As I’m reviewing the road shoe from Giro called the Solara, I’ve also been able to plant my feet in the mountain bike version called the Manta. The  shoe, fit and features are mirrored between the two models, but the only difference is the mountain bike sole for better traction and two hole cleats.

Giro Manta Women’s Mountain Bike Shoes

MSRP: $150
Colors: Black/Silver (reviewed), White/Silver/Plum
Weight: 305 grams (size 39)
Details: Three straps, two velcro and one ratchet for easy on trail adjustments.

Out of the Box Thoughts

If you read my preview of the Giro Solara Women’s Road Shoe than there isn’t much more to say other than this is a mountain bike shoe with more scuff guards. The proof will be in the pudding if the shoe last over heavy abuse and trail testing. They are now suited up with Crank Brothers cleats and I’ll be ready to provide a full review after a few hundred miles! Until then, check them out on Giro.com.

Disclaimer: This product was provided for no charge for review

There are two styles of mountain bike gloves I use. The first is your basic, light-weight, and is really there to keep your hands from slipping off your bars when they are covered with sweat, or when you slide across the hard pack dirt trails. The second type of glove I use is for longer rides, with a bit more padding in the palm and normally a size bigger for when my hands swell and my fingers “grow.”

The Giro LA DND gloves fall into the first category, with extra points for style.

Giro LA DND Women’s Gloves $26

MSRP: $26
Features:

• Slip on design (no adjustable strap)
• Slim fitting
• Used on road or mtb

Full review of wear and tear in a month or so!

 Disclaimer: I was provided this product at no charge for review. Unfortunately, I was not paid or bribed for my opinion.

Over the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to watch the company of ZOIC Clothing transform and become a more popular choice for women’s clothing. Stylish and functional clothes for mountain and lifestyle bicycling, their clothing is a great fit for my move to the mountains!

ZOIC Women’s Starburst V-Neck Tech Tee $50

Out of the 4 pieces that were sent from ZOIC this is easily my favorite. $50 for a tech t-shirt may sound a lot, but it has functions like vents near your shoulder blades and a pocket for an iPod or key. It also fits like a your favorite workout shirt but long enough on me for when I bend over riding. Time will tell how this wears, but for now it is a go-to when commuting or wearing a hydration backpack.

ZOIC Women’s Posh Plaid Shorts with Liner $79

This stylish short pairs well with the Starburst V-Neck Tech Tee above. The liner is a pretty basic chamois, but good for someone’s first mtb short and liner combo. When mountain biking and needing a padded short I will personally use a short or bib that I already own. (I use fancy chamois remember?)

I plan on trying this short as a commuter too, maybe with a higher end wool underwear to act as that bacteria liner.

ZOIC Women’s Tailwind Tank $60

It’s summertime and we all care about our tan lines, right ladies? This tank, with built in shelf to hold your girls in place, is pretty dang comfortable. I have yet to test the shelf on a mountain bike ride, but I would assume if you are more than a large “B cup” you will want to wear a sports bra under. One of the best features of this tank are the two pockets (one zipper and one elastic) on the small of your back.

ZOIC Women’s Aura Shorts with Liner $79

The Aura short feels like a mountain bike short to me. Elastic across the backside, on the inner and outer (medial and lateral the Dr. E has to add) leg and adjustable velcro closure on the hips for a secure fit. These shorts will stay in place on your next uphill climb or downhill adrenaline rush. Time will only tell how the rear will hold up against dirt and sand on the saddle. As mentioned in the Posh short, I won’t be using the liner for long rides but it will work for a commute or your first mountain bike rides.

Initial Thoughts

Overall, most of these pieces have had one or two rides on them so I’m not prepared to talk too much about the fit or long term wear. I can say that they all look better in person than on ZOIC’s website. The materials feel nice on your skin and the attention to detail on stitching, accents and functional placement of things like zippers/mesh airflow pockets and such are pretty darn good for the price tags!

Look for a full review in a month or so, until then check out ZOIC’s women’s collection online.

Disclaimer: These products were provided at no charge for review. I wasn’t paid or bribed for my opinion. 

As I transition back to being able to commute by bike to work I’m also on the hunt for quality women’s cycling clothing lines that are outside my “race mentality” as of late. A few suggestions have come to mind, but not all of them have women’s options!

Chrome - A good start, key for outerwear, but all black options make me want more.

Swrve - very well thought out, but where’s the women’s love?

Vulpine – yes please. The yummiest wool women’s jersey to have touched my body.

Zoic - Probably the best bang for the buck but very MTB feel.

Shebeest - A staple in many women’s cycling wardrobes. I have my eye on the Bermuda Commuta.

Loeka – I’ll take one of everything please

YMX – Yoga styles meet two wheels

What do you wear to get around town that doesn’t wear out or look to racer?  I’m also going to hunt around the sale rack at REI for The North Face and Patagonia wear.

Photo credit: Bill Fehr

This winter I’ve had the opportunity to add pretty key pieces to my cold weather attire. With a good amount of cold base miles, I’ve shredded some items and some have stayed strong and worthy of a solid review. A few different long sleeve jerseys are my main highlights from this shredding that I’ll be reviewing this week.

There is something comforting about a soft merino wool piece of clothing. It wraps you up in it’s natural warmth, and can be reused for a couple weeks at a time if you don’t sweat it up too badly. Most folks who are purchasing their first piece of merino get sticker shock, but quickly they understand they are replacing 2-3 piece of clothing due to the wicking, warmth and longevity of wool. Ever purchased a pair of Smartwool socks? I bet you wish all of your socks were that amazing.

