Road bikes designed for women

[nancynyc]

I'm shopping for my first road bike and am wondering if I should aim for one designed specifically for women, as I'm 5'2" and narrow. The guy at my LBS suggested the Specialized Sequoia Elite and said that it wasn't important to get one of the women-specific models. I would love to hear what other people think about this.

Thanks!

[KnottedYet]

It's only important to get a Women's Specific Design bike if WSD is what fits you best.

After you've ridden a few, you'll get a feel for the type of geometry you like.

WSD doesn't feel right to me, but cyclocross geometry feels lovely for some reason. (I've bought 3 cx geometry bikes in the last 2 years.)

It's all geometry and magic.

Having a label like WSD, Cyclocross, Cruiser, Touring, Racer, just gives you a nice short-hand way to describe the general geometry you like best, which helps you when you go shopping. But you probably have to go shopping to get a feel for what you like best!

Ride lots of bikes! Ride everything! :D

[Beane]

Aside from geometry, which I agree with Knot about, you should also consider the components on the bike, specifically the handlebars and brifters (brake/shift levers). I am not a particularly small woman (5'7") but I find that I vastly prefer narrower handlebars (38-40cm). They aren't necessary women's specific, but are just on the smaller side. Also, people with smaller hands tend to prefer short reach brifters that they can reach more easily. These are things that can be changed once you have the bike (moderately easily) and won't necessarily be on a bike marketed as "women's" or necessarily NOT on a men's bike.

[RoadRaven]

I am 5'10" with long legs...

My two main bikes are one normal/mans, one female specific

My Giant TCR2 has become my TT bike with bull horns and bar end shifters. It is a small frame. 53.5cm effective top tube length.

My other bike is my road race bike, a womens specific EMC2 FemEtapePro. I think it might be a large frame (large because it is women's, not mens). 54cm effective top tube length.

For me, the frame size is irrelevant.
What matters for me is the front end. Before I got the bullhorns and bar end shifters on the Giant, the reach for my brakes was always tough - especially downhill... I never got around to putting shims in, though that would have solved the problem.

For me, getting the EMC2 showed me how delightful a narrower set of handle bars, with short reach levers could be.

For me, the front end is the reason why I would buy female specific.

Focus on a comfortable size frame, and if there is an option for narrower front end with shortreach levers, then opt for that.

But ultimately, the frame size is what you need to focus on - you can change the seat, the front end, the crank length... but you are stuck with the frame size.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Keep in mind that bike stores tend to like to sell what they stock in their store. (what a concept)
If they don't sell WSD bikes, they tend to say things like "women specific bikes are just a bunch of hype. You don't need anything like that because we can adjust the fit perfectly to you on any bike here in the store".

I went into a big bike shop recently and asked the owner if he had any steel bikes. He said "No we don't. But you won't find steel bikes around for sale anyway- they don't even make them any more because they are inferior." :eek:

[mimitabby]

Smaller women (like me) find the "normal" bike to be too long a reach when the bike itself fits my legs just fine. The "women specific" design is made for people with this shape: longer legs and smaller torso. Don't let a salesman talk you into a bike that "fits" you great because you can stand over it and hold on to the handlebars. DO your very best to try to find a WSD bike and try it before you buy a bike made for a man.

I always thought it was just because i was 55 that i had these problems (numb hands/fingers; back/neck problems...) but last week i was with my good friend Elena who is only 30 and she has an off the rack mens' (Italian) bike and she has the same problems.

[Triskeliongirl]

I ride Terry bikes (Georgena Terry invented WSD) because they fit me the best. I have the body type they are designed for, long legs, short torso, and overall height relatively short (5'4") but not as short as you. Before you buy, test and see how you feel on a wsd bike vs a men's design.

[RoadRaven]

Triske, Mimi... what length are your top tubes?

Lisa... good on you! Never listen to a salesdude who says "cant" or "dont"
Bikes don't come in steel... huh!

