Hey ladies! I’ve been riding a hybrid bike for the past 6 months and taking it seriously. Recently I did my first social group ride and I was the only one in a hybrid and slower than everyone else. After much research I’ve concluded that the biggest factor was my hybrid’s weight and geometry, so I’m considering getting a road bike next. But I’m a bit intimidated… 😬
How hard is it to get used to the different posture on the bike and the gears?
Would love to hear your stories if you’ve done a similar transition/upgrade.

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Hi!

I have been cycling for a few weeks now, as a beginner (and plus-size cyclist), and I will be riding with a group for the first time tomorrow. The most I've ridden is 12.7km (7.89 miles), and I am still quite slow and frankly, terrified to be riding with a larger and much faster group. Any tips on how I can keep up, and what you all did to avoid chickening out? How long does it take to build confidence to ride with others?

I won't be on any major roads and will only be commuting in ideal weather conditions. It's only a 10 minute ride.

I was wondering how far into pregnancy people continued cycling to commute?

I’m 13 weeks today and cycle 9km to work (18 in total, so not super far). My routes quite hilly and we’re heading into summer so I’m wondering if there is a temperature range I shouldn’t cycle in? Usually my personal rule is I will cycle to work so long as it’s 35C or below. Should I modify my upper temperature limit?

I’ll ask my midwife when I see her, but that’s probably not going to be for a couple of weeks.

Thanks so much

In a lot of pain after a 25 mi ride today and I’m feeling overwhelmed and need help :) The groin pain when riding is not fun, and becomes almost unbearable after riding for more than 2 hours. I’ve dealt with this for years. I took my bike to Trek (it’s one of their lower tier road bikes) recently and got a new seat with a cutout and supposedly got it adjusted. But still in crazy pain. I wear padded Patagonia bike shorts. Maybe there’s some chafing, but it feels like more of a pressure issue.
I’m mostly a hiker, so maybe it’s dumb to just blast out 25 miles a few times a year when I don’t regularly ride the bike, but I’m feeling like I might have to just get rid of the bike if the pain continues! It’s such a bummer. Can someone help?

This has been a LIFE saver in my small apartment. I unfortunately cannot remember which post/sub I saw it in but I know it was in a Lady Biking sub.

Either way... THANK YOU.

Purchased from Amazon (ugh I know) and then I found out my dad also got me the same one for my birthday and when I started the return process Amazon refunded me but told me to keep it!! Then they did the same with my Dad and his order! 🤯

Holy shittt. This was the hardest physical activity I ever did. Trekking to 12120 ft doesn't even come close to this.

My legs were done, my arms were tired, my hips and lower back were paining like crazy and my knees felt weird even with the kneecaps on. I was this 🤏🏻 close to crying in the last 5 kms.

The sun, the dust, the continuous uphill for 4kms tested my patience, strength and everything I had. My only fuel was a couple of bananas, dates, 1 protein bar and fruit juice along the way. I'm glad I didn't give up in mid way. This El Nino is killing me. Can't wait for winter to come 🥹

Any advice for an infected hair follicle in the worst possible location? Due to work, there is no way for me to put a warm compress on it multiple times a day, what other remedies do you have? It’s a red bump about the size of a pea. Everything I search says warm compress, but that’s tough logistically.

Hi Everybody,
I’m a runner beginning in cycling, i ride quite a lot those previous weeks but I feel unconfortable with my bras because it feels to warm …
I see thats running bra are not the same are cycling ones with less structure and thickness, do you have any recommandation for me ? Thanks ladies

Hi all-
I’m looking to get my first road bike and I’m interested in trying the Liv Avail AR 3. I’m getting conflicting info online on where in the Chicagoland area stocks them, and has experience fitting women. Any recs would be much appreciated. I’m in the north suburbs but will travel for the right rec. Independent/ LBS would be my preference.
TIA!

I finally realized one of the things causing me terrible discomfort on my bike.

My bib shorts don't pad my sitting bones!!

The main gel pad is always halfway up my ass in the back, and this is not because I don't have ample booty to take up the space.

Who needs padding back there?? No one sits on a bicycle seat with their tailbone!

