Tag: women’s cycling

YOUR PERFECT PAIR.

Enter the world of women-specific cycling shoes.

When considering cycling gear, few components are more important than the choice of footwear, but with all of the different riding types, compatible cleats/petals and price points, it can be mind boggling to find your perfect match. One way to pare down the selection is to shop for women-specific cycling shoes. I have to admit, the first time I was asked the question, “what makes a cycling shoe women specific”, I was a bit stumped and after a bit of searching, I was surprised at the amount of studies that have been done in this area.

Research has found that the shape of women’s feet, and therefore shoe-fit needs, fall into a bell curve. The bulk of the curve (the majority of women) need a shoe that is narrower in the heel/ankle and has more arch support (for higher arches) than typically provided by a men’s shoe. Of course, this is not true for all women, but most will find more comfort, support and power transfer from a shoe with these distinctly non-male characteristics.

With this in mind, these are our top picks for women-specific cycling shoes of 2016.

Best Road Shoe:

Empire Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

The Empire Shoe by Giro is QOM approved. Created with a full carbon sole, this lace-up, high performance cycling shoe built on a woman’s last has unrivaled adjustment with a footbed that lets you fine-tune your fit with an adjustable arch support. Why laces? Giro’s designers say it best:

“Once upon a time, nearly every shoe had a laced closure. In the last few decades, however, mechanical closures have been developed to mimic the function of laces while providing the ability to adust fit on-the-fly. But with each new system, there is always a tradeoff to be considered: limited tolerance to grit and grime; added weight; increased exposure to damage in a crash; or less precise fit adjustment…So why laces? Because the fit and feel of a laced shoe is unrivaled. From different lacing patterns to more incremental adjustment points, laces simply provide more range when it comes to fit, and the feel is more natural.”

Research more details and buy here.

Best Triathlon Shoe:

Flynt Tri Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

Designed for quick transitions and high performance, this shoe comes in at the top of our list. Not only is the Flynt an amazing tri-specific shoe with it’s breathable microfiber cover, lightweight sole and multiple cleat-compatibility, it’s also a great summer option for road riding. Find more details or purchase, here.

Best All-Around:

Manta Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

For club rides, touring, commuting, single-track, bike-packing and more, the Manta is a very versatile option. We recommend it because it really does give you the best of all worlds: a recessed cleat area for off bike walkability; supple microfiber upper with straps and micro-ratcheting buckle; a stiff and efficient nylon outsole that optimizes each pedal stroke. You’ll be amazed at all the places these shoes will take you. Find out more, here.

Here’s to comfortable shoes and long miles!

–Whitney McKiddy

February 10, 2016
REIGNITE YOUR BIKE LOVE.

Accessories that will spice-up your ride.

As the weather warms, we start to see more and more bikes out on the road that catch your eye and make you say, “…WHOA”. I am here to share my secrets to making the bike you already have, more whoa-worthy without spending a ton of dough.

A little tape can go a long way.

Manual for Speed RFTD SPACE TAPE. Image Source: shop.manualforspeed.com

Available at Manual for Speed, an optical print, Cinelli bar tape can do incredible things for your ride. If you’re feeling like the love for your bicycle is fading – try giving your bike a good scrub down and adding this Space Tape. Your heart and ride will race again.

Take your ride out of this world.

Terry Butterfly Galactic+ Saddle

Not only does the Galactic take comfort up a notch (with a wider cut-out than then traditional Terry Butterfly™), it’s also designed with an iridescent night sky cover with reflective constellation details. How cool is that? SO COOL – everyone who spots it on my bright orange frame is awestruck. However, you don’t have to just take my word for it–if you happen to spot one around town, snap a picture with your flash on and I promise, you will see stars.

Add a bit of Retro Flare.

Veloflex Master Clincher Road Tire. Image Source: www.biketiresdirect.com

As I entered the road bike world, it seemed to be a rule that simple is best for tires. However while watching current cycling trends, as one naturally does on their day off, you know that gumwall tires are back in style and oh boy does that make me happy. My top pick for this throwback accessory is the Veloflex Master Clincher Road Tire. For those of you who want a full on color tire, it’s also available in yellow, blue and red, and can be found here.

Jewelry for your bicycle.

Kustomcaps Sugar Skull cap. Image Source: kustomcaps.com

The possibilities are endless at Kustomcaps.com. Create your own or choose from ready-made options including their artist series, road caps, and special editions.

Cages that will have you soaring.

The Owl Cage by PDW. Image source: www.ridepdw.com

It is often, as they say, the little things that count. So, if you are looking for a small change for your bicycle that will make you smile look no further than The Owl Cage by Portland Design Works.

