Our hands are one of only three contact points we have with our bicycle, making gloves one of the most important, yet most overlooked pieces of bike gear we have. A glove needs to be comfortable enough that we dont mind wearing it, protective enough that our hands wont get shredded in the event of a crash, and thin enough that we can get feedback from the trail or road. The Giro LA DND womens full-finger glove manages to meet all of these criteria. Ive been happy with the glove on both the trail and the road. It also happens to be cuter and more affordable than many other gloves on the market, so theres not much not to love. For even more glove options, make sure to check out our list of the best womens mountain bike gloves.Review In A NutshellPros:Affordable, has the feel of a more expensive gloveEasy slip-on designCute designsCons:Run a bit smallTouch-screen compatibility doesnt always workPrice: $29.95 ListBuy at Amazon.comBuy at REI.comVideo ReviewAffordable Price TagIve learned that no matter how well made a glove is, Ill manage to destroy them within a season of hard riding. Thats why I liked the fact that the Giro LA DND gloves are cheaper than many comparable gloves. At $29, you wont be too sad when you get a hole in the thumb or one gets left behind and the trailhead.Slip-On Design Allows For Quick On and OffWhile wrist closure is largely a personal preference, I found that I really liked the slip-on nature of the Giro LA DND. By not having to fasten the wrist, I could quickly slip my gloves on and off for bathroom breaks, snack breaks, and photo breaks. Theres also a helpful tab on the back of the wrist to help you pull the gloves on.Smaller Fit Means You Should Order Up a Size From Unisex GlovesThese gloves run a bit on the small size. I have small hands and the size small gloves are pretty snug. In retrospect, I would probably order up a size. If you are accustomed to buying unisex gloves, be aware that these womens-specific gloves run a size smaller than you are used to. That said, they are not as crazy teeny-tiny as many other womens-specific gloves.So Comfortable Youll Forget Your Wearing ThemThe Giro LA DND gloves are some of the most comfortable gloves Ive worn. They dont have any weird seams to rub (I have REALLY sensitive skin), and theyre not bulky or hot. The padding on the palm will keep your hands comfy even on hour four of riding but arent so bulky that you lose the feeling of the trail. There are several ventilation holes in the palms as well, and I never felt my hands getting sweaty on the bars. One thing I really appreciate, is the expanding fabric at the middle joint. This allows your fingers to easily curve and grip the bars without any uncomfortable pressure. Many gloves dont have this feature, which can make the gloves feel tight around the middle joint. Great For 3-Season Trail and Road RidingThe Giro LA DND gloves are not warm enough for true cold-weather riding, nor do they have enough top-of-hand protection for aggressive downhill riding. But for spring, summer, and fall trail rides, they are just about perfect. Ive also been happy using these gloves on the gravel bike. Although theyre advertised as mountain bike gloves, for women (like me!) that prefer a full-finger glove on the gravel or road bike rather than a half-finger glove, these are perfect.Touchy Touch-Screen CompatibilityLike many gloves themselves as touch-screen compatible, the Giro LA DND gloves work with screens most of the time, but not 100% of the time. I found that if I wanted to make sure I got the picture, I would take the gloves off to make sure that it worked.If you are a frequent iphone photo taker or use Trailforks a bunch, and dont want to take off your gloves, you might want to look for a different pair of gloves.Bottom-Line: A Comfortable, Affordable Full Finger Glove For Road And TrailIf youre picky about the way your gloves feel, give the Giro LA DND gloves a try. (Just remember to size up a bit so that theyre not too small). Ive been happy with these gloves on both the road and the trail, and will use them summer, spring, and fall. The only application we wouldnt recommend them for is downhill riding or freeriding where you need more protection than these gloves offer.For everybody else, you probably wont find a better glove at this price point.Buy at Amazon.com*More Stuff Youll Love9 Ways To Increase Your Confidence On The Mountain BikeWomens MTB Clinics, Camps, & EventsWhat To Wear Mountain Biking: Everything You Need To Know!About The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Giro LA DND Womens Bike Glove Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

If youve been considering switching from a traditional hydration pack, to a fanny pack, take a look at the Dakine Hot Laps 5L.It carries enough water that you wont be sorry you made the switch, plus it shifts the weight from your shoulders and back and onto your hips. We found that the Dakine Hot Laps 5L is one of the most comfortable, best-constructed mountain bike fanny packs around. We like it so much, that we added it to our list of the best mountain bike hip packs for women.Review In A NutshellPros:Large 2L Hydrapak reservoirExternal straps to affix a jacket or padsPlenty of internal pockets to organize tools/gearComfortable off-centered waistbandCons:No off-switch on the bite valveMagnetic bite valve clip isnt strong enoughPrice: $120 ListBuy at Amazon.comBuy at REI.comDakine Hot Laps 5L Video Review2L Reservoir Carries PLENTY of WaterOne of the biggest issues most people have when switching to a fanny pack from a traditional hydration pack is the inability to carry as much water as youre used to. Luckily, this isnt a problem with the Hot Laps 5L.The Dakine pack comes with a whopping 2L Hydrack reservoir making it rival all but the largest hydration packs. I found this was plenty of water to last for me on all but the hottest and longest rides.The reservoir itself is easy to fill, and the zip-lock style closure is solidno leaks! It fastens into the larger pocket via a clip and then zips closed.The Bite Valve Leaves A Bit To Be DesiredWhile I like the reservoir itself, the bite valve isnt my favorite. First off, it doesnt have a lock-out switch. While this seemed okay at first, over time, the bite valve started leaking a bit. I would have liked a way to turn off the water flow completely.Secondly, the magnetic clip, while nice in theory, doesnt do a great job of keeping the bit valve securely in place. This is the same complaint I had about the Osprey Seral fanny pack. In order to keep the hose from coming loose and danging precariously close to the rear wheel, I took to tucking the hose through the strap that the magnet sits on. External Clips Create Additional Storage SpaceMy favorite thing about the Dakine Hot Laps 5L is the handy-dandy external straps. I found these helpful for storing either a jacket or protective pads. The two straps cinch up nicely and keep soft-goods securely in place.There is also webbing on the front of the pack that you could potentially use to secure more gear. Clip-on a blinky light or use some lash straps to strap on another layer. Internal Storage Space Is Minimal, But Theres Plenty of Pockets For OrganizationThank goodness for all the external storage space, because the internal storage space on the Hot Laps pack is minimal. If you fill the 2L reservoir all the way, theres not that much space left inside for gear.The front zippered pocket includes several smaller pockets that are helpful for keeping everything organized. I used the internal zippered pockets for stashing my keys and some cash. (My phone was too large). With the reservoir filled on the way, Im able to fit my phone, keys, cash, mini-pump, tire levers, multi-tool, and an energy bar. I did not have space for a plus-sized tube. Waistband Is Comfortable (Most of The Time) The waistband