EO’s XX-chromosomed staff picks the best cycling gear
ROAD
Orbea Diva
Nothing delivers everlasting love like this bike, at least that’s what EO’s hard-racing assistant editor claims … for good reason. Built for female geometry but otherwise resembling Orbea’s legendary Orca, it’s a smooth, responsive ride that lets you focus on the road instead of how the bike fits.
$2,999 (frame); orbea-usa.com
MOUNTAIN
Giant Cypher 1
Many bike manufacturers don’t market trail bikes to women. We suggest they go for a ride with some Colorado ladies. This bike delivers all the rough-and-tumble performance of a men’s trail bike, nimble enough to climb make-you-puke ascents yet plush enough to roll over rock drops in Fruita thanks to five inches of active suspension. Meow.
$2,950; giant-bicycles.com
ACCESSORIES
Italian shoes are Italian shoes no matter if they are for strutting through the piazza or grinding up Deer Creek. Girls always want Sidi’s Dominator 5 ($270; sidiusa.com) and not just because they look good. The leather conforms to your foot and the heel cup provides stability.The perfect size and weight shell to stuff down in your pack or in the back of your jersey, Patagonia’s Nine Trails ($99; patagonia.com) is something you should never leave home without in the Colorado hills—plus it’s versatile enough for far more than just biking. Weighing just 25 grams, Rudy Project’s Ability ($175; rudyprojectusa.com) wraparound shades keep your eyes fully protected but don’t look sporty dorky.