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Fuji Silhouette
The beautiful black and purple Silhouette is a new addition to Fuji’s carbon women’s line. A performance bike that’s still comfortable, the Silhouette is light and responsive. It has a longer wheelbase than Fuji’s Supreme carbon bikes, which gives it a relaxed and stable ride; but you won’t have any trouble putting on the speed when you’re ready. This bike is a great choice for women interested in a full carbon bike with high-end components at a good price. $2,220. www.fujibikes.com
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Felt FW15
No more complaining that women’s designs don’t have all the same top-line components the boys get! The Felt FW15 sports Shimano’s Dura-Ace level shifting, its best and lightest derailleur set. Add an equally light wheelset and cables that route internally through the frame for lower wind resistance, and you’ll be cutting through the air like a knife. Weighing in at a little more than 17 pounds, the Felt FW15 is a thoroughbred. And you diminutive riders can rejoice: the FW15 comes in a really petite 43 cm size. $2,200. www.feltracing.com
Read a full review of this bike on our gear blog.
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Bianchi C2C Via Nirone 7
Are you ready for some longer rides? It might be time to try Bianchi’s C2C Via Nirone line. C2C stands for “coast to coast,” and the Via Nirone’s lightweight aluminum frame will keep you comfortable for miles with effective front and rear bump-absorption. The Via Nirone comes in six different models, so finding the bike that fits your taste and budget is easy. The smallest size available on the Via Nirone is 50 cm. Smaller riders will want to take a look at Bianchi’s new Lei Dama Bianca line of women’s bikes, which range from 44 to 53 cm. $1,200 to $1,800— depending on the component mix you choose. www.bianchiusa.com
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Schwinn Le Tour GSW
Just getting started with road riding? Schwinn’s iridescent blue Le Tour GSW may be the bike you’re looking for, with its women’s frame, midlevel components, and economical price. The frame is proportioned to accommodate the long-leg, short-torso build most women have. Schwinn moved the handlebars closer to you by shortening the length of the frame from the seat to the handlebars. This not only improves your control but also reduces fatigue in your neck and lower back. The Le Tour’s wide tires and carbon fiber fork soak up the road vibration, giving you a smooth, comfortable ride. $750. www.schwinnbike.com
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Diamondback Sortie 3
Brand new to the Diamondback lineup, the Sortie 3 is not a women’s-specific bike, but it will work well for all but the smallest riders. The Sortie is a versatile all-mountain bike. It can handle most types of terrain you’ll ride, with 4 inches of suspension, or “travel,” in both the front and rear shocks. The quality of the components—both the moving parts and the suspension shocks—gives this bike a weight of around 29 pounds. The modest weight translates into a bike that’s faster and easier to move, so you’ll have the energy to do that extra trail loop. $2,375. www.diamondback.com |
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Novara Bliss 2.0
The original Bliss gets a big sister this year in the Bliss 2.0, a go-everywhere, all-mountain bike with 4 inches of suspension in the front and rear to really smooth out the bumps on those rocky, root-filled trails. The frame is reinforced at stress points, helping it stand up to the abuse of rough trails and drops, which gives the bike a bit more heft for faster downhill rides. Its supergrip tires grab the dirt with ease. The Bliss 2.0 is a women’s-specific design, and it really comes to the rescue of smaller women riders—from waist to hands, you won’t feel too stretched out on this bike. An added bonus: an extremely comfortable saddle comes stock. $1,199. www.rei.com |
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GTw Zaskar Expert
Don’t need the weight of a full-suspension bike? Keep it nimble with the GTw Zaskar Expert. The women’s-fit Zaskar brings a slightly more upright position to your riding than a general-fit bike would. This shortens your reach to the handlebars, and the angle you meet the saddle provides a better hip position for women. The result is a bike dialed to comfort without sacrificing performance. The hydraulic disc brakes, shifting system, and front shocks are all low-weight, high-quality components. $1,499. www.gtbicycles.com
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Marin Juniper Trail
This little tangerine hardtail has a wonderfully agile personality on twisty trails. Marin uses Hydro-Light tubing for the frame, shaving some weight and helping you climb those steep ascents. The hydraulic disc brakes have the ability to stop equally well under wet or dry conditions, so you can ride safely if you get caught in a downpour. Designed for women, the easy-to-reach brake levers and small-diameter handlebars increase your control and confidence on challenging singletrack. A portion of each Women’s Fit bike sold goes directly to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, which in 2007 received $10,000 from Marin Women’s Fit bike sales. $940. www.marinbikes.com
Read a full review of this bike on our gear blog.