is off-centered and buckles on the left side. I prefer this to the center-buckle on the Osprey fanny pack, as there is only one strap to secure rather than two. Theres also an elastic band to secure the extra strap so you dont have to use a hairband like Im doing on my Osprey Seral. I found that the waistband was comfortable.most of the time. When the pack is filled to max capacity, I could feel the pack pulling away from my lower back and tugging on the strap at my waist. This was mildly uncomfortable. When filled only half-way, which is how I ride for most of my shorter 2-hourish rides, the pack was comfortable and I didnt notice any chafing our digging into my mid-section. The Back Provides Decent BreathabilityThe back of the pack (the part that sits against your lower back) has a breathable AirFlow panel. Essentially, foam grooves hold the pack away from your back a bit to help create breathability.While it did a pretty good of job of keeping my lower back dry, I found on hot days, my back got quite a bit sweatier with the Hot Laps than with my Osprey pack. In particular, the side strap areas laid pretty close to my body with limited ventilation, and I noticed my hips were where my jersey gets wet. The Pack Stays in Place While You RideWhen you are navigating a techy section of trail, the last thing you want is a pack slip-sliding around, causing you to lose focus. Fortunately, the Dakine Hot Laps does just what its supposed toit stays in place. In addition to the adjustable waist strap, there are also side straps that let you cinch up the pack. I havent had any problems with the Dakine slipping or flopping around, even in rocky terrain. It Looks Cool!Lets be honest, we dont want a pack thats just functional, we want one that looks cool as well. And the Dakine Hot Laps has got to be the hippest pack around. (Pun totally intended). In addition to the plan ol black pack I have, the Hot Laps comes in several colors and designs, so youre sure to find one that you like. Comparison Chart: Dakine Hot Laps vs The CompetitionYoull note that the Dakine is reasonably priced compared to the other hip pack options on the market. It also has the biggest water reservoir around, which makes it a top pick if you want to maximize hydration capacity. The only pack I personally prefer to the Dakine is the Osprey Seral. While it shares the same crappy magnetic hose clip design, the overall construction of the pack is a little nicer.Fanny PackWater CapacityTotal CapacityDakine Hot Laps 5L*2L 5LOsprey Seral 7L *1.5L7LPatagonia Nine Trail 8L1.5L8LEvoc Hip Pack Race with Bladder*1.5L3LCamelbak Repack*1.5L2.5LBottom-Line: A Hip Choice For Female Mountain BikersNo matter your color preferences, youll find a Dakine Hot Laps 5L style that you like. Fortunately, the pack not only looks good its also highly functional, thanks to the extra-large hydration reservoir and external lash straps. Its comfortable and stays in place no matter how hard you ride. The only bummer is the bite valve that doesnt close and the lack of strength of the magnetic clip, but neither of those were deal breakers for us. Do More Research Before Buying a PackBest MTB Fanny Packs For WomenBest Womens Hydration PacksAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life. Kristens favorite disciplines are mountain biking andbike commuting, although youcan also find her crankingout a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son. If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, and she runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.IG:@kristenlbonkoskiThe post Dakine Hot Laps 5L Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Mountain bike gloves arent just a nice-to-have, theyre kind of a must-have. The most obvious reason to wear gloves on the trails is that they protect your hands from serious carnage in the event of a crash. But mountain bike gloves also absorb vibration on bumpy trails, keep sweaty hands from slipping off the bars, defend against blisters, and shield the front of your hands from wayward branches.MTB gloves are basically under-recognized, under-appreciated super-heros, right?That said, some gloves are more Spiderman-y than others. Ive tested a bunch of gloves and surveyed the women in this community to pick out the best womens mountain bike gloves out there.These are gloves that fit well (even for small hands), provide comfort and protection, and are durable enough to last an entire season (or more)! Some are also pretty cute because, lets be honest, thats important too.Here are my faves Shredly Mountain Bike GlovePrice: $29 (get 10% off using my link )Buy at Shredly.comShredly makes my favorite mountain bike shorts, and surprise, surprise, they make my favorite mountain bike gloves too! Shredly is a womens-specific mountain bike apparel company so everything they design is designed for WOMEN. One of my biggest complaints about mountain bike gloves from most brands is that theyre usually unisex and come in like three sizes, leaving small to supposedly fit all women. The Shredly gloves are sized specifically for women and come in SIX (!!!) sizes, so youre actually ensured a good fit. I followed their size chart and what do you know, my gloves fit like a glove. That improved fit means more dexterity, touchscreen-compatible fingertips, and way less time spent taking them on and off out on the trail. Oh, and theyre incredibly cute. They come in a wide variety of prints, and they match the rest of the Shredly apparel line if you want to put together a super cute fit.For summer riding, these are awesome. Theyre lightweight enough that you can actually feel the grips through them, and the thin uppers provide good airflow on those ridiculously hot days. The flip side is that the thinner construction means less durability and less protection for gravity riding or overgrown trailsand theyre definitely not a winter glove. Wild Rye Galena Bike GlovePrice: $49Buy at Wild-Rye.comThe Wild Rye Galena gloves are named after one of my favorite places to bike and eat (the Galena Lodge and Galena trails near Ketchum, ID). I feel like for that reason I have to like them, BUT theyre pretty great gloves on their own accord as well.They dont come in quite as many sizes as the Shredly gloves, but there are 4 sizes and the smallest of those fits even the tiniest handsmuch appreciated. While the gloves are pretty minimal and provide good dexterity, they do have a little bit of extra gel padding right at the heel of the hand which can be really nice on hour three of a ride. These are some of my favorites to pick for longer days in the saddle.And like all things Wild Rye, they come in cute colors and patterns, and pair nicely with a Wild Rye kit.They are great in summer weather, and for gravel and trail riding, but youll want something more substantial for gravity or winter riding. The tops also snag easily (but no holes).Trail Manos Price: $30 Buy at TrailManos.comTrail Manos makes simple but durable gloves. They have zero padding, no mesh, but the materials and fabrics are sturdy. Mine are as dirty and beat up as can be, but theyre still going strong! If youre really crazy tough on gloves, then you can join the Trail Manos Club, where for $11 a month, youll get a new pair delivered to your doorstep each month. The biggest draw to the Trail Manos gloves is the WIDE VARIETY of designs. Find a design for your favorite state, your favorite pup, or order custom gloves for you and your friends. My gloves are for the NICA team Im a coach for! These are unisex gloves which means you may not get AS precise of a fit, but the XS and S sizes fit smaller hands pretty well. Things to Think About When Buying a Mountain Bike GloveFitFor some weird reason, its hard to find womens mountain bike gloves that have a good fit. For most women, mens gloves are way too big, but womens-specific gloves can