The Beaverton Bike Gallery is hosting a big Women’s Night event this coming Tuesday (1/11). On their website, the shop says the event is, “The perfect opportunity to talk with knowledgeable staff, industry reps, and other female cyclists about women’s clothing and bikes, family riding, and more.”
I was curious about the event, so Beaverton store staffer Lana Pressey answered a few questions for us. Read her replies below:
Why is Bike Gallery hosting a women’s night?
“It just seems like a good time of year to get the ball rolling. There have been a growing number of women coming in and looking at higher end bikes and commuting bikes. They want to learn about what it takes to ride them, to train on them, to become self sufficient in maintaining them. We felt that since the Bike Gallery hosts many clinics and rides that this would be a good way to introduce women to all the services that we offer.”
“Women need to know about all the options that they now have. It’s not just the pink it and shrink it philosophy, there has been real research into the different needs of each type of lady rider.”
— Lana Pressey, Bike Gallery
What are common obstacles that prevent more women from riding?
“Until recently many companies in the bicycle industry didn’t cater to the women’s market. The bikes and accessories such as saddles and clothing were not made for women’s needs or fit.
Women have a much different way of shopping. When women shop for bicycles, they will usually make two to three more visits learning and gathering information than a man will. It is important for sales staff to know this and act accordingly.
Another obstacle is the social aspect. Having a night where women who are inexperienced and want to ride with others but don’t know anybody to ride with will hopefully make some fun cycling buddies!”
What are some solutions?
“Now that Trek, Bontrager and many of the other brands that we carry are making a wide range of products for every type of rider, women need to know about all the options that they now have. It’s not just the pink it and shrink it philosophy, there has been real research into the different needs of each type of lady rider.
There will also be a group of very experienced riders here in the form of Ironclad Performance Wear’s Women’s Cycling Team they have many years of experience racing and commuting and are a wealth of knowledge.
We are catering to those that are “Interested But Concerned,” but we are hoping that our event will make asking questions — bike shop visits and cycling in general — more approachable.”
Thanks Lana. Sounds like a great opporunity to get informed and inspired. Learn more about details of the event on their website.