What gear are you looking for that you can't find in NZ? (Mrs Geeeen posting this)

[Geeen]

Hello Ladies,

This is Mrs Geeen posting this.

I've just started working for an online retailer who sells a range of items, and one thing I think is missing from a lot of ranges out there is ladies Road and MX gear.

I'm really interested to find out from you guys what you have had issues finding in the past, what you are likely to buy if available etc.

I'm looking at MX, Road and Casual apparel for moto brands.

Any feedback would be really appreciated as I would I like to talk to my moto buyer about starting to bring in more ladies gear in the new year, but am interested in seeing what others think is missing before I talk to him.

Thanks heaps :D

[ckai]

mmm, would this be a large 'local' online retailer? ;) If it is who I'm thinking of, us blokes have discussed some things about their road range on here already and since you're asking about chick stuff, I won't get into it.

But regarding the chick gear, my wife had a bitch of a time with boots. I mean a real bitch. We were looking towards the more sporty type with more protection and she ended up getting a pair of guys boots, in Auckland, at a size too big. My mum is having a similar issue. She's also having to go with a guy boot, mainly for the width though. But if you want anything other than black, even with just a detail in another colour, you'll have to wait for a blue moon.

Pants have also been an issue to find with both wifey and mummy.

One thing I've noticed with buying guys stuff online and chicks: guys can handle a written description, but if you're trying to sell to chicks video, video, video. In depth about sizing, materials etc. Most NZ online retailers are lazy with their written descriptions and chicks want go near them.

Hope that helps.

[Geeen]

mmm, would this be a large 'local' online retailer? ;) If it is who I'm thinking of, us blokes have discussed some things about their road range on here already and since you're asking about chick stuff, I won't get into it.

But regarding the chick gear, my wife had a bitch of a time with boots. I mean a real bitch. We were looking towards the more sporty type with more protection and she ended up getting a pair of guys boots, in Auckland, at a size too big. My mum is having a similar issue. She's also having to go with a guy boot, mainly for the width though. But if you want anything other than black, even with just a detail in another colour, you'll have to wait for a blue moon.

Pants have also been an issue to find with both wifey and mummy.

One thing I've noticed with buying guys stuff online and chicks: guys can handle a written description, but if you're trying to sell to chicks video, video, video. In depth about sizing, materials etc. Most NZ online retailers are lazy with their written descriptions and chicks want go near them.

Hope that helps.

Suffice to say they are just around the corner from us...

The other half has gone there from working in the fashion industry so has some idea about sizing. Will let her know about the video thing. She will be the one doing the descriptions so let us know what you want to know. Cheers for the feedback

[Stirts]

But regarding the chick gear, my wife had a bitch of a time with boots. I mean a real bitch. We were looking towards the more sporty type with more protection and she ended up getting a pair of guys boots, in Auckland, at a size too big. My mum is having a similar issue. She's also having to go with a guy boot, mainly for the width though. But if you want anything other than black, even with just a detail in another colour, you'll have to wait for a blue moon.


+.FARKING.1 on this.

I too had to buy man boots when I was first buying my gear. The ladies selection was pathetic, the "sporty" type were non-existent and the fitting was mostly for chicken legs. *sigh* Since then I have seen some great boots on the market for woman adjust for various calf size :banana: I haven't seen them yet in any of the shops I go to - here or in Aucks :(

As for gear, color range other than farking baby pink or blue would be a winner I reckon :facepalm:

[Grashopper]

I got my Sidi Cobra Goretex boots from overseas, because I wanted something sporty with more protection and really waterproof (not just labelled waterproof...). No chance of finding those here. And they are amazingly comfy, too. Much comfier than the Alpinestars Stella ones that are not waterproof.

ICON does some Hi Viz vests that actually look good and has one especially for ladies. I ordered mine from overseas.

And no chance of trying to find a helmet in ca. 51 with internal sun visor. But that seems to be quite difficult in general.