feel like they were made for little kids. Cmon bike industry!That said, weve tried to make notes above of which gloves run really small, so you can always order a size up or look for a different glove.If you have really big hands or really long fingers, you might also want to try looking for a pair of mens gloves. Also note, that even if a glove intitially feels a little tight, they do usually stretch some with time. Bike gloves should fit tighter and have less loose material than a pair of work gloves for instance.Wrist ClosureThe best kind of wrist closure is largely a matter of personal preference. Do you like a snug secure fit, or do you like being able to take your gloves on and off in a hurry? For me personally, I prefer a slip-on/slip-off glove without a velcro or hook-and-loop closure so I can take pictures with my phone / check my Trailforks app, and dig in my bag for snacks for my 6-year-old. Slip-on wrist closureVelcro wrist closureBreathability and DurabilityThinner, lighter gloves generally breathe better for hot weather and can feel less bulky and provide more trail feedback. That said, they are less durable and will usually wear out sooner. They also provide less protection both in terms of armor on the front of the hands and padding on the palms. This pair of gloves has a breathable mesh top but has worn quicklyChoose a pair of gloves that matches the climate you ride in, the amount of vegetation you ride through, and how much padding you like. Also consider how long you want the gloves to last. Is it okay if you only get one season out of them? More Stuff You Might LikeBest Womens Mountain Bike Shorts9 Ways To Increase Your Confidence On The Mountain BikeBest Womens Mountain Bike Clinics, Camps, & EventsAbout The AuthorKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Best Womens Mountain Bike Gloves appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Youve taken the time to research the perfect bike and spent your hard-earned cash to bring said bike home, but you may have forgotten one crucial part of the equation: how are you going to transport your noble steed safely? Look no further than the Thule T2 Pro XTR. I have had a number of bike racks throughout my cycling career, and have never trusted a rack as much as I trust the Thule T2 Pro XTR.Review in a NutshellPros: Fits a wide range of wheel sizes and tire widths (including 20 wheels) Durable High carrying capacity (60 lbs per bike) HitchSwitch allows easy full trunk accessCons:Heavy Integrated locks arent robust enoughPrice (MSRP): $899Buy at REI.comBuy at Amazon.comWhy I Chose The Thule T2 Pro XTRAfter several recommendations and hours of research, heres how I decided on the Thule T2 Pro XTR rack:Versatility & AdjustabilityAs someone who takes the n+1 rule very literally, versatility is important to me. I have a lot of bikes, and finding a rack suitable for all of them can be difficult. I dont want to have to pick a side on The Great Mountain Bike Wheel Size Debate, and Thule didnt want to either. The T2 Pro XTR rack is able to transport bikes with 20 to 29 wheels without any additional adapters. There are not too many racks out there that fit 20 bikes without adapters, or even at all, so this rack is a great option for families with little shredders.The rear closure is also incredibly adjustable. The mount slides seamlessly along the tray to fit a wide range of wheelbases. The ratchet straps are adjustable as well and can fit 700 x 23 road tires with the same confidence as 26 x 5.0 fat bike tires, and again, without additional parts. Thule does say that this rack will not fit a 27.5 fat bike, the limiter would be the front ratcheting arm. I have fit bikes with 27.5 x 3.0 wheels and tires, but can see how anything larger might pose a problem.Weight & Carrying CapacityHitch racks are heavy, and this rack is no exception. Coming in at around 52 pounds, this rack is not the lightest on the market, but since I am a set it and forget it type of rack user, this was not a huge concern for me. I much prefer durability to lightweight. I previously owned a four-bike rack that weighed less than the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-bike rack, but that rack only made it two trips before I ran into issues. My Thule has been on my car for the last six months, and I have not even had to tighten anything yet.This hefty rack is not overbuilt for no reason this rack has one of the higher carrying capacities on the market. Along with adjustability, this was one of the most important factors that led to my decision. Most of my bikes weigh over 30 pounds, and my e-bikes top out close to 50 pounds. The T2 Pro XTR has an impressive weight limit of 60 pounds per bike for both the 2 and 1-1/4 receiver options.There is a 2-bike add on available to bring the carrying capacity up to four bikes, but only for the 2 receiver. Thule T2 Pro XTR rack photoed with a 2017 Stumpjumper Pro with 27.5 x 3.0 tires. Whats HotThe Thule T2 Pro XTR has some really cool features, and now that I know they exist, I will never be able to live without.The HitchSwitch might be my favorite feature on this rack. The HitchSwitch is a handle positioned at the end of the rack. This handle is easy to grab with one hand and allows you to tilt the rack up when not in use, or tilt down when you need to access the trunk. Other racks hide the release lever under the bike trays, making it especially difficult to lower the rack when bikes are loaded. Even with 800mm wide mountain bike handlebars, when the rack is tiled down, I am able to fully open the trunk of my SUV.Another unique feature to the Thule T2 Pro XTR is the lateral adjustability of the trays. This is the first bike rack I have owned that gives you mounting options for the trays.I have some wide handlebars on my mountain bikes, and I tend to transport two at a time. I was able to set the rack up where the trays are slightly offset so the handlebars do not get in the way of the other bikes seat / post.Not unique to Thule, but another huge perk is the integrated locks. The rack has a cable lock on each ratcheting arm to secure the bikes to the rack. The rack also has a lock at the hitch so the rack cannot be taken off the car without a key. The HitchSwitch allows the user to raise and lower the rack easily with one hand. and whats not.Surprisingly, the integrated locks. While the locks are nice to have in case you need to grab some Pop-Tarts on the way to the trail, the cables are much too short to trust for a long period of time. I understand there are limiting factors when creating a fully integrated lock, but it would be nice to have a couple of extra inches to work with. I leave a cable lock in my car to supplement the integrated locks if I know I will need to leave the bikes unattended. Now, I might be dreaming here, but this rack would be absolutely perfect with the addition of a work stand. I didnt think I would ever use the work stand attachment on the Kuat NV*, but after a few rough days at the bike park, I became a big fan of the Trail Doc. However, based on the way the Trail Doc is installed on the NV, the addition of a work stand on the Thule might have to replace the HitchSwitch, and I am not sure that is something I would be willing to give up. Work stands dont take up too much space in a car, so this definitely was not a deal-breaker for me, it just would have been a nice perk. The integrated cable locks are great in a pinch, but bring an additional cable lock if you plan to leave bikes unattended. TakeawayI love this rack and recommend it to anyone who asks. I have so much confidence that this rack will get my bikes where they need to go without issue. Thule racks are known to last and based on my initial impressions, the T2 Pro XTR will live up to this reputation. The versatility of this rack is impressive, and the price point is competitive for