Pearl Izumi Women’s Select Glove

 

These Pearl Izumi® Attack Gloves will keep your digits happy when your after work ride turns out to be a five hour epic, they reduce the road vibration and keep the brow sweat-free. High-Five with pride! Read more

Specialized S-Works Ruby SL

 LOVES TO CLIMB:

With its relaxed geometry, vibration-damping elastomer inserts, and highly engineered full-carbon frame, the Ruby is the most comfortable bike in our lineup. That was especially true during rides through the rolling terrain of Tuscany and on a climb to the top of Vermont’s Ap Gap, which includes 14 percent grades and 1,500 vertical feet. Read more

Felt FW2

 

ROCKET LAUNCHER:

This lively, full-carbon ride has about as much zip and stiffness as anyone could hope for, thanks to a true monocoque build and high-grade carbon fiber throughout. By mixing Shimano’s top-shelf Dura-Ace and midrange Ultegra components, Felt delivers true race-worthy performance while keeping the price down. The cutout saddle has great support. And while the build is aggressive, the relatively relaxed geometry is perfect for group rides and centuries. Testers kept returning to this bike for its great versatility and responsiveness. 16.5 lbs; feltracing.com

From Outside.com’s 2008 Summer Buyers Guide.

Scott Contessa Speedster

FAST BUT SMOOTH:

The Contessa Speedster is like a gateway drug: perfect for your first century or club ride. For starters, Scott nailed the women-specific cockpit design. More important, whereas most aluminum bikes feel fast at first but irritate some riders with their rigid feel a few hours into the ride, the Speedster is surprisingly supple. Part of the reason is Scott’s hydroformed tubing, which is optimized for stiffness yet minimizes metal fatigue. And while it’s heavier than its carbon sisters, it’s respect­ably light and well-priced. 20.4 lbs; scottusa.com

From Outside.com’s 2008 Summer Buyers Guide.