Talking with Jackie Baker from Giant for Women - By Sarah

As mentioned in October’s post, Breakaway Bikes will be hosting the Giant For Women’s Tour this month. Last week, I had the pleasure of corresponding with Jackie Baker from Giant Bicycles; she seemed very enthusiastic and had a lot of good things to say.

Me: How many women are buying bikes?

 

Jackie: The general concept is that about 1/3 of bikes sold in the US are women's-specific models. However, any given inline bike can also be ideal for any number of women, so the number of women actually buying bikes would be higher than 1/3 in the US. My question would be, of those girls who bought bikes, how many are still avidly riding them, and how can we make sure that every girl who buys or owns a bike gets excited about riding it as often as possible? The key is building a relationship at the shop to ensure she's on the correct bike size and on the bike that best fits her style and the terrain she'll be riding. With the shop's help, she'll be confident that every time she gets on her bike, she's going to have an enjoyable ride.

 

Me: What are you planning to show or teach our customers that they might not have known before?

 

Jackie: That's a tough question. Every group tends to have different levels of knowledge. But what I try to do is cater each clinic to the specific girls I have in attendance, so I make sure everyone gets something from the clinic. Often what I talk about are more simplified ways to take care of problems like a flat tire or skipping chain so that they're easy to do and easy to remember how to do. Also, I encourage everyone to practice everything we discuss on their bikes at home on their own time. That way there's no pressure, if you can do a task at your home by yourself, you'll know you can do it out on the road or trail when you are under a bit more pressure.

 

Me: What about our employees?

 

Jackie: With employee training, I try to work a lot on making sure we're getting girls on bikes that not only fit them size-wise, but also fit their riding goals and functionality. We want to get girls excited to get out on their bikes, and there are a few things we can do as bike shops to make sure that happens.

 

Me: How have you seen the cycling industry change, as far as the women-friendliness factor?

 

Jackie: Again, tough question. I started riding and racing in ‘97 with an awesome group of people. I started out as a collegiate rider, and there were a lot of guys and girls involved in cycling. It wasn't until I got involved with the gravity side of the sport that I really saw how male-centric the industry is. It's definitely still rough for pro women in all aspects of riding to get the recognition, pay, and respect they deserve. But I do feel like there are a lot of aspects where the industry is doing better – offering more fit and functionality options through women's-specific geometries and equivalent parts groupings for the same price as inline bikes, for instance.

 

Me: What are some aspects you find still need change?

 

Jackie: I think that the real catalyst for change comes from the bike shops. If shops are active in their communities and working to get more girls on bikes, and get them on bikes that are right for them, there will be even more demand for increased product selection and equal treatment from the beginning levels through the pro ranks. I think a lot of shops are doing a great job of offering resources to educate their female customers and make them feel like the industry values them. And I think that more and more, the industry is recognizing how valuable women are to its growth.

 

Whether you’ve already got a bike or don’t know where to start, please join us at Breakaway Bikes on November 10th and 11th. Jackie’s programs are sure to provide a lot of insight into how we can get more ladies on two wheels.

 

Wednesday, NOV. 10, 2010*

 

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Women’s Night at Breakaway Bikes

• Learn: How to pick out the perfect bike for you;
• What makes women’s bikes different;
• How a properly sized-bike should fit.
• Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, NOV. 11, 2010*

 

12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunchtime Fix-a-Flat and Basic Repair Clinic

• Spend your lunch break with us!
• Refreshments will be served.
• 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Giant for Women Bike Demo
• Try a Giant for Women mountain, road, or cyclocross bike!

*All Events are FREE