So, could someone please clue me in which online retailer we're talking about so I can keep my eye on it?

[ckai]

As for gear, color range other than farking baby pink or blue would be a winner I reckon :facepalm:

but isn't that what you chicks dig? :lol: Do you think guys are designing the woman's stuff and picking those colours or do you think it's clueless chicks?

It was exactly the same comment my wife made. First thing she said after telling any sales person she was looking for boots was "and don't even think about getting me anything with baby bloody pink or blue". To which I would add, "she'll probably shove them up your ass".

She ended up getting red and black. She totally didn't want red but hell, they weren't plain bloody black. Are they're different. She digs them now. She wants red gloves to tie them together. Woman and colour matching! :wacko:

[Zippo]

but isn't that what you chicks dig? :lol: Do you think guys are designing the woman's stuff and picking those colours or do you think it's clueless chicks?

It was exactly the same comment my wife made. First thing she said after telling any sales person she was looking for boots was "and don't even think about getting me anything with baby bloody pink or blue". To which I would add, "she'll probably shove them up your ass".


I could be nuts, but I actually like the pink stuff. Not all of it obviously, but I would love to be able to get my hands on a pair of those pink and black Sidi Vertigo Lei's!

[BuzzardNZ]

Just curious, are there enough lady motoX riders around to justify stocking ( no pun intended ;) ) this gear and making a worthwhile business venture out of it? I guess that's what you're trying to get a feel for with this post :)

[Grubber]

I got my Sidi Cobra Goretex boots from overseas, because I wanted something sporty with more protection and really waterproof (not just labelled waterproof...). No chance of finding those here. And they are amazingly comfy, too. Much comfier than the Alpinestars Stella ones that are not waterproof.

ICON does some Hi Viz vests that actually look good and has one especially for ladies. I ordered mine from overseas.

And no chance of trying to find a helmet in ca. 51 with internal sun visor. But that seems to be quite difficult in general.

So, could someone please clue me in which online retailer we're talking about so I can keep my eye on it?

I got my sidi race boots from Motomail and they had the Gortex jobs in there. Not too sure if there was any ladies boots though.
Is there seriously a problem with getting good ladies boots? Thats a bit sad really.:confused:

[ckai]

I could be nuts, but I actually like the pink stuff. Not all of it obviously, but I would love to be able to get my hands on a pair of those pink and black Sidi Vertigo Lei's!

Yeah those boots are pretty cool. Wifey digs them as well. Pity they're made for non-jandal wearing species ;)


I got my sidi race boots from Motomail and they had the Gortex jobs in there. Not too sure if there was any ladies boots though.
Is there seriously a problem with getting good ladies boots? Thats a bit sad really.:confused:

Ladies gear period is bollucks. But that goes for any male dominated industry. Take snow for example, companies will make 10+ pairs of guys boots and 3 or so woman's. They must think that chicks will just bite the bullet and get something "close enough" in guys gear. Bloody weird ideology if you ask me. How many woman's clothing shops are there vs men? How many co-sex clothing shops have more floor space for mens stuff? Chicks dig fashion, colours, looks. Fuel their needs I say and give them what they want.

[Stirts]

Do you think guys are designing the woman's stuff and picking those colours or do you think it's clueless chicks?

Either way, they are farking clueless.


She wants red gloves to tie them together. Woman and colour matching! :wacko:

Oh now don't be pretending you don't colour co-ordinate your gear.

Red gloves you say...I have always liked these, and the photo doesn't do them justice. BUT once again me thinks they be MENS *argh* - they do have ladies version - JUSTFARKINGPINK!!!
<img src="http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/images/products/29.4836.jpg"></img>


I could be nuts, but I actually like the pink stuff. Not all of it obviously, but I would love to be able to get my hands on a pair of those pink and black Sidi Vertigo Lei's!

Yups, you nuts :msn-wink: I like the odd pink here and there. In fact I have the new HJC stylie pink helmet. But seriously, you have to admit they have gone a bit OTT.