what the rack has to offer.More Stuff You Might LikeKuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack ReviewPacking Tips for a Multi Day Mountain Bike TripDont Wear Underwear With Bike Shorts & 5 Other Tips On How To Wear Bike ShortsKira Maickehas been an avid cyclist since 2010. She started racing road bikes in college for the University of Georgia and switched over to mountain biking after graduating and moving out west. When shes not on one of her bikes, shes out playing in the mountains with her husky, Semenuk.The post Review: Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Finding the perfect tire pressure for your mountain bike is more art than science. The reason that there is no magic number for tire pressure is that we each weigh a different amount, have different riding styles, and have different preferences. \Your ideal tire pressure is going to be different than your friends ideal tire pressure.This is evident even when you look at professional racers. Two riders racing on the same course and using the same tires might have their tires set at two different pressures.Despite all these factors, finding the right tire pressure is worth the effort. A properly inflated tire will increase speed, improve traction, stop pinch flats, and improve overall enjoyment.Heres exactly how to dial in the perfect mountain bike tire pressure, step by step.Step 1: Determine Your Baseline Tire PressureThe first thing is to figure out a BASELINE tire pressure. This is a starting point from which you can adjust in the following steps. Youll want to keep adjusting until you find your own personal sweet spot. Tire Width Tubeless Tubed Under 2.2 XC/race 2832 PSI 3236 PSI 2.22.3 XC/trail 2529 PSI 2933 PSI 2.32.4 trail 2327 PSI 2730 PSI 2.42.6 trail/enduro 2024 PSI 2427 PSI 2.62.8 enduro/DH 1822 PSI 2125 PSI 2.83.0 plus 1518 PSI 1822 PSI 4.0 fat bike 610 PSI 1014 PSI All ranges assume a 120150 lb rider on mixed trail. Adjust up or down using the weight table below.Note that tubeless setups can be run with much lower pressure than tires with tubes since you dont have to worry about pinch flats. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons to switch to tubeless tires if you havent already.Step 2: Adjust For Rider WeightThe first thing you need to consider is your weight. Heavier riders need more air pressure than lighter riders. Im significantly lighter than my husband, for instance, and ride on average with 10 psi less than him. Thats a big difference.Use the table above as a baseline, then adjust up or down based on your weight as follows: Rider Weight Adjustment from Baseline Under 120 lbs 35 PSI lower 120150 lbs Use baseline 150175 lbs 35 PSI higher 175+ lbs 58 PSI higher Start with the tire width table above, then shift up or down based on your weight.Step 3: Buy a Decent Pressure GaugeBefore messing with your tire pressure, make sure you actually own a decent pressure gauge. Most of us (myself included) are guilty of using our hands as a pressure gauge. We squeeze the sidewalls of our tire to gauge if we have enough air.While doing this is okay in a pinch, if youre really committed to dialing in your tire pressure, you should use an actual pressure gauge. Youve probably also noticed that the gauge on your tire pump is worthless. It will get you in the ballpark but can be off by as much as 25%. Not great for accuracy.I recommend using a digital pressure gauge. (I use and like the Topeak Smartgauge*). This will give you a super accurate reading and allow you to figure out the exact pressure you prefer within 1-2 psi.For the best results, always use the same gauge. That way even if it isnt super accurate, youre always inflating your tires to the same baseline pressure.Step 4: Adjust for Trail Conditions And TerrainWhere youre riding and what the current conditions are like should also affect your choice of tire pressure. Riding rocky, rooty terrain? Lower your pressure. Riding smooth, buff trail? Bump it up a little.Even when riding the same trails, your tire pressure may change a bit from one day to the next. The lower your tire pressure, the better your traction, so let out a little pressure for snow, ice, or mud.Finally, air pressure drops at elevation, so if youre driving to the mountains, make sure to check your PSI when you get to the trailhead, not in your garage at home.Step 5: Factor In Your SetupThe tire pressure you should run has a lot to do with the tire itself (and the rim it is mounted on). The biggest factor will be whether or not you have tubeless tires, but thats already reflected in the cheat sheet above.The width of your rim and the width of the tire also play a role. The wider the rim and the wider the tire, the lower the tire pressure that you can get away with. This is one of the reasons that wider tires have become so popular. They allow you to get away with a much lower tire pressure than you would be able to on a traditional cross-country style tire.Also, consider the construction of the tire. Tires with higher TPIs (threads per inch) should be run at a lower pressure than tires with a lower TPI. Finally, if youre running tire inserts like CushCore, you can typically go even lower with your pressure (sometimes 35 PSI lower than youd otherwise run). Inserts add structure and rim protection, so the tire itself doesnt have to do as much work. Check your specific inserts recommendations as a starting point.#5) Experiment And Fine TuneThe moral of all this? Dont be afraid to play around with your tire pressure! Bring your gauge and a pump to the trailhead. Heck, you can even bring your gauge out on the trail and experiment.If youre really serious about testing out your tire pressure, set up a little course and experiment with different pressures. Start with the maximum pressure listed on your sidewall and time yourself. Next time, let out a few PSI and time yourself again. Repeat until you stop making time gains or until the tire starts feeling squirmy.Also, remember: tire pressure isnt just about going faster. When you experiment with tire pressure, pay attention to what FEELS good to you. Where do you feel like you have enough traction? How much plushness do you prefer? What tire pressure makes you feel confident riding over obstacles? Practice until its perfect.You can also play around with running different pressures in the front and rear tires. The front tire receives less weight distribution than the rear so you can usually get away with running a little lower pressure in the front tire. Try running the front at 3 PSI less than the rear and see how that feels.Signs Your Tire Pressure Is Too HighPoor traction, skidding in corners and when brakingHarsh, uncomfortable rideSigns Your Tire Pressure Is Too LowHitting the rimPinch flatsLack of stability in cornersAbout the Manufacturers Recommended Tire PressureIf you look at the sidewall of your tires, youll notice a recommended tire pressure range from the manufacturer. This is a legal thing and shows what they consider the max pressure and the min pressure. If you put too much pressure in a tire, it could blow off the rim. Too little pressure and you can damage the rim.While your ideal tire pressure is likely within this range, its okay to experiment outside of it as well. While its unlikely that your ideal tire pressure is higher than the maximum pressure, it could be lower. Smaller and more petite women who dont weight much are often better served by a lower tire pressure. At 120 pounds, I personally often run my tires at a few PSI lower than the recommended pressure listed on my tires.More Stuff You Might LikeHow To Refresh Tubeless Tire Sealant9 Ways To Increase Your Confidence On The Mountain BikeWomens MTB Clinics, Camps, & Events About The AuthorKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Mountain Bike Tire Pressure: How to Find the Right PSI appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Need to remove the pedals from your bike (or put new ones on), but not sure how to do it?No fear: this is one of the easiest bike how tos out there. A few minutes, some simple tools, and a little elbow grease is all you need. Ill walk you step-by-step through the process so that youll have your pedals off in no time.Tools Needed:A pedal wrench* (preferred) or 8mm hex wrench*Bike *g*rease* (if youre installing new pedals or putting your pedals back on)Time Required5 minutes or lessDifficulty LevelBeginnerVideo TutorialStep 1: Shift Your Bike to The Largest ChainringHave a work stand? Mount your bike in the workstand to make life a little easier. Dont have a work stand? Thats ok. Simply lean your bike against a wall, or better yet, have a friend hold it steady for you. If you have several chain rings up front, shift to the largest one. If you have only one chain ring, you can skip this step.All were trying to do here is avoid the chance that your hand or arm could slip and get cut on the big chainring. If your chain is covering the chainring, theres an added element of protection.Step 2: Use The Pedal Wrench or Hex Wrench to Loosen the PedalsThe easiest and most common way to remove bike pedals is with a pedal wrench. Im going to first explain how to use it, and then Ill explain removal using a hex wrench.The pedal wrench and crank arm are less than 90 degrees apartWith the pedal wrench, place the wrench on the part of the pedal that screws into the crank arm. You want it so that the wrench and the crankarm are at 90 degrees or less. This will give you proper leverage. Grip the opposite crank. If you are removing the right pedal, hold the left crank arm steady. Turn the wrench BACKWARD away from the handlebars and toward your saddle. This holds true for both the right and left pedals. The righty-tighty, lefty-loosey thing doesnt work on pedals.If you dont have a pedal wrench, you can use an 8mm hex wrench (also called an Allen wrench). Put the shorter side of the wrench into the back of the pedal. FIRMLY grip the opposite crankarm. Again, youll want to turn the wrench toward the back of the bike, not toward the handlebars.Removing pedals with a hex wrenchWhichever tool youre using, give the pedal three or four turns into it is nice and loose. Step 3: Unscrew the Pedals with your Fingers Until They Come OffOnce youve loosened the pedals, you can simply use your fingers to continue unscrewing them all of the way.(Optional) Step 4: Grease the Pedal Threads and Install ThemAssuming you are putting the pedals on a different bike, or putting new pedals on the same bike, youll essentially reverse the instructions I just gave you.BUT FIRST, make sure to lightly apply some bike grease onto the threads (the part that screws in). This will make it easier to take off the pedals the next time you need too. Apply bike grease to the threads before installing the pedalThen, simply begin to screw the pedals into the crankarm. This time, you will want to turn the pedals FORWARD toward the handelbars to tighten. Tighten as much as you can with your fingers and then tighten them using either a pedal wrench or an 8mm hex wrench. Tada, you did it! Not too hard, right?More Stuff You Might LikeYour Guide To Bike Maintenance (Conquer The Fear!)How to Clean Your Bike in Five Easy Steps!How To Set Up Tubeless Tires On Your BikeAbout The AuthorKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post How To Remove Bike Pedals appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

The best commuter bike is often the bike you already have. Maybe its an old mountain bike with flat tires sitting in the back of the garage. Or, it might be a road bike that gets more use around town than it does on the race course.Im a big fan of commuter bikes that arent too fancy because theyre usually locked up in a high-theft urban area so you dont want to attract too much attention (or, be too sad if it gets stolen). That said, you do want a bike thats functional. In this article, I share 7 upgrades you can make to any old bike to make it an excellent commuter.#1: Add some new tiresThe best bang for your bike is generally a new pair of tires. The best commuter tires are sturdier than regular road-bike tires and slicker than mountain bike tires. They should be able to roll fast on pavement and handle a little dirt or gravel in case you want to incorporate a rail-trail or canal path to your commute.Before buying, make sure to know what diameter your wheels are (26, 700cc, etc) and buy tires that match that wheel size. If youre not sure, most wheels will have the diameter listed on the rim, or your current tires might have the size listed (i.e. 262.0, 700cx35). The first number refers to the wheel diameter and the second number refers to the width of the tire.#2: Mount lights front and rear.Whether or not you plan on riding in the dark, you should add some commuter lights to your bike. Eventually, the day will come where you end up staying later at work than intended or youll spend more time than you planned at happy hour. Even if you are riding around sunrise or sunset, lights can help in low-light conditions. You want both a bright, front headlight and a bright, flashing rear light.The best commuter lights are BRIGHT, affordable, and have long battery life. Read: 7 Best Bike Lights To Keep You Safe In The Dark#3: Screw on some fenders.If you live somewhere with rainy (or snowy) conditions, fenders are a must. Also known as mudguards, they will help keep you from getting wet and muddy on your commute and make things much more enjoyable.If your bike has eyelets on the frame, you can install sturdy, traditional-style full fenders. These will provide the most protection and coverage but are a little heavier and more expensive. For bikes without eyelets, you can use clip-on fenders. These wont keep you quite as clean and dry but are better than nothing. Theyre also cheap, lightweight, and can be added in a jiffy.#4: Throw on a rear rack and panniers.Most newbie commuters wear a backpack, which is fine. But when your shoulders start to ache, youre sick of having a sweaty back, or you want to carry bigger, heavier loads, switch to a rear rack and panniers (or trunk bag) instead. Good panniers are waterproof and can carry everything you might need for your work day: a laptop, spare clothes, and even a gallon of milk on the way home.Again, the type of rack you can install is largely dependent on whether or not your bicycle frame has eyelets. If it does, you can buy a traditional frame-mounted rack and install it to the eyelets. If not, youll need a rack that clamps onto your seatpost.#5: Replace Brake Pads And Chain (If Needed)If your bike has been sitting in the garage for a while, make sure to check both the drivetrain and brakes. (If you dont know how to do that, take it to the shop or watch some YouTube videos). Often, some new brake pads and a new chain can give an old bike a major upgrade. Riding long distances to work and thru traffic will be both safer and more enjoyable if your bike is in good working order.#6: Have more fun with a bell.A bell not only looks cute and provides a little fun, its also super helpful if you are riding in congested areas such as on bike paths. Ring your bell to let pedestrians and slower riders know that you want to pass on the left.#7: Upgrade your saddle.If your saddle (bike seat) isnt comfortable, this should be one of the first things to be replaced. Youd be amazed how much more enjoyable your work commute is if you saddle fits YOU. Either head to a good shop that can let you test some out, or pick one off our list of our favorite womens saddles.More Articles To Help With Your CommuteThe Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting (for Women)The Best Commuter Bikes for WomenAbout The AuthorKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post 7 Upgrades to Convert Any Bicycle To A Commuter Bike appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

