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

My LBS was holding an end-of-season floor sale and I picked up this BMC Teammachine SLR Two for a great price! Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed drivetrain, I swapped the stock tires for my 65mm enve foundation wheels with Vittoria corsa pros.

I feel like I’m going crazy.

I’m a very recreational, overweight cyclist (in my 30s). I’m able to ride 15mph usually and my rides at 20-40 mile. I ride a few times a month, summer months only (there’s winter here). So, yes very … mediocre cyclist 😅

I recently got into zwift and I cannot believe how difficult it is. I use the kickr core 2, with the zwift click. And it feels like the resistance is INSANELY high, no matter what I do, for the W I’m putting out.

I did a FTP ramp test and it’s pretty embarrassing - I couldn’t move my legs anymore after I took a break at the 210W level. The result was an embarrassing 114 W.

So I admit there’s a lot of work to do here, and I recognize that. But I still don’t understand how harder it feels compared to the real world. I feel like the resistance is so high and if I shift the gear down, my cadence goes up and it’s more comfortable but my avatar slows down. The amount of effort I’m putting in (that I feel on my legs), versus the W output and the speed does not seem to make any sense to me when I compare it to my IRL speed and effort.

A few things

1. I have googled all the things, asked ChatGPT, looked at forums and I can’t find an explanation for this
2. it’s my first time getting power data as I do not have it when I ride outside
3. the bike seems to be properly set up
4. ERG off except for the FTP test.

So…. Do I just suck, is zwift THAT much harder? Or, is there something wrong with my set up, my chain, my bike, anything? I feel like everybody says you’re much faster virtually than IRL but it’s the complete opposite for me. Even flats, just to reach speeds of 17-19mph, I literally feel like I’m pushing so hard in my legs and giving it my all. IRL does not feel nearly as hard.

Help a (demoralized) girl out please!

Hello! Are there any supplements or tips that you have found to work well for post ride recovery? I am usually fine after the majority of my rides, but on my big days (75-100+ miles) I really struggle after. I have a horrible time sleeping and barely get any rest. The following day I feel sort of similar to a hangover. I know this is probably linked to fueling/hydration during the ride and I am trying to get better at that. Thanks for the input!

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My first half century woohooo. I'm so happy.

It was so sunny and I came back home around 1pm. Riding through this heat, traffic and dust wasn't enjoyable but I do love the fact that I didn't give up. Coconut water and palm juice kept me going 💪🏻 will push my limits more next time.

P.S.

I can't find any lady cyclists in my area or any mixed cycling groups. I just hope I don't get discouraged and leave cycling. So I'm using this group to share my progress here in the hope of interacting with more amazing lady cyclists. I love cycling so much.

Here's my strava if anyone would like to connect -

https://strava.app.link/ggky19XBf7b

Drop your strava accounts too. 😄

The quality is unbelievable, not just for the price (26€) but in general - perfect stitching, no loose threads, enforced pockets, smooth zipper, fabric feels like a second skin, stretchy in all directions, vibrant colours. I'm in love 💖

I just can't recommend it enough. I can't actually believe that such quality is lurking on Temu at this price point.

P.s. fabric is on the thinner side, it's not a thermal jersey and the sizing is Asian, which means it'll not suit tall people. I'm 5'4ft.

Item id: DL3037019

Doing a Century ride Sunday in N England and temps are dropping to lowest of the season so far. Calling for a high of 52, so it will be in the 40’s (starting at 7 am😬). I am nervous about gear. I did 67 mi in the 50’s I believe it was a few weeks ago and was fine, but 40’s is different. Will I need shoe covers? My face covered? Need to switch to long-fingered gloves? My bottoms are ~ 3/4 length (“knickers” from Terry, I do not like the chamois but it is what I have), was going to do a long-sleeved base layer w/ vest. Any input appreciated! I need to up my gear game but this is only 3 days away:(.

Phew!

Hi all, I’m Mercy, a founder in Ottawa building a winter commuter jacket for one problem: you sweat on the climb, then freeze at the red light.

The prototype has:

• a windproof front
• a laser-perforated, vented back
• pit zips you can work with gloves on

I have three male testers riding it this winter. What I don’t have yet is a woman. The fit has to be checked on women’s bodies before anything goes to production, and I won’t guess at that.