[Wahine]

This ppost is meant to echo what everyone else has said. I do not fit on a WSD frame. I feel cramped through my torso and uncomfortable. I am 5'7" but I ride on a frame similar in size to Roadraven's. That's because I have a long torso relative to my leg length and I'm taller than the average American woman. It's all about what feels best. So go out a ride a lot of bikes!!

[mimitabby]

http://www.sersale.org/bike/cavalletta.jpg

okay, this custom made bike (Cavalletta) for a 5'3" woman has a 47cm top tube.
But if you'll notice the stem, it extends a way further out; from the seat tube it's 51cm and it feels good there.

I have a custom made bike because my aches and pains drove me to it.

[Beane]

mimi,
are those velocity aeroheads? do you like them?

[Over50Newbie]

When I bought my first road bike last year, I was referred to Terry Bicycles. I am only 5 feet tall. They specialize in making bikes for shorter women.

I tested 6 different bikes - Trek, Specialized, Giant (both WSD and non-WSD). I didn't like any of them. When I finally road a Terry, it fit me like a glove.

Best advice I ever had. I am now a proud owner of a Terry Classic steel bike.

Lynette

[Triskeliongirl]

Triske, Mimi... what length are your top tubes?

Lisa... good on you! Never listen to a salesdude who says "cant" or "dont"
Bikes don't come in steel... huh!


One one bike it is 48cm, on the other 49cm.

You can see them in post 6 of this thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=18597

[nancynyc]

Thanks to everyone for all the info. I think I'll trek out to Long Island to try the Terry bikes, because it seems no one in NYC sells them.

[Eden]

I'm another classic WSD body. Short, but longer legs than torso, very short arms. Even with a WSD bike its a challenge finding something small enough,(my tt is 49.5cm) so I sure do appreciate the amount of manufacturers making smaller bikes these days.

[tjf9]

I'm shopping for my first road bike and am wondering if I should aim for one designed specifically for women, as I'm 5'2" and narrow. The guy at my LBS suggested the Specialized Sequoia Elite and said that it wasn't important to get one of the women-specific models. I would love to hear what other people think about this.

Thanks!

I'm 5'3" and narrow, and also proportioned in the WSD way. Certainly your LBS can change things like stem and handlebars to customize the fit, but if the top tube is too long, the bike may never fit right.

I felt really comfortable on WSD bikes (I tried the Specialized Dolce and the Trek Pilot and 5.0), but couldn't find any that could handle racks and fenders and wider tires. That is why I went with a bike built up for me. I have a Salsa Casseroll frame (which was very similar, geometery-wise, to the Treks) with Shimano 105 components (including 165mm cranks to accomodate my shorter legs), and a 38cm handlebar.

[Triskeliongirl]

I'm 5'3" and narrow, and also proportioned in the WSD way. Certainly your LBS can change things like stem and handlebars to customize the fit, but if the top tube is too long, the bike may never fit right.

I felt really comfortable on WSD bikes (I tried the Specialized Dolce and the Trek Pilot and 5.0), but couldn't find any that could handle racks and fenders and wider tires. That is why I went with a bike built up for me. I have a Salsa Casseroll frame (which was very similar, geometery-wise, to the Treks) with Shimano 105 components (including 165mm cranks to accomodate my shorter legs), and a 38cm handlebar.

FYI, the terry classic can handle racks and fenders, and comes with 165mm cranks and 38cm bars in your size. Even the terry isis, a speedier model, can handle a rear rack and tires up to 28mm wide.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

FYI, the terry classic can handle racks and fenders, and comes with 165mm cranks and 38cm bars in your size. Even the terry isis, a speedier model, can handle a rear rack and tires up to 28mm wide.

Yes but TJF9 wants wider tires AND fenders. I suspect the Terrys can fit tires UP TO 28mm (but without fenders), and maybe 25mm with fenders? A good question to find out the answer to.
A well equipped varied terrain touring bike *should* be able to handle 28-32mm wide tires WITH fenders, and up to 38mm tires without fenders. :cool:

[Bklynmom]

Hi-
I bought my 44cm WSD Specialized Elite at Bycycle Habitat on Lafayette St. It is my first Road Bike. They were nice, but the staff is quite young and inexperienced.

