A plea from 'er indoors.....

[Oldfentiger]

Please could someone tell me the best place in the Northwest to buy women's cycle clothing. We've tried a few places and she's been disappointed with the choice available.

 

[screenman]

Not a clue but I like that bike in the picture.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

They tell me Portland Oregon has some good shops.

 

[Katherine]

I have an eclectic mix of cycling clothing.
Actual shops that I have bought clothes from are Evans, Halfords, Sports Direct and Aldi.
I have bought clothes online from Evans - Endura and Altura stuff, Halfords - mostly Altura stuff from click and collect , Planet X - own brand.

 

[Dayvo]

Yebbut, Oldfentiger needs something in/near the Lake District.

 

[Oldfentiger]

Anywhere in the northwest will do.
Will travel (anything for a quiet life)
She needs to try stuff on, as only one garment in a hundred is the right size/colour/design etc.

 

[Dayvo]

Anywhere in the northwest will do.

How far are you from Kendal?

http://www.evanscycles.com/stores/Kendal

 

[Katherine]

If you are going make a special journey, it might be a bit hit and miss, what ranges and sizes are in stock. You could try ordering a load of stuff on click and collect, try them on in store and only actually buy what suits. Both Evans and Halfords do click and collect. No obligation to buy.
I suppose I'm lucky that I can call in to either when I'm passing and have a browse. That's also why very little of my stuff matches, although there are a few colours I avoid. I have lots of summer gloves so I can match my tops! Most of my shorts and trousers are black.

 

[Oldfentiger]

How far are you from Kendal?

http://www.evanscycles.com/stores/Kendal

About an hour - the Manchester stores are a bit closer.

Thanks for replies folks

 

[F70100]

Never been to any of these stores but they seem to have a good selection of brands on the website: http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/location

 

[jefmcg]

I have never solved this. Cycle kit is hard to buy for the serious female cyclist who is not in the athlete class. With different body shapes, leg lengths, pad thicknesses, waist lines, colours, sizes a shop would have to stock dozens of different shorts before I could find the perfect pair. With the number of women cycling, it's not economical for most stores to do this. She could take @vickster's approach, and buy lots of things online. Wiggle and many other stores have an excellent return policy with free postage, so it's easy to buy lots of things to try on then return those that don't fit.

Minx have a good range of appealing practical yet attractive clothes, http://www.minx-girl.com/ but there return policy isn't as friendly. I've only bought a couple of things from there, but they have been great.

 

[Smurfy]

I've heard that shops selling women's cycle clothing is a bit catch 22. The choice is small in the average local bike shop, so women rarely buy, which means shops don't bother expanding their range because they aren't selling much........... and so the cycle perpetuates.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

Corrine Dennis online is one option. Depends on age and style really. I'm a fan of Minx Girl as already mentioned.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

http://www.velovixen.com/ claiming free delivery *and returns* - not bought from them yet as not needed to and don't want to browse too long in case I find things I 'need'

 

[Oldfentiger]

Thanks for all the replies folks

Earned me lots of brownie points.
Which will have mysteriously evaporated by tomorrow, no doubt.