BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
We’re gradually edging beyond the days where women’s product is designed around the process of “shrink it and pink it”, but which firms are leading the way in tailoring product for women? BikeBiz rounds up a handful of best sellers and new products handpicked by the distributors.
Moore Large
Entirely new for 2014, Barracuda has introduced its first ever women’s specific bicycles.
Tailored geometries and careful consideration of components has seen the Moore Large designers who’ve come up with a series of MTB, Hybrid, Road, Vintage, Commute and Comfort bikes.
The Comfort series, otherwise known as the Dorado, comes in two models; three and seven speed. Both feature an alloy low step frame, full length guards, rear carrier rack and a front basket. The three-speed is equipped with a Shimano Nexus hub. All models take advantage of women’s specific saddles, narrower handlebars and the correct stem length. For those looking to invest in a road bike, Forme’s Longcliffe line packs a punch for the price. The £1,099.99 Longcliffe 1 FE is a prime example, featuring a Campagnolo Veloce groupset rarely found at similar price points. The rest of the bike is made up of parts such as a 4ZA Stratos factory-built sealed-bearing wheelset and a smooth welded Al7005 Kinesis triple butted frame with a tapered steerer for responsive acceleration and steering precision.
01332 274200
Claud Butler
Exclusively distributed through its independent dealer channel, the 2014 Claud Butler range of Sabina road bikes feature geometry specifically tailored to comfort, using Claud Butler’s WCG frame design with a compact geometry and shorter cockpit.
The ladies road range is available in 14 and 16-speed versions across three models with three frame sizes. As well as a comprehensive range of traditional, trekking and urban sport bikes, the cycling distributor has also added the WCG design to its Explorer 600 and 700 models for those wanting to commute, or take to the towpaths.
Contact Claud Butler on 01652 656000.
Pashley
Over two thirds of Pashley’s retail range sales are bikes for women. While many others have realised late in the day that over half the population is female, Pashley have been serving this demographic for most of its 90-year history.
The range’s best-known bike is the widely mimicked ‘Princess’ – a heritage styled classic bike with a huge basket, Brooks leather saddle, dress guard and shiny ding-dong bell. Pashley also has more colourful options on the heritage standard, including the Poppy, the Sonnet and the Britannia in patriotic red white and blue. More recently Pashley has added a lightweight touring model called the Aurora, built in traditional Reynolds 531steel – this product is of course for the woman who wants just that little more speed.
Find out more via Pashley on 01789 292263.
Zyro
Zyro-own label Altura is no stranger to creating a tailored cycling garment, so it’s no surprise to find a strong catalogue of garments for the ladies.
For £39.99, your customer can take home Altura’s new Microlite showerproof jacket. Made from 100 per cent Nylon, it’s lightweight, sports reflective trim and folds down small for jersey pocket storage.
Also from Altura, the ProGel Mitt at £19.99 is pre-shaped to comfortably fit the female hand, with a stretch cuff furthering the snug fit. It’s a close fit garment, that will transfer maximum bar feel to the rider, while absorbing some of the vibrations on the road or trail.
For women’s specific footwear, Giro’s £99.99 Solara shoe is built with the same comfortable fit as Giro’s premium shoes, with a supple microfibre upper and a micro-ratcheting buckle that offers very precise fit adjustment. A supportive EVA footbed with Aegis anti-microbial treatment is matched with the label’s stiff DuPont Zytel nylon outsole to create a more efficient, powerful platform for transferring energy to the pedals without binding or hotspots.
01325 741200
Hotlines
With a reputation for attention to detail, Lapierre has designed a range of road bikes specifically tailored for women.
The Lapierre L-Series offers bikes that are ergonomically adapted for ladies, both in frame design and through specific component choice. The Audacio 200L has been adapted to the female form, with an accentuated sloping top tube, anatomically appropriate saddle and shorter cranks. Combined with a range of quality Shimano parts, it makes for an efficient and confident ride, specifically engineered for women passionate about putting in the miles.
To find out how to become a Lapierre dealer and access some of the fine margins that are on offer, contact Hotlines Europe on 0131 319 1444 or via the all new website
www.hotlines-uk.com
Orbea
Available in seven different frame sizes, ranging 47 to 60cm, Orbea’s Avant and Orca road bikes will more than likely measure up to fit your customer.
Having come out on top of Cycling Plus’ Disc Brake bike of the Year product test, the Avant’s frameset was described as ‘truly stunning’ by the testers. With builds based around the Avant frameset beginning at just £629 and ranging right through to £4,499, there’s something for every customer and in a variety of colour options.
There are four women’s specific road bikes under the Orca banner, running from £1,349 for a Shimano Sora spec, right through to an Ultegra build for the £2,999 Orca B Dama Mio.
01449 711632
Buffera
Producing a deep range for female outdoor goers, Buff’s women’s product is typically made a little narrower and printed with more sophisticated and feminine designs than the manly rugged designs seen on the male gear.
Just like Original Buff, Women’s Slim Fit Buff is a seamless, multifunctional tubular garment ideal for many activities. It’s designed to keep the rider warm in the cold, and to wick moisture (sweat) away from skin to keep the user cool when it’s hot.