I recently had the bike fitted by a real bike fitter, my coach Felix. He made a lot of changes including putting a much longer stem on the bike. That said, it has served me well and after all those miles I have no major aches and pains to report. When I buy my next bike I will definitely have my coach help me select the bike.

[hirakukibou]

I have a women's specific Fuji (Supreme RC) and a Luna (Eclipse). I love them both and found that they fit me well. I am 5'2" and my Fuji frame is an extra small at 44cm. Fuji does make a number of women's specific bikes. I think the advice to try many different frames is sound. Some stuff on a bike can be changed, upgraded etc. but the frame is what it is. Finding the right bike is a process. Good luck

[nancynyc]

Hi All,

Based on the great advice received here, I treked to upstate CT to try the Terry bikes. I rode both a Terry and a Specialized WSD, and felt better on the Specialized, although with both I experienced a bit of neck pain and an unpleasant feeling between my shoulder blades. The guy at the bike store said that was not concerning, that he'd experienced something similar when he switched over from a road bike, and that it should go away after the first ride or so. Do you all agree?

Also, I'm trying to understand the advantages/disadvantages of a compact versus triple crankset. A random woman customer told me I'd want the triple and the bike guy pretty much agreed, but one of his co-workers and a guy I spoke to at Bicycle Habitat in Manhattan said that they prefer the compact. What do you all think? I'd like my bike to be as versatile as possible.

I'm also trying to decide if I should spend the extra bunch of money for the carbon frame...

Thanks again!

[KnottedYet]

One of my bikes is a triple. The other is a compact double.

For hauling loads and commuting and going up and down hills, I dig my triple.

For going fast with just one little bag on fairly flat terrain I have my CD.

If I could only have one (triple or CD), I'd choose a triple. I *like* my granny gear! :D

Edit to add: both bikes are steel cyclocross that I use on the road for the most part.

[Zen]

Triple v. compact double, it depends on your strength and experience. Are you a good climber? You might want a compact double. I never use my largest chain ring and there have been rides with hills that I was halfway through before I realized I was still on the middle ring but there are times when I really need that granny.
It also depends on the gearing combinations, you could probably get close to a triple gearing ratio with the right double combination.

[Zen]

I went into a big bike shop recently and asked the owner if he had any steel bikes. He said "No we don't. But you won't find steel bikes around for sale anyway- they don't even make them any more because they are inferior." :eek:

That's funny and appalling at the same time. What did you say?

[kdskaggs]

Your neck and shoulder pain could go away, depending on what is causing them. I have both but the reason I do is that my frame is too small for me. I am test riding different bikes now and found that larger frames that fit me better do not cause me neck or shoulder pain, my neck and shoulders both feel very free and SO much better than my current bike.

Good luck! Bike shopping is tough! :confused:

Kenda

[kdskaggs]

Oh, one other thing, have you ridden a carbon fiber frame? I test rode one Friday, expecting it to be wonderful but found that I actually prefer my steel Serotta. The salesman was shocked!

Kenda

[KnottedYet]

Yeah, do try the carbon before you get too far in your shopping.

(I don't like carbon as much as I like steel, but I'm glad I tried it anyway.)

[trichef]

Yeah, do try the carbon before you get too far in your shopping.

(I don't like carbon as much as I like steel, but I'm glad I tried it anyway.)

i second that. carbon may seem lightweight and pretty in the eyes but i've read from other forums that it isn't as durable as titanium or steel or even alu. but it dampens road vibrations way better than steel and alu.

