Femme Tech: Retro Print Chamois Shorts, a Merino Beanie and PEdALED’s Sports Bra
Christmas is approaching, and we have been searching high and low (while making a start on the mince pies) for the best Christmas gifts for you to enjoy on biking adventures this festive season.
- Women's bike vs unisex bike - understanding the differences
- Gravel cycling: experiencing a women's bikepacking event
- Best baggy mountain bike shorts for women - tried and tested
Whether you’re eyeing some new kit for yourself or looking for inspiration for Christmas presents, we have rustled up some shiny new products specially designed for women. Velo Vixen has added some specially formulated chamois cream to protect you for hours on the saddle and we look at Vaude's women’s tailored backpack crammed with trail-ready features for those longer adventures. Petrichor Project’s Merino Beanie has a cool feature for those with a ponytail, and a Sports Bra by PEdALED is an ideal stocking filler.
Velo Vixen Premax Chamois Cream for Women
You’ll know after the first time you do a long ride how sore you can get in between your legs where your chamois is in direct contact with your bottom and your more delicate area. The saddle compression combined with unavoidable friction and sweat can cause a sore point. Sometimes, you may only realise when you get in the shower post-ride and wonder why you're stinging down there. After that, you will most likely find a solution: a specially formulated cream to avoid that exact scenario.
Women need a pH balance formula matched to female genitalia to reduce harmful bacteria or yeast. This formula aims to keep you comfortable and your skin at its optimum on longer rides. The Premax Chamois Cream reduces friction and is applied to the chamois or skin where the body touches the saddle.
Vaude women's all mountain backpack full of features
The Tremalzo 12 Cycling Backpack is designed for women and has features to keep you riding all day while being safe and comfortable. The hip belt and shoulder straps have been ergonomically shaped to sit comfortably on a female body or anyone with a petite body. Getting the fit right is one of the most important aspects of a backpack. If the bag fully loaded isn't quite right on your shoulders and around your hips, this can dramatically affect your cycling experience.
Designed for riders who typically carry a load of odd-shaped cycling tools along for the ride, the rucksack has dedicated sections that allow for organisation. The shoulder straps are soft and padded, with side mesh pockets for quick access to things. Small items can be attached, such as keys on the inside and a safety light on the front, and your helmet is secured to the front for convenience.
The 12-litre backpack is available in three colours: Black, Blackberry, and Hotchili. The retail price is £91.65, and you can get one at several different places online.
Wild Rye go retro with a riptide pattern chamois short
Idaho-based brand Wild Rye is dedicated to crafting beautiful and technical mountain clothing for women. Wild Rye’s range doesn't lack in colour and funky patterns, and you can expect to turn heads on the trails. The Eleanor are the best-selling chamois shorts to wear underneath your trousers or shorts. The Retro Riptide colour and design alone are enough to capture your attention, and the low-profile pad is discrete without forgoing any supportive comfort when needed.
You can grab these for $115, which is about £88. It's pretty hefty on the wallet, but you’d be the best-dressed rider with superb performance taking care of your delicate parts.
Winter beanie with merino wool by Petrichor Projects
Packed with funky features and a feminine touch, the Petrichor Project’s Merino Wool Beanie is your new wardrobe staple for the colder months.
Constructed using performance fabrics and with the sustainable benefits of Merino wool, the beanie is designed to regulate your body temperature and ensure you're always comfortable naturally. If you often tie your hair up while wearing your helmet, it can be unpleasant when popping a hat on, and if you end up just reverting to the faithful Buff style headband, you will enjoy this new feature. An innovative opening at the back for those with long and short hair allows you to pull your ponytail out of the way. The beanie is designed to sit comfortably under a helmet.
Available in two sizes (XS/S and M/L) and is £40. The colour is Grey with reflective detailing for when the light is low.
Padded cycling tights by Findra
Findra is a women-specific cycling clothing brand based in Scotland that specialises in outdoor clothing for women. They have a main brick-and-mortar store and a cafe to make it extra tempting to visit if you're roaming about up north.
The Beryl Padded Cycling Tights are your go-to eco-friendly three-quarter length leggings made from recycled Italian nylon. They’re soft and stretchy and designed to hug your body for a perfect fit that keeps its shape over time.
With a comfy, breathable bamboo fabric pad made specifically for women, these tights make long rides a breeze. Whether you're cycling to work, going the distance, or on a bike tour, they’re built for comfort and style.
Available in Urban Grey, they come in sizes XS to XXL and cost £100.
Women’s Element Sports Bra by Pedaled
Being comfortable and secure on a bike should be a priority for all cyclists, but especially for the female form looking for that little extra support so they can focus on the journey rather than the uneven terrain throwing their bodies around in unnatural maneuvers.
A sports bra is a hidden luxury that can greatly impact the overall comfort of your bike ride. Too much support can cause restriction, and too little support will leave you wondering if you should have stayed at home. Like gold locks porridge, the Element Sports Bra by PEdALED gives you the right amount of what you need. Fast-drying and breathable, it offers soft, unpadded support and looks beautiful and sleek. Wide shoulder straps offer additional comfort.
Available in XXS - XXL and costs £65. The colours are Lilac and Black.