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Show WASATCH Ride Sally, Mountain MOUNTAIN TIMES shorter stem, smaller components, a different saddle and even cranks that are shorter According to Thane, the mountain bike buyer at Cole Sport, it is to a woman's advantage that the trend this year is to design a drastically sloping top tube, which give a woman, or a shorter person, more stand over height. “Klein has always been a company that has designed bikes with a sloping top tube, so | guess you could say that they are female friendly’ company,” he observed Bikes that are recommended for women are the ones that are more easily maneuverable have less weight, a sloping top tube, and offer more comfort. Some examples of bikes on Ride Bikes Made By Kimi Faxon ,s the peaks of the Wasatch range lose their wintry shell and the remaining “freshies” recede into corn and muddy depth; as magpies and robins shout melodious notes, and as grass sprouts, naturally, my head is full of spring. The scent of spring gears me up for narrow, aspen studded, root and rock exposed trails. I can see myself crouching low on my bike, hair whipping, eyes tearing from gentle wind, body pumping as I suspend over technical turns and splatter chalky mud over legs that will burn from the thrill and sweat of the ride. As much as I covet this kind of a union with the back country, it has seemed a rarity for me and for many other women for a number of reasons. I have often felt quietly more confident on two wheels rolling through town, from work to home. Somehow that kind of riding lessened the anxiety that exists when riding with others, both men and women. There is no competition, stumps to jump, boulders to blow no by for Women? and steeps to surrender to. I have been intimidated by those who have devoted themselves, completely, to their bikes, to “fat rides,” hot gear, and new lingo. A woman friend, when asked about her riding experiences, said, feel more comfortable riding with men than with women. Men seem to expect less from as a biker. There is less pressure. If I am biking (or skiing) with a co-ed group and there are women who are hardcore, I feel more of a performance pressure, more competition and more expectation to be just as good.” Bikes are designed for men Many women have expressed feelings of intimidation not only by those they ride with, but by the equipment itself. Because mountain biking is male-dominated sport, the bikes and the gear are generally manufactured and tested on men. Generally, men have relatively shorter legs and longer torsos than women and a higher center of gravity. Very few major bike companies make woman-specific bikes. Those that do, include Klein, Baracuda and Cannondale. One bike expert at a local Park City sports shop said few bikes are made for women because only one out of four riders is female. That is about 25 percent of the riding population He offered this “Why explanation: would a major company create a line to appeal to so few, when they can create a bike that serves the market are the Scott the majority and can Expression, which costs be adjusted to the OVveI $1,000; the rest?” Kimi Faxon Mongoose Rockadile for “Why bother?’ about $680; and the was the message I heard. Why bother? Giant ATX 875, which costs over $850 — Because if companies did design Bike experts say the key to sucbikes specifically for women, the marcessful riding is finding a bike that ket would expand and a niche would works for you, one that is full of com- be filled. Customized female fit For many competitive women bikers, finding a bike that fits often means customizing, or tailoring a bike made for a smaller man. This might entail a fort and confidence. Fortunately, we live in a time when we all have access to sports, regardless of age or gender. It is a time to quiet our fears, stop compromising a desire to ride for a lack of comfort, assurance or drive and just do it! @ ANNIVERSARY ae oe i, ‘at PARK 10% Off EVERYTHING* APRIL IST - 20TH CITY, UTAH Where Sports are Fun and Improvement is Guaranteed BOYS & GIRLS « AGES 9-18 + ALL ABILITY LEVELS “TENNIS ‘GOLF Den WEEKLY PRIZE DRAWINGS BASKETBALL for girls VOLLEYBALL for girls PRIZES: Blackhawk Snowshoes by REDFEATHER Backpack by CAMP 7 * Sleeping Bag by CASCADE DESIGN Arroyo Hydration System by GREGORY * Apex tent by QUEST Outback Oven by TRAVELING LIGHT | year Subscription to the UTAH SPORTS GUIDE MOUNTAIN AIR OUTDOOR CALL 1 -800-NIKE *10% does not apply to the magellan GPS 2000 or 4000. 484-5044 @ 1140 £.3200S. (1-800-645-3226) @ Brickyard Plaza PAGE 7 SPORTS CAMP |