SueMe also has an excellent ladies line, with Beech Shorties offering a comfortable underwear choice for days in the saddle. Made from beech tree pulp, the finished product is super soft, comfortable, fast drying and naturally anti-bactierial.
Made with a 210g knit to balance fit and comfort with durability, the addition of five per cent Lycra adds support and helps to retain shape and fit, day after day, wash after wash.
If you’ve a Buffera account, also look out for the athletic fit Nomad t-shirt line for women.
01707 852244
MET
MET has tweaked a few of its designs for 2014 to give them a broader appeal to female cyclists.
The 20 Miles urban lid retails at £49.99 packs the features in for the money. With anti-allergenic interior padding, an insect net, lightweight in- mould construction and a built in rear light, it’s ideal for the cyclist looking to be seen.
The dial at the rear of the helmet is easily adjusted with just the one hand, with the mechanism securing the helmet firmly and comfortably with no pressure points.
Medium (52 to 58cm) and large (59-62cm) sizes are stocked by MET UK.
0207 193 7496
Bobbin
Following the success of the male Scout, Bobbin introduced the Girl Scout earlier this year, which many dealers may have been introduced to at the trade only Core Bike show.
Designed with inspiration from retro road bicycles of days gone by, the women’s specific cromoly and high ten steel frame is adorned with down tube shifters, whitewall 700c tyres, and comes fitted with mudguards and rack mounts for touring.
The Girl Scout is available in taffeta in two frames sizes from early May. Retail price has been set at £499.
sian@bobbinbicycles.co.uk
Sportline
With Ridley now firmly on board, Sportline is able to offer builds like the Liz A30 at £869.99.
Perfect for the semi-serious female cyclist, the Shimano Sora clad build is based around a 7005 aluminium frame, complete with unidirectional carbon fork with aluminium steerer. 4ZA finishing kit includes a ladies specific Stratos saddle and handlebar, as well as a ten-speed 4za RC30 wheelset.
At 10.36 kilograms for a medium, it’s a lightweight and manoeuvrable build and Cycle to Work scheme friendly with change to spare.
Sportline is also able to supply a deep range of Ridgeback bikes also suited to female customers.
www.sportlineb2b.co.uk
Raleigh
Both Moa and Lusso have women’s specific garments, with the former offering some particularly advanced fabrics within the line.
Take the £149.99 Plassa Combi zip-off long sleeve jersey. The Plassa combi jersey boasts Italian elegance with an ergonomic fit that keeps the jersey in place while riding. The jacket is fully windproof with a gill system on the rear to allow ventilation, the long sleeves are completely removable and tuck into a specific pocket on the rear to expose the short sleeves underneath, making this jacket perfect for the changeable UK conditions. The Plassa is finished off to perfection with a silicone hem and three rear pockets.
The Moa AW14 range will be sold to selected dealers throughout April and May. To find out how to become a Moa specialist stockist please call Raleigh on
0800 0969060
Jungle Products
For the serious off-roaders out there, Jungle Products offers both bikes and women’s specific aftermarket components.
Dubbed the Juliana range, Jungle has stock of a £74 women’s specific saddle, compact grips at £17 and a handlebar and grip package for £65.
The latter provides an ergonomic grip designed for smaller hands, a handlebar custom bent to the work with a smaller physique and comes in 5mm and 15mm options to tune in the feel.
On to the bikes and the Juliana Joplin is available in three tiers – Terco £2899, Segundo £3299, and Primeiro £5399. Each rolls on 29-inch wheels and sizes span small (5’1” – 5’5”), medium (5’5” – 5’9”) and large (5’9” – 6’1”).
Alternatively, the Juno is available for £2,699 and rolls on 27.5” wheels.
01423 780 088
Chicken Cyclekit
LAS’s Femme Fatale helmet is both decorative and functional, giving it a broad appeal. Italian made, this race level road helmet has an advanced fitting system, making a perfect fit easy to dial in. The magnetic clasp allows the user to remove and fasten the helmet on the bike one handed, even with full finger gloves on. 25 vents allow air to travel through into the internal channels, keeping the rider’s head as cool as possible.
Selle Italia are no strangers to crafting saddles to meet a bum’s needs and with the women’s offering things are no different. The Diva’s specific shape was created to work perfectly with the specific female anatomy and posture. The unique shape is for women who require a high performance saddle, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. This model is available to purchase with the Selle Italia ID match fitting system, giving dealers great discounts and margins. For more details, call the sales office on
01525 381347.
Silverfish
RaceFace has developed women’s specific protective gear for 2014, with the Khyber protective range.
For riders looking for a little more gravity fuelled action, Race Face offers both elbow and knee guards. The Khyber boasts hard shell performance with a soft shell look and feel. An open back construction makes fitment without shoe removal easy and thanks to a perforated Neoprene construction temperature is also controlled. Comfort is not an issue either thanks to flam padded side walls, which also offer extra protection. A terry-lined backing enhances comfort and wicks moisture. These pads are available in sizes small through extra large from £44.95.
SDG, meanwhile, has developed the Allure saddle, specifically with women in mind. The Allure features a durable nylon fibre base material and a lightweight LPU foam blend top, as well as a supportive cut-out in the optimal riding area. Two styles of seamless microfiber top cover are available making this saddle perfect for everything from road to mountain riding. Cro-mo and ti-alloy rail versions are now in stock.
01752 843882
