitted with comfort components to make the ride more enjoyable. The bike features Shimano 24-speed gearing with trigger shifters, an aluminium frame, Tektro brakes and a Suntour.

MADISON

Madison can boast possession of Shimano’s much acclaimed Custom-Fit footwear technology. The WR80 is a women’s specific road race shoe with a lower volume toe section, plus a lower and narrower heel to better suit smaller feet. Heat mouldable custom-fit material in the heel can be custom-formed to your foot contours offering comfort, support and stability. Retail price is £139.99.Another of Madison’s women's specific products is Giro's Skyla helmet, a highly adjustable ladies helmet. The Acu-Dial fit system provides one-handed micro-adjustment on the move. 20 vents allow cold air in and hot air out to provide cooling. A Snap-fit visor helps keep the sun and rain away from the face and eyes. Universal shell size fit 50 to 57cm head diameters and all for £29.99.

MOORE LARGE

Moore Large exclusively distributes the Lake shoe brand, which has developed a new ladies shoe range for 2008. The I/O range is extremely lightweight with excellent ventilation and provides the rider with extraordinary heel and toe lift. They are fitted with an incap system nylon injected midsole, which delivers power to the pedal supporting you in even the hardest of studio cycling classes or toughest of rides. The EVA mid incap layer provides the right support for any walking surface, too.The Ladies I/03 Lake shoe is made from a combination of split-leather and mesh with extra support delivered from the laces and a single hook and loop strap. It is fitted with a new lightweight Vibram SPD sole with a non-mark rubber bottom. Sizes 36 to 42 are available, all for £55.99 retail price.

CHICKEN

Chicken Cycles reported a quite marked increase in the sale of women’s garments and saddles in 2007. Two of Adidas’ most popular lines are Response ¾ knickers at £54.99 and Sports knickers at £41.99. There is a full range of summer jerseys and jackets in attractive colours as well as shorts and bib tights. Selle Italia offers a wide range of alternatives. The latest saddle is the anatomic 'Diva', due in shortly. This saddle features a leather top and gel padding around sensitive areas. The existing Lady Sport and SLK also have an anatomic cut-out, while the SLR Lady Gel Flow with an oversize cut-out and perfect fit padding is for the serious cyclist.Time RXL road and ATAC RXL off-road pedals have less spring tension, which is ideal for women. Cinelli offers a women’s specific bike – the Little Wing with 700c or 26-inch wheels complete with Little Wing bar and stem, also available as replacement parts.T.A. offers shorter 155mm and 160mm cranks, whereas TIME frame modules come in XXS sizes for ladies.

FISHER OUTDOORS

Highly established headgear brand MET has designed some women's specific helmets, including the popular 'Crackerjack'. The Italian designed helmet features 14 vents, ensuring the rider stays cool. The sleek, relaxed look comes in seven different colours and has an adjustable strap, featuring an anti-pinch buckle. The model weighs in at 260 grammes.Additionally from MET, the Diamante and Istinto helmets, designed solely for women, offer excellent ventilation and safety credentials. The light, ergonomic and compact design means that this helmet is ideal for both leisure and competitive riders.