Zook Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 I have a friend who does a lot of road/tri riding and is about to buy a MTB, for XC riding. Have any ladies here found that moving to a female-specific frame geometry has helped? Does suitability depend on fitness levels, femur-tibia ratio, how often you might ride road bikes with a different geometry, or anything else? Obviously each person is different, but it'd be nice to get some tips so she doesn't make a mistake on her first mountain bike.
The Drongo Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 (edited) for a split second there I read that last word as 'anatomy' ! Edited January 12, 2012 by The Drongo
Zook Posted January 12, 2012 Author Posted January 12, 2012 for a split second there I read that last word as 'anatomy' ! Well, that's important too. Get the right bike but the wrong anatomy, you're screwed.
Sharkie 2 Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Generally the bike is just one size smaller than the unisex size for example a normal medium would be roughly a womans large. True womans specific geometry would make sure that the seat tube is longer and the top tube shorter as ladies tend to have longer legs than upper bodies
Just Keep Pedaling Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 The general consensus is that it does not matter much. It might save you have to buy a shorter stem.
patches Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 (edited) As far as I know you get 3 types of ladies specific bikes 1. Those that look like some old granny has decoupaged them http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/trek-stages-damien-hirst-bike-1.jpg 2. Those that have the low top tube to accomodate skirts (or no footed can-can's when ridden by guys)http://ladiesbicycles.org/bikepics/Lamborghini%20Urbano%20Ladies%20Comfort%20Bike.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3776854851_168be2cf3b.jpg and 3... what they all said about smaller sizes blah, blah blah... Edited January 13, 2012 by patches
philip.maree Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 (edited) I have a friend who does a lot of road/tri riding and is about to buy a MTB, for XC riding. Have any ladies here found that moving to a female-specific frame geometry has helped? Does suitability depend on fitness levels, femur-tibia ratio, how often you might ride road bikes with a different geometry, or anything else? Obviously each person is different, but it'd be nice to get some tips so she doesn't make a mistake on her first mountain bike.My wife is very small in stature and the shorter top tube of female specific bikes made a huge difference for her. Her first mtb was 'n mens geometry XS with a very short stem. She enjoys riding now a lot more as she feels the handling is a lot better. Edited January 13, 2012 by philip.maree
Zook Posted January 13, 2012 Author Posted January 13, 2012 Patches: She's not a flower-bike kind of lass, but it would be amusing to see her destroy grown men up the Sabie Mamba on a girlie chick bike Phillip: thanks, useful to know. I guess she'll just have to try a couple out and see how they feel for her. I think her road bike is women-geometry, tri bike isn't.
amoryns Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 WSD bikes are a lot heavier......would never go for a WSD bike. Just get a normal small or XS frame with shorter stem
Eugene Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 For many cycle brands a female specific bike is nothing more than a male bike, with some or other flower or pink stripe graphic, with parts that are female friendly. Female friendly parts are normally a slightly wider seat, a shorter stem and easier reach levers (to accomodate smaller hands). There are very few bike manufacturers that actually make female specific frames.
Just Keep Pedaling Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 What I do highly recommned is a female specific saddle from a Specialised store where they measure your sit bones. Since my wife got one she loves cycling.
patches Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 What I do highly recommned is a female specific saddle from a Specialised store where they measure your sit bones. Since my wife got one she loves cycling. what sort of a job is that? ...and isn't "sit bones" just a euphamism for bumI bet that guy loves his job!
CAAD4 Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 what sort of a job is that? ...and isn't "sit bones" just a euphamism for bumI bet that guy loves his job! He loves the tool that Specialised name the "Assometer" even more....
slowlady Posted January 16, 2012 Posted January 16, 2012 For many cycle brands a female specific bike is nothing more than a male bike, with some or other flower or pink stripe graphic, with parts that are female friendly. Female friendly parts are normally a slightly wider seat, a shorter stem and easier reach levers (to accomodate smaller hands). There are very few bike manufacturers that actually make female specific frames. Agreed. I've compared the geometry of different brands and for some the geometry of a medium male bike is exactly the same as a small women spesific. The best way to choose the best bike is to test ride as many different brands and types as possible and see which is most comfortable for you.
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