Why men's and women's bikes are still different?

[ScotiaLass]

I think that is one of the core differences in men/womens fit. Women tend to have shorter torso's and longer legs (proportionally), narrower shoulders and smaller hands.

I have giant hands!

 

[AndyPeace]

@ScotiaLass , There's always one isn't there In my defense I did say 'tend to'. We're all unique really

 

[ScotiaLass]

@ScotiaLass , There's always one isn't there In my defense I did say 'tend to'. We're all unique really

I should have added a , sorry!
I was jesting, but I do have huge hands....and other things...

 

[Sara_H]

I've got a step through ladies frame, it's brilliant.

Yes, I ride in skirts/dresses, so its good from that POV. BUT I also have a little problem with balance (left over from having a slipped disc). Cocking my leg over the the bike didn't work very well for me (Most of my falls have been when getting on or off the bike!), the step through frame is much better for me from a balance POV.

I've also seen that men quite often prefer them if they've got a toddler seat on the back as the baby is in the place where you usually swing your leg over.

 

[Sara_H]

There's more to it than step-through bikes ...

This is also true. When I was mountain bike shopping I tried two almost identical specialized bikes, same frame size, one ladies, one mens. The ladies fit better.

 

[ufkacbln]

I've got a step through ladies frame, it's brilliant.

Yes, I ride in skirts/dresses, so its good from that POV. BUT I also have a little problem with balance (left over from having a slipped disc). Cocking my leg over the the bike didn't work very well for me (Most of my falls have been when getting on or off the bike!), the step through frame is much better for me from a balance POV.

I've also seen that men quite often prefer them if they've got a toddler seat on the back as the baby is in the place where you usually swing your leg over.

I can remember forgetting my younger brother in the child seat and swinging my leg over in the normal way

That is why kids should wear helmets in these seats!

 

[Sassy14]

I have 2 WSD bikes, there was no way I was going to fit a gents bike. Even the SX was uncomfortable. It might work for tall women but having WSD is a must for us shorter petite girls. My Specialized is a 48 frame and just perfect.