SUPPORT

Women's Racing Bike

OUCC aims to encourage women in cycling and the club owns a road racing bike specifically to loan out to women interested in cycling who just want to have a go and see if they like cycling with the club. The bike is a size small XX” and consists of a blue Ribble steel frame with Campag Veloce components. The bike can only be loaned out to members of the club. If would like to use this bike you must first inform the Women's Captain and then need to download and fill out the Loan Agreement Form which you need print, fill out and pidge to the Club Treasurer at Chemistry along with the Membership Form if you are not already a member.

Any one who agree to borrow the bicycle as inspected from Oxford University Cycling Club (OUCC) agrees to do so on the following conditions:

• To make a £5 contribution towards the up-keep of the bicycle when the bike is first borrowed and £3 for each 4 week period after an initial 4 weeks.
• The bicycle is for the sole use of the person named in this agreement.
• To not use the bike as an everyday means of transport.
• To keep the bicycle locked in a secure location, and where possible indoors, when it is not in use.
• To take care to ensure that the bike is set up correctly for me before riding it and that you understand the function of all of the components, seeking assistance from a member of the OUCC committee if necessary.
• To accept responsibility for the bike while in your care (fair wear and tear excepted), and will reimburse OUCC if it is damaged.
• To undertake to keep the bike clean (within reason) while in your care.
• To check the bike regularly (at least every two weeks), or ask a member of the OUCC committee to do so if you do not feel competent enough, and report any suspected damage or mechanical failure to a member of the OUCC committee immediately.
• To not ride the bike if you suspect any damage or mechanical failure.
• To be aware of the circumstances in which bicycle lights (not supplied with the cycle) need to be used, and of the advisability of wearing a properly fitting cycle helmet and reflective clothing.
• You are aware of the content and practical application of those parts of the Highway Code which relate to the riding of pedal cycles on the Public Highway.
  

Women’s Kit Sites

Finding decent women's specific kit can be quite a challenge!

So one of our intrepid members decided to brave the millions of cycling kit sites and bring us only the crème de la crème of women's kit.

Minx Girl The funkiest and best designed website offering a selection of women’s clothing and accessories that are either very cool or cool by virtue of being on this site. Either way, they have been tried and approved by girl cyclists, which is great to know. It seems to have an mtb theme but a bit of that culture won’t harm the roadies. The only downside is that their range is rather small compared to some other sites – I think I wanted it to go on and on.

Girls Run Too This site sells cycle kit as well as running stuff. It’s beautifully presented and from respected brands – few bargains, but just for women.

Girl Gear Girlgear sell a selection of clothing that comes fully endorsed by the site writers. The site also aims to offer features and advice for female cyclists.

Cyclexpress Women from Cyclexpress.co.uk: saddles, shoes, clothing, value but limited choice.

Edinburgh Bicycles They claim to have the biggest women’s section on the web – and it is impressive, with wide choice and often stocking items not common elsewhere. Women aside, it’s a comprehensive site for all things bike.

buy2ride Half ladies clothing and bikes and half gents. A smart range of clothing, nicely presented, but, again, not as huge a choice as the more bargain sites.

Wiggle Wiggle has a huge selection including bike accessories, bikes and running gear and, if you click on the ‘just for women’ tag at the top of the site, it sorts all the women-specific items. It’s often the place to look first… and to return to after comparing elsewhere.

Cyclesurgery Another well-stocked site. Easy to navigate and special offers, with a women’s section.

It’s worth saying that there are lots of other sites out there if you search!

Ruth Smith