[Stirts]

Chicks dig fashion, colours, looks. Fuel their needs I say and give them what they want.

Noooooooooooooooooo, I have mortgage to pay for.

[ckai]

http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/images/products/29.4836.jpg

They're pretty fucken cool.


Noooooooooooooooooo, I have mortgage to pay for.

I rest my case ;)

[Grashopper]

I got my Sidi Cobra Goretex boots from overseas, because I wanted something sporty with more protection and really waterproof (not just labelled waterproof...).


I could be nuts, but I actually like the pink stuff. Not all of it obviously, but I would love to be able to get my hands on a pair of those pink and black Sidi Vertigo Lei's!

Oops, yeah, the Cobras are actually men's boots, too, but they exist is smaller sizes. Had my eye on those Sidi Vertigo Lei's, too, but they are not waterproof and if I remember correctly not to get here. But they sure look nice. :2thumbsup

[Murray]

Chicks dig fashion, colours, looks.

And you don't - I mean with you being the coolest dude in the waikato:lol::lol::lol:

[ckai]

And you don't - I mean with you being the coolest dude in the waikato:lol::lol::lol:

Na mate, I don't need to worry about fashion or colours. I look good in any shit. I create fashion. I'm the Chuck Norris of fashion.:banana:

[Geeen]

Na mate, I don't need to worry about fashion or colours. I look good in any shit. I create fashion. I'm the Chuck Norris of fashion.:banana:

So I guess that pink ladies one piece leather suit that you bought yourself fits real nice on you then? :lol::lol: Luf Mrs Geeen

[ckai]

So I guess that pink ladies one piece leather suit that you bought yourself fits real nice on you then? :lol::lol: Luf Mrs Geeen

For the last time, it's salmon not pink!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

[Geeen]

For the last time, it's salmon not pink!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

You actually know the difference???:eek5:

[Grashopper]

You actually know the difference???:eek5:

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no difference :devil2:

[Kendoll]

As for gear, color range other than farking baby pink or blue would be a winner I reckon :facepalm:

Agreed! I've also found that most stuff in smaller sizing pretty much only comes with pink swirly or sparkly shit on it. I don't especially enjoy looking like a 5 year old playing dress ups when I ride! :P

Also ladies' one piece leathers are really hard to come by. I understand why, I mean there isn't a very high demand for them, but it's still something I've struggled with finding none the less.

[cc rider]

Yeah chicks range is pretty shyte here (Oz) too. It's not that they make gear in mostly black. It's that importers pick black, pukey pink & barf blue.

Most gear is manufactured in a good range of colours but different countries buy different styles/colours.

This is a discussion I have regularly with them (importers). Any range is limited by the quantity required to purchase of a particular item in a particular colour. So you get Black, Blk/Gun, Blk/Wht & if lucky Blk/Red or Blk/Ylw.

Impoters have to estimate which styles/colours will sell best so as not to have dead stock and as the women's demographic is considerably less then mens...


But it seriously does my head in when 8 out of 10 ladies ask for colour. They compromise or go online usually.

My full sports boots are mens Sidi B2.
My short sports are A/Stars Stella SMX1.1 in fushia no less :laugh:
(but blk/red/wht not avail here :facepalm: )

Kendoll look out for A/Stars Motegi & Anouke, Dainese Tattoo & Yu Lady (I have 1 in the cupboard but the swirls scare me too much to wear :eek:)

So yes ladies range in NZ & Oz is crap

Good luck Mrs Greeen... and get yourself on here (no offence Greeeny)

cheers
CC

[Theantidote]

but isn't that what you chicks dig? :lol: Do you think guys are designing the woman's stuff and picking those colours or do you think it's clueless chicks?



as a retired former shoe designer and craftsman of all things shoey i can confirm the yes by and large it is blokes designing footwear and clothing for chicks...go figure...i spent a good part of 20 + years making and designing womens footwear...sad but true...what was even sadder was asking women for feedback...seems everyone knows what they don't want and no one knows what they want...