Do you have any accessories that make your ride that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comment section below!

Tailwinds –

Whitney

February 10, 2016
SHOP LOCAL: NEBRASKA’S BIKE RACK.

After meeting thousands of women who ride, The Bike Rack knows that everyone who comes into the store will be set up in the saddle a little differently. Their stores, in Omaha and Lincoln, carry the largest selection of bikes and accessories in the Midwest so that they are better able to help women find their dream bikes and the perfect gear.

The goal at Bike Rack is to create a comfortable shop environment that supports all women who want to learn about cycling, advocacy and events in the community, in addition to offering the best bicycles in the area. At this shop, it’s about the experience of freedom, friendship and empowerment that cycling brings. “If we do our jobs right, the only thing you’ll be thinking of as you roll down the road is, “WHEEEEEEE!”

Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?
We have the best customer service in our service departments and on our sales floors. We make it easy to get out and ride!

Why do you sell Terry?
Terry is a company that supports female cyclists in the saddle and out, which means it is easier for us to help women ride comfortably, safely and beautifully. We sell Terry because women love Terry – it’s an absolute favorite in our shop.

When a new-to-cycling women comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?
Welcome to the greatest community on the planet!

Next time you’re in the area, stop by or check them out online: Bike-Rack.com

February 8, 2016
SPRING ADVICE FROM GEORGENA TERRY.

When Spring arrives and the heady scent of thawing earth and emerging blooms is in the air, the lure of a bicycle ride is overwhelming. Best to make sure you and your bike are ready for the enjoyable hours of riding to come.

Human bodies and bicycle bodies aren’t really all that different when it comes to preparation. Analogies abound. Consider suppleness: are your muscles supple and ready for action? After a long winter, your bicycle’s tires better be supple, too. If they’re dried out and inflexible, they will prone to punctures. Not only that, the feel of the bike will suffer since stiff tires don’t flex. They bounce around rather than deflecting and absorbing imperfections in road surfaces.

I replace my tires and tubes annually, regardless of how many miles they have on them. Time and mileage both take their toll on rubber. Buy the best tires and tubes you can afford. It’s money well spent.

How’s your core strength? It’s the springboard for efficient pedaling. Your bicycle has a core, too: its frame and fork. Time spent cleaning the bike’s core not only makes the bike look good, it can reveal problems before they become disasters. While light scratches in the paint aren’t necessarily a problem, cracks are — especially in aluminum or carbon fiber. If you find a crack, have your local shop check it out.

Steel and aluminum bikes can be waxed and then kept shiny with periodic applications of Lemon Pledge®. The appropriate cleansing and polishing of carbon fiber varies from brand to brand, so ask your dealer about the best way to care for the finish.

Just as stretching keeps the human body from creaking, lubrication helps the bike do the same. What to lubricate? The chain and the pivot points on both derailleurs are the easiest. Chain lubes abound — wax-based products are the cleanest, but may not be robust enough for frequent wet weather rides. A light oil will suffice for the derailleurs.

Finally, make sure everything works! When you squeeze the brake levers, does the bike stop? Do the gears shift properly? Is your saddle ready for another big season? If not, a visit to the bike shop is in order!

Warmer days are coming, so tune up your body and your bike now so you’ll both be ready to take advantage of them!

For more advice and information from Georgena, click here: Georgenaterry.com

Women’s cycling pioneer and founder of Terry Bicycles, Georgena Terry is still actively engaged in her custom “Heart of Steel” bicycle business and is a voice for female cyclists. She continues to ride thousands of miles a year and pursues her passion for the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge with the Wild Goose Chase bike ride/fundraiser along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We thank her for continued efforts and the contribution of her columns.

January 19, 2016
TERRY TEAM: MEET SHELLEY GAUTIER.

Terry Teammate Shelley Gautier was the first female T-1 racer on the Canadian Para-Cycling team.

Shelley has twice been named “Road Female Athlete of the Year” by Ontario Cycling Association, earned 12 World Championship Gold Medals , was a torchbearer and Silver Medalist at the Parapan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, and we could go on!

A native of Niagara Falls, Shelley began her love of cycling as a mountain bike racer. After an accident in 2001, she changed out her wheels and has climbed to ever-new heights.

Shelley says her best day ever on a bike was her first ride after the accident on her new race trike. “Hopefully,” says Gautier, “people with disabilities can see me competing, and think they can do it as well”. Through her foundation, Shelley Gautier Para-Sport Foundation, she “actively works to make sports more accessible, and to create programs – around the world – in which people with a disability can not only play the games they love, but work as coaches, trainers and in related jobs”.