[Triskeliongirl]

Yes but TJF9 wants wider tires AND fenders. I suspect the Terrys can fit tires UP TO 28mm (but without fenders), and maybe 25mm with fenders? A good question to find out the answer to.
A well equipped varied terrain touring bike *should* be able to handle 28-32mm wide tires WITH fenders, and up to 38mm tires without fenders. :cool:

No Lisa, the terry classic is a TOURING bike and can be fitted with BOTH wide tires AND fenders, I know becase I had two of them before moving to the Isis. As I said the Isis can fit tires up to 28 without fenders, and a rear rack, as built, but on one of mine I had cantis put on so I can go to 32 on it. I could have also had it modified (bridge moved) for fenders, but I don't ride with fenders so I didn't bother.

[kdskaggs]

I found that the carbon fiber seemed to amplify the bumps in the road. It also squeeked a lot, like the frame was vibrating. The bike felt squishy to me, if that makes any sense. I was pretty disappointed because I have heard how great CF frames are. My husband has a CF mountain bike and loves it. Maybe at his weight the frame is more beneficial than at mine.

Kenda

[OakLeaf]

I really like my carbon frame, but its fragility kind of scares me. I'm not the most crash-free rider in the world. :rolleyes: I've never ridden aluminum, so I can't really speak to the comfort level. But enough people told me aluminum would beat me to death that I went for carbon.

One thing is, if you get a steel frame, I think you want the triple for sure, because putting a lot of torque on the cranks really flexes the frame. My old steel bike would really twist under a high hill-climbing load. Not only do you waste a lot of energy that way, but it can make the rear derailleur want to upshift.

It depends on your local terrain, too, which I'm not familiar with. How steep are the hills?

(And this is where I have to tell a story: I got my new bike as a Christmas present, so I got it from a shop in Florida near our winter home - intending to bring it back to hill country for the summer. You should've seen the look on the guy's face when I ordered it with a triple :D. I don't suppose they get much call for those in Florida.)

[nancynyc]

I really like my carbon frame, but its fragility kind of scares me. I'm not the most crash-free rider in the world. :rolleyes: I've never ridden aluminum, so I can't really speak to the comfort level. But enough people told me aluminum would beat me to death that I went for carbon.

One thing is, if you get a steel frame, I think you want the triple for sure, because putting a lot of torque on the cranks really flexes the frame. My old steel bike would really twist under a high hill-climbing load. Not only do you waste a lot of energy that way, but it can make the rear derailleur want to upshift.

It depends on your local terrain, too, which I'm not familiar with. How steep are the hills?

(And this is where I have to tell a story: I got my new bike as a Christmas present, so I got it from a shop in Florida near our winter home - intending to bring it back to hill country for the summer. You should've seen the look on the guy's face when I ordered it with a triple :D. I don't suppose they get much call for those in Florida.)

My local terrain is somewhat hilly, but I'd like to be able to ride into the Palisades or take my bike on trips to hillier places. It's funny that you shocked the Florida bike guy with your request for a triple.

How do steel, aluminum, and carbon frames compare in terms of comfort?
I haven't yet tried a steel bike, but I found a bike shop with somewhat shaky reviews which carries Bianchi bikes, so maybe I could try the steel frames there. The WSD bikes seem the way to go for me, and since it's my first bike, I'm not thinking of getting a custom-made one.

[KnottedYet]

Geometry is going to have a lot to do with comfort, probably even more than frame material. Also just personal perceptions and preferences are HUGE.

I've ridden alu and steel cyclocross bikes, and a carbon road bike.

My impressions of carbon could be influenced by the fact the geometry of that bike was likely quite different than the alu and steel bikes.

Here's how it felt to me:
Carbon - very dead feeling. dull and wooden.
Aluminum - fine, no real complaints until longer rides when the road buzz and jitters really started to get to me.
Steel - springy and lively and smooth as butter.

What felt springy and lively to me could well feel jittery to someone else. And what felt dull and wooden to me could feel vibration-free gliding to someone else.

Ride everything, every material, every geometry. Be open to falling in love with a bike that might not be what you expected to like!

