Ladies v gents road racing bike

[Kaz]

Hi,
I am looking to sell my mountain bike and buy a road/racer. I used to ride a lot 20+ years ago, and come from a family of amateur road racers. I'm looking to buy an entry level bike at around £500, ( will be looking for second hand or good shop deal for last years model ).
The bike geometry has changed such a lot from what I'm used to.
Without going into it too technically, I want to understand the difference between ladies and gents frames, as I want to decide whether it is important for me to look for a specific ladies bike.
The adverts state that ladies bikes are designed for ladies as they are anatomically different to men. Apart from the obvious differences, isn't everyones body different sized anyway- some people (whether male or female) have short legs, short arms etc.
If someone can explain the differences in the too designs to me I would be greatful.
Thanks

 

[PurplePoodle]

I got a males bike because it was cheaper. Found no problems with it!

 

[Ian H]

...isn't everyones body different sized anyway- some people (whether male or female) have short legs, short arms etc...

That's about the nub of it. "Female specific" usually means a slightly shorter top tube and painted pink. All you need to worry about is whether you can get the pedals, saddle and bars in the right position for you, relative to each other.

 

[Kaz]

That's about the nub of it. "Female specific" usually means a slightly shorter top tube and painted pink. All you need to worry about is whether you can get the pedals, saddle and bars in the right position for you, relative to each other.

So with a shorter top tube I presume that they are best suited for people with shorter arms / reach. That may actually apply to me I think, although I'd have to get a can of spray paint !

 

[lpretro1]

It is NOT just a case of a shorter top tube for women specific designed bikes - the whole bike is scaled diferently. Yes all people are different sizes/shapes but within the sexes there are some specific differences which are improtnat for a good bike fit - on average - and you can only go on 'averages' there are always exceptions of course- for example women's back length tends to be shorter than averaeg man - but our legs tend to be longer - the forearm in women is on average 10% shorter than in a man - our hands are smaller - on average out shoulders are narrower. So a bike with a specific women's design is not just about a shorter top tube at all it is about the geometry of the whole bike and some of the components fitted to that bike. - eg. narrower handlbars, shorter reach for brakes, crank length. Take myself and hubby as an example- he is 5ft 9" - Iam 5ft 3" but my saddle height is the same as his as we have same inside leg measurement but if I sit on his bike the bars are way too far away for me. Women on average have wider pelvc sit-bones so may require a broader and shorter saddle than a man.
As for the comment about the colour - only a man could make that one - avoid any shop where the assistant makes comments like that as they will be talking out of their rear - find one that knows their stuff (and preferably has a female assistant to help you choose). I am please dot say that a wide range of colours is available - and I know quite a few men who ride bikes in nice pastel shades too!!

 

[Ian H]

As for the comment about the colour - only a man could make that one

It was a comment about how a lot of bike manufacturers market the idea, not what a bike for a woman ought to look like.

 

[PurplePoodle]

As for the comment about the colour - only a man could make that one - avoid any shop where the assistant makes comments like that as they will be talking out of their rear - find one that knows their stuff (and preferably has a female assistant to help you choose). I am please dot say that a wide range of colours is available - and I know quite a few men who ride bikes in nice pastel shades too!!

I'm a woman and wouldn't touch a pink bike I prefer mens bikes for the colours aswell but that's just me personaly.. Been the same since I was about 10!

 

[lukesdad]

not only the saddle is wider Q factor is also different to accomodate a wider pelvis

 

[biggs682]

a lot of ladies bikes are more compact , but the best thing is to try out as many male and or ladies bikes as you can and see what is most comfy for you .

£500 should get you a very nice 2nd hand example with loads of change

 

[Hebe]

+1 to try as many as possible. My mountain bike is a mens frame, but with the handlebar shortened a smidge, and it's absolutely fine. My Vita flat-bar road-ish bike is women specific, and fits like a dream.

 

[Kaz]

Thanks for your detailed answer impreto, that is exactly what I needed to know.
It sounds like the ladies may suit me, but I will look at both. So far I have only looked online.There are a few local bike shops I can visit, so I will go and take a look this weekend and sit on a few.
There doesn't seem to be much choice of second hand models in my size. I'm just under 5' 4, I used to ride a 18/19 inch frame 25yrs ago, so I think the 47cm sizes are probably equivalent.
I'd rather go for a big name manufacturer like specialized or giant, but I have seen the raleigh airlite 200 for £400, (online, new 2011 model) the price of this is tempting me. If anyone has any opinions on this bike I would be interested to hear them.

 

[Baggy]

It is NOT just a case of a shorter top tube for women specific designed bikes - the whole bike is scaled diferently.
As for the comment about the colour - only a man could make that one - avoid any shop where the assistant makes comments like that as they will be talking out of their rear - find one that knows their stuff (and preferably has a female assistant to help you choose). I am please dot say that a wide range of colours is available - and I know quite a few men who ride bikes in nice pastel shades too!!

I'd agree that a well-designed women's specific bike will be scaled differently, but I've tried out more than one 48cm women's bike that had 170mm cranks and 44cm bars fitted (at least one of which was pink ) so from my experience there's still some truth in what Ian H says about the marketing of WSD bikes.

But marketing and colour preferences aside, as already said, trying some out is the only way to know for sure what feels most comfortable. My proportions probably fit into the average women's mould, but my best-fitting bike is a small, men's Kona (which came with shorter cranks and narrower bars).

 

[Baggy]

...and trying loads out is fun, too!

 

[totallyfixed]

If you are spending a few hundred quid on a bike and are not sure of the size you need then part with a few more pounds and get a proper bike fit / measurement, it could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

 

[slowmotion]

One race bike manufacturer stated that the geometry of the bikes for the womens' and mens' race teams was absolutely identical, just scaled differently. I can't remember who it was, I'm afraid. Maybe things are a different matter at the recreational end of the spectrum.