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2012 Giant Trance X1 Women’s Review

By
Leah Fielding
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0
Demon United knee pads, Demon United Knee Soft Cap Pro X D3O, Demon knee pads
The top of Buttermilk, views of Pyramid Peak behind me.
An affordable all-mountain rockstar.

This bike is no longer available, shop for similar products.

The Overview:

This is the first of many women’s mountain bike reviews, and we have a damn good reason for choosing the 2012 Giant X1 W Trance. This sassy women’s all-mountain bike certainly “gets ‘er done.”If you want a one-quiver bike, she’s yours; loose uphill, loose downhill, tight, curvy single track, rocky step downs…you get the drift. Plus, the Trance X1 W is the perfect bike for a woman at an intermediate level looking to it step-up a notch without breaking the bank. At $2,750 this bike is nearly unbeatable in the quality-to-cost department.

Its slightly slacked-out head angle (the backward tilt you’ll notice in an all-mountain and even more so in downhill bike), Fox 32 F125RL fork with QR15 thru-axle, Fox FLOAT RP2 Boost Valve and 5 inches of travel makes even the gnarliest downhill easy, breezy. Loose rocks and tight turns? Pshaw. No problem with Giant’s tapered steering tube and oversized headset. Huh? I’ll break that one down a bit for bike part noobs below.

Tapered Steering—Giant was actually the first manufacturer to bring a tapered steering tube to the market. First, let me further break down bike parts:

Steering Tube — top of the fork which is placed within the headtube.
Headtube — front part of frame which wraps around steering tube.
Headset — internal and external bolts, nuts and caps that hold fork and stem in place and allows for smooth steering.

In sum, the steering tube tapers from narrow to wide at its base, and when combined with larger headset pieces it increases steering precision and reduces friction.

This bike is equipped with nothing but the best components and drivetrains (SLX and XT) all of which decrease weight and increases shifting time and ease.

The icing on the cake for the Trance XI W and pretty much every women’s Giant bike is the commitment to female-specific design. Giant’s women’s line, Liv/giant “is a cycling brand dedicated solely to the female rider. It includes everything from specially designed bikes, gear and accessories to retail stores, events and ambassadors who inspire us to lead happier, healthier, more adventurous lives through cycling.” Can’t argue with that.

women's mountain bike reviewsThe Test
This bike had me grinning from the moment I pulled it off my roof rack. It was notably lighter than my Giant Cypher 2, likely because of the lighter XT rear derailleur. So riding up Smuggler (a 25-minute sun-baked death march on the outskirts of Aspen) was a little less painful than it usually is. Once at the top, it was time to descend from Lollipop into Hunter Creek. This bike and I were very much on the same page: we like to go downhill! The fork and shock did what I expected them to do, but it was the quick response steering and reduced friction that had me hootin’ and hollerin’.

I especially noticed the reduced friction in a very rocky section of Hunter Creek, I could maintain my speed much better without much teeth chatter.
Cons
If you’re a seriously advanced rider who beats their bike into the ground on a somewhat daily basis, you may want to consider something a little burlier.

*Price Point: The price seems unbeatable, for a mere $2,750 this bike does everything you’d want an all-mountain to do.

Merrell Avian Light Ventilator Waterproof Hiking Shoes

By
Leah Fielding
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0

Merrell Avian Light Ventilator Waterproof Women’s hiking shoes are no longer available, but you can check out some similar products on REI.com.

The Overview:
Merrell is known for making comfortable, high-quality outdoor footwear. They have a great selection ranging from resilient hiking boots, multi-sport running sneakers and a whole new Barefoot line of trainers, snow boots, walking shoes and even casual slip ons that mimic barefoot walking or running to improve your alignment. But if I had to pick one shoe for our 2012 summer women’s hiking boot reviews that’s going to do it all, and do it well it’d have to be the Avian Light Ventilators. These are great multi-purpose shoes, great for hiking, running or walking, thanks to lightweight, but durable construction. It’s Vibram® Avian Light Rubber Sole keeps the clunkiness to a minimum, but also provides excellent traction and abrasion resistance, ensuring your money is well spent. And since Merrell knows these shoes will last you awhile they incorporate mesh lining treated with antimicrobial solution to keep stink foot at bay. Obviously one for details, Merrell leaves nothing out with its comfort midsole which provides women’s specific stride-sequenced cushioning.

