Over the past couple of weeks we have been looking into other companies to see where other companies are at as far as their women's market. Just from the initial look one can already see the shadow that men have in the industry of cycling. Research has shown that men will cycle 3 times more than women. This is a big chunk of people to not offer products to. On the other hand Po Campo's main goal seems to be encouraging women to bike more and more by making it more convenient and stylish. They want to make it empowering to women and this may mean that by not entering the male market, it may make it even more empowering for a woman to ride.
Right now Po Campo only has 2 styles of bags with roughly 3 prints for each. The are sold in 12 different locations in Chicago (Rapid Transit, Smart Bike Parts, and more), 1 in Denver, and 2 in Seattle. (15 total). Emily and Maria and the founders of this Chicago based company, who graduated from the University of Illinois.
- Sustians has launched Bikebelles, a website exclusively for women cyclists. This website is to inform women how to stay safe, get started, and stay in fashion.
- Check out Knog Gekko bike lights.
- Sackville Shop Sack - has a Banana Rep. esque feel to it. They use fabric used for rain and sun protection used in Range Rovers.
- Cyclodelic Messenger Bags - use cordura for their outer fabric
- "I don't dress in cycling gear on my way to work because i don't want people to look me as someone who is a cyclist, because it will turn people away." as in wearing street clothes gives off the impression that anyone can do it.
- DOYOUelo - French website for cycle fashion (men and women). Personally don't think they look very practical
- Swrve - make pants for men and women
- Outlien - make men's pants (Schoeller Dryskin - 80% nylon, 10% poly, and 10 spandex)
The thoughts of a woman cyclist:
-Takes clothes to change into at work.
-Uses backpack to carry her items and sometimes straps the backpack to the back of her bike to prevent back sweat.
-Takes a wash cloth and soap to do a mini bath so that she isn't all sweaty and smelly.
- "Women carry more shit around then men in general. We are going to need more space."
- Things often carried: lunch, clothes, shoes, and "work" for the day.
- Thinks that a tool kit for more serious bikes is a must. Something that could stay with the bike.
- Find a good place to put the bike lock.
- "Just because they are for women doesn't mean they are for all women."
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