Do I really need a female specific bike?

Mrs Stratman has also had good experiences with Giant in Rutland, where they tried really hard to get the bike to fit (she also has back problems, and so needs to be more upright than usual). She has a women's specific Giant Anthem, and a unisex Trek from the lbs, both with women's specific saddles and different stems.

Mrs Stratman has also had good experiences with Giant in Rutland, where they tried really hard to get the bike to fit (she also has back problems, and so needs to be more upright than usual). She has a women's specific Giant Anthem, and a unisex Trek from the lbs, both with women's specific saddles and different stems.

I would suggest finding a shop where they sound as they know what they are talking about re bike fit, and then listen to them. Test out several shops and see who you think you trust the most, would be my advice.

If you are suffering from numb/ pins and needles in your hands on a hybrid, then I think you need careful advice re next bike. Generally speaking, your position on a road bike is going to be putting more weight on your hands, and thus might exacerbate rather than relieve that problem.

Your aches and pains sound like a positioning issue, and in that respect an experienced shop bod who can ensure you get the right fit is at least as important as the bike. For what it's worth, my friend sounds like similar dimensions to you and loves her men's cannondale synapse.

However, crikeys reply is far more entertaining...

Some people do need women specific bikes. One of them I know is male. He rides the Liv version of the Propel with a different saddle and components because the Giant ones don't come in his size. Essentially the opposite of the situation above.

It's hard to give a definitive answer as I believe different manufacturers have different policies with it comes to WSB. I think some actually alter the frame geometries, while others keep the unisex frame geometry and only alter other components (stem length, handlebar width etc.).

It would worth trying a number of bikes (unisex and women's) and determining what bar width and other measurements you prefer, and then seeing what type of bike ticks the most boxes.

If you are of the classic Caucasian female built - i.e. Long leg, short torso and arms - and you don't want to go down the female specific route (which usually means smaller size and pink) then you can go for a smaller frame coupled with a longer seat post & shorter handle bar stem to bring the bike to you.

The only female specific thing I would recommend though is the saddle, and only because women's sit-bones tend to be further apart.

Edit. Looks like Hampstead Bandit has given the same advice at the same time. That'll teach be to make a cup of tea mid-post. Thunder stolen again!

I would suggest finding a good shop with a good bike fitter; if you are within a certain sizing range then a men's bike can work very well when fitted properly, and men's bikes generally are better value due to economies of scale.

I've fitted a number of women to men's bikes with good success, typically women's specific saddle, a narrower handlebar, slightly shorter stem; but this depends on the individual and their physiology.

As an example, my missus rides a men's Giant Propel in small which we fitted for her; Pro women's saddle, 38cm Zipp handlebar, 80cm stem, brake reach shortened. Bike came with 170mm cranks which suited her leg length.

She also has a Specialized D4W Ruby Apex, but absolutely loves the Propel even though its a "men's bike"

I've also had women arrive for a bike fitting on a men's bike that is 2 sizes too large (they have been missold), and have cancelled the fit, and advised the client to return the bike (if possible) or sell the bike to recover their money, and purchase a bike that is the right size (whether a men's or women's model)

Hiya - from another woman (me): no you don't necessarily need a women specific bike. You just need the best fit and something you'll want to ride loads. If you go to a retailer with a wide range of options you can try out a whole bunch of bikes, both women specific and unisex. You can test ride a few to see what feels best. If you can make room in your budget, I'd get a proper bike fit as well (some places will do a new bike plus bike fit as a bundle) and that should help give you comfort that you're in a good set up and therefore much less likely to pick up niggles from being in a bad position.

On this site somewhere are some "best of" lists for different price ranges which can hopefully give you some ideas. Think I've mentioned this on another thread recently (one about women-specific bikes as well, actually): in terms of entry level, I'm a fan of Pinnacles and Boardman bikes.

Giant are putting lots of effort into women specific bikes (should you prefer one) at the moment with Liv Giant. I think the Avail is their "cheaper", starter. I'm not a massive fan of Sora which is what I think they are fitted with as standard in the starter models but Giant stores are usually very supportive and helpful and can fit you properly. I love Cadence Performance (also a Giant store) in Crystal Palace (if you're a Londoner) and Giant York if you happen to be up that way (very, very good on women's cycling).

Hope that helps.

The Women 'pro' teams have only recently started using women specific bikes (some still don't).

My mates a 38 yr old boy and he rides a women specific bike, is that even legal?

You have to ride a women's specific bike or you will turn into a man. This has certain advantages; you can wee just about anywhere without getting undressed while out on the bike, you can open jars, you can have hairy legs without societal disapproval. You don't have to spend a thousand pounds on hair cuts, belching and farting become hobbies, socks last for days, and so on.

Get the smallest Planet X London Road bike; Mme Crikey has one and it's good. Needs a shorter stem, 90 mm rather than the 100 supplied, and a women's saddle.

Depends on your build. Mrs antigee has a trek commuter and a specialised road and both are women's specific. Before trying a friends women's specific bike and liking it she always complained about back ache when riding, she is classic small women build with short top half and short arms. I reckon in the dozen or so women riders I know half are on women's specific bikes, the other half have no idea why.

No, you don't need a female specific bike. It really just depends what fits you best and is most comfortable. I would recommend visiting a local bike shop and they'll grab you a selection of female and normal bikes to try and you can test them to see which is best.

My partner has a Genesis and a Cannondale, neither of which are female specific. The only thing she's changed is to swap to a female specific saddle (although she still hasn't found one she's 100% happy with).