Another Hybrid Bike Question..

[allen-uk]

I think the name "Ladies' Bike" says it all, really.

They come from the same thinking that gave us side-saddle riding for horses, i.e. the notion that Ladies (note, not women, but Ladies) couldn't swing their legs over saddles. Never sure how the "Ladies' Bike" nonsense grew up, though, as only us blokes with plastic legs have to mount our bikes like cowboys do their steeds. The only anatomical difference between the sexes that matters on a bike is the shape of the saddle, and its inclination. Otherwise it's a lot of cobblers (skirting around a pun, there).

So buy whatever bike suits you, and forget the labels.

A.

 

[tyred]

Lady's frames are a hangover from the Victorian period when ladies wore skirts and therefore could not ride a "gents" bike with any dignity.

Besides, there will always be a market for step through "unisex" frames as they are practical for short town journeys and there are people out there that through general old age or some health problem are not able to lift a leg over the crossbar of a "gents" bike.

 

[littlelegs]

I am quite happy to lift my leg over lol, but when I am looking about online a lot of bikes with a cross bar start at 18" frame.

Anyway, will go have a look-see at the weekend and try some out.

 

[jimboalee]

OP.

Being a 5'2" lady, you might have an inside leg of about 31.5 - 32", assuming your inside leg follows the national norm for females at 52% of standing height.

If your inside leg is indeed 31.5", your frame size is 20". Centre to Horizontal top.
If your inseam ( trouser leg measurement ) is 1" less than your physical inside leg length, at 30.5", your frame size is 20". C/HTop.

An 18" men's sloping toptube frame will be fine.

 

[littlelegs]

Bit smaller than that, more like 27, obviously I am out of proportion! Will try some and see...

 

[summerdays]

OP.

Being a 5'2" lady, you might have an inside leg of about 31.5 - 32", assuming your inside leg follows the national norm for females at 52% of standing height.

If your inside leg is indeed 31.5", your frame size is 20". Centre to Horizontal top.
If your inseam ( trouser leg measurement ) is 1" less than your physical inside leg length, at 30.5", your frame size is 20". C/HTop.

An 18" men's sloping toptube frame will be fine.

That's my inside leg measurement and I'm 5'6 almost - and when buying trousers I normally buy either ave (only since the trend for longer trousers) or long. I can ride Mr Summerdays bike and he is 5'11 or 6'. If you were 5'2" with that leg length then you would have a very short body indeed. (Now someone will come forward with that body shape feeling offended)

But ladies design bikes usually have a shorter reach to the bars and brake levers etc if they are a WSD.

 

[upandover]

My wife has a bike with a step-through. Partly because she wanted it, and partly because she struggles to feel comfortable getting on without it (shes 5'1). It looks great, it looks like a bike made for someone of the femenine gender, and selling isn't really our top priority - comfort and proportions is.

I hope you enjoy what you find.

Steve

 

[littlelegs]

Aww thanks Steve :-)

I am not too fussed either way so will see how I get on

What bike does your wife have?

 

[littlelegs]

Went to 3 shops today... first one I left pretty quick, staff not really interested when they had food to tuck into instead of serving customers so left fairly quickly.

The other 2 were better... ended up at Edinburgh Cycle co. Some of their hybrids seemed a bit "chunky"? But I liked the look of the Ridgeback Comet. I tried a 17" they had in the shop, but it was a bit big for me. They are going to get a 15" for me to try next weekend.

It is towards the top end of the budget, but better to get something I like now. What is the general feelings on Ridgeback bikes, fairly reliable and built ok?

LLxx

 

[Cathryn]

Ridgebacks are great entry level bikes, my friend has a Ridgeback hybrid and she loves it.

I'm a bit late to this thread, Littlelegs, which is annoying because I'm 5"1 with short legs!! I had a step through Dawes Discovery 201 and totally adored it! I'd really recommend it - although there will be plenty of other bikes around that suit as well. Mine was 17" frame, if that helps!

Hang in there...you'll find it.

 

[Sittingduck]

A Mate of mine is thinking about buying a bike and we was in my LBS a few weeks back. Checked out some of the Ridgeback hybrids and they looked very nice. I have seen positive comments about them on here too.

Sounds like you did the right thing by walking out of the first shop - ignorrant shop assistants
Test out 2 or 3 bikes and I'm sure you will just know when you find the right one B)

Cheers
SD

 

[just4fun]

I used to use a ridgeback to commute to work a few years ago and never had any problems with it.
My ridgeback was a good bike which lasted well and is still being used by a mate today.

 

[littlelegs]

After trying the comet 2 weeks back I have just been to collect it, so thanks for all the help. Had it fitted with mud guards so all ready for the streets.

I rode home and was enjoying it so much went a longer way around, about 4 miles ish. Now just need to work on getting fit again... want to really get my lifestyle in balance this year.

 

[tyred]

Excellent news and happy cycling.

 

[just4fun]

nice one on getting you bike littlelegs.