Author: tpbWPadmin

BICYCLING: The Heavyweight Guide to Bike-Buying.

Read the full article here: Bicycling.com/heavyweight-guide-bike-buying

The Heavyweight Guide to Bike-Buying
MOLLY HURFORD X MARCH 5, 2015
From frames to tires, we look at bike parts built to last.
…
COMPONENTS
Denizot has noticed that many of her customers rebel against the idea of a thinner saddle and prefer wider, more padded saddles. While a cushy saddle is great for a leisurely ride, many cyclists find a stiffer, more supportive model more suitable for longer outings. “I’m consistently telling people if it’s not comfortable, go to a bike store and try a different saddle,” she explains. “We have comfortable saddles, but every person is different. I tell them to take a bike to the bike shop and ask them about saddles and try out a bunch of different ones.”

Terry Bicycles offers women-specific clothing in a wide range of sizes, but the company is also well known for its saddle selection. When it comes to plus-size women and saddles, marketing VP Paula Dyba explains, “One of the [misconceptions] that plenty of riders have is that they need a super-wide and soft saddle to be comfortable, and we sure do hear that from plus-size riders looking for plus-size saddles.”

But even a company like Terry doesn’t make a plus-size saddle, for good reason: Contrary to what you might think, sit bone width doesn’t vary according to weight. “While we don’t specifically make a ‘plus’ saddle, all our sport and touring saddles are pretty wide in the rear to support sit bones properly,” she continues. “Sit bone width doesn’t change much from female rider to female rider, but what does is the amount of a rider’s ‘padding’ and riding position.” Her suggestion? Go wide if it’s more comfortable and you’re not planning on going too fast, but keep the wide part of the saddle at the back. “More upright riding requires more width and support in the rear,” she says, “But we recommend against going too wide through the mid-section of the saddle or it can lead to inner thigh chafing and discomfort. Rule of thumb is enough width and saddle padding to support the sit bones, with a shared balance of weight distribution on handlebars, seat, and pedals.”

[…]

March 5, 2015
GOING FOR A SPIN.

As an avid cyclist, it feels odd never having been to a spin class; it’s like being at a family reunion and not knowing the cousin that everyone is talking about. So when I met our incredible Coach Amy, I knew this was my chance to try this indoor offshoot of the sport that I love.

The class was set to start at 6:00am, early but not impossible. My alarm went off and I sprang up to start the day:

Getting ready proved to be more challenging than I had thought. Never having been to a class, I was completely in the dark as to what to expect when I got there. I went with cycling gear rather than regular gym attire; I figured that the gear that can get me through a century should also be able to get me through a 1-hour spin class.

As I was heading out the door, with car keys in one hand and coffee in the other,

I caught a glimpse of my beautiful new bike, George, sitting all alone in the corner.

I thought of how cold it has been, how icy the roads and bitter the winds, and how sad it made me that on the first day of dry roads I was getting in my car to drive to the gym, to go inside and get on a stationary bike. That is when…decisions were made.

20 degrees has never felt warmer. As I rode off, I sent my best thoughts to those who were stuck in traffic, on the way to the gym to ride their bikes inside. Some day, I promise that I will take a spin class, but today was not that day.

Tailwinds!

Whitney McKiddy

March 4, 2015
SOLAR POWER.

Designed in the Netherlands where bike function is paramount, the Rydon Pixio is a very smart new concept for city riding. Loaded with smart features, the Pixio is always charged due to an integrated solar panel that sucks up the sun. Fully charged, it shines for 60 hours and has light output that is moderate (and won’t blind oncoming traffic). It’s simple to mount and sells for 35 euro. They’re new and limited in distribution (currently only available through climatestore.com) but watch for them in an upcoming catalog!

March 4, 2015
A JACKET TO BE SEEN IN.
Shining a light on illuminated outerwear.

As a four-season bike commuter, I expect a lot from my work clothes. They have to be comfortable, professional, and above all else, visible. From the moment I saw it, I knew that the Reflection Jacket from Bench would deliver on all of my requirements – and more.

This incredibly technical jacket is the most flattering that I have seen. I was absolutely blown away when we took a picture with the flash on – the level of visibility is truly remarkable. With many companies creating fully reflective bike wear, Bench stands alone in working with the fabric to create sleek, gorgeous lines that make this jacket a standout – day or night.

The Details:
- woven polyester with full reflective print
- high neckline with storm flap
- extended back hemline for added protection on the bike
- high reach sleeves and displaced shoulder seams for mobility
- adjustable hood
- integrated device pocket with headphone cable routing
- ventilation via eyelets at underarms
- thumb loops at sleeve ends
- semi-fitted
- XS – XL
- $149
Whitney McKiddy
March 4, 2015
CYCLISTS (AND WILDLIFE) ONLY.

Coming out of Hibernation.

The best kept National Park Service secret: open to cyclists before anyone else. Imagine riding through Yellowstone Park and the only traffic jam you experience is a herd of bison on the road. For 10 days to 2 weeks in April, Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite and a variety of National Parks open the roads to cyclists in advance of letting the hoards of RVs in.

Yellowstone Park is rapidly becoming a magnet for adventurous cyclists who, in late March/early April, are the benefactors of an extraordinary opportunity to ride from the North to the West entrance of the Park (both in Montana), prior to the season opening to automobiles. Nothing short of transcendent, particularly if you can join the Bozeman cyclists’ unofficial parade (bathing suit and faux fur vest recommended).

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/springbike.htm

Likewise, Glacier Park in northwestern Montana, accommodates cyclists in a similar fashion on famed Going to the Sun Highway which is accessible to bikes for weeks (April/May depending on conditions) before opening to auto traffic.