The Test
I particularly liked the comfort level of these hiking shoes. Upon first stepping in they felt like they were already broken in. Score! These shoes are sturdy, not squishy—which is apparently bad for your foot—but there were no awkward pressure points, and the compression molded EVA footframe gave ample support. And they certainly live up to their namesake, aka “Light Ventilators.” Although they have the look (and construction) with waterproof nubuck leather and pig suede that is consistent with a heavy-duty ankle-length hiking shoe they are surprisingly lightweight, at just one pound and two ounces. Living in the Colorado Rockies, I tend to hike up loose, rocky steep trails a lot, so a lightweight shoe is key to saving my energy. Going back to the “Ventilator” part, the mesh lining makes this shoe one of the most breathable my tootsies have ever been in. It’s been particularly hot and sunny in Colorado this summer, even up in Aspen where I live, so the “Ventilator” function really came in handy. The proprietary Vibram® sole was perfect for the aforementioned “loose, rocky, steep” trails. No slipping or sliding, just gripping. All in all, a great multi-purpose mountainwoman shoe!

Cons
The shoe laces seemed to slip a lot, so you may want to purchase different shoe laces. It’s a small detail in the grand scheme of things, but at $100 a pair it really shouldn’t be happening.

Rating:
4.5

Design: I really appreciate that Merrell invested some research to pinpoint where women needs the most cushioning based on our stride. +1
Style: Simple, and generally plain. Colors could be better. -.5
Durability: Waterproof and sturdy these hiking shoes get high points in this category. +1
Performance: The lightweight, breathable materials and Vibram® sole allow you to trek for long periods of time with no complaints. +1
Comfort: EVA compression foot bed contours to the foot nicely. +1

Buy Merrell Avian Light Ventilator.

Shredly Shorts

By
Leah Fielding
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0
women's bike short reviews, women's padded bike shorts, women's bike shorts

Feminine not girlie, there’s a difference people.

The Overview:
As active, adult women we know it can be challenging to find outerwear that tows the line between cute and cool. Shredly, an Aspen-based women’s mountain biking apparallel company does just that. You won’t see much pink or flowery prints on their products—which I personally really appreciate—but you will see hip designs such as peacock feathers (see photo), cutsy punk-rock skulls and vibrant, swirly art deco prints.

Owner, Ashley Rankin, not only designed these shorts as a hip/funky alternative to plain or girlie women biking shorts, she also put a lot of thought into the cut of the shorts, and you should be glad. She’s looking out for your ass, literally. Ashley says she designed a high waistband in the back “so the rider behind you can focus on something other than your crack.”

The Test
I wore these shorts on a SheJumps downhilling day at Snowmass here in Aspen, CO, so granted I didn’t do a lot of sitting on my bike seat (ladies, you’re supposed to stand up going downhill, don’t forget), but I did do a lot of sitting on a patio seat drinking apres beer. And trust me I’ve sat in chamois apres biking many-a-time and Shredly chamois top in as most “un-diaper” like, thanks to understated, but sufficient padding and a low-cut, wide waistband. Heck, I could’ve gone out to dinner in these shorts and felt comfortable. Which is a small feat in itself. No woman wants to feel like she’s wearing the world’s largest feminine pad while biking.

In full downhill gear—on a hot summer afternoon— these shorts were notably cooler than my usual bike shorts. They’re also the perfect length and fit in my opinion; they were long enough to qualify as a stylish “freeride” fit, but slim enough that the legs didn’t rub together.

These shorts are a bit pricey, running at $125, but with all the thought that went into both pieces, I think they’re worth every penny.

Cons
I’d like to see more pockets and zips for shorter rides when I don’t want to carry my CamelBak.

Rating
4.5 stars

Design: Although these shorts are in need of more pockets, or larger ones, the actual fit is extremely flattering on nearly every body type. -.5
Style: Nearly every woman, of every age, style and ability can find a print they’d like to sport. +1
Durability: This fabric can hold its own against outlying branches on the trail. +1
Performance: Breathable, slightly stretch fabric and the understated, low rise chamois makes these ideal for long, hot mid-summer rides. +1
Comfort: The reinforced crotch makes moving easy and increases comfort in the saddle. +1

Buy Shredly Shorts.

