Women Specific Bike or not.....

[fred]

Hi,

 

 

 

My wife wants to start riding occasionally with me and maybe ride a short race once in while. She is not into Cycling at all, so I need to get a bike for her that won't scare her of Cycling totally, but I do not want to break the bank either.

 

 

 

It has to be a MTB, and I personally think a dual suspension(the whole comfort thing and not killing her backside) . My price range was more or less 7k - 8k. So it has to be second hand.

 

 

 

Now my question is this, is it really necessary to get a WSD bike or just get a 16" normal bike. Does the WSD bike really make a big difference.....?

 

 

 

Maybe some of the ladies can comment on what MTB's they ride and what I must look into and take into consideration.

 

 

 

I currently looking at two 2nd hand options(non WSD) :

 

* Giant Trance 3 (about 9K ---bit expensive)

 

* Cannondale Jekyll ( about 7K )

 

 

 

what will be the best options.......please I need help!!

 

 

 

fred2009-06-05 02:08:29

[whistler]

If you can find a santa cruz juliana within pricerange take it

[fred]

there is a julianna on Gumtree , but the oke wants 11500 bucs......so it is pushing my limit for a bike that might be ridden 3-4 times a year (hopefully the bug bites!!.....but for now not)

[pastapouch]

if you're wife is small , get her a WSD, however, if she's a monster of a tannie, get her a man's bicycle.

[Tumbleweed]

describe your wife's body. as in, does she have long legs and a short upper body? see how she fits on a mens bike. not all women suit wsd bikes. sometimes a shorter stem will be the only change you need to make.

[Candz]

Im very happy that I have a woman specific bike..only problem was the seatpost was too short..otherwise its PERFECT!!

[fred]

if you're wife is small ' date=' get her a WSD, however, if she's a monster of a tannie, get her a man's bicycle.[/quote']

 

 

 

My Wife will Bl!xem you if you call her Tannie!!

 

 

 

She is about 1.69 - 1.70m tall , normal thin build.

[whistler]

understood. good luck with the hunt!

[bored girl]

I ride a "normal" bike I recently changed my road bike to a woman specific and quess what.....I see a difference......my new frame is shinier also I hate my saddle more than usual....

 

 

 

 

[Candz]

She is same size as me Fred..and im very happy with my bike...it is when size 32 jeans are just too tight and 34's are just too baggy..33 is perfect..thats the best way to describe a WSB.

[fred]

She is same size as me Fred..and im very happy with my bike...it is when size 32 jeans are just too tight and 34's are just too baggy..33 is perfect..thats the best way to describe a WSB.

 

 

 

 

Sounds like it is the route to go, just a pity there are not a lot in the 2nd hand market.....and new Dual Suspension WSD bikes are out of my price range.......

 

 

 

 

[Flowta]

It varies from person to person. (Not helping I know)

 

My girlfriend rides a small "mans" Trek 8500 and it fits her like a glove. She is guite tall so we had to get her a longer seat post but otherwise perfect.

 

AFAIK a few brands will label a small "mens" bike as a "womens" and just change the paint scheme.

 

[pastapouch]

if you're wife is small ' date=' get her a WSD, however, if she's a monster of a tannie, get her a man's bicycle.[/quote']

My Wife will Bl!xem you if you call her Tannie!!

She is about 1.69 - 1.70m tall , normal thin build.

 

so monster is ok?? oooohhhh, seriously though, as stated let her go and try WSD and normal out.

[Tumbleweed]

AFAIK a few brands will label a small "mens" bike as a "womens" and just change the paint scheme.

 

 

 

 

which brands?

[Ratty]

I looked into this when buying my first decent mtb and spoke to a lot of people as well.  The biggest problem with spending money on a womens specific bike is trying to resell it if A) your wife doesn't like it or B) she likes it and wants to upgrade.

Its also a very personal thing.  I used to ride a small mens epic which was very comfortable for me.  When i rode a Ladies small epic I felt like I was going to fly over the handle bars and the Medium Ladies epic was too big.

 

I think for someone starting out on a mountain bike, it doesn't make too much of a difference.   The most important thing is to make sure she gets a nice comfy womens saddle.  You can always put a shorter stem on.

 

For a road bike however its a different story.  I really struggled with the gear levers and brakes on a mens bike.  Now with my women specific handle bars etc is a LOT easier.

 

I also don't think you need to get a full suspension.  Remember that she is starting so she won't be flying over rocks etc.  If you have a comfy saddle then the hardtail is perfectly comfy.   The huge advantage of a hardtail is that it will be lighter for her and make climbing a easier (or pushing). 

 

 

[Flowta]

 

AFAIK a few brands will label a small "mens" bike as a "womens" and just change the paint scheme.

 

 

 

 

which brands?

 

OK, let me rephrase that. A few years ago some people I know where saying that a couple of brands used WSD as a gimmick and just selling. Smaller Mens frames with added touches, womens saddle, shorter cranks, shorter stem etc. as WSD. I can't remember which ones.