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Topeak Jango
Topeak, best known for its huge range of accessories, has gotten into the bike business. The Jango is called a “Plug & Bike” machine, fit for just about any kind of riding you want to do. That’s because whether you buy the mountain or road model, it comes ready for a variety of Topeak accessories, from lights and seat bags to racks and trailers. Everything is plugged into special ports on the bike, eliminating the need for tools and other attachment devices. You can go from decked-out supercommuter to trail rider to charity rider in no time flat. $900 to $1,500. www.topeak.com
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Giant Tran Send EX W
Totally outfitted for an urban adventure, the Giant Tran Send EX W is a great bike for commuting or getting around town. The gear system is inside the rear wheel hub, which makes for fewer moving parts being exposed to dirt and wear. And there’s a chain guard to protect your pant leg, and the disc brakes give you reliable braking even in wet conditions. The Tran Send comes ready with a rear rack, so you can sling your bags on there and take off. It also comes in a lower-priced DX W model with regular external derailleurs. $760. www.giantbicycles.com
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Castelli Pois Jersey
How can you top a jersey featuring big polka dots and a water-resistant MP3 pocket? The Pois is a pro fit, meaning it won’t catch air and slow you down. Three pockets stretch across the back, and the ProSecco fabric is specially treated to pull moisture away from your skin and spread it across the fabric for quicker evaporation. $80. www.castelli-us.com |
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Terry Bella Shorts
It’s your seat that takes the brunt of a hard day of riding, and a good pair of shorts is invaluable. Terry’s Bella shorts have all the right features to keep you comfortable whether you’re riding 10 or 100 miles. The silicon-lined leg openings really work to keep your shorts exactly where they belong—no more tugging while you’re riding. The Flex-Air chamois stretches four ways, so it won’t bunch or shift when you’re powering up a big hill; and the front waist is a soft elastic-free yoke, allowing you to draw that deep breath you’ll need in a sprint. $85. www.terrybicycles.com |
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Shoes: Sidi Genius 5.5
We can’t come up with enough superlatives for Sidi’s Genius 5.5 road shoe—although comfortable and custom-fit spring to mind. The new carbon composite sole allows for a slight amount of flex in the toe, increasing your comfort. The ratcheting buckle lets you get the tightness just right for your foot. And, our favorite quality, these shoes look good! $320. www.sidiusa.com
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Road Gloves: Serfas RX
How many hot, sweaty rides have you peeling off your gloves like a second skin? Finally, we’ve found a glove with pull-tabs to get them off the fingers more easily. Serfas has put serious research into its gel RX gloves, and it got the prescription just right. No more numb fingers, just miles of comfort with the RX. $30. www.serfas.com |
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Specialized Propero Helmet
Every helmet sold has to meet safety regulations, but there’s more to a good helmet than just meeting standards. If the fit isn’t snug or the chinstrap works its way loose on a ride, the helmet might not protect you in a spill. With the Propero you can adjust the fit on the fly, and it stays adjusted to your head. Plenty of large vents keep you cool, and a snap-on brim keeps the sun off your face. The superlight straps are sweat resistant, so they won’t absorb moisture and stretch out while you’re riding, and the easy-to-open adjustment buckles won’t let them slip. Your noggin is precious; protect it in style. $100. www.specialized.com |
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Zoic Cheeky Jersey
Bamboo has proved itself a wonder material, and Zoic’s brand-new Cheeky Jersey is made of a polyester/bamboo-charcoal fabric that naturally absorbs odors, moisture, and even UV rays. It’s very soft and stretchy, with the necessary three rear pockets and a bonus key pocket. While you’re at it, throw in a pair of socks. For every sock purchased, ZOIC will donate 50 percent of the net profit (about $1 per sock) to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Jersey $45; Socks $5. www.zoic.com |
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Loeka Tech Shorts
The combination of water-resistant nylon and Lycra panels gives these shorts a great fit without losing the durability you need for mountain riding. The unpadded Lycra liner is sewn in, so it won’t get in your way moving on and off the saddle. $79. www.loeka.com |
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Gore Terra II Lady Pants