[Trekhawk]

I found that the carbon fiber seemed to amplify the bumps in the road. It also squeeked a lot, like the frame was vibrating. The bike felt squishy to me, if that makes any sense. I was pretty disappointed because I have heard how great CF frames are. My husband has a CF mountain bike and loves it. Maybe at his weight the frame is more beneficial than at mine.

Kenda

Just remember not all carbon bikes are created equal.:D
Have a read below:
http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/frames/carbon_fiber.html

I have two carbon bikes and they both ride differently. My Trek is pretty nice but my Colnago rides like a dream. Never heard a squeek out of either.:D

I also love TI.:)

[ccnyc]

My local terrain is somewhat hilly, but I'd like to be able to ride into the Palisades or take my bike on trips to hillier places.

Nancynyc:

I'm a NYC, and beyond, cyclist and I'd recommend getting a triple, especially if you are new to cycling. If you're planning on crossing the GWB into NJ to ride you have to do a least one big hill to get home (can't avoid the Palisades!). And if you ever venture into Westchester or Connecticut (it's all hills all the time) you'll be really happy that you have a triple.

Carol

[ChickWithBrains]

Hi, Nancy!

My bike is not WSD, and I got it because of all the bikes I test drove it felt the best. Sometimes the "perfect fit" doesn't feel as good as a little tweak you find you prefer! Go with what feels good.

[Mama Beane]

I'm new to the site, and just getting back into biking. In the '90s I rode a Terry Classic - steel - and Loved it. Unfortunately in 2002 we had a garage fire, and that was the end of my bike. I have been looking for a bike that I will be as happy with and so far I have left a trail of "um... not quite rights". I am now riding a Trek 1500, not WDS except that I put on a WSD carbon handlebar. I am not happy with the ride - too quick and going over messed up roads leaves me wondering if my bones will survive and if I have lost any teeth. OK - now to the point. I am looking at a Gunnar sport frame, but am also wondering if there are any Terry steel touring bikes out there. I saw there was mention of a Terry steel, so please let me know your opinions. :confused:
Oh - btw - I am 50, live in RI (rolling hill terrain), and really want to ride more. My goal is a century with my daughter next summer.
Thanks!

[KnottedYet]

Mama Beane - I was under the impression that Terry doesn't do steel anymore. What a bummer, eh?

What about a Surly Long Haul Trucker? www.surlybikes.com There are several Surly riders on TE, and some reviews of a few of the Surly bikes.

I have a Waterford (they do Gunnar) and just love it. Jeannierides has a Gunnar, it's gorgeous. (If you search "Gunnar" I think you'll find the beautiful pictures she posted of it.)

[sgtiger]

Weird. I was under the impression that Georgena Terry was a fan of steel herself.

A couple of minutes later....

I just checked out the specs and it looks like Susan B(hybrid) and Fast Woman(racer w/carbon fork) are steel. But Madeleine, the tourer, is aluminum. Bummer. Wonder why they would choose an aluminum frame and fork for touring?

[KnottedYet]

Somebody posted a link for a recall or failure warning or something about the aluminum head-tubes cracking on Terry alu bikes.

Yeah, I don't know why she has the tourer in alu now... kinda counter-intuitive, eh?

Maybe now she'll spec steel again.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm new to the site, and just getting back into biking. In the '90s I rode a Terry Classic - steel - and Loved it. Unfortunately in 2002 we had a garage fire, and that was the end of my bike. I have been looking for a bike that I will be as happy with and so far I have left a trail of "um... not quite rights". I am now riding a Trek 1500, not WDS except that I put on a WSD carbon handlebar. I am not happy with the ride - too quick and going over messed up roads leaves me wondering if my bones will survive and if I have lost any teeth. OK - now to the point. I am looking at a Gunnar sport frame, but am also wondering if there are any Terry steel touring bikes out there. I saw there was mention of a Terry steel, so please let me know your opinions. :confused:



Don't forget Rivendell lugged steel touring bikes:
http://www.rivbike.com/home

[Triskeliongirl]

Indeed Gerogena stopped making the classic and madeleine in steel. However, one can often pick these up for a song on ebay. I have a pdf of a geometry chart if you want to go that route and need sizing help. Also, check out the used bike section of the terry website, another opportunity to pick up a steel tourer there.


p.s. While not a touring bike, Georgena is still making her 'fast women' in lightweight steel.

