However, in the past few years, several companies have finally figured out that women DO ride ATVs and motorcycles, and if the right line of gear was presented to them, they'd snap it up. I mean come on - we're shoppers! MSR has rolled out an awesome entry into this market - the new MSR Girls RG2X pants, jersey and gloves. While I'm not a competitive rider and generally don't care how I look when I ride, the "serious" riders in my household suggested I could snazz up the look a little, so I didn't embarass them at the track or on the trail.

The added bonus is that the gear might actually fit me better than their worn-out hand-me-downs! The first thing I noticed about the jersey is hey, it fits! The shoulders are tapered slightly more than a men's standard cut, and it smaller around the middle.

The tail is still long enough to tuck well in, but doesn't extend past the thighs. The neck fits just right without being too small. It lays flat and snug so air doesn't blow down your neck, but the v-neck styling means it's easy to pull on and off. The cuffs are comfortable, and the quality appears to be top-notch. Not a big fan of stains, especially with gear that has a lot of white on it (which does look very cool, by the way) I appreciate the 100% poly fabric as well - I run from cotton jerseys. At about $30, the jersey is reasonably priced for serious riding gear from a major label.

The RG2X pant, like the best riding gear lines, has more technology and features built-in than most riders will ever recognize, but all will appreciate. They started with a full-on performance men's MX pant, then taylored the style without shortcutting any important features.

They are slightly altered in the waist, hips and legs. Beyond that, you'll get the same heavy-duty fabric, reinforced stitching, and strategically-located stretch panels for move-ability. The waist has an industrial-strength zipper and ratcheting buckle (avoid velcro when shopping for riding pants!). Fit is perfect - there is just enough elastic so when you lean forward, the waistband goes with you - no gap for cold wind or sand to blast down.

All this, in an amazing range of sizes from 4 - 14. Thank you for that. At first it appeared to me that the legs were considerably shorter than a man's cut pant, so I had a male rider of similar size try them on.

Apparently, I have become accustomed to hiking my pants up to my armpits - because on a man, with the pant settled around the waist instead of the bottom of the chest, the pants were a correct and comfortable length. Be prepared to wear these at the now-fashionable hip-hugger level, ladies. Bear in mind you are paying for quality here - pants will set you back about $95.

But expect them to last you several riding seasons if you're even mildly active, and a life-time of recreational riding. Finally, your hands. Again, MSR started with the men's high-quality product and made minor modifications only for fit. The back of the glove is slightly padded mesh, while the palm is "Clarino®" fabric, whatever that is.

The result is that it's comfortable, bendable, and washable. Don't skimp when you get to your gloves - it's probably one of the first short-cuts people take when buying gear because they are the least seen and there's lot of cheaper non-riding gloves that seem to do the job, at first thought. But your gloves, boots and helmet are the most-important when it comes to safety and comfort. Races have been lost due to blisters. Often. And nothing sucks worse than cold hands for night rides at the sand dunes. Shell out the $25 and buy REAL gloves.

And remember it's shopping - you might as well color-coordinate the deal!

For the line as a whole, women can choose from three colors - black, blue or fuscia. I'm not a "pink" girl myself, but I have seen that gear already showing up at the tracks. It definately stands out, and there's nothing better than a pink flash as it passes and then leaves the guys in the dust.

TuckerRocky.com
MSRMX.com