One afternoon, I was nerding out on Twitter when I came across a San Francisco bicycle event account that was thanking “Pedal Panties” for being a sponsor of their event. I instantly google’d “Pedal Panties” and discovered the brain child of two avid cyclist, Jenn and Mary.
When I emailed Pedal Panties’ owners for more information, they were more than happy to answer a few of my questions. Take a peek:
How did you two find each other, become business partners, and develop your Pedal Panties idea and company?
We decided to go on a month long summer trip to Alaska and became good friends. After that, we began biking casually together, meeting up for coffee/beer or to go to cross races in Golden Gate Park. Jenn had been an avid rider, often commuting 12 miles each way to her kayak guide job in Sausalito. I spent plenty of time vintage clothes shopping and often ride in dresses and boots. We often describe the beginning as our two worlds of biking and clothes collided and a need for a stylish bike Pantie emerged. At the end of that ride we went home and bought the url for Pedal Panties and it just kept growing form there!
When you began formulating your plans for product design, were you surprised at what you found on the market? Were there any bicycling panties for women in existence?
Necessity is the ‘mother’ of invention…. I think the idea arose out of a need for a bike Pantie, that was stylish comfortable and NOT bulky. There was nothing else similar in existence and we weren’t surprised. As with most athletic clothing, it is often designed for men and then altered for women. That leads to the next question…
Do you have future plans for product expansion? Your website states, “Who knows, we might eventually modify our pantie for men, lest they become too stimulated.” Is this a hint?? Will Pedal Panties begin a men’s line?
The most common question after “where can I get a pair?” is “do you make them for men?”. A few adventurous men have worn them in races or for a ride. They are designed specifically for women and leave men left a little in the cold, if you know what I mean. We have joked that we will eventually modify them for men, but not until we really cover the ladies.
Many people define the word “cyclist” as someone who wears spandex shorts, sleek helmets, and uses clipless pedals. What is your definition of a cyclist?
Anyone who gets on a bike and rides it! We hope Pedal Panties can help expand the idea of cyclist to include anyone who wants to feel two wheels underneath them by making riding more inviting and comfortable. They’re ideal for new riders.
Can you wear a dress on a bicycle and be considered a cyclist?
Absolutely! It’s funny to even think that what you are wearing would be more of a defining factor than the fact that you are on a bike!
What is it like being women in the cycling merchandising business? Do you find that it is male dominated? If so, do you find the designs to be less than feminine and sexy?
We have found that the cycling industry is shifting in many ways to include women and actually encourage women to ride. Women ‘only’ bike shops are beginning to pop up and there are all kinds of women’s bike clinics and riding groups everywhere. We’ve definitely seen a shift in bike clothing becoming more feminine, but I really attribute this to women finding their place in the industry! Most male riders I know are super encouraging to women riders, what guy wouldn’t wan to ride behind a cute girl in Pedal Panties.
Tell us about the San Francisco cycling scene. Do you often spot chic cyclists? If so, can you send us some photos?? We would love to feature another city on the blog!
The SF cycling scene is robust! It’s a fantastic city for biking, and there’s a full spectrum of style & rider. It’s hard NOT to see chic cyclists! There’s definitely no shortage of photo ops. It is really fun to see the different styles of bikes as well as the fashion statements that individuals make For decades in SF, people have been really creative with their style and now that creativity is spilling into all things bicycle. Check out the Pantie Gallery on our site for a few examples, or send us a photo and BE an example!
Since beginning the business, what have been your challenges? What have been your high points?
The high points are ongoing, every time we make a new step forward, we can’t believe we’ve really gone from “I need a pair of Pedal Panties” to owning our own company. It’s all been a challenge, like a big hill you are climbing and then you get to go down really fast!!
Finally, where can we purchase your products?
Amazon.com
www.pantysalad.com
“My Boudoir” on Union Street, in SF CA www.myboudoir.net
Coming soon…
Studio Velo, in Marin County, CA www.studiovelomv.com
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