Features

MSRP: $140
Colors: Black or Gray

There are a handful of features that Surly will want to tell you about, but the best feature for me is the ability to wear this on and off the bike easily. The jersey turns into a sweater when paired with a pair of jeans. The sleeves with thumb holes are long enough and easily flipped up for casual use. The back has a “cigarette pocket” which is one pocket with zippers on either side.

Fit

Traditionally women’s wool jerseys have fit pretty baggy and boxy on me. I can say that this jersey in size large fits me pretty darn well. With room for a tshirt or jersey underneath it isn’t super snug but it does allow me to feel like a woman when wearing it. As I mentioned I often wear it into shops as a sweater and it does look like a women’s sweater (with a sweet pocket in the back!)

Overall Thoughts

If you can swallow the price tag of $140 this jersey will last you many seasons, keeping you warm and dry. It’s an essential for me when traveling as I can wear it a handful of times and not be overwhelmed by stench or dirt.

See it on SurlyBikes.com

Photo Credit: Benjamin Wilson

All City Cycles, one of the awesome brands I represent, and a group of cool kids, have released some new clothes for us bike geeks out there. See the full line up on the All City website.

I work in the bike industry which means I do not make crazy amounts of money in order to justify paying $85 for a merino wool tshirt. But, I want it so badly.

Then there are their cycling caps. Sexy and I own one. Thanks to Peter with Bike Law. Best cycling cap I’ve ever had. $40. WTH.

Finally, these boxers. They look so yummy and delicious to sleep in, or lay on the couch, or work out in (under shorts) at the gym. Merino wool, pink, boxers. Oddly, they are affordable in my head. $40

It’s that time of the year. Unless you live in some odd part of the country that doesn’t receive seasons, fall is hitting you smack in the face. You may get caught in a cold rain, or have a headwind chilling you to the core on a late night commute.

Chrome has released a new jacket just for those reasons.

Meet the Chrome Storm Pasha

The Storm Pasha features fully-taped 100% waterproof breathable Chrome Storm™ technology. It has a bike-friendly fit for comfortable riding, pit zips and two way main zipper for active venting, a zippered back cargo pocket for cell phone and keys, and reflective details so you can be seen at night.

Features and Fit

• Fully seam taped construction with waterproof Tactel nylon fabric
• Zippered pit vents for on bike ventilation
• High neck collar with 3 panel hood
• Full width pass through back cargo pocket
• Longer sleeves and torso for riding comfort
• Waterproof two way main zipper for on bike ventilation

Personal thoughts on the Storm Pasha

I wish there were more colors, or at least color hits to make the jacket pop out in the dark while riding on the streets. Black is sexy and clean, but so is not dying. Once I get my hands on one I’ll be sure to let you know the fit and durability!

Last summer I reviewed the Icebreaker Halo jersey and shorts. As I rode around today in the Halo shorts I felt pretty compelled to do a follow up on these shorts, as they deserve it.

If you shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods and not REI, or believe in working out at the gym and not hiking, you may not understand the ways of wool. (Please don’t take that offensive, it’s just probably true.)

I’m found often in stupid expensive Capo or Hincapie shorts for stupid long rides. The chamois are overly developed and “wear in” as the miles turn up.

The Halo shorts from Icebreaker are not these, they fit like boxer briefs, are super comfortable and feel as sexy as shorts can get. (I’ve also been told they don’t make me look like I’m wearing a wad and make my butt look nice.)  As these are quick drying, non-spandex looking, they are also my go to for around town and over night rides to camp fires.  They also look a ton better with my Keen’s than most other cycling shorts.

If you are looking for a set of shorts for longer rides on the greenway, bike touring or to commute on.. look at these Halo shorts from Icebreaker!

For the past few years I have heard the spectrum of reviews on Chrome’s shoes. Chrome, known first for their made in the US bags that started in Colorado. Now the company is based out of San Francisco and has probably 3/4 of their line made over seas. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just putting some back story out there.

Back to Chrome’s shoes

Chrome has been making “bike specific” sneakers for a few years now. Gum bottom or SPD ready, these shoes were made for those that live on their bike and want to look the part. Available in three different series, the PRO Series has the SPD compatible clip-in, the Pedal Series has a fiberglass sole for better pedaling, and the All City Series with stronger uppers and not so stiff sole.

Earlier this month Chrome released a new shoe into their All City Series it is also their first WOMENS shoe, the Dolores. Read the preview by clicking read more..!

Meet the Chrome Dolores

MSRP: $70
Colors: Black and gray
Fitting: If you have a wide toe box you may want to go up a size or be prepared for these shoes not to fit. I normally wear a Euro 42, or womens 9.5/10. The box I was sent is a 11.5 but on their website it doesn’t show that large of a size. I’ve emailed to get direct specifics.

*note: the shoes fit me fine as a 11.5 womens, I normally ride a 10. 

This shoe has a Cordura fabric, much like what you’ll find on messenger bags, gum bottom and a super low profile front toe box to fit in toe cages better. You can wear the shoes with or without shoe laces, and two pairs of shoe laces are provided. One black and one white. Currently I’m wearing one shoe without laces and the other with! (Stylish I know.)

I’m super glad that Chrome sent me the gray pair as black shoes really aren’t my fancy. I’ll be trying these out in the next week commuting with my Ergon pedals as well as putting some toe straps back on my fixie. Until then, check out the shoes online!

This product was provided at no cost for review by Chrome. I was not paid or bribed for this review or my opinion.