[redrhodie]

Mama Beane,

You may already know this--Stedman's in Wakefield carries Gunnars. I also posted a link to

http://www.circleacycles.com/bicycles_gallery.php?act=view&collection_id=008&name=dan%20p&type=1

in the "getting to know you" thread, but since you might not look there again, I thought I'd suggest it here, too :) . They're steel, and made right here in RI!

[nancynyc]

Can anybody personally recommend a great bike store in NYC?

[rij73]

I have been to almost every single bike shop in NYC. The only one I can recommend is NYC Velo: http://www.nycvelo.com/

My disclaimer is that I never actually had any work done there, but I've been there, bought accessories, test ridden bikes, and they were as sweet and friendly as can be.

[Mama Beane]

RedRhodie,

Thanks, and yes, I am currently working with Stedman's. The place is fantastic. I had gone into another LBS in Newport, asked about steel, and was told "no one does steel anymore". Obviously not the place for me. Stedman's actually has a Waterford frame that's a year old which he is going to build up for me to see if I like it, and if it is the right size. If it's not, I'm planning on checking into the Gunnar sport. I would love to test ride one!
I have checked the Terry site, and will continue to do so. You can't have too many bikes, can you? :D Thanks so much for the link to circle a - I'm definitely checking them out as well.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I had gone into another LBS in Newport, asked about steel, and was told "no one does steel anymore".

Yes, I had a bike store OWNER in MA tell me that "they don't make steel bikes anymore, steel bikes are on their way out". :eek: Obviously he tells everyone that who comes in because he doesn't carry steel bikes and he wants to sell his inventory.

[Eden]

I found that the carbon fiber seemed to amplify the bumps in the road. It also squeeked a lot, like the frame was vibrating. The bike felt squishy to me, if that makes any sense. I was pretty disappointed because I have heard how great CF frames are. My husband has a CF mountain bike and loves it. Maybe at his weight the frame is more beneficial than at mine.

Kenda

Almost sounds like the bike you test rode was not put together properly....
I've ridden just about every type of frame there is to be had - except scandium. My impressions (and these are only from MY bikes - geometry can have loads to do with how a bike feels. I know a racer who had to give up her Ti bike because it was too harsh)

My old steel sport tourer and the aluminum/carbon bike that replaced it didn't acutally feel much different road feel wise, about the same amount of road buzz and pothole dampening. The steel bike was larger and had a longer wheel base so it tended to feel more stable and was a better stopper than any other bike I've owned, but it also didn't really fit and that was a pretty big issue.
All aluminum cross bike. Even with wide low pressure tires this one is pretty harsh, but one would expect that from an all aluminum bike. I didn't get it to ride long distances so I'm not worried about that. Super stable feeling for such a tiny bike.
My carbon racing bike is a dream. Its light, stiff, responsive, but doesn't jar me to bits. Very little road buzz unless I'm on some pretty harsh chip seal. I definitely noticed that this bike was livelier when I switched to it from the aluminum/carbon one. I'd never won a sprint before and the first week I rode this one I did. (I'd been second in a bunch of them......)
Ti rain/communter bike. Even smoother on the road than the carbon bike, but not quite as responsive. I wouldn't call it mushy, not by a long shot, but it just isn't as quick to accelerate. That may be from having a heavier wheel set on it. After I put the carbon seatpost on it I feel almost zero road buzz, which I like.
Now, I've never ridden a bike that I'd call wooden or dead feeling, so I'm not entirely sure what most people mean by that. All my bikes I still certainly can feel the road underneath of me, some of them just soak up the bumps better