If you're cycling further than a few miles on tarmac, then we all know how important your bottom half becomes! Not only will the right pair of female-specific padded cycling shorts or tights keep you comfortable for hour after hour, the compression fit of today's lycra blends will actually make you ride more efficiently.

And it's not all about the practicalities - choose between traditional women's cycling shorts and longer 3/4s or tights, depending on conditions and how much skin you like to show. And then indulge in the aesthetics - are you a plain black kinda girl, or do you need a pop of colour?