[BoristheBiter]

Yeah chicks range is pretty shyte here (Oz) too. It's not that they make gear in mostly black. It's that importers pick black, pukey pink & barf blue.

Most gear is manufactured in a good range of colours but different countries buy different styles/colours.

This is a discussion I have regularly with them (importers). Any range is limited by the quantity required to purchase of a particular item in a particular colour. So you get Black, Blk/Gun, Blk/Wht & if lucky Blk/Red or Blk/Ylw.

So yes ladies range in NZ & Oz is crap

Good luck Mrs Greeen... and get yourself on here (no offence Greeeny)

cheers
CC

This seems to be a industry thing as we went to the states and the shops are just as piss poor as here.
My other half was so disappointed as on the web sites they had all the options but in store they would get it in for you and it would take a week.

so I got a pair of boots instead.

[cc rider]

This seems to be a industry thing as we went to the states and the shops are just as piss poor as here.
My other half was so disappointed as on the web sites they had all the options but in store they would get it in for you and it would take a week.

so I got a pair of boots instead.That is really disappointing to here Boris. You'd expext better in the States. I know when I spot a noice bit of kit & ask, it's from an overseas trip. Usually Euro.

I'd love to set up a business bringing in girls apparel, sizes/colours/styles, from overseas & have it available to outlet in NZ & OZ.

If I could get the exact item into a store in a week, I'd be happy.

[BoristheBiter]

That is really disappointing to here Boris. You'd expext better in the States. I know when I spot a noice bit of kit & ask, it's from an overseas trip. Usually Euro.

I'd love to set up a business bringing in girls apparel, sizes/colours/styles, from overseas & have it available to outlet in NZ & OZ.

If I could get the exact item into a store in a week, I'd be happy.

I think you would be onto a winner but how cost effective I don't know.

[cc rider]

I think you would be onto a winner but how cost effective I don't know.Good excuse to go to Europa once a year though ;)

Am going to UK end of 2014/early 2015, so who knows.

[Kendoll]

Kendoll look out for A/Stars Montegi & Anouke, Dainese Tattoo & Yu Lady (I have 1 in the cupboard but the swirls scare me too much to wear :eek:)

Thanks! I am currently looking at the Stella Anouke by A-Stars, reckon it'll fit pretty well but going to have to order from ze Germans :)

[cc rider]

Thanks! I am currently looking at the Stella Anouke by A-Stars, reckon it'll fit pretty well but going to have to order from ze Germans :)What size are you?
I take it you've tried all the NZ stores. It is an older model so may be hard to find in NZ & Oz. I had a quick look, don't think we have any left.

I've contacted Crown Kiwi the A/Stars importers. I'll let you know when I hear back. Though you could contact them too with any inquiry re suits etc.
It's always preferable to buy local & somewhere you can try on. Plus if there's any issue, you can go back to the outlet.

But I do understand it's not always an option.

cheers
CC

[kaz]

Like many others, I've had trouble finding boots. Specifically a range of boots that offer as much protection as the men's boots do. Typically I find there might only be 1-2 that are as good and if they don't work for you, you're stuck.

In fact I've had this issue with other gear too - the women's stuff often offers less protection. However I mostly managed to find what I wanted by shopping around (and pointing out to shop assistants that we're a) not all pillion passengers and b) even if we were, we'd still need good protection).

[cc rider]

Well said kaz, you got it in one

Pathetic aye :(

[rustyrobot]

Not aware of anyone in NZ stocking Icon1000 gear, but they make some decent, stylee women's (and men's) riding gear that breaks out of the usual types...

http://icon1000.com/collection/

291204

291205

291206

[Grashopper]

So, are there any news from Mrs Geeeen's online retailer yet?

Aaaaaannnnnddddd, Happy B-day Geeeen :)

[Geeen]

Hello!

Geeen says thanks for the birthday wishes :-)

That icon stuff looks awesome, I'll show it to my moto buyer, and see whether he would be interested.

