You’re probably familiar with the fact that in 1920, after a long battle, women finally won the right to vote with the passing of the 19th amendment. You have also heard about the bra burnings of the 60s and the jingle, “You’ve come a long way baby,” accompanied by a picture of a modern woman of the 70s next to a picture of a Victorian-clad lady. What you may not know, however, is that the women’s movement started long before these occurrences, and it started with the bicycle!

In the 1890s the bicycle went from being a fad for the rich to a hobby that spanned all socio-economic classes. If fact, one-third of all those in the market for a bike were female. These women would prove to play an integral role in the struggle for women’s rights.

Susan B. Anthony, who dedicated her life to the women’s suffrage movement, is noted for saying, “Let me tell you what I think of bicycling…I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride on a wheel. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.” It wasn't just the feeling of freedom that cycling offered. The women of that era were used to wearing tightly cinched corsets and long heavy skirts. These clothes were found to be unsafe and too cumbersome to cycle in. This led to the need to put away the corsets and hang up the long skirts in favor of loose fitting trousers with shorter, knee-length skirts. Thus the bloomer was born! This new mode of dress was seen as improper for women as was their very willingness to ride on bicycles. Many men thought that if females “had” to ride, it should only be with chaperones who could help keep them “off the road to down-hill temptation.”

Cycle they continued and it proved to enhance a woman’s sense of self-reliance and self-worth. Frances Williard, leader of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, worked hard to master riding at the age of 53. In doing so she said that, “…the bicycle would lead to more equitable gender relationships.” She also noted, “We saw with satisfaction, the great advantage in good fellowship and mutual understanding between men and women who take the road together, sharing its hardships and rejoicing in the poetry of motion.”

Bicycling allowed more freedom for women. On a bike they could get out of the house, allowing them to see the world, visit others, and attend social and political meetings. Women were thus “liberated from their lives of domesticity and isolation.” Perhaps the topic of women and bicycles is best summed up by Julie Husband and Jim O’Loughlin, both professors of English at the University of Northern Iowa: “In the 1890s the bicycle was not just a toy or even just a sport; it was a means through which changing concepts of freedom and femininity,--and of course, exercise,--were realized.”

At The Bicycle Escape we pledge to continue to honor the role the bicycle has played in women’s lives. We offer only the finest cycles, women’s apparel, and accessories uniquely designed to allow women the most comfortable and enjoyable ride of their lives.

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This bike similar to the ladies bike you remember from childhood. These bikes were originally designed to allow a woman the "freedom" to wear a billowing dress and ride a bicycle while being a proper lady. Today some women prefer these bikes for aesthetic, nostalgic, or functional reasons. These bicycles have a lower top bar which some women find easier to mount and dismount. However, it is generally easier and requires less flexibility to lean the bike and raise one's leg over the rear tire and mount a bicycle from the back rather than trying to step up and over the top tube.

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Performance oriented women's bicycles are designed to help the average woman be more comfortable when riding. They typically have shorter top tubes, cranks, narrower handlebars, short reach brake levers, and a woman's seat. These bikes do work well for some female athletes, but not all. Each cyclist male or female has unique body proportions and would benefit greatly from a one-on-one professional fitting. This is the ideal way for our fit specialist to get to know a client and help her make the best decision. Whether it is an off the shelf entry-level bicycle that can be setup to fit properly or a custom tailored bike, a fitting is the best place to begin the search for your next bicycle.

It is refreshing to see that almost all of the bike companies are crafting bikes with the female athlete in mind. Many women benefit from this gender specific design but one must not forget that women come in all shapes and sizes. You should not let your gender dictate the bicycle that you ride. The perfect women's bike is the bike that has been fit to an individual woman… you. This way a fit technician will take the time to get to know you and your needs, strengths and limitations.
Learn More about our Professional Fitting Services

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When you first begin your search for a bike, consider the shop from which you are purchasing the bike as much or even more than the bicycle itself. If you are a novice, purchasing your first bike can be intimidating. It is important to find the shop that will take the time to answer all of your questions in a non-condescending manner. Do not allow others to have too much influence on your purchasing decision. Even if you're a beginner you still know what you want to use your new bicycle for and what your basic likes and dislikes are. We can help guide you toward your best choice.

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Though it may go against your natural instincts, women (and men) should not wear underwear with cycling shorts. Doing so can lead to chafing and discomfort.

If friction between you and your bike seat is causing discomfort try chamois cream. This is a great way to add comfort to your bike. Brands like "Assos Chamois Crème" contains menthol. If you find the menthol to be a little intense a good alternative is "Paceline's Chamois Butt'r." This product does not cause the menthol sensation and works great.

Finding the perfect bicycle seat can require some trial and error. For this reason we allow test rides on any of our bike seats. Purchasing a high quality pair of padded bicycle shorts can enhance your comfort level. Applying a friction reducing chamois cream to the pad of the shorts can further increase comfort. Make sure your bicycle fits and is adjusted for you. An incorrectly positioned seat or handlebars can make the seat feel uncomfortable.

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