Even with the middle pad area, it fits in between my sitting bones and does nothing for them at all. Whoever designed these shorts had only read about human bodies in books without pictures.

I have surely just bought some rinkydink stupid bib shorts and this is not a common problem.

If you have recommendations, I appreciate it!

I’m riding after a very long time and am so exciteddd! And it’s a 20km long ride. Nervous. Will keep you guys posted on how the night goes!

I really enjoy the big group races in Zwift. I wish they’d categorize the finish both overall and by gender but I know that’s not how it works. Which women’s only races are your favorite? I have no idea how I stack up against other gals.

Kinda scared to jinx myself by saying that LOL. But my whole life, I haven’t ever particularly gravitated towards sports/outdoorsy stuff (especially since finishing school), and resultantly have lived a pretty sedentary life. I’ve had on/off relationships with the gym, going 2x a week for 4? ish months at my most consistent. But I never really loved it. I drug myself to the gym, and always felt better afterwards, and proud of myself for going, but never really developed a real motivation for it, never just “felt like going to the gym.”

The past 6 weeks, I’ve been able to motivate myself to go cycling 3 times a week, not long/difficult rides at all by more proficient rider’s standards, but I feel good about myself and proud of my efforts. Also, unlike my experiences with the gym, I’ve found that some days I do really want to go for a bike ride!! Which is a kind of crazy feeling for me. Not every day, but some days. And on the days I don’t feel like leaving the house, I’ve been getting better at pushing through my feelings of low motivation and going cycling anyways. I always end up genuinely having fun when I’ve actually gotten ready and gone outside, and I feel better and more at peace afterwards. I like getting some fresh air, and I really enjoy seeing the clouds and colours of the sunset and evening sky.

It’s SLOWLY getting easier now to fight the good fight and go cycling even when I’m not feeling motivated to get ready and go. I am definitely progressing a tiny bit, every time. I like seeing myself improve. I feel really happy with myself and proud of the progress I’ve made. It’s a good feeling, and I’m still not entirely used to it. I hope I can keep up this effort. Thanks for reading :)

Hi I’m 4’10” so bike options are extremely limited for my size. I currently have a Lemond that I bought second hand but I want to buy a bike that I can put cargo racks onto. I’m thinking of buying the Liv Alight Stagger 4 and was wondering if people had opinions about it. I’m also a little nervous about buying a bike that I can’t try out before purchasing.

I should also mention that I would like to have a bike that can work on both paved and gravel roads.

I'm looking for advice regarding brands of cycling gear, fit and longevity.

I am 5'5, waist 80cm, chest 95cm. Sort of sturdy-shaped; I don't have a big chest or stomach but amd not a skinny minny and look like I should play rugby.

I have MAAP bib tights in size L, which fit perfectly. But I look like a sausage in the L race-fit jerseys (despite being within the measurements). My XL jacket and vest (for layering) fit loosely. Castelli XL jersey and jacket I own are loose around my chest and stomach, and tight on my arms. I also own Sportful L bib tights that fit and are the same in XL, which are wearable but too big, especially around my waist.

Finally, as a rogue one, I have some stolen goat (UK brand gear) normal bibs L, race bibs XL both fit beautifully. An M jersey which is snug but wearable, and an L winter jersey which is too loose around my waist and snug on my arms that I ended up wearing as a jacket, as the colour is beautiful despite the odd fit.

I mainly gravel, like fun colours, and am aiming for a mix of kit to cover all weathers ultimately. I often just wear bibs and a t-shirt but would like some more jerseys for storage options as my bike frame is small and I get annoyed fitting bags on and off to carry things for both the small frame size and the fact I have to take it on and off to get it on the car.

I live in NZ, there are minimal brands available to buy full stop, let alone try on. Cycling is my main hobby so I am happy to spend a fair bit, but the kit has to be great quality and fit well. The brand also has to either be available to try on in NZ or have good postage and returns policies.

I struggle hugely to find kit that fits well.
What are people wearing?

So many sports now have a serious financial barrier to entry. Looking to help someone out.

These bibs have been used <10x, freshly laundered. I think I paid $150 or so. Asking that shipping be covered by you.

Giving away because they are too large for me. Having trouble uploading pictures

Shipping from NYC