The Fox Rampage is a low-profile, lightweight, and affordable full-face helmet mountain bike helmet. In fact, it is both one of the cheapest ASTM-F1952 certified helmets on the market and one of the lightest.While its not a womens specific helmet, it is a great option for ladies that are petite or those looking for a lighter-weight full-face lid.I had the opportunity to test the Fox Rampage at the Whistler Bike Parkarguably the best place in the world to put a full face helmet through the paces. Spoiler: I was a fan. But read on to find out why.Review in a NutshellPros:LightweightAffordableASTM-F1952 certificationRemovable, washable padsCons:Low profile provides less protection than more robust full-face helmetsPrice: $259Buy at Amazon.comBuy at FoxRacing.comAffordable But Still Meets Critical Safety StandardsThe biggest reason to buy the Fox Rampage is the price. It is one of the cheapest full-face helmets on the market that meets the ASTM-F1952 standard.For those who arent familiar, this certification means that the helmet is safe for downhill use and should be the minimum standard for choosing a lid for true downhill use. Not all full-face helmets have this certification, by the way, and most that do are far more expensive than the Rampage.It also meets the NTA-8776 E-bike helmet certification make it great for anybody moving at high speeds, whether thats on an e-bike or just riding downhill. Adjustable visorThe visor on the Fox Rampage adjusts via a screw on the underside of the visor. Loosen the screw and slide the visor up or down. Although the visor provides a good range of adjustability, it is a bit awkward to try to adjust on the fly or with bike gloves on. I found that I needed to actually take the helmet off to adjust the visor.The visor itself is smaller than many other DH helmets. This could be an issue if you are riding in particularly sunny environments, but under tree-cover at the Whistler bike park, I never noticed any sun glare or other issues with the small profile.Low profileCompared to bigger, bulkier downhill-helmets, the Fox Rampage has a low profile. While this is nice in terms of comfort and even attractiveness, it does mean that the helmet offers less protection in the event of a serious crash. If you are riding well within your limits in the bike park (like me), this may not be an issue. On the other hand, if you are pushing hard and going big, I would choose a helmet with more coverage. The Rampage certainly isnt the helmet for the Red Bull Rampage.If youre looking for something more robust, opt to spend a bit more and choose the Fox Proframe instead.LightweightAt a mere 1,130 grams, the Fox Rampage is reasonably lightweight for a full face helmet. This is one of the reasons we think the Rampage is a top-pick for women who tend to be more petite and need a lighter helmet than their bulkier male counterparts.PaddingThe padding inside the Rampage is soft and comfortable. It is also removable which means that you can throw the pads in the wash once theyve gotten sweaty which is a huge plus. The pads are soft and covered in synthetic suede fabric that feels soft and velvety on your cheeks. That said, they dont do a fantastic job of wicking sweat and tend to get a bit wet on really hot days.VentilationCompared to a convertible enduro helmet like the Bell Super Air, the Fox Rampage has severely limited airflow and ventilation. Compared to other ASTM certified helmets, however, the ventilation and breathability are perfectly average.There are 11 vent holes, and the breathing hole a the front of the helmet provides good airflow as well. Despite wearing the helmet on a 90-degree day, I felt reasonably comfortable inside the helmet.BuckleThe Fox Rampage helmet has a D-Ring buckle that does a great job of staying tight, but is somewhat difficult to thread especially with bike gloves on. I found that I had to take off my gloves to get the helmet on or off, but the more I practiced the easier it got.SizingThe Rampage comes in 4 sizes to fit a wide range of head sizes. i appreciate the smaller sizing, which makes the Rampage more likely to fit smaller women riders than some other brands. With a 55cm sized head, I fit inside a size small comfortably.All-day comfortI recently tested the Fox Rampage helmet during a 9-hour, 90-degree day at the Whistler bike park, and can happily report that the helmet remained comfortable even throughout a long, HOT day. I attribute this to the fact that the helmet is neither too heavy or bulky. Since Im not hitting any massive features, I would choose the Rampage over other more beefy helmets just for this comfort factor.Bottom-LineIf you are looking for an affordable and lightweight helmet for occasional bike park riding, the Fox Rampage is a top pick. It is significantly cheaper than other ASTM lids, and offers superior safety compared to a convertible helmet like the Bell Super Air.It does not offer the same level of protection as some other DH lids, so for ladies who like to go big, pick a more expensive helmet. For women who are sticking to blue runs at the bike park, however, the Fox Rampage will provide more than enough helmet at an unbeatable price.About The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Fox Rampage Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Knowing what, when, and how to eat can be incredibly confusing. Weve all received so many competing messages over the years, and much of that advice has come from diet culture or from folks who arent athletes.Even after listening to advice from sports nutritionists we can still be left confused. Thats why I asked Uri Carlon, a sports dietician I highly trust, to come back on the podcast for a THIRD time. (You can listen to her past interviews here and here).But this time I asked YOU ALL to submit YOUR questions for her to answer. They include:Should we be fueling differently in the heat? Is eating lots of sugar on the bike healthy?Should I fuel differently if Im prone to cramping?Even if you didnt submit a question, youre likely to have the same ones. Listen up!Listen To The InterviewKey TakeawaysDont have time to listen to the full episode. Here are the key takeaways.Fueling in the heat requires a different strategyYour gut becomes more stressed as core body temperature rises, making digestion harder.Liquid calories are often easier to tolerate when its hot. Consider a lower-concentration carb mix in your bottle.Dont create a double whammy: skipping carbs often means skipping electrolytes and fluids too.Cooling your core temperature is part of the strategyice socks, frozen bladders, and buffs with ice all help.If you ride regularly, you are an athlete, and you need to fuel like oneStandard nutrition advice targets sedentary women, not someone riding 90 minutes to 3 hours at a time.Eat consistently throughout the day, no more than 4 hours between meals or snacks.Add a pre-workout snack if its been more than 2 hours since your last meal.For rides over 90 minutes, have a recovery snack within 45 minutes of finishing (mostly carbs with a little protein).Your carb needs change with intensityA simple formula: take your calories burned per hour, divide by 2, then divide by 4 to get grams of carbs per hour.A good starting point for most riders is 3050 grams of carbs per hour, building from there.Match your fueling to the effort. A hard climb demands more than a flat zone 2 ride.The sugar on the bike question has a simple answerUnder-fueling because youre scared of sugar is actually worse for your health than the sugar itself.The food that impacts your gut microbiome and overall health most is what you eat outside of exercise. Thats where quality matters most.Fuel rides adequately, then focus on whole foods and plants the rest of the time.Altitude changes everything; dont wait until you feel itYour appetite and thirst can both be suppressed at elevation, even as your body works harder and burns more.Dont chug plain water. Aim for roughly half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of fluid daily, with electrolytes included.On the bike, hitting your carb targets becomes even more important; its easier to bonk at altitude.How to lose weight without wrecking your performanceMany women eating more than ever find they dont gain weight. Their bodies become more efficient at using fuel instead of storing it.The biggest mistake: cutting calories around workouts, which is the worst time to under-fuel.Start by nailing your performance nutrition first (fueling before, during, and after rides).Once thats dialed in, you can make small reductions to calories from carbs and fat outside of exercise.Connect With Uri Website:https://www.innerwildnutrition.