Women's mountain bike clothes used to be small and pink versions of whatever the guys were wearing. Not anymore. Now, brands cater to a growing population of female mountain bikers who want clothes that fit as well as they function. Dirt Rag Magazine writer Carolyne Whelan tested and reviewed women's mountain bike apparel, including Flylow's Carter Short and Hawkins Shirt. Here's what she had to say:
"These stylish, inconspicuous shorts are my go-to for when I want to get a ride in before a meeting or head right to the trailhead afterward without changing. They are a soft steel blue color that is probably the closest thing I own to business casual these days, and the hem hits my knee line at a very reasonable point — not too high or low.
For riding features, These have really nice, wide velcro adjustment straps on the waist to keep these sinched up and not sliding off my butt. The hip pockets are nice and deep; they go to the side a bit for easy access and assistance in keeping things from shooting out or pinching in the hip flexor area as you pedal. The side pocket isn’t really a good size for carrying the gargantuan phones being made today, and maybe that’s not the best place to keep a phone anyway if you don’t want to break it on a rock or tree. With its zipper closure, it’s the perfect spot to hide a snack or secure some beer and pizza money for post-ride libations."