Looking to purchase a new bike? The options out there are plentiful, but the process is often a bit overwhelming. On top of the various manufacturers, models, and components to choose from, you also need to consider bikes designed specifically for women’s bodies.
But when it comes to women’s specific models, what should you look for? Do you need a women’s specific bike if you are a woman? Are there circumstances when a male might benefit from a women’s specific bike?
Bike manufacturers are taking a much greater interest in the fact that women are, in general, built with different proportions than men, therefore bikes should be built differently. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need one. It all depends on your body and proportions. A women’s specific bike can make for a more comfortable ride and better safety for certain body types. Here are some things to consider.
Contact Points Are Key
The most important thing when choosing a new bike is fit. Your body’s contact points to the bike determine how comfortable that bike is. Contact points are your rear on the saddle, your feet on the pedals, and your hands on the handle bars. If any of those things isn’t set up right, then chances are you won’t be happy on your bike. And we want you to be happy!
If we start with our rear on the saddle as the primary contact point, we need to make sure that our hands comfortably reach the handlebars (I’ll talk about saddles specifically later.) Women’s specific designs have shorter top-tubes to account for the shorter torsos.
Women may also have narrower shoulder widths, and since we want our bars to be the proper width, women’s designs come with narrower handlebars. Many women’s hands are usually smaller than men’s, so narrower grips or a shorter reach from hoods and drops to the brakes can make your ride more comfortable and safer.
Next let’s consider the fit from your seat to the pedals. The seat tube angle is often a bit steeper on women’s specific bikes. This is because many women’s legs are longer in proportion to their torso compared to men. If your legs are not set up properly, then you’re not going to be able to turn the pedals as efficiently or with as much power as you’re capable capable.
General Size Guidelines
If you are a smaller female, around 5’2” or shorter, it’s probably a good idea to start with a women’s specific design, as the frames are also smaller. For example, the Specialized Amira runs from a size 44-56, where the Specialized Roubaix starts at a 49 and goes to 61. (Size info obtained from the Specialized website, SL4 Expert models for both.)
If you know you have a short torso, a women’s specific bike will likely be more comfortable. If you are taller than about 5’8” or have a longer than typical torso, a non-women’s specific bike might suit you better. Some men might even be better suited for a women’s specific bike due to their proportions.
The Saddle
If your rear ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Saddle comfort can make or break a ride, and biological females parts are not the same as men’s. But everyone is different, so just as any cyclist needs to do, you just need to try different saddles. You might find a women’s specific saddle more comfortable than a unisex or men’s saddle, or you might not. It doesn’t matter what saddle you buy, only that it fits your parts.
Color Options
While the color of your bike unfortunately doesn’t determine how fast it goes (I have a special affinity for red), women’s specific design color schemes can sometimes be more “girly” than desired for some. I believe bike manufacturers are listening and realize we all don’t necessarily want to be pretty in pink.
Buying a bike is all about fit, so try different brands as well as women’s specific and non-women’s specific. A good bike shop can help you make sure that those important contact points are in the right place for your body so you get the right bike for you.