What’s involved

• Ride in it for your normal winter commute or rides.
• Fill in a short ride log after rides (about 2 minutes).
• Do a fit check and answer a few questions at the end.
• You keep the jacket in exchange for honest feedback, good or bad.

Who I’m looking for

• You rode a bicycle outdoors last January and February. Human-powered only, so no e-bikes or motorbikes.
• You wear one of the open sizes: XS, S or L.
• You can be anywhere with a real winter. Ottawa is a bonus but not required.

To apply, fill in this short form: https://forms.gle/Q5xQXdfL1ACjVDDp6

Or comment or DM me with:

1. Roughly how many days a week you actually rode last January and February
2. Your city
3. Your chest measurement, taken over a t-shirt only

This is a prototype, so I’m not promising a temperature rating. Finding out what works is the whole point. Happy to answer questions in the comments.

Mercy

Female student here. The past two years I’ve been living a sedentary lifestyle as schools been my priority. As of recently, I’ve definitely felt the effect this has had on my body and I’m determined to get my health and confidence back.

I’m planning to do indoor cycling 3 times a week, 1 full body circuit workout class and a plank everyday. I’m particularly interested to know what people’s thoughts are for cycling or if they have any advice in general before starting. Thanks!

Anyone in the Milwaukee WI area that thinking of doing either the Mishigami or Mini-gami this year? I’m hoping to find training/planning buddies or a maybe a partner for the pairs category. I live in Milwaukee.

Dates for this year haven’t been announced yet.

https://www.midwestultracycling.com/mishigami

Hi. Any feed back appreciated. I’m 5’2. This bike is a 49.

Issues: my hands get numb. I started having right knee pain below my patella while peddling. Pelvic pain. I also feel really stretched when I’m on the hoods.

Also. I’m super new to road biking. I use to ride on my trek marlin size small.

I’m am just concerned that this might be too big? I’m still on the window of returning it.

Thank you.

Hi folks, I'm looking to upgrade my tires for some touring and light gravel riding along with my casual 20 mile road rides. The roads here are fairly rough but fine with my current tires- but anytime I'm on gravel or packed dirt, especially uphill, I lose grip. I'd like to open up some more routes for myself! I'd also like to get into some short tours (not hotels ...campgrounds) so weight on the bike is also a consideration.

I'm not prioritizing speed, but rather durability on mixed terrain. I currently have 32mm on my and could go up to 35mm. I'm sticking with tubes for now.

I have a $100 gift card for REI so I'm looking at 4 choices that would work for my specifications, but I'm having trouble deciding between them and I'd love any advice from this community!

My comparison table of the available tires is in the 2nd photo.

All this said, I'm kind of intimidated to take my Trek 520 more legitimately off-road at some point...

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Hi everyone!

I recently got a Windhorse W4B e-bike, but I’m finding the seat and handlebar grips very uncomfortable.

The original seat is extremely hard and causes pain, even after a short ride. The handlebar grips are also causing a lot of pain in my hands.

Could you please suggest:

A comfortable, cushioned female bike seat that would fit the Windhorse W4B? I’m looking for something wide and soft enough for daily commuting.

Comfortable handlebar grips that reduce pressure and pain in the hands, especially during longer rides.

Any specific brands or models that you have personally tried and would recommend?

I’ll mainly be using the e-bike for my son’s school drop-off and pick-up in Dubai, so comfort is very important to me.

Hi! I’m petite (5’2”, 27” inseam) and struggling to find a triathlon bike that fits because most XS frames have horizontal top tubes with too much standover height. I’m looking for a long-term bike for Ironman training and racing.

I’m deciding between:

• Canyon 3XS youth road bike: Fits me, but has 650c wheels.
• Specialized 2XS road bike: Sloped top tube that may fit, with 700c wheels.

Does 650c vs. 700c matter for triathlons/Ironmans? Which is better long-term, and can I switch from 650c to 700c later?

Would love your advice!

hi i'm 5 feet 2 with a 27.5 inch inseam, which translates to not fitting most 3XS bikes bc the standover height is too high for me. I would love to have a nice triathlon bike (eg cervelo, canyon, etc) however if I am spending more than 5k on a bike, would def want the bike to fit me well.

am i better off building my own bike? a lot of the older cannondale tt or liv smallest size bikes have a big standover height (larger than my inseam height). would appreciate any insight.

i was thinking of buying a 38 cm frame overseas and build my bike from there