Here’s another great pant with a beautiful fit from Gore. Whether you’re running an errand, hanging out with the gals at the local coffee spot, or blasting down a trail, they feel perfect for the job. The detachable liner has a minimal but cushioning chamois. $100. www.gorebikewear.com |
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Dakine Cross X
These full-fingered gloves have padding everywhere you need it and mesh where you don’t. The palm is supple enough that it never interferes with your grip, and two little silicon patches on the index and middle fingers help you grab the brakes no matter what the slop factor might be. $30. www.dakine.com |
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Pearl Izumi Attack
Get out there and hit the trail with Pearl Izumi’s new Attack mountain shoe. Incredibly light and well ventilated, the Attack sports Pearl’s new nylon sole for stiffness and flexibility. A low-profile ratchet lets you fine-tune your fit. $120. www.pearlizumi.com |
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Louis Garneau Diva Helmet
This is a great helmet at a great price! The Spiderlock adjustment system lets you tighten or loosen the helmet with one hand. There are plenty of vents to keep you cool on the road or trail, and it comes with a detachable visor. $35. www.louisgarneau.com
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Shebeest Notch Neck T
The Notch Neck T is made of Shebeest’s awesome stretch bamboo fabric, soft as butter but wicking and naturally odor fighting. $40. www.shebeest.com |
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Terry Flare Skort
Terry is a go-to company for beautiful, feminine fabrics, particularly in its skorts and jerseys. Two Velcro side pockets will hold your keys and cell phone, and the sewn-in mesh short liner has Terry’s comfortable Flex chamois and nonslip leg band. $80. www.terrybicycles.com |
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CamelBak L.U.X.E.
CamelBak is constantly improving its hydration systems, and its women’s packs have become the gold standard. The L.U.X.E. is the perfect blend of comfort, storage space, and women’s fit. An Omega HydroTanium reservoir holds 100 ounces and nestles in an insulated rear compartment—liquid stays cool for a long time. The pack itself has a curved shape with strategic pads and mesh on the back to lift it up and encourage some air flow so you don’t overheat. The waist belt is removable, and the chest strap will slide up and down, accommodating different torso lengths. This is a superstable pack that will stay put no matter what you’re rolling over. $85. www.camelbak.com |
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Crumpler Mahoubar Backpack
We’re all trying to use two wheels instead of four when we can, but that has us scratching our heads when it means a trip to the grocery store. When you need to haul a big load, it’s Crumpler to the rescue. The Mahoubar backpack has room for a few grocery bags of goodies and a fantastically comfortable fit, with padded shoulder straps and backpad. Zippered compartments keep your precious little stuff away from the six-pack of drinks you stowed in there. $125. www.crumplerbags.com |
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SKS Puro
We’re very excited about this new pump from SKS that features a pressure gauge in the barrel. The Puro will take your road tires up to 140 psi. The valve head is also integrated into the body of the pump and pops out at a twist. It’s sleek, light, and small enough for a seat bag. $30. www.sks-germany.com |
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Optic Nerve Silkworm
Optic Nerve’s Silkworms are fabulously flexible. The lenses get lighter or darker, depending on how bright it is, so you’re covered whether it’s overcast or there isn’t a cloud in the sky. $69. www.nerveusa.com |
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Planet Bike Blaze and Superflash Light Set
If a long spring-training ride keeps you out late, it’s nice to have a little light set in your seat bag. The Blaze headlight and Superflash taillight let everyone on the road see you coming and going. The Blaze is a half-watt LED light with a quick-mount system (no need for tools); and the Superflash simply slips on a seat bag loop—or you can mount it to your seat post with the enclosed hardware. The Blaze now comes in a 1 or 2 watt brightness for 2008. The Superflash is one of the brightest taillights we’ve come across. $60. www.planetbike.com |
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Lezyne S-Caddy
Finally, a bag for the disorganized. Lezyne’s S-Caddy has pockets labeled with graphics, for everything you want to put in your seat bag. Its ultraslim profile eliminates any knocking about as you pedal, too. The S holds a tube, a patch kit, tire levers, and one of Lezyne’s ultrasleek four-bit multi-tools. $15. www.lezyne.com |
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Pedro’s Green Fizz
Green Fizz will melt the gunk off the muddiest trail bike. No matter how dirty your bike gets, Green Fizz will return it to its clean and shiny self and cause no harm to the earth. $8. www.pedros.com |
