JERSEY
FitA cycling jersey should be short at the front and long at the back and fit close to the body in the racing position. The sleeve cuffs and jersey waistband should fit snugly without pinching.
EquipmentThe zip should be easy to operate with one hand. Three large back pockets are ideal so that there is room for arm warmers, a waistcoat or rain jacket. Plus reflective material in useful places and a small zip pocket for your smartphone or keys.
PriceA good road cycling jersey costs from around 70 euros. Cheaper jerseys usually lack smart details or don't fit perfectly.
BIKING PANTS
FitWhether with or without bibs is a matter of taste. Female racers prefer bib shorts - they fit better and protect the kidney area. Cycling shorts should fit snugly and have padding that neither slips nor pinches. Frequent cyclists prefer thinner seat pads to thicker ones.
EquipmentIdeal are wide, elasticated leg cuffs that neither slip nor cut in, and a waistband that reaches higher at the back. Plus points are also awarded for having as few flat seams as possible. Many manufacturers now tailor special bib shorts for women, which are designed to make going to the toilet easier with different systems (e.g. clip-on mono straps, halternecks or slits at the lower back).
PriceRacing bike trousers cost from 70 euros, top models even 200 euros and more.
WINDWESTE
FitIt should be short at the front and long at the back - and the sleeve openings should only be large enough for the gilet to fit snugly around the shoulders. Membrane material keeps out wind and water, and a lined collar protects against draughts.
EquipmentNeon colours are ideal for cycling waistcoats, along with reflective material at the front and back and soft material that doesn't rattle in the wind and can be rolled up small. Permeable material (e.g. mesh) on the sides allows perspiration to escape.
PriceUseful wind waistcoats cost from 60 euros, while high-end brands sometimes cost three times as much.
CYCLING HELMET
FitA cycling helmet should not pinch or slip off your head, even if you are leaning forwards with your chin strap open. The strap should fit snugly around the head, be easy to adjust and leave room around the ears. The head circumference is decisive for the right size.
EquipmentThe easiest way to adjust the straps is with a central twist fastener at the back of the head. At the chin, a finely notched ratchet fastener is more comfortable than a click fastener - then you don't have to constantly fiddle with the straps. Long-haired women need space at the back of the adjustment system for their ponytail. Some helmets are equipped with the new MIPS technology, which is even safer in the event of a fall.
PriceGood cycle helmets cost from 80 euros, very light helmets (around 200 grams) sometimes more than 200 euros.
CYCLING SHOES
FitThe heel must not slip and there must be room in the front of the cycling shoe so that it doesn't get tight in the heat. Tip: Manufacturers use different last shapes - shoes from different brands can be very different in the same size. Many models are also available in women's versions - they usually have a narrower cut and are available in small sizes.
Equipment: Frequent cyclists prefer stiff carbon soles; they support the foot better and make pedalling more efficient. Novice cyclists usually prefer softer nylon soles. Velcro straps plus ratchet fasteners are standard, while twist fasteners such as the Boa system are more comfortable.
PriceRoad bike shoes cost from around 100 euros, with top models sometimes costing four times as much.
RAIN JACKET
FitA rain jacket for female road cyclists should have sufficiently long sleeves, a high, padded collar and a waistband that doesn't ride up and reaches well over the buttocks at the back. Tip: When choosing a size, you should know how many layers you want to wear underneath, as rain jackets are not very elastic.
EquipmentIdeal zips are windproof and waterproof, run smoothly and can be operated with one hand. Ideal cuffs are close-fitting or adjustable. Neon colours plus reflective material offer ideal safety. And: the lighter a rain jacket is, the easier it is to fit in your jersey pocket.
PriceThe entry-level price for rain jackets suitable for racing bikes is well over 100 euros.
ALL-WEATHER JERSEYS
FitAll-weather jerseys are a mixture of jersey and jacket: the material is firmer than a summer jersey, but more elastic than a multi-layer rain jacket. There are now also special models for women. The body-hugging all-in-one jersey is suitable for competitions or intensive training in changeable weather.
EquipmentPerfect are a very elastic, windproof, water-repellent and vapour-permeable membrane plus impregnated outer skin. The elasticated bottom keeps the jersey in shape. Good details include zip garages, jersey pockets, reflective material and soft hems on the arms and neck. There are also short-sleeved all-weather jerseys - with matching arm warmers.
Pricefrom about 90 Euro
The most important tips for buying a road bike for women
read here
A test of all-weather jerseys for women
can be found here