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/uri_carlson_nutrition/Other Episodes Youll EnjoyAre You Biking On Empty? Supplements, Macros, & Sweat Science I Kyla ChannellDo These Things To Thrive On The Bike After 40 With Marissa AxellMacronutrients For Cyclists With Dara RichmanAbout The HostKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Your Biggest Fueling Questions, Answered With Uri Carlson appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

One of the most common questions I get from newbies is some version of: I think I want to get into road cycling (or triathlon); what bike should I buy? Usually followed by: And I dont want to spend a fortune.Fair enough. You shouldnt have to drop $3,000 to find out if you love riding on the road. But I also dont want to send you home with a bike thats going to frustrate you or fall apart in year two, because thats what happens with really cheap bikes.The good news is there are some really solid, entry-level road bikes in the $1,000 to $1,500 range these days. Youll notice these are from the big bike brands who are able to offer lower prices because they produce and buy components on a large scale. These arent necessarily the lightest or fanciest road bicycles on the market, but they do provide the best bang for your buck. So while I can recommend the following bikes with a good conscience, I also want to say: buy the best bike you can afford. If you think you might really get into this, spend a little more now rather than upgrading in a year. A better bike makes you a more confident rider faster, and youll enjoy the sport more from the start.One more thing: you can also make small, inexpensive upgrades to any budget bike that make a BIG difference. Swap the stock saddle for a womens-specific saddle. Add some colorful handlebar tape. These little touches make the bike feel like yours, and they cost a fraction of what stepping up to the next model would.Now, lets get you on a bike. Beginner women, get ready to rock and ROLL!Our Top PicksBikeWhat We LikePrice1Specialized AllezBCarbon fork, disc brakes, great value$1,2992Trek Domane AL 2Smooth ride, tubeless-ready, versatile$1,1993Liv Avail AR 3Womens-specific, on/off road capable$1,4504Canyon Endurace AllRoadHydraulic disc brakes, incredible value$1,3995Polygon Strattos S4 DiscHydraulic brakes + Tiagra drivetrain$1,299Specialized AllezPrice: $1,299Buy at Specialized.comSpecialized is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. This economy of scale means they can buy components in bulk and pass down the savings to their customers. For nice bikes at a decent price, I always recommend Specialized. The Specialized Allez is no exception. The fork, for instance, is made of carbon. Its difficult to find carbon on bikes at this price point, and it makes a real difference in ride quality. Carbon dampens road vibration in a way that aluminum simply doesnt, so your hands and arms wont be as fatigued on longer rides.The geometry is more upright than a lot of road bikes, which is a great thing for beginners. Its stable, not twitchy, and easy to handle whether youre climbing or descending. The Allez wont feel like a punishment on a long day in the saddle.Because the geometry is more upright than many road bikes, this also happens to be a great bicycle for beginners. It provides easy handling and isnt too twitchy when climbing or descending. If you plan on doing some long days in the saddle, this is a comfortable bicycle to do it on.The Allez now comes with mechanical disc brakes (Tektro), which is a significant upgrade from the old caliper brakes on earlier models. More stopping power in all conditions, including wet pavement.The drivetrain is Shimano Claris, which is entry-level but perfectly functional. Youll have 16 speeds to work with, and if you decide to upgrade the drivetrain down the road, the frame can handle it.The smallest frame size is 44cm, which fits riders down to about 50.Trek Domane AL 2Price: $1,199Buy at TrekBikes.comTrek is another brand that consistently delivers quality at entry-level price points, and the Domane AL 2 is no exception.The aluminum frame is solid and well-shaped, and like the Allez, it comes with a carbon fork for a smoother feel up front. What sets the Domane apart is Treks IsoSpeed decoupler technology a feature that lets the seat tube flex slightly to absorb road vibration. Its a big-bike feature that trickles down into this affordable model, and youll notice it on rougher pavement or longer rides.The Gen 4 version comes with mechanical disc brakes (Tektro C550), and the wheels are tubeless-ready which none of the other bikes at this price point can say. Tubeless means fewer flats and a more comfortable ride at lower pressures. It also has a 12mm thru-axle, which is the more modern and stable wheel standard.Gearing is Shimano Claris 28, the same as the Allez. The frame has fender mounts, rack mounts, and a top tube mount for a bag which means this bike works well beyond just road rides. Take it on a rail trail, commute with it, or throw a small bag on for a bikepacking-lite adventure.The Domane AL 2 comes in sizes starting at 44cm (for riders around 50)Liv Avail AR 3Price: $1,450Buy at Liv-Cycling.comThe Liv Avail AR 3 is a good all-rounder. This womens-specific road bike works well on pavement, but can wander off road as well. This makes it a great choice for women who would like to hit up both paved and rail trails.Liv is the womens-specific branch of Giant Bicycles, and they do womens bike design the right way. The Avail AR 3 wasnt designed by putting a womens sticker on a mens bike. It was built using female-specific body data, with geometry, contact points, and tube shapes dialed in for the way women ride.The result is a bike that fits. The saddle is womens-specific. The handlebar positioning suits a narrower shoulder width. Its an endurance bike which means the geometry is a little more relaxed and stable (great for beginners). The tires are a bit wider than normal road bikes as well which also help with stability.The carbon fork and D-Fuse seatpost (a composite post that flexes to absorb vibration) work together to make this one of the smoothest-riding bikes on this list. If youve ever ridden a cheap aluminum bike with a rigid aluminum seatpost and come home with a sore back and numb hands, the Avail AR 3 is the antidote..Gearing is Shimano Sora (or CUES depending on the model year), which is a step up from the Claris you get on the Allez and Domane. More range, smoother shifts.The Avail AR 3 comes in sizes from XS to XL, starting at 43cm, and that extra small centimeter compared to the Specialized and Trek is meaningful if youre a smaller lady. Canyon Endurace AllRoadPrice: $1,399Buy at Canyon.comThe Canyon Endurance All Road punches well above its price class. The biggest differentiator: hydraulic disc brakes. All the bikes listed above have mechanical disc brakes. The