12. Under the Radar

Eyewear is what Oakley do very very well. They've been committed to developing high-performance sporting products for women as more than just a 'side project' alongside the mens/unisex gear.



So anyway. The Radar is a wrap-style pair of sunnies that's streamlined and the design for women means that they don't have awkward gaps or sticky-out bits like sometimes happens if you're wearing sunnies that are built for bigger faces.

If hot pink is your thing, then you're in luck but they also come in more muted colours.

All the technical stuff checks out, but like anything you'd have to try them for yourself to see if they're right for you.

> Have a look at Oakley's website for more

11. For loving your skin

The first time I smelt this stuff I was in heaven. I know it's not strictly 'cycling', but it's always nice to treat your hands after they've been tucked away inside your riding gloves and gripping your handlebars.



How do you describe a fragrance on the internet? Not really possible, except to say 'divine'... and that it goes on like a dream and isn't oily. Aesop was born in Melbourne in 1987 and they combine botanics with science, splashed with whimsy and intellect.

> What is it? Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, AU$25.00 from Aesop

10. Get ahead

Protect your head with funky colours and retro designs with these helmets from Nutcase. Probably not the kind of helmet to wear if you're thrashing out 100km on the roadie, but if you're swinging your leg over your city bike to cruise into town, they're perfect. Heaps of different colours and designs, 11 vents for keeping your hair sweat-free and complies with Australian standards.



> Costs AU$99.95 and available at Treadly Bike Shop or from Nutcase.

9. For getting dirty

I love the feeling of riding off road: away from traffic, amongst the trees. Just you, your bike and the ups, downs and flow of the trail. What better way to live in the moment.

A mountain bike should feel like an extension of your body: light, responsive, natural. A bike that's designed for women takes into account things that often make the female anatomy different: shorter torso, narrower shoulders, smaller hands. Angles are adjusted, handlebars aren't so wide, brake levers easier to grab, crank length shorter and even the suspension can be dialled differently.

Scott have taken all these elements and shaped them into the Contessa series of bikes, which includes road and mountain bikes. The Scale RC is a carbon fibre hardtail that doesn't compromise on componentry. Meaning you don't compromise your ride.



> Available through AvantiPlus dealers

8. Somewhere to go

You can't really wrap this and pop it under the tree, but it will last for longer than the time it would take to unwrap.

Get your bike and go on a journey in 2011.

Where to? Here are some suggestions.

Santos Tour Down Under Sport&Style Legend's Weekend
Live the Tour with Sport&Style. Take part in the thrill of the chase as you cheer on the best riders from around the world in Australia's premier cycling event. 21-23 January 2011.
> More here
...

Pedal in the remote Kimberley, WA
You don't have to have amazing off-road skills and the endurance of an IronMan athlete to partake in this outback mountain biking adventure. Bike, helmet, tent and stunning location all provided.
> More info here
...

Gear Up Girl Challenge, Sydney / Goulburn / Adelaide /
A recreational cycling event for women of all ages and cycling ability. Varying distances and a bit of an expo for all things cycling afterwards. (Photo: Bicycle SA)
> Find out more here

7. Something to read

Cycling magazine, meet Arty-Designy-Cultural magazine. Now that that introduction is sorted, let us introduce you to Treadlie. A fusion of the two, where bicycles are celebrated for their form as well as their function.



Managing Editor Tamsin O'Neill says:
"Treadlie is for bike lovers, would be bike lovers and those that appreciate great bike design - a magazine devoted to culture, fashion and design. Featuring people and their bikes, bike businesses, cycling cities, bike trail reviews and products."

Issue #1 goes on sale on 17 December, just in time for the Christmas stocking.

> Subscribe online here
> Follow their Tweets here

6. Get a grip

Achieve maximum comfort and best distribution of pressure with these nifty grips from Ergon. They really are comfortable.



Best thing is, they are made for small hands (big hands don't miss out either!). Plus they are easy to put onto your handlbars and what's more, they make you ride faster (not scientifically proven).

Great for your mountain bike. Comes with or without bar-ends and in black or cool lime green.



> Get these from Over the Edge Sports in Melrose, SA (these guys are also the Australian distributor). Cost from AU49.95