Lippy Stuff

OK, I've got to let something out here for a minute.

Over the last year Matt has really gotten into road cycling. He commutes to work 2-3 days a week when the weather is good, and typically goes for a long ride on the weekends. About 6 months ago I decided to join him and was fortunate to have a friend loan me a bike for a while. I decided I really enjoyed the sport, but that I needed my own bike, one that fit me better and didn't have down tube shifters (whoever thought that was s good idea?). So, for the last couple of weeks we have been looking around for a bike for me.

I'm a small person with a small frame, so we've generally been looking at women's road bikes, assuming they would fit me better. However, have you seen women's road bikes? They are hideous, painted in shades of purple, pink, and sky blue with decorative swooshes on them that I can only compare to patterns I've seen on yoga clothing. What makes manufacturers of women's bikes think I want a sparkly purple bike? I find it hard to believe any market research would have led to this outcome.

The first 10 speed I ever had was lavender and pink. I thought I was pretty hot stuff riding around on my Huffy Sweetheart bicycle. And I was...for a 10 year old. However, I am now 30 years old and would like something a bit more sophisticated, thank you very much. When I'm on my bike I want to feel tough, powerful, like I can conquer any hill that comes my way. Call me crazy, but pink flowers don't really inspire awesomeness in me.

My original intentions were to just find a men's bike that I liked and maybe put a women's saddle on it to make it more comfortable. But yesterday we went around to some bike shops so I could test out different bikes, and as sad as I am to admit it, I really need a women's bike. My shoulders are very narrow, even for a woman, which means my grip is narrower and a women's handlebar is just so much more comfortable. Women's bikes feel like they fit my body better. It just frustrates me that I'm going to have to sacrifice style for comfort, and only because I am a woman. Bike manufacturers need to get their proverbial heads out of their proverbial asses and realize women want to kick butt just as much as men do. Make us a bike that can help us accomplish that.