When I created Bia in 2016, it was about more than just cycling. It was about reminding women of their strength, their resilience, and their ability to take up space—on and off the bike. Then, in 2020, I opened The Bia Hub, which brought me even closer to the day-to-day reality of women in cycling. Through the Hub, I had the chance to see first-hand how women approach purchasing decisions, how they view themselves in the sport, and—perhaps most strikingly—how many still struggle to justify spending money on themselves.
Women Still Undervalue Themselves
One of the most striking things I’ve noticed is that many women struggle to justify spending money on themselves—especially when it comes to bikes and kit. Fancy bikes? High-tech components? A proper bike fit? Many women don’t see themselves as “deserving” of these things, even when they ride regularly. It’s a stark contrast to the way many men approach cycling, where performance upgrades are almost a given. If you’re putting in the miles, you deserve a bike that works with you, not against you. Period.
Word of Mouth is Everything
Women trust their friends. If one of them finds a great bike shop, a supportive riding group, or a pair of bibs that don’t make long rides miserable, you can bet she’ll tell the others. I’ve seen it time and time again—recommendations from friends are what get women through the door, onto the saddle, and into the sport. This also means that when a woman has a bad experience—whether it’s with a shop that dismisses her or a group ride that feels exclusive—she tells her friends about that too.
The Magic of Women Riding Together
There’s something different about a group of women riding together. The chatter, the encouragement, the downloading of the week’s frustrations—it all happens on the bike. There’s no posturing, no pressure, no silent battles over who can push the hardest. It’s not that women don’t push themselves (they do!), but the energy is different. It’s collaborative, not competitive. And that is a big deal.
Bikes Still Aren’t Made for Women
Despite the progress cycling brands claim to have made, most bikes are still designed around male geometry. Smaller sizes exist, but they often just mean a shorter seat tube, not a properly proportioned bike with narrower bars, shorter cranks, and women-specific touchpoints. Unless women’s bikes become a primary focus rather than an afterthought, we’re going to keep seeing women ride bikes that don’t quite fit, which affects comfort, confidence, and performance.
Safety is Still a Big Concern
This one isn’t new, and unfortunately, it hasn’t improved much. Women (and men to be fair) still face aggressive drivers, close passes, and outright harassment on the roads. It’s intimidating, and for many women, it’s a reason not to ride at all. The more women we can get on bikes, the more normal it becomes—but until then, safety remains a major barrier.
The Gravel Boom is Real
More and more women are moving to gravel, and it makes complete sense. It’s safer, more relaxed, and—importantly—it allows women to justify investing in one good bike that does it all. Gravel bikes offer versatility, comfort, and the ability to get off the busy roads while still riding strong. For many, it’s a no-brainer.
What’s Next?
The trends are shifting, and with them, so are the opportunities for women in cycling. The move to gravel is proof that when women see a safer, more versatile option, they’ll embrace it. We need to continue pushing brands to create bikes that truly fit women, rather than just scaling down men’s frames. More importantly, we need spaces—both physical and digital—where women feel welcomed, supported, and seen in cycling.
The magic of women riding together isn’t just about the ride; it’s about what happens around it. The pre-ride coffee, the post-ride debrief, the friendships that form when women feel comfortable showing up as they are. Creating and fostering these spaces is just as crucial as getting more women on bikes in the first place. If we build an environment where women feel safe, encouraged, and part of something bigger, they’ll keep coming back. And that’s how we change the game—one ride at a time.
