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Every summer I see women on bikes that don't
fit them properly. Either they're reaching
too far for the handlebars, or they're perched
on a frame that's so big you wonder how they
get their feet to the ground without falling
when they stop.
Last time I checked, women were shaped differently
from men. We tend not to be as tall or as
broad as men. Our centre of gravity is different.
And yet for years women cyclists have been
riding bikes that are designed and built for
men. Many women continue to do this because
they just don't know that there are bikes
available that are designed for them. Your
local bike store might not sell bikes that
are designed especially for women, and might
instead try to sell you a small men's bike.
But women are not small men. We're different.
Most women can't easily be fit to a man's
bike. Here's why:
1. Women have shorter torsos, shorter arms
and smaller hands than men with the same leg
length.
2. Women have a different pelvic and hip rotation
than men.
3. Women have smaller muscles than men and
the muscle placement is different.
A well-designed women's bike will take all
these factors into account. A smaller man's
bike frame will not do the same job. Last
year I bought a Dolce Élite built by Specialized—
a road bike especially designed for women.
It fits me perfectly because it's designed
to fit a woman my size. I could feel the difference
immediately. And it's a pleasure to ride.
More manufacturers are starting to design
women-specific bikes but before you buy, do
your research. A women's bike is not just
a smaller-framed man's bike. The head angle,
seat angle, and seat tube have to be engineered
to fit a woman's body. And, it goes without
saying, you have to have the correct standover.
[This is the distance from the ground to the
top of the crossbar. You should have 1 to
2 inches clearance.] Get these right and you'll
have a better cycling experience and have
more fun on your bike.
Here are a couple of places to start:
www.specialized.com
www.terrybicycles.com
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