03

I've had two responses to my email; from Georgia Gould and Manon Carpenter. I'll summarise the points they made below.

BIKES
> No need to necessarily alter geometry
> Possibly lighter bikes/parts for women who might not handle the bike with the same force as men
> More feminine graphics so the bikes don't look as aggressive

COMPONENTS
> Women's specific saddles make a big difference (XC)
> Narrower diameter grips
> Adapted brake levers for smaller hands/longer fingers

CLOTHING
> Chamois in shorts
> More feminine options would be welcome and may encourage more women to take part

Manon pointed out that there may be more room for this type of project in the downhill market, as there are more cross-country participants (like myself), although there is definitely an emerging customer base, from looking at bike parks in places like Whistler.

Both Georgia and Manon agreed with me that the reason there isn't more available is the lack of female participants, and with more there will be a greater range of products available. I like looking at the situation from this perspective, as really appealing products have the potential to make a big difference.