WOMAN SPECIFIC DESIGN
It would surprise some people but there are differences between men and women and therefore many points that should be addressed to make biking more fun and comfortable as a woman.
Most bikes are called "uni-sex" but a women's specific bike has many advantages that will make biking more comfortable as a woman. We are not talking about the traditional "women's bike" with the drop bar. That bar was lowered so that woman could ride with skirts back when wearing pants was frowned upon. Things have changed since then and this page will lead you through some of the changes.
Just remember that "uni-sex or men's" bikes can be adjusted to fit a woman perfectly! It may involve switching the seat which is something a lot of men do anyway because most bikes won't come with your favourite seat, but all the adjustments are easily done. The point of the utmost importance when buying a new bike is to buy the right size - seats, handlebars, stem-lengths can all be switched or adjusted to suit your needs!
Women's Road Bicycles
What make's a women's road bike? There are a couple minor differences that will
make a road bike fit you better and naturally be more comfortable. A women's
specific bike will have a slightly shorter top-tube length than the men's
equivalent but more importantly the handlebars have a slightly smaller drop and
different curve so that the brake levers are easier to reach for small hands.
The other main difference is that the seat will generally be a better quality
women's specific design that will improve your comfort while riding the bike.
We carry both Scott and Lemond road bikes in women's specific models and what is most striking about both of them is that these companies make fantastic looking bikes!
Women's Mountain Bicycles
There are a few more things that need adjusting on a mountain bike than a road
bike to make it better fit women comfortably. Besides the women's specific seat,
a woman's specific mountain bike will have a narrower handlebar and short reach
levers as well as lighter springs in the front shock.
We are quite partial to the Gary Fisher women's bikes which they call "Genesisters" in deference to their proprietary Genesis geometry which makes their bikes more stable and easier to handle while riding difficult terrain.
Make Your Ride More Comfortable!
Selle Italia makes our favourite women's specific saddle for
the road and mountain bike enthusiast. The Women's Gel Flow has gel padding, a
cut-out and slightly different shape from the men's version that is a hit with
our female staff who ride this saddle. We also carry two other Selle Italia
women's saddles and a selection of Serfas women's gel saddles that are best
sellers. Remember that the seat is your main contact point with the bike and a
comfortable saddle will make cycling that much more fun!
Women's Clothing will also make a big difference in how comfortable you are riding. Cycling shorts have padding between you and the seat to reduce any discomfort from rubbing or undo pressure. They replace underwear and don't have any seams that will cause chaffing. We also sell a variety of women's jerseys that wick away moisture from your skin to keep you cool and dry during those hot days.
Women's Shoes have a smaller toe box and heel cup to better support your feet for a given size much like a walking or running shoe.
Helmets are different for women too. The differences are entirely on the fashion side of things. Men seem to like basic colors like red, blue or black. If that is not your thing, a women's helmets come in a wider variety of colors and designs that simply look better and as we always tell people - if you like your helmet, you are more likely to wear it.
