Ladies and cycling

Question

I just started cycling with a racebike. I still have some questions concerning ladies biking and personal health issues.

I do find very little information about ladies and biking. I kind of want to know what to look for when shopping for clothing. Is there need for a special bra when you're constantly bend forward on a racebike? Are there things I need to watch out for?

Secondly I have some questions concerning my back and head. I suffer from migraines (about two a week) and my left shoulder is blocked sometimes. I was questioning if racing would affect this in any way?

I do have a ladies racebike fitted on my size, been to a person who put my steer and sadle at the right height, changed my steer pen to a longer one and fitted the clickpedals just about right.

Answer 1

From what you have written, I could give these advice:

• Ladies use to bike a lot, since the dawn of the bike ages, and there seems not to be a significant difference on the bicycle itself. If a bike is properly fit to the rider, any style or level of activity may be performed for both women or men.
• Cycling is not the "worst" sport regarding breast discomfort. Running, for example, would require firmer bras. I don't see the girls on my riding group complaining so much about bra, but from buttocks, which would require comfortable "sports" underpants and most probably a nice padded cycling short, which are the "default" cycling wear anyway.
• If you are starting, and with so many doubts, perhaps RACING is not the best activity for you. Maybe you should get a more comfortable city bike (higher handlebars, larger saddle, wider tires, more gears) and get some exercise, improving your cardio and postural endurance BEFORE starting to actually race or train hard. Migraine and shoulder problems are a good indicative you should consider NOT to start with a racing bike.
• If you have health problems, you should take extra care, perhaps go to a sports doctor, sports teacher or physical therapist to get some advice.

Besides that, cycling is a very nice, traditional and healthy activity, and if you don't demand too hard on yourself, there is no big mystery or over-complication about taking the bike out and just ride.

Answer 2

First and foremost you just need to be comfortable. This means, among other things, avoiding clothes that chafe when doing the sort of riding you do. (Note that this means you may need different clothes for different types/durations of riding.)

With your shoulder problem you probably need a more "relaxed" riding position -- this may mean (compared to "normal") the seat slightly more forward, the handlebar raised, and a stem with a shorter forward extension (to bring the handlebar closer to you).

Both men and women have unique issues with regard to the pubic area. These can be partly addressed by using the proper seat (which varies not only with gender but with the detailed geometry of the pelvis, etc). Additionally, proper undergarments (or simply padded shorts) are important for longer rides.

But, as Heltonbiker suggests, don't over-complicate things. Other than shoes and maybe bike shorts, start with what's in your closet and add individual items as you find a need for them.