Women's Cycling

Types of Bike Helmets 

• Recreational: An economical choice with impact protection for casual riding 

• Mountain bike: Extra rear head coverage for off-road and rugged trails with ventilation options 

• Road bike: Lightweight, aerodynamic and highly ventilated 

Fit Tips 

• Measure your head’s circumference by wrapping a flexible measuring tape around the largest portion of your head (or use a piece of string, then measure its length). 

• Check brand sizing charts for your head circumference. 

• Aim for a snug fit but not too tight. If between sizes, go with the smaller size. 

Added Protection 

Look for technologies that reduce rotational forces during a crash, like Mips, WaveCel or KinetiCore. 

Features 

• Vents: More vents improve airflow and reduce weight.

• Visor/brim: Keeps the sun out of your eyes; common on mountain bike helmets. 

• Chin bars: Extra protection for downhill mountain biking or racing. 

What kind of biking will you be doing? 

• Road cycling shoes contain the stiffest soles and cleats that connect to clipless pedals for maximum pedaling efficiency. They're not designed for extended walking. 

• Mountain bike shoes provide added traction on rugged trails, with various designs to work with clipless pedals or flat pedals.  

• Casual bike shoes are good for recreational riders or commuters who want more comfortable, stylish options with bike-friendly features like stiffer soles or clipless pedal compatibility. 

Finding the right fit 

• Choose bike shoes that fit comfortably from the start. A bike shoe that is uncomfortable at first is not likely to become less so. 

• Fit tip: Make sure your toes have enough room to wiggle slightly, your arches feel snug and supported and your heel doesn’t slide up and down. (Feeling some heel slippage while walking is normal.) 

What kind of shoe closure is right for you? 

• Laces will get you the most customizable fit and comfort but get wet and dirty in inclement conditions. 

• Hook-and-loop straps offer quick closure and are more likely to stay secure than laces and usable in muddy, wet conditions. More straps mean a more customizable fit. 

• Notched cam straps with buckles provide the greatest clamping power and security, at a higher price. 

• Dials/ratcheting cable laces deliver an adjustable fit with a quick-release system.   

Which features matter the most to you? 

Most bike computers are wireless and GPS enabled, with customizable displays and extended battery life for long rides.  

Higher-end models offer features like: 

• Notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone 

• Multiple satellite GPS satellite for fast, precise tracking 

• Advanced metrics like elevation, cadence and power

• Turn-by-turn navigation and detailed basemaps

• Mountain-biking metrics like jumps, airtime and smoothness of descent, plus integration with trail apps

• Built-in solar charging for extended run time 

• Heart rate monitor integration for training insights 

By Activity

• Hiking: can hold a water reservoir and available in different torso sizes for right fit
• Climbing: narrow profile, abrasion-resistant reinforcements
• Traveling: pockets or compartments for organization, carry-on size

Capacity

• Packs that hold 20L or less are best for runs, day hikes, mountain biking or short trips.
• Packs between 20–35L are great for longer day hikes and as a travel carry-on.
• Packs holding 35–50L work for extended trips and mountaineering or climbing that calls for extra equipment.

Fit

The right daypack fit offers:

• A size appropriate for your torso length (not your overall height)
• A comfortably snug grip on your hips