Female focus
Our designer Julia’s top kit picks for sisters who like to send it
1 Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Small pedals Pedals don’t exactly scream ‘women’s-specific’, but female riders tend to have smaller feet than guys. These flats, available in a choice of colours, provide maximum grip and stability to send it big, in a smaller package. £149.99 www.extrauk.co.uk
2 7mesh Women’s Skypilot jacket
It’s hard to beat the light weight, breathability and weatherproof protection of GORE-TEX. An absolute essential in the UK, if only the price tag wasn’t as steep as the worst of climbs. £300 https://lyon.co.uk
3 Fox Speedframe Pro Lunar helmet
Fly to the moon and back on your next send, safe in the knowledge that this lid’s got your back, with its MIPS technology and dual-density foam. It’s a beauty that’s won over most of the MBUK team. £149.99 https://foxracing.co.uk
4 Rab Women’s Syncrino Light pull-on fleece
Not all trails are bike-friendly, but that doesn’t stop the call of the great outdoors. This packable merino-blend fleece will keep you warm around the campfire. £100 https://rab.equipment/uk
5 Mons Royale Stratos Merino Shift sports bra
Not many cycling brands dip their toes into this necessary area of women’s wear. This merino-mix sports bra offers coolness and comfort when your bike should be the only thing bouncing down the trails. €65 https://eu.monsroyale.com
6 Ride Concepts Hellion Elite Women’s shoes
Feel like a champ in these pristine kicks. Tough but incredibly light, let these mud magnets work their magic to stick you to your steed. £139.95 www.silverfish-uk.com
7 iXS Women’s Carve Hip-Hugger shorts
Yoga pants are famously next level for comfort and liberty of movement, so why not apply that to MTB shorts? With a slightly higher rise than usual, these stretchy shorts will keep you covered in any awkward pose you may end up in! £79.16 www.hotlines-uk.com
8 Specialized Women’s Mountain Liner bib shorts ẁith SWAT
Some of us love the practicality of a backpack and some don’t. If you’re the latter, then here’s a solution. These bibs have generous pockets to fit all your trail essentials in, and don’t leave annoying sweat marks. £90 www.specialized.com
9 Melon Echo sunglasses
Amazing value with their polarised lenses, you can go wild personalising these sunnies. Although unisex, they fit petite faces well. Bring on the British summer! £50 https://melonoptics.com
10 Finisterre Tego changing robe
Surfers know a thing or two about going full-moon in a car park, and so do we! With its DWR finish, fleece lining, hood and generous size, this robe has got you covered, even in pouring rain. £125 https://finisterre.com
11 Nukeproof Horizon Carbon side-load bottle cage
Smaller frames often mean less room for a water bottle. This doesn’t magically turn a woman into a camel, though, so side-loading cages come in handy to make the most of the space in your front triangle. £31.66 www.hotlines-uk.com
12 Ucon Acrobatics Hajo Mini backpack
Understated and well-made, this backpack boasts lots of clever compartments and comes in several sizes and no fewer than 35 colours. It makes the perfect commuter bag and looks good enough for casual use. From €79.99 https:// ucon-acrobatics.com