WSD - Women Specific Design - Why?

[Spirog]

So, if I'm buying a new MTB for my wife - +/- 5'8', do I need to find her a WSD frame, or just size it the same way that I would do for myself?

 

Other than the stand over height, what are the other differences?

[Disylizzy]

The top tube is slightly shorter.  Generally WSD have a lower spec than the unisex counter part.

 

If your wife is 5'8", then a normal mtb would easily work for her.  

[Thomo]

Some WSD make allowances in geometry, while others just paint the frames differently.

WSD can be particularly useful for shorter ladies, while average and taller ladies could fit just as well on a "unisex" model.

[droo]

Shrink it and pink it, in most cases. There are a few, like the Juliana, where they've actually designed the geometry specifically.

[Rudi Pollard]

If you look at WSD there is only 2 brands to look at. I went through the same exercise when buying my wife's bike.

 

Giant has the LIV line of bicycles which was developed on the World Cup circuit with Jolanda Neff and her team.

 

Specialized has also put a lot of research into the Rumor and Era bikes specifically for ladies.

 

My wife rides a Giant and couldn’t be happier.

[Uni]

Shrink it and pink it

Hahaaaa love that.so true.

When it comes around to upgrading again I'll definitely not restrict myself to WSD. But for me it was purely standover height and budget

[2bliss]

WSD should actually be SSD - shorty specific design. If your wife is 5'8" there is no reason to buy WSD. Also keep in mind the issue of resale value. Much smaller market for WSD bikes, so likely not to keep its value as well as regular MTB.

[Ratty]

WSD should actually be SSD - shorty specific design. If your wife is 5'8" there is no reason to buy WSD. Also keep in mind the issue of resale value. Much smaller market for WSD bikes, so likely not to keep its value as well as regular MTB.

 

I disagree with this.  Women generally have shorted torso's than men compared to their height.  So if I buy a bike that is the correct stand over height, it is generally too long for me and I have to buy a shorter stem which then changes the handling of the bike.  I am 5'7" so not short.

 

With the shortened top tube on a WSD bike I don't have to change a thing.  A medium Specialized ladies bike is the perfect fit for me.  I am super comfy and therefore enjoy my riding a lot.

 

I think for the taller ladies that have lovely long legs it will help a lot to get a WSD bike.

[2bliss]

I disagree with this. Women generally have shorted torso's than men compared to their height. So if I buy a bike that is the correct stand over height, it is generally too long for me and I have to buy a shorter stem which then changes the handling of the bike. I am 5'7" so not short.

 

With the shortened top tube on a WSD bike I don't have to change a thing. A medium Specialized ladies bike is the perfect fit for me. I am super comfy and therefore enjoy my riding a lot.

 

I think for the taller ladies that have lovely long legs it will help a lot to get a WSD bike.

I think there are women with long legs and guys with long legs. It has to do with a particular rider's build. It isn't necesarily a gender issue.

[David Marshall]

I disagree with this.  Women generally have shorted torso's than men compared to their height.  So if I buy a bike that is the correct stand over height, it is generally too long for me and I have to buy a shorter stem which then changes the handling of the bike.  I am 5'7" so not short.

 

With the shortened top tube on a WSD bike I don't have to change a thing.  A medium Specialized ladies bike is the perfect fit for me.  I am super comfy and therefore enjoy my riding a lot.

 

I think for the taller ladies that have lovely long legs it will help a lot to get a WSD bike.

I try to ride WSD frames for this reason - long legs, short body.  Problem is now days most are standard frames prettied up with a lady's saddle to top it off.  Do your homework and ride a brand with the real thing.

[MarickH]

I think the best would be to let your wife ride some WSD bikes and some 'unisex' bikes and decide which one feels best for her specific build.

[2bliss]

I try to ride WSD frames for this reason - long legs, short body.  Problem is now days most are standard frames prettied up with a lady's saddle to top it off.  Do your homework and ride a brand with the real thing.

Perhaps it should be STSD (short torso specific design) then?   Although, that kinda sounds like a shady disease 

[nolipoli]

My wife is Asian, so has short legs and a long torso. This should mean that a normal geometry bike would be better, right?

 

Not so! There is this thing called "Marketing" and so she got  a WSD bike.

She loves her bike even though it is actually a little short in the TT for her. This affects her climbing because the front wheel lifts too easily on the steep parts.

 

My 2 cents - get the bike with the right geometry for your body. If the stand over height is an issue, possibly look at a different brand with a lower top tube.

[JXV]

If you look at WSD there is only 2 brands to look at. I went through the same exercise when buying my wife's bike.

 

Giant has the LIV line of bicycles which was developed on the World Cup circuit with Jolanda Neff and her team.

 

Specialized has also put a lot of research into the Rumor and Era bikes specifically for ladies.

 

My wife rides a Giant and couldn’t be happier.

And I would add SC's Juliana range to your list

[Spirog]

Thanks, All. Is there anything that you can't get an answer to on the Hub??

 

Decision made - Giant LIv = one happy lady.

 

Thanks again.

[Pure Savage]

Thanks, All. Is there anything that you can't get an answer to on the Hub??

 

Decision made - Giant LIv = one happy lady.

 

Thanks again.

My friend is having to order one in, where did you get yours?

 

 

Thanks