Yosemite’s Glacier Point Road, a curvy 17 mile ride up to one of the best views in the park, is open for a few days solely to cyclists just after snow plows have cleared the roads and just before they’re opened to park travel.

http://www.kcet.org/living/travel/socal_wanderer/national-park/glacier-point-road.html

From early May until late in September, Cades Cove 11-mile loop road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open only to cyclists and pedestrians on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/biking.htm

Bicycle-Only Campgrounds: Natchez Trace, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi

http://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/bicycle-only-campgrounds.htm

March 1, 2015
TURNING 30.

The Originals.

2015 marks Terry’s 30th anniversary in putting female cyclists first. Think about it, how many women-specific brands were in the cycling industry, or any sports industry for that matter, in 1985? We’re celebrating all year with our largest line-up of new product introductions and limited-edition 30th anniversary products:

Fly & Butterfly Classic: the originals in their textured leather covers with embroidered butterfly and fly.

Susan B Anthony Jersey: in conjunction with the Susan B Anthony House in Rochester, New York (available this April).

Founded by Georgena Terry in 1985, Terry Bicycles is the original women’s bicycling company that has been committed to getting more women riding through innovative product design. We are 100% dedicated to making cycling a more comfortable, safe and beautiful experience for all women.

On to the next decade!

March 1, 2015
WE’RE HOT.

Forgive us for tooting our own horn, but Internet Retailer just named us a HOT 100 retail website for 2015:

TerryBicycles.com: Style in motion

Terry Bicycles’ e-commerce site connects with women in motion, whether their interests are riding bicycles, jogging on trails, walking about town or shopping online. The site caters to the interests of these women by packing product and category pages with information. For example the “Saddle” category page shows a saddle with six stars on it that, once moused over, highlight the brand’s unique attributes.

Internet Retailer, December 2014

Don’t worry – we know we have a long way to go to in providing everything you need to get the most out of cycling. We’re committed to that, 100%!

March 1, 2015
LA GATTA PRIMA.

What’s MYN is fine. Discovered recently, we are hot on the trail of getting this premium collection for women into distribution in the US. Designed to put Ladies first, this extraordinary seamless Italian line has us purring for its incredible level of design and detail. Bike shawls, patterned leggings, seamlessly integrated chamois design, seamless leg openings, cat buttons – it’s a lot to look forward to.

March 1, 2015
TERRY, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD/VT EXPAND WELLNESS REVOLUTION PROGRAM.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and Terry Bicycles
Team Up for Women’s Wellness Revolution.
Second year of program designed to promote healthier lifestyles through cycling

Contact: Megan Peek, BCBSVT (802) 764-4858
Whitney McKiddy, Terry Bicycles (802) 861-7615

Burlington, VT – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) and Terry Bicycles (Terry) are back with the second running of Wellness Revolution, designed to promote healthier lifestyles for Vermont women through cycling. The seven-week program offers participants the opportunity to begin cycling regardless of their fitness levels, with support and confidence.

The program mission is to improve the lives of Vermont women by providing access to health and wellness resources and to support positive lifestyle changes. Wellness Revolution will lead participants through all aspects of cycling like bike maintenance, mindfulness and safety, and also get participants out on the road so they experience the joy of outdoor riding.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is thrilled to once again team with Terry Bicycles on Wellness Revolution,” says Megan Peek, community relations and health education manager. “We’ve doubled the size of the program to allow 60 Vermont women to enjoy the camaraderie and confidence-boosting opportunities that it offers.”

The program kicks off on April 21 with an informational and goal-setting session. Additional highlights of this free program include sessions on bike maintenance, mindfulness, urban riding techniques, cross training and more. Incentives include free helmets and gift certificates for Terry apparel. The program will culminate on June 6 with a team ride and a raffle to award one participant with a free Terry bike.

“We, at Terry, are witness to so many success stories where cycling has changed women’s lives for the better,” said Terry CEO Liz Robert. “We are thrilled to again be partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont on this program that makes it possible for all women, regardless of fitness level, to ease into a cycling lifestyle.”

Click here to download the full release: Wellness Revolution Announcement Release

February 4, 2015
BICYCLING: How to Find the Best Plus-Size Cycling Clothing.

Read the full article here: Bicycling.com/womens-gear/how-find-best-plus-size-cycling-clothing

How to Find the Best Plus-Size Cycling Clothing
MOLLY HURFORD X JANUARY 8, 2015
Whether you’re a struggling dieter or confident in your curves, there’s perfect gear out there for you.

Cycling clothing can be intimidating, no matter what size you are. The brightly colored, slim-fitting spandex has a way of attracting attention, which is unsettling for many women.

It’s even tougher if you’re in the “Athena” category, where your options are fewer and it’s harder to find something that fits right and looks cool, too. Luckily, a few companies are now breaking ground with great-fitting, attractive bikewear that’s designed for curvy women. Finding the best gear for your body doesn’t have to be difficult—you just need to know how to find it.
First of all, don’t be shy about wearing cycling gear. “I always love this one customer comment we received that has stuck with me,” explains Paula Dyba, the VP of Marketing at Terry, a women’s clothing company. “She said, ‘Thanks for making plus size apparel so I can get un-plussed!’” Terry is dedicated to creating fun, well-tailored cycling gear for women of all shapes and sizes—a vocation that obviously resonates with the company’s customers. “We find our plus customers to be extremely loyal and extremely vocal,” says Dyba.

Of course, not every company designs and constructs its larger-sized items the same. Look for a brand that sizes clothes proportionally. At Terry, for instance, the chamois pad is actually sized differently in the XS version compared with the XXL version, which is a surprisingly rare thing to see. “Plus sizes are not simply graded up—we create plus size patterns which typically are a slightly looser fit through bust and hip,” says Dyba. “Tops tend to be a bit longer and elastic free; bottoms have a slightly higher rise.”

[…]

January 8, 2015