Shelley is currently training for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, an eleven day event with more than 4,000 athletes from 176 countries. Her rigorous training schedule to prepare for Rio de Janeiro, up to 5 times per week, is best finished with a sushi pizza.

We are proud to have Shelley as a part of our team and honored to call her our friend.

To find more information about the Shelley Gautier Para-Sport Foundation, click here.

–Lisa Wilkes

About the Terry Team: This is a monthly shout out to dedicated Terry fans who are part of our illustrious sisterhood of athletes and adventurers. We ride through wind and rain. We sweat. We dream. We discover. We push ourselves to and past our limits. We take each day and ride it to its fullest. Sound like you? Send your story to customerservice@terrybicycles.com.

January 7, 2016
RIDE RESOLUTIONS.
As we begin the new year, conversations turn toward resolutions whether it be saving money, ditching bad habits (or starting up great new ones), and most often – weight loss. Many of us want to ride more in the upcoming year without the focus on losing weight. Here at Terry, we put together some alternative ride resolutions designed to keep you riding without weighty worries.
- Put more miles on my bikes than my car
- Due to my knee injury, I resolve to follow my doctor’s order and get back on my bike to get my knee strong again!
- Find a safer bike route to work.
- Start riding with a new group.
- Plan my cycling schedule while my commitment is strong!
- Get a trailer and take my puppy for a ride.
- Plan more adventures on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail.
- Ride around Grand Isle with my wife – all summer!
- Spend time spinning before heading to the climbing gym.
- Learn how to build my own bike.
- Register for a community ride that benefits a local organization (Click here to check out our 2016 ride calendar).
Share your ride resolutions below and tell us where you hope 2016 takes you!
January 5, 2016
GEAR GUIDE: WINTER RIDING GLOVES.

Any rider who has braved snow covered trails, icy winds and side blowing sleet know that cold hands can ruin a ride before it even begins. So, let’s give a hand to arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment necessary for cold weather riding, warm and wearable winter gloves.

Here are our top picks for warm digits into single digits:

Road Riding 20° and Up:

Power SO Lady Road Glove.

These Power SO Road Gloves pack a punch, with reflective and hi-viz details that also serve as a beacon on the road. A WINDSTOPPER® membrane makes them completely impervious to wind and acceptable in the wet. The addition of a thermal lining, women-specific fit, foam padding on palm and silicone forehand gripper give these gloves just the right balance of warmth, grip and finger sensation in the just-below-freezing temperature range.

Road Riding 20° and Below:

Road WS Thermo Lobster Glove.

We have several women on staff with Reynaud’s disease, making it nearly impossible to ride in cold/wet conditions without fear of frostbite. Then we found this option from GORE®. If you’re taking your road riding to the extreme, the Thermo Lobster is about as warm as it can get without a battery. This glove features all of the benefits found in the Power SO Lady Road Glove above, but in a 2-chamber design that keeps the fingers even warmer while still allowing you to shift and brake.

Cold Condition Mountain Biking:

MTB WS Thermo Lady Glove.

This women-specific MTB glove by GORE® is new to their line and true to its name. The insulated glove comes complete with WINDSTOPPER® technology offering the unparalleled warmth riders have come to expect from Gore gloves but with the added benefit of strengthened lining between thumb and forefinger for an improved, MTB-specific grip.

Crazy Cold Commuting and Fat Biking:

45NRTH Cobrafist.

This insulated fat biking pogie is weather resistant to the extreme and unbeatable when it comes to cold weather gear options that maximize dexterity. The Cobrafist is protective enough that you can wear pretty minimal gloves in extreme conditions and still have full range of motion for braking and shifting.

Let us know what gloves you reach for as the temperature drops – we’re always on the lookout for the next hot thing.

Stay warm and happy riding.

January 4, 2016
SHOP LOCAL: BURLINGTON’S SKIRACK.

Don’t let the name fool you–this is one shop that puts women and cycling front and center. Outfitting enthusiasts since 1969, Skirack is Burlington, Vermont’s Community Bike, Run, Ski, Ride Store.

Visiting Skirack is an adventure all its own. Located on lower Main Street a couple of blocks away from Lake Champlain, many beautiful mountain areas, trails and resorts, you’ll be outfitted for any adventure with the highest quality gear, footwear and clothing.

Whether you’re a skilled cyclist or just starting to ride, you’ll not only find a warm welcome from Skirack’s expert female and male staff, but you’ll also find the best selection of women’s bikes, cycling clothing and accessories anywhere.

