29" MTB wheels? Yes!

This was the question, and now I have answered it.  Although I am not 'super short' (approx 161cm), there was always the worry in the back of my mind that maybe 29" wheels would not be suitable.  I had read lots of reviews of bikes for women, particularly Specialized 29" vs Giant 650B, and although both had benefits, I was more and more tempted by the leap to 29" wheels.

Part of my decision was helped along by Marianne (from http://dutchielovescycling.tumblr.com ).  She (probably unknowingly) helped me take the plunge and buy the Fate.  Marianne had nothing but good words to say about the bike, and fortunately she also recommended me to a really good Specialized mountain bike dealer.  Having previously helped out at a bike shop, and looked at many others in the past, I know what makes a good bike shop, with great customer service, and staff who really know their products.

My favorite bike shops (by Steve at Crankstar, and Shayne and Pip at Semiracer) are road-specific... so I was obliged to go elsewhere to buy a new bike for the dirt.  In the end, I couldn't have landed at a nicer place.  Bicycle Riders Morningside (BRM) now also has my big 'tick of approval'.  They were incredibly helpful while I made my decision, without being pushy at any stage.  Simon could easily answer all my questions about the different bike options and extras, and had lots of additional helpful tips also.  He is also very well trained at bike fitting (a credit to both the body geometry fit (bgfit) system and Simon's own eagerness to learn more about what makes a good fit).

I am now even happier than I thought I would be with the bike.
The Fate is a dream to ride, light weight and responsive.  The 29" wheels definitely do roll much better over obstacles than my old 26" bike.  I did splash out on carbon tubeless wheels, to reduce the weight of the bike, and to gain stiffer, faster rolling, precise wheels.  Definitely worth every cent.
More about BRM...
http://www.bicycleriders.com.au
More about the Roval wheels...
http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/specialized-s-innovative-roval-control-29-carbon-wheels-tested

KPCC Novice Women's Tour Week 3 - like fortifying wine

The last weekend of the KPCC #NWT was held at Crestmead on Sunday (1/12). The teams time trial was held first to assist the reinforcement of team skills learned in the previous two weeks. A short tea break followed, including an informative bike maintenance session held by both Tracey and Bronwyn of Planet Cycles. The modified road race that followed showed lots of assertive racing by the women, with some bold breakaway attempts and good use of team tactics. Again this week, the participants demonstrated what you can achieve by going outside your own comfort zone.

Just like fortified wine, bike racing events should be delicious, memorable experiences. KPCC is endeavouring to take the 'base wine' (ie. women's base interest to ride bikes and to take part in cycling events) and then fortify it with additional 'alcohol' (ie. further skills, knowledge and experiences for women in a safe, supported environment) to develop a truly awesome product that lots of people will talk and reminisce about, and naturally encourage others to try.

To end, I have borrowed an excerpt from the womenscyclingmatters blog about SKCC and last weekend's Tour of Bright...  it pretty much sums up what we should be noticing and encouraging with women's cycling...
"Our clubs and administrators are on board and are shouting from the rooftops about women’s cycling. There are photos of women riding and racing on websites... yes it is just the small things for now but just the same, it is symbolic of change and I am very excited."  

Visit www.kpcc.org.au for more motivating projects during 2014.