02

I have decided to contact some female professional mountain bikers - both XC and DH to see if they could share their insight at this stage in the project, which might give me an idea of a direction to head in.



"Dear XXXX, 

My name is Hannah Myers; I'm a postgraduate product design student at Nottingham Trent University. I'm writing to you because I'm planning on doing my masters research and design project about women's design in mountain biking - both in bikes and accessories/clothing.

Through the initial research that I have done, and my existing knowledge, I have come to an understanding that, while there are ranges specifically designed for women, there are not many, especially when it comes to higher-end products. And even at that level options are limited. At this stage i do not know whether this is because there is not a need for gender-biased products, or because the market segment is relatively small it is unprofitable, or another reason entirely!

I thought the best way to discover is there is a need or not would simply be to ask! This is my reason for writing. I was wondering whether you might be able to offer your opinions on the subject to inform the beginning of my project; whether there are any products that you think a female approach would be welcome? From a performance, comfort or purely aesthetic perspective. And in what whys are the current products on the market potentially unsuitable?

I really appreciate the time you've taken to read this, and am very keen to hear from you.

Kind regards,

Hannah"


Will wait to hear back!