Canyon comes with Shimano CUES hydraulic discs, which offer noticeably better braking feel and modulation. Canyon manages to be price competitive by being a direct-to-consumer brand. This means you buy online and the bike ships to your door partially assembled. Theres no local bike shop in the loop. The aluminum frame pairs with a carbon fork, and the CUES 210 drivetrain gives you 10 speeds in the backmore range than the Claris-equipped bikes. Tire clearance is 40mm, the most of any bike on this list, which means you can run wider tires for extra comfort or even light gravel use.Seven sizes are available (XXS through XXL), fitting riders from 53 to 68. This is a unisex bike, not womens-specific, and unfortunately runs a little bigger than the other bikes Ive listed.Polygon Strattos S4 DiscPrice: $1,199Buy at BikesOnline.comPolygon is a smaller brand that doesnt get as much press as Trek or Specialized, but theyve been building quality bikes for over 30 years and they consistently spec above what the price tag suggests. The Strattos S4 Disc is a perfect example of that.Like Canyon, Polygon sells direct-to-consumer, and in the US as distributed via Bikes Online.For $1,199 you get a Shimano Tiagra 210 drivetrain, a step up from the Claris groupset youll find on the Allez and Domane at the same price. More gears mean more range for climbing and cruising, and Tiagra shifts noticeably crisper than Claris. Like the Canyon, the Polygon comes with hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes feel better, modulate better, and require less hand strength, which is not nothing if youre descending a long hill. The geometry is endurance-oriented (upright, stable, comfortable), which is exactly what a beginner road cyclist wants. Thru-axles front and rear round out the spec nicely.This is a unisex bike and comes in SM, MD, LG, and XL roughly fitting riders from 53 to 62. No womens-specific fit, and unfortunately, like the Canyon, its not going to be a great fit for the shortest riders.Comparison Chart: Entry-Level Road Bikes for WomenHeres the updated copy-paste HTML:html scroll to see more Bike Price Weight Drivetrain Brakes Thru-axle Womens Tubeless Specialized Allez $1,199 ~21 lbs Shimano Claris 28 Mechanical disc QR No No Trek Domane AL 2 $1,199 ~23 lbs Shimano Claris 28 Mechanical disc Yes No Yes Liv Avail AR 3 $1,299 N/A Shimano Sora 29 Mechanical disc Yes Yes No Polygon Strattos S4 Disc $1,199 ~21 lbs Shimano Tiagra 210 Hydraulic disc Yes No No Canyon Endurace AllRoad $1,399 N/A Shimano CUES 210 Hydraulic disc Yes No Up to 40mm How to Choose Your First Road BikeNot sure what you should be looking for in a road bike? Here are some tips to help you choose the right bike within your budget.Womens-Specific Bikes Versus Unisex BikesJust because a bike isnt marketed as a womens bike doesnt mean that you should automatically discount it. In fact, the best bike for you might be a unisex bike.That said, there are plenty of reasons you might want to opt for a womens-specific bike. If youre on the smaller side, a womens-specific bike might fit better. They often come in smaller frame sizes (the Liv Avail AR 3 starts at 43cm, for example) and with other components better suited to smaller riders, such as shorter crank arms and a shorter stem.The other nice to have item on womens-specific road bikes are womens bike saddles. If you end up choosing a unisex bike, you can always upgrade the saddle later on.To learn even more on this topic, and decide whether a womens-specific bike or a unisex bike makes the best sense for you read our article on womens vs unisex bikes.WeightSub-$1,500 bicycles are going to be heavier than their more expensive counterparts. That said, its still wise to look for the lightest bicycle within your budget. The lighter a road bike is the faster it is, the longer it will take you to get worn out, and the easier it is to maneuver. Road cycliststend to be big weight weenies, and theres a good reason for it. You can use the comparison chart above to compare weights. Make sure if you look at other bikes that arent on this list to get their weights too.BrakesToday, virtually every road bike on the market comes with disc brakes, even at this price point. Rim brakes (the kind that squeeze the wheel itself) are essentially gone from new bikes under $1,500. Thats a good thing. Disc brakes stop better in all conditions, especially when its wet.But not all disc brakes are equal. The difference youll encounter at this price point is mechanical disc brakes vs. hydraulic disc brakes.Mechanical disc brakes use a cable (like your old rim brakes) to actuate a caliper that squeezes a rotor. They work well, are easy to adjust and service at any bike shop, and are what youll find on most bikes in this price range.Hydraulic disc brakes use fluid pressure instead of a cable. The feel is noticeably better. They are more responsive, more consistent, and cause less hand fatigue on long descents. Theyre also more set it and forget it in terms of maintenance. Until recently, you had to spend $2,000+ to get hydraulic disc brakes on a road bike. The Canyon Endurace AllRoad and Polygon are notable because they both come with hydraulic discs at under $1,500.The bike on the left has mechanical disc brakes, while the bike on the right has hydraulic disc brakes. DrivetrainNearly all the bikes on the list come up with the same entry-level drivetrain components, so theres not much differentiation here. Shimano Soris is a step up from the Shimano Claris drivetrain. If you can afford it later, you can always upgrade when it is time to replace drivetrain components. And by drivetrain components, were talking about the chainring, cassette, shifters, and chain.Read: A Guide to Bicycle GearsFrame and ForkThe frame and fork are perhaps the most important thing to look at when buying a budget road bike. Why? Because nearly everything else on the bike can be upgraded and replaced over time if you get more serious about road biking. Carbon is generally the most comfortable and lightest frame material, but you wont find any full-carbon frames at this price point. Still, you can look for bikes that offer a carbon or composite fork as youll still get some of the benefits of a smoother more comfortable ride.Quick-Release Skewers Versus Thru-AxlesMost bikes at this pricepoint used to have traditional quick-release skewers on the wheels. Today we are seeing a tickle down effect, with more budget bikes borrowing thru-axles from more modern, higher-end bikes.Thru-axles provide a more stable ride and are a bit safer. (You dont have to worry about your quick-release coming loose mid-ride). I wouldnt worry too much about this feature, but it is nice to know that youre bike has the latest technology. Most of the bikes on this list now come with thru-axles. The Trek Domane AL 2, Liv Avail AR 3, Polygon Strattos S4 Disc, and Canyon Endurace AllRoad all use them. The Specialized Allez is the exception, still running quick-release.Tubeless-Compatible WheelsTubeless wheels are one of the best things to ever happen to bicycles. Dont like changing flat tires? Who does.Tubeless tires are exactly what they sound likethey have no inside tubes to pinch or get punctured. This greatly reduces the number of flats youll get.While not many bikes at this price point have tubeless wheels, if you really hate changing flats, you might want to look for bikes that have tubeless-compatible wheels. Many of these wont actually be set up tubeless, but they are easy to set upespecially if you ask your local bike shop to do it. More Stuff To Get You Started9 Best Womens Road Bike Helmets9 Best Padded Bike Shorts (Cycling Shorts) For WomenCycling For Beginners: Everything You Need To KnowAbout The AuthorKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Best Budget Road Bikes For Women Under $1,500 appeared first on Femme Cyclist.