STUFFE

WOMEN & THE BIKE INDUSTRY
An interesting piece on Bikehugger today;

"For all the “women-specific” bikes (which are nothing more than men’s bikes with shorter stems and short-reach levers) there just isn’t enough of an understanding of a women’s cycling needs in the biz. Take any new-to-cycling woman or even an advanced amateur and throw them into a bike shop that carries a few women-specific frames and generally they come out more confused than satisfied."

I'm not entirely sure that this is too different to "a new cyclist" walking into a bike shop, full stop, a conclusion the author seems to come to as well;

"I’d like to suggest the idea that shops dedicate a person to be a custom fit guru, regardless of the gender of the client. Think of it like the Genius Bar, but about fit."

It's a great idea, but would push costs, I imagine. My own bikes have been (and in some cases still are being) tweaked to find the "perfect" combination of parts for me. Getting the "feel" of a new bike is easier now, but that only came with a lot of experience and trial and error. The "Fit Genius" might cost you more up front, but it seems to me that a bunch of money would be saved in the long term.

CHAPEAU!
67 Year old Man rides 1,600 miles to his high school reunion. (Story found at Urban Velo).

"It's a great way to see the country," said Goldman, 67. "You get to see the best and worst of America at 13 miles an hour."

Or, indeed, of any place. That's the beauty of the bicycle, quick enough to make good progress, slow enough for you to feel involved in what's around you. I can't think of anyone from my old school that I'd ride 1,600 miles to catch up with though.

LANDIS
A good round up of the story so far at Bicycling Magazine here.

GIRO D'ITALIA
Another astonishing, punishing stage yesterday for the riders with a frankly bonkers time trial - not only astonishing gradients (up to 24% in parts), but a final 5km on dirt roads. As I said on twitter, I think Zomegnan, the course director, must stroke a fluffy white cat and cackle as he plans the course.


Video Preview of the Stage - Not sure about the techno, but gives an idea of how tough the stage was.

In further Giro commentary, Cosmo over at cyclocosm examines the home court advantage afforded to Italian riders for the race - the accompanying picture is a great spot.

OVERBOARD WATERPROOF BACKPACKS
Bike Commuters has a review of this, a waterproof backpack (along the roll top closure model that will be familiar to most of you). I don't like backpacks on the bike, they're not as nice a solution as a saddlebag, or panniers (and will make you sweat in all but the chilliest conditions). The clincher for the Overboard pack is the price though, nearly half that of the very cheapest waterproof panniers. I'm not sure where these are available (if at all) outside the US, but as a budget option they seem like a good bet for short journeys.

STUFFE &c
I'm about to start a particularly busy week or so at work and home, so it's likely that this will be the last "Stuffe" for a little while - I'll be around less elsewhere too.