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

1. Fast carbon

I thought I'd post this one first in case you need to do some saving up! But hey, it doesn't hurt to dream and there's always next Christmas, or your next birthday...

This one comes from our kiwi friends at Avanti Bicycle Company. They've been making great bicycles for 25 years now and have put their experience, technology and design behind their new range for women, WISE.

This is from their website:
Women + Insights + Science = EXCELLENCE
We wanted to really understand what women wanted, what they liked and what they disliked when it came to cycling. We also wanted to get the inside information that would enable us to develop bikes that would quite simply be better for women to ride. And so we went out and talked to riders. Specifically, female riders.

So here we have the Avanti Questa Team (RRP AU6999.95)
Yes please, Santa.

'Tis the season, or something like that.

It's the first of December and I am wondering who let this happen so quickly?? All of a sudden the year is drawing to a speedy exit stage left and soon it will be 2011.

As usually happens this time of year, it's hard to escape any mention of Christmas and all it entails.

So you might be thinking of 'stuff': finding stuff, giving stuff, hinting about stuff you want, receiving stuff. And some of that may be bike stuff.

So let's talk about stuff and where you might look for it.

Each day from now until Christmas day I will post something tempting (presents for others, of course!). I'll try and feature things that are unique, crafted and designed specifically for females and locally sourced where possible.

Have fun and happy pedalling x

[image from www.cyclinginfo.co.uk]

Bikes from other places (and times).

Bikes that have caught my eye somewhere, sometime.

This bike was waiting for its owner one night outside the Wheatsheaf hotel, Adelaide.

...

Wandering around Old Cromwell Town, NZ
...

Bikes are everywhere in Shanghai, China

I like...

...unexpectedly finding new bike shops! This little beauty is tucked away in Adelaide's Ebenezer Place, a stone's throw from the yummy Chocolate Bean cafe. Sam, Em and Rusty the shop dog have just opened this store called Treadly, full of shiny dutch-style bikes, fast fixies and parts to tinker with.

Go and say hello. Immediately.

Friday smile.

Bicycles make me smile. I was feeling a little flat, but with no good reason besides just a bit of the 'blerghs'.

This makes me smile. I hope it makes you smile too, knowing that bicycles are providing simple, sustainable relief to people in underdeveloped regions of the world.

oh my!

I came across this today via Twitter, posted by the author of this blog.

All I could think of was, "oh my!"

Have a look for yourself.



You can see more of this here.

fixie friday

follow this link for some fixie fun.

green with envy

The other day, I happened to find myself in the McLaren Vale, a gorgeous little spot with some rather nice wineries scattered around. It's also home to this groovy little bike shop, Oxygen Cycles, which you should visit if you're in the Vale. Actually, you MUST visit.

If not to cast your eyes upon this little beauty. I couldn't help but stare, then gently touch it.

It's name is Civia Loring and it's lovely. The mudguards and racks are made from bamboo.

Pop in and say hello, maybe even take her home.