Re: tinkering with gear

Not all women hate gear. I do not like to build stuff but spent most of my life tech obsessed. I have now toned it down some. I no longer need the latest and greatest, but I want to have something "nice" when I get it.

If our goal is for women to do "everyday bicycling" why is it so freaking hard to find a bike equipped with the "every day necessities?"

I just got a new bike. It is nearly done, there are few final details to work out. Going to bike stores wasn't that great because since my needs were not "sport or recreation" I was steered to "multi purpose hybrids" that did not ride well, didn't solve my concerns or match my style. I ended up doing a semi-custom build since what was in the shops was not right. And I am no bike expert, but it was the best choice to meet my needs and wants.

Where are the women on bikes? It is complicated. Some women do not ride because they do not think they are fit enough. Others are worried about looking polished. Others fear maintenance. Some feel like the streets are unsafe: from cars and the general public. Some people feel too "exposed." Some do not think it fits in their life: too much to carry.

Many of these obstacles are solvable if we pay attention.