Patagonia Women’s Active Mesh Sports Bra Review

By
Leah Fielding
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0
women's sports bra reviews, women's sports bras, sports bra reviews

Flaunt it out and about, or wear it traditionally (under your shirt).

The Overview:
What I love about this women’s sports bra is that it’s very multi-faceted. It’s functional and does what it was intended for—very well—no surprise there from Patagonia. But, it’s also the kind of bra you can and will wear any given day to nearly any activity or event. Which if you’re like me is great, since I’d rather go bra-less than wear an underwire or push-up bra.

This is a great bra to wear to hot yoga, or running, in particular, because once you’ve worked up a sweat you won’t be embarrassed to shed some layers (because it’s so darn cute). It’s also a good option for water-related activites, such as rafting or SUPing, since it’ll dry quickly and it looks like a swimsuit top anyway.

This bra is also one of my favorites to wear when I’m clunking around in yoga pants and some random hipster off-the-shoulder top, because the adorable designs on the bra can peek through.

You have two choices of prints, a design-y flower burst (see photo) or a Native American-esque geometrical pattern. I really like both, but if I had to pick I’d go with the Native print, because all the cool kids are wearing it right now.

The Test
I first wore this bra on one of my usual mountain biking routes. On the hot, sunny uphill it’s recycled polyester mesh minimized the unpleasant cleavage sweat reservoir that collects. On the rocky, bumpy downhill I was equally satisfied, it kept my jiggly bits (small as they might be) nicely in their place. And it’s comfortable thanks to seamless construction, no slip V-straps and no itchy tags, which kept me happy and focused on riding my bike, not re-adjusting straps or shifting the bra around.

Cons
There’s not much to complain about with this brassiere, but I will warn large chested ladies to consider buying a size up if purchasing online or going to a Patagonia store to try it on. I could see this bra being a tad constricting for ladies with D-cups (possibly even C’s) and up

Rating
4 stars (out of five)

Design: The sizing is a little off, bigger bosomed ladies will likely feel restricted in this bra. -1
Style: The assortment of colors and patterns will please and lady who is a sucker for details. +1
Durability: A blend of recycled polyester, nylon makes this a bra that will last. +1
Performance: Seamless construction prevents chaffing and V-shaped straps prevent slipping. +1
Comfort: The combination of the seamless stitching and fabric keeps everything where it should it be. +1

Buy Top Seller: Women’s Active Mesh Bra – $35

Welcome to Women’s Gear Guide!

By
Leah Fielding
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1

You can expect honest, engaging and experiential-based women’s gear reviews of all the female specific—and sometimes unisex—gear that I can get my little paws on. You’ll find reviews ranging from alpine ski and snowboard equipment to backcountry and touring gear to climbing and biking to hiking and camping, as well as footwear and sunglasses.

Why is female-specific gear important?
In the words of women’s gear pioneer Jeannie Thoren “women are not small men.” We have a lower center of gravity than men; women are more pear shaped, while men are more apple shaped. These differences in our center of gravity translates to differing body alignment  to appropriately address and disperse our body weight.  Our center of gravity dictates our structure and alignment. Thus, women have wider hips to address their lower center of gravity and men have wider shoulders to address theirs. Products that take these differences into consideration are tantamount to a woman’s comfort, stability, ease of use and confidence in her outdoor activities.

About: My name is Leah Fielding, I’ve been a freelance skiing journalist/editor—working with Freeskier, Powder and SKI/SKIING— for the last four years and decided it was time to share all the wonderful outdoor products that I’ve come to know and love for their commitment to active women.

My aim with womensgearguide.com is to create a one-stop resource for womens outdoor gear and community because I am a firm believer in “if she can do it, so can I.” Women move differently and learn differently than men, we tend to like to have all the information available before jumping into anything, whether it be off a cliff or a purchase. So the more you know about a sport, it’s products and developmental history, as well as it’s community, the better informed you’ll be as customer and the more enjoyment you’ll experience in the outdoors.

Please email or message me with any suggested gear reviews, comments and questions.

“GET GEAR. GET AFTER IT.”

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