By Tara R. McKee

Many guys I know who wear bib shorts instead of regular cycling shorts swear that once you try the bib shorts, you’ll never go back to just shorts again. They say they like them because bibs are much more comfortable than regular shorts, they like how they stay in place and the chamois doesn’t shift and there is less chaffing. Let’s face it; if you ride behind a guy with shorts that are sagging down in the back, well, you know another good reason for bibs.

I had been curious enough about whether I would like them, so I talked to Alison Littlefield, a former bike racer and now co-owner of Contender Bicycles. I knew she preferred bibs and it was because of her recommendation that I finally bought my first bib shorts (which, by the way, I really like!)

These are the reasons that women ought to check out the latest women’s specific bib shorts:

• Bibs are more comfortable. Alison: “I personally didn’t like shorts cutting into my stomach especially when going hard and breathing deeply.”
• Women’s bike jerseys tend to have shorter cuts—on the back or the front. “A lot of time when you ride your jersey hikes up and there is a gap in between the jersey and the short. This can also happen on the front a lot. When the jerseys are cut to be more ergonomical for riding, the front of the jersey is shorter than the back of the jersey. So when you are standing up, the jersey definitely is a little too short and a lot of time gaps.”
• The new women’s specific bibs have remedied a problem that existed when bib straps hit the wrong spots for women with larger chests. “Usually these either have a clip that pulls the straps into the center of the chest or the strap itself runs up the center of your chest and then splits on your shoulders into two straps.”
• Ok, it’s true that it isn’t so easy to use the restroom quickly: “It is a little bit more of a hassle because you have to take off your jersey. I always like using full zip jerseys so it isn’t much of an issue. Even if it is a half zip, it still isn’t that big of a deal in my opinion. Some manufacturers are trying to deal with this issue by using a drop-tail bottom (Pearl Izumi) or a zipper (GORE). Personally, I don’t think it is that big of a problem. I have tried on both the drop-tail and zipper ladies bibs and I would rather just use a regular bib.”

If you are getting more serious about your road bike sport, you may want to check out the latest women’s cycling bibs and give them a try! Make sure they fit right–sizing can vary between companies.

A big thank you to Alison Littlefield of Contender Bicycles!

Whitney is wearing the Tranquility jersey with beautiful, flattering color blocking.

By Tara R. McKee

The brand name “Luna” has a lot of familiarity with female cyclists. But it’s not just a nutrition bar anymore. The LUNA Sport bicycle clothing line was just introduced this year. It was designed with a lot of input from some of the best female riders in the world. The result was a great line of athletic clothing made just for the female cyclist. LUNA has an eco-friendly approach to the making of their clothing: many made from recycled or renewable fabrics. Some of the jerseys feature antique Japanese prints such as a plum blossom or artful water print. They are feminine without having to be pink. For those who like the sleek look, the stripe jersey is perfect for the well fitted feel and comes in short-sleeve and sleeveless styles.

Paula is dressed for a cool autumn day wearing LUNA's Epiphany shorts in Ebony, and the fitted Stripe jersey in denim blue. She is also wearing LUNA's arm warmers, bee's knees warmers and LUNA team long finger gloves in ebony.

Our Review: Throughout a summer of riding, my cycling buddies and I had at least one LUNA Sport outfit a piece to wear. We rode the hills and put in the miles and tested the LUNA clothes ourselves. We loved the comfortable fit, how it held up well to a long ride. I love how the jersey pockets could be stuffed full of snacks and a cell phone and still lie as it should on my back.  As for a quality test, six months of wear and they still look great! The designs are flattering, looking better on the body than on the hanger. People often compliment us on the clothes because they are so distinctive.

The Tranquility jersey has beautiful graphic designs with color blocking and a striking plum blossom design devoped with anitque Japanese wood blocks.

LUNA Sport Clothing isn’t easy to find yet. Check out their website to find out if there is a dealer near you: www.lunasportgear.com

Thanks to Sophie Eaton at LUNA Sport and Alison Littlefield at Contender Bicycles for your help!

Julie is in the LUNA PRO TEAM SWEATER. This sweater is made of 100% Merino Wool. She is also in the Ebony Epiphany Knicker,

On a light and fast road bike Amy can ride for hours.

Burning Up the Calories on the Bike

There are many great reasons to get out there and get on your bike and ride. There are so many in fact that I won’t be able to cover them all in one article. So look for more reasons in upcoming articles.

One of the many reasons we get on our bicycles is as a form of exercise. It’s the perfect form of exercise: you get the cardiovascular benefits and weight-loss benefits and yet, it is much easier on the joints than running or walking. It is a form of exercise that you can do with your whole family: school-children, parents and grandparents can all participate in a leisurely bicycle ride and you can bring along the toddlers as well.

It’s a great exercise for losing weight.  Runners will say they burn more calories, but for a similar effort level the difference over the course of an hour is only 60 calories.* That extra 60 calories is because runners use their upper body more as they move. Running and cycling at a similar effort level will exercise the legs fairly similarly, but cycling lacks the pounding impact of running.  If you are a runner,  you’ll find cycling is  great cross-training exercise and you will be able to go out on the bicycle longer than you can on a run, thus burning more calories.

If you are just starting out on an exercise program, don’t push yourself to the point of miserable exhaustion. Keep yourself motivated with elements of fun and pleasure: go with girlfriends who will keep you on pace, ride in a beautiful place and set a goal to go just a little further or faster next time.

I won’t prescribe any diets for those looking to lose weight, except to think when you are offered some high calorie foods: do I really need this? When I know what it takes to burn off those extra calories, the answer is usually “not!” Think smaller portions, better quality foods, plenty of water and be smart with the sweets. If you’ll feel deprived without chocolate (I would!) have just a bite sized or single-serving  portion–and you can enjoy it every day!

How Many Calories are You Burning? Bicycling 1 hour for a (140 lb. woman)

• Leisurely ride along the bike trail with the family: Light effort: 10-11.9 mph—381 calories

• Running a few errands or commuting to work: Moderate effort: 12-13.9 mph—508 calories

• An exercise ride with your girlfriends: Vigorous effort: 14-15.9 mph—636 calories

• A day where you ride to push yourself: bravely heading into the wind and riding up hills, on purpose: Very Fast: 16-19mph—763 calories

• Holding onto a “Race Pace”: More than 20 mph—1017 calories +