Now that we are through the mad Xmas rush I've been looking at the brands that we bring in, one of them is AXO, and they have an amazing ladies 1 piece suit as well as some very stylish Kevlar ladies jeans, which I think could be a really great idea for us to bring in, we just landed the guys jeans this week and already stock the guys 1 piece suit.

We also have some new ladies mx gear about to land which includes a specific ladies mx chest guard which I can't wait to try on and see how it fits.

Thank you all so much for your feedback, I think the major items we need to be looking at based on your feedback are boots, gloves, suits and no pink or blue colours ;-)

We do a lot of legit as well as parallel importing, so if there are brands out there that you know of like icon1000, please fire their names my way. I'm really keen to help grow our road section on our site, especially the ladies section as we only have ladies boots at the moment... :'( one thing about me though is that I can't write about it if I haven't tried it on, I am quite frequently seen sitting at my desk with elbow guards or gloves on while typing lol, so you can rest assured that the descriptions are written with the gear on and in front of me and aren't just a copy of someone else's writing on a website somewhere by someone who's never been on a bike before.

I'll try and keep you up to date with how I get on, if you want to check out the current range and give me some feedback on it we are talking about Torpedo7... If you haven't guessed.

Thanks Ladies!

xx
Mrs Geeen.

[Miss Sash]

Ive ended up buying every piece of my gear, except one winter revit jacket, from revzilla or bikebandit. I'm in the market for a nice new helmet at the moment and have my eye on the absolutey stunnning Shoei Qwest Sonoma but do you think anyone brings in the ladies shoeis? hell no!

I love love love pink and i struggle to find decent pink gear. Chances are if it's pink, its crap protection wise and if its great protection wise it's black...

[HenryDorsetCase]

Like many others, I've had trouble finding boots. Specifically a range of boots that offer as much protection as the men's boots do. Typically I find there might only be 1-2 that are as good and if they don't work for you, you're stuck.

In fact I've had this issue with other gear too - the women's stuff often offers less protection. However I mostly managed to find what I wanted by shopping around (and pointing out to shop assistants that we're a) not all pillion passengers and b) even if we were, we'd still need good protection).

my partner ended up taking the malloleus protection out of her Diadora boots because they were digging into her to the point she couldnt wear them. Boots fit fine and every time we go to a bike shop we end up trying on boots for her but nothing fits or they dont have her size. next up Peter Stevens in Melbourne.

[Grashopper]

Ive ended up buying every piece of my gear, except one winter revit jacket, from revzilla or bikebandit. I'm in the market for a nice new helmet at the moment and have my eye on the absolutey stunnning Shoei Qwest Sonoma but do you think anyone brings in the ladies shoeis? hell no!

I love love love pink and i struggle to find decent pink gear. Chances are if it's pink, its crap protection wise and if its great protection wise it's black...

Check out the Bell Vortex Monarch helmet in pink. Really cool helmet.
Bell is more and more coming into NZ. Last year I couldn't find an RS1 anywhere, now a few shops have the new Bell helmets, for example, Motomart in Lower Hutt or Bayride in Tauranga. They might be able to get the Monarch in, too. No clue about the protection it offers, though, as it was the RS1 and the Star I had my eye on.

[Miss Sash]

Check out the Bell Vortex Monarch helmet in pink. Really cool helmet.
Bell is more and more coming into NZ. Last year I couldn't find an RS1 anywhere, now a few shops have the new Bell helmets, for example, Motomart in Lower Hutt or Bayride in Tauranga. They might be able to get the Monarch in, too. No clue about the protection it offers, though, as it was the RS1 and the Star I had my eye on.

