cara coolbaugh
Recent articles by cara coolbaugh
Altura Synchro review
Super-cheap, super-sleek race jersey with built-in go-faster stripes!
Endura Rebound Stretch Showerproof review
Easily packed and effective extra layer
Cannondale winter mid socks review
Exceptional, cosy cold-weather socks
Pinnacle Mean Streak 2.0 review
Tough, high spec city bike for pounding the streets
Ground Effect Hot Toddy Hoody review
I wore the Hot Toddy for nearly two weeks straight while lightweight cycle touring
Pinhead Components Wheel, Seat & Fork Locking System review
A solution to those quick release security issues
Sugoi Evolution Shorts review
The Evolution shorts are good quality all round; from the dual-surfaced EvoTech material to the smoothly stitched seams.
The North Face Mako review
Compared to the Megamouth, the Mako has narrower, more curved shoulder straps that sit securely round female curves.
The North Face Megamouth review
Pockets. And lots of them. We counted 13: zippered, Velcro tabbed, meshed, the lot. The Megamouth is great looking too.
Dawes Karakum review
Dawes have an ever-expanding line-up of bikes, but they are perhaps best known in the touring world thanks to the excellent reputation of classics like the Galaxy.
Fuji Absolute DX review
Fuji have been sponsoring elite women cyclists for over 25 years, but they've only recently launched ladies production bikes.
Marin Muirwoods review
A versatile, mountain bike-inspired package
Nike WRX Granfondo review
The WRX (walkable road Xchange) Granfondos blend the performance qualities of true road shoes with the practicality of a usable sole for off the saddle.
Trek 7.6 FX WSD review
Trek's FX models are flat-barred bikes with city riding in mind.
Genesis Day 03 review
A road bike in flatbar clothing. Whiplash fast and effortless up hills but might suffer on gritty urban terrain come winter. Great for fast, smooth commutes or weekend rides in the country.
Trek 7.5 FX Disc review
A great all-rounder for the city with style and practicality.
Specialized Globe Comp IG8 W review
Step-through bikes aren't for everyone, but their practicality appeals to many women - especially those who want to commute in their office clothes.
Scott Team Lady review
These are the most unisex looking shoes with nary a spot of pink or baby blue on them. The white, black and silver combination is, in fact, very cool and simple with racy side vents.
Protective Marina review
The Marina is a simple but quite beautifully cut jersey from Protective's new 07 range. It's closer-fitting and more femininely-styled than previous year's offerings with a noticeably shorter torso length. Flatlock stitching keeps things smooth against the skin and the sleeves and hem lay flat without bunching. It's 100% polyester in a dense weave that feels more substantial than some cooler fabrics but it wicks sweat well. Two rear pockets are really easy to get into and the front zip is covered up at the chin for comfort.
Shebeest Boardrider 3/4 review
Shebeest's Boardriders incorporate the best of both worlds. The nearly weightless outer short stretches easily when pedalling and the snip-out inner is comfy with a high-quality pad that's up to long rides. Styling is subtly surf inspired and the flat front with low-rise works well when leaning forward to the handlebars. The waistband sits higher at the back and there's an internal elasticated strip to keep from gapping. Articulated knees allow a free bend without looking overly technical.
Carrera Gryphon review
Flat-barred road bikes offer many of the fast paced advantages of a conventional road bike, with the confidence-inspiring position and good visibility in traffic of a mountain bike. Over the last few years, we've seen them develop within their own niche, with their own geometries, a choice of drivetrains and even disc brakes. The Gryphon goes down the dedicated 'urban warrior' route, with mechanical disc brakes, rack and mudguard eyelets and a road-inspired drivetrain - all for under £360. We tested it in Bristol's hectic streets to see how it measured up.
Pearl Izumi Boulder Bike Knicker review
The Boulders use a thin, light and stretchy fabric. They're cut long in the leg, with an elasticated waist and pull cord. There's good reflective piping, zippered pockets to the front and a small, pop-shut pocket to the side. The snap-in inner is high-quality and well shaped. Although the feel is more pyjama than shorts, their overall lightness (203g) and low bulk can be real advantage. I found them ideal to take away on tour, being perfect to slip on over Lycra while wandering around town.
Pearl Izumi Symphony review
Skirts are a fun and feminine alternative to baggies. The Select is lightweight with an integrated inner short and basic slim fleece pad. Best for casual riding and not in a gale!
Gore Vento Lady review
If you can afford the £60 price tag, here’s why the Vento is an excellent gilet. It’s really comfortable, the full mesh lining doesn’t add much weight or bulk, and it wicks sweat away, keeping you happy in a wide temperature range.