I've found that cycling can be a tricky sport for women to get into. First of all, there's the cost. It is ridiculously expensive to get serious about biking. Consider that it is about $150 - $250 just for one bike kit. I often joke with my friends that instead of buying designer jeans I buy bike shorts. And, bike kits are just the tip of the ice berg... It is $8,000 for a top-of-the-line bike and components. And, what about wheels? A nice affordable pair is at least $500. And, add to that the fact that there are few female cyclists out there. There are only a hand full of women on my cycling team. If you want to cycle, you've got to learn to keep up with the boys... And, eventually learn to pass them up, just to keep them in their place.
If you're lucky you have a friend who helped you get into the sport of cycling and held your hand through all the difficult decisions. Like, the moment you first try on padded bike shorts. I remember clearly thinking, "Wow. I gotta wear a diaper, huh?" Feeling plenty awkward as I stepped out of the dressing room my boyfriend gently nudged me and said, "When you ride you're not supposed to wear underwear with your bike shorts." "Oh, great," I thought.
At the time I was still on the beginner's budget and held my breath as I paid the $30 for my new Novara bike shorts. "This is so expensive!" I exclaimed as we left the store. "Try spending $100 on shorts." my boyfriend muttered. A year later, I easily drop $90 for a good pair of Capo bike shorts.