I currently have a Bell which I do love, It was originally Black White Red and Silver and I just had all the red bits covered in pink vinyl. It did the trick :) I specifically have my eye on 2 shoei helmets, the RF-1200 Duchess and the Qwest Sonoma. Both really killer looking helmets with all the right protection as well. Doesn't look like anyone can bring them in for me though because of Shoei's import restrictions I believe. I'm sure i will find a way though :P

[Stirts]

I currently have a Bell which I do love, It was originally Black White Red and Silver and I just had all the red bits covered in pink vinyl. It did the trick :) I specifically have my eye on 2 shoei helmets, the RF-1200 Duchess and the Qwest Sonoma. Both really killer looking helmets with all the right protection as well. Doesn't look like anyone can bring them in for me though because of Shoei's import restrictions I believe. I'm sure i will find a way though :P

What size are you for the Shoei?

Reason I'm asking is that Bayride, here in TGA, "MAY" be able to help you.



Never mind...they just got back to me.....NZ are not bringing in the Qwest in Pink AT ALL!!!

And

The NZ "equivalent" to the Duchess is the ....wait for it...... the BOOGALOO, linkie to pic
http://ab-motowear.de/Shoei-NXR-Boogaloo-Integralhelm-XS
I like how they say "equivalent" when it is completely different graphic, but anyhoo - the ECE rating is different and the helmet itself is lighter and smaller. So if you like this, you will need to try on a NXR model.



I'm sure i will find a way though :P

If you really really, really want the Qwest or Duchess, then your way through would be to buy from Revzilla, they even have them in stock.

[Miss Sash]

The NZ "equivalent" to the Duchess is the ....wait for it...... the BOOGALOO, linkie to pic
http://ab-motowear.de/Shoei-NXR-Boogaloo-Integralhelm-XS
I like how they say "equivalent" when it is completely different graphic, but anyhoo - the ECE rating is different and the helmet itself is lighter and smaller. So if you like this, you will need to try on a NXR model.

Thanks for that, will take a look :)


If you really really, really want the Qwest or Duchess, then your way through would be to buy from Revzilla, they even have them in stock.

Haha yeah I looked into it but they also have the little speel down the bottom saying due to manufactureer restrictions we can't ship Shoei products outside of the US. Found a few stores that sell them on Ebay, which is not bound by international restrictions... im just reluctant to buy something that might need to protect my brain one day off ebay.. :eek5:

[cc rider]

Try here. Australian & the AS 1698 Australian Standards sticker is compliant in NZ

If XR1000 or X1100 fits you, then good chance the NXR will. Lighter & streamline.

*Advice is to always try on the helmet you intend on buying*

http://shop.peterstevens.com.au/MC1112151/NXR-Helmet-_dash_-Duchess-Purple/pd.php

http://shop.peterstevens.com.au/site/pages/freight.php

My fav of my helmets are my XR1000 & now race in an NXR. Love it.

[Kendoll]

Ive ended up buying every piece of my gear, except one winter revit jacket, from revzilla or bikebandit. I'm in the market for a nice new helmet at the moment and have my eye on the absolutey stunnning Shoei Qwest Sonoma but do you think anyone brings in the ladies shoeis? hell no!

I love love love pink and i struggle to find decent pink gear. Chances are if it's pink, its crap protection wise and if its great protection wise it's black...

Haha! I never thought I'd say this...because I'm personally allergic to pink gear :sick:... but there's a brand called Icon that does a lot of decent women's gear in pink, they're out of the US but I know you can get it shipped here as a good friend of mine has brought several pink jackets over from them. And I gotta say, she really rocks the pink :Punk:

http://www.rideicon.com/products/?categoryId=2226

Also, on the subject of helmets, try Motomail - they have a great range of gear for women including helmets... Last time I was there they had a white and pink swirly patterned Shoei Xr1000 in S and XS.

[Kendoll]

Now that we are through the mad Xmas rush I've been looking at the brands that we bring in, one of them is AXO, and they have an amazing ladies 1 piece suit as well as some very stylish Kevlar ladies jeans, which I think could be a really great idea for us to bring in, we just landed the guys jeans this week and already stock the guys 1 piece suit.


Keen as on a decent fitting one piece!!