Skirack is a key Terry partner, stocking one of the widest varieties of cycling clothing you’ll find in the US. They also provide valuable information about road, off-road, downhill, mountain, fat biking, and commuting. Skirack employees several women who are bike enthusiasts and experts in all kinds of cycling; they welcome any opportunity to encourage and assist women and young girls of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their personal aspirations. In fact, they serve as mentors for Vermont’s “Little Bellas”, a program that serves as an opportunity for young girls to learn to ride, build their biking and personal life skills and develop self esteem and confidence.

Most importantly, Skirack provides a friendly, inviting atmosphere for all riders by listening to each individual’s aspirations and providing expert advice.

Next time you’re in Vermont, be sure to stop in and say hello, or check them out online at www.skirack.com.

Happy Riding!

January 4, 2016
WINTER GEAR GUIDE.

What to wear and when to wear it.

One thing that you will hear often in life, and more often in the world of cycling, bodies are different. This is especially true when discussing winter weather gear because everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to freezing temperatures. These recommendations are coming from my experience, commuting year round in New England, and they all follow a very basic layering rule that almost anyone can use to stay comfortable:

Base layer + insulation + wind protection.

50°F-35°F

This is still a pretty sane temperature range for riding and commuting therefore, not a lot of extra gear is required. In this temperature range, I find a vest to be the most comfortable outwear choice in variable weather that is on the warmer side. This particular outfit is the pinnacle of urban cycle chic, and still abides by the layering formula. The piece that makes this outfit is the Technique Dress, made with DWR weather-resistant fabric, this is one dress that can weather a storm as well as a board meeting.

Outfit:

NTS Pattern Crew base layer by Smartwool

Terry Coolweather Tight

Technique Dress by Nau

Down Stole by Nau

Contour Headband by Choucas

GBW Universal GT Thermo Gloves

35°F-20°F

In these temperatures, you will start to want gear that is made for cycling and specifically for cycling in cooler temperatures. Wind and water resistance in these conditions are key, especially for extremities like ears, hands and feet. The boots pictured here are made by Giro, they are a down, clipless boot created for men (but worn fabulously by women) and are consistently warm. However, toe and shoe covers are a great option for riders not looking to fully invest in a winter specific riding boot or who are looking to reduce the weight of their gear.

Outfit:

Warm Half Neck Base Layer by Craft

Thermal Tights by Terry

Wanderer Jersey by Terry

Glide Beanie by Choucas

GBW MTB WS Thermo Lady Gloves

0°F-20°F

No matter how brutal the weather, this outfit is my go to for commuting in the coldest conditions. With wind protection from the Power 2.0 Jacket, insulation from the Mandarin Thermal Jersey, extra coverage and warmth provided by the insulation skirt – there are so many amazing elements that make this work and when they come together, I may just say it is a masterpiece.

Outfit:

Active Extreme Crewneck Base Layer by Craft

Coldweather Tight by Terry

Mandarin Thermal L/S Jersey by Terry

GBW Power 2.0 SO Lady Cycling Jacket

Insulation Skirt by Craft

GBW Road WS Thermo Lobster Glove

As Terry Customer Service maven, Casey, always says “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad outfits”, so stay warm and keep riding!

Tailwinds,

Whitney McKiddy

December 5, 2015
HOW TO COMMUTE DURING THE DEEP FREEZE.
There’s cold, and then there’s winter bike commuting.

On snowy days, take the time to stop and smell the frostbite.

Coming from Montana, I thought I could handle any weather that Vermont blew my way – but when wind chill kicked the temperature down to almost 40 below zero last year, I was a bit out of my element.

When you commute during this cripplingly cold season, you need more than great gear (my recommendations can be found here) you also need some serious mental discipline. As your wheels are spinning it’s easy for certain thought patterns to pop up in your head:
- I wonder if I’ll still have fingers when I get to work…
- At what temperature will my eyelids freeze together?
- Has time – along with everything else – also frozen?
And although there’s no way to completely kick those thoughts, here are some of my tricks for feeling the warmth of gratitude towards your icy trudge.
- Remember all of the bugs you encounter during the summer? Well that isn’t a problem now.
- What about the insane bike traffic, dogs on leashes and toddlers toddling – nope, none of that anymore either.
- Nose continually running? That’s okay! There’s no one else on the bike path to interfere with your air-hanky.
Winter commuting is a different beast. It’s slow going, so remember to stop (or just ride slowly, so as not to freeze) and appreciate that you have the opportunity to be here with crisp air in your lungs and wind in your hair.

See you out there!

Whitney McKiddy
December 4, 2015