I spend a lot of time in bike shorts. As any committed cyclist will tell you, a good chamois (and lots of Chamois Butt’r) is critical to keeping your bum happy in the saddle. For races I wear my Honey Stinger kit but when I’m out training or just riding for fun, I prefer not to look so…Euro-spandex-y.  I’ve tried dozens of women’s baggy mountain bike shorts over the years, but it seems most manufacturers take the “shrink it and pink it” approach–not really designing women’s shorts, but just taking a men’s silhouette and making it smaller. Most are too baggy, fit poorly and have a sub-par chamois..not to mention the typically terrible women’s colors.

Then, I met Ashley Rankin, the founder and owner of Shredly.

I was at an Outside in Aspen reception over the weekend and we bumped into one another. I recognized her because my friend Lyndsay wrote a recent story about Shredly. Anyway, Ashley is terrific. Even over the blaring music at the reception, it was clear Ashley is incredibly friendly, modest and sharp as a tack. She asked if I would like to try some Shredly shorts and a jersey. Uh, yes please. She offered to deliver them to me at my house the very next morning. Wow.

So, on Sunday morning I rode up in Aspen wearing the Mama shorts and the Monte Carlo jersey. I was really impressed with both. The shorts come in women’s sizes (0-12) and they were clearly designed by a woman for women. They have a contoured waistband that’s reminiscent of yoga pants, so the shorts are low-ride, without showing my crack to the world while I’m on the saddle. The fabric is soft and stretchy. The fit is flattering, the pattern is cute. After my ride I took out the chamois and wore the shorts the rest of the day. The jersey is simple, but fits great and has a nice wicking fabric.

I’m psyched, these are the best women’s riding clothes I’ve tried. It’s an added bonus that Shredly is based right here in the Roaring Fork Valley. Check em out here.

On an unrelated note, I’m racing the Bailey Hundo this Saturday. Ian was originally slated to race, but he had to bail for a work function. So, I took his spot and I need some help with fundraising. If you have a couple dollars or more to spare, please donate to my page. I’ve got a big goose egg next to my name right now. It’s for a great cause – youth mountain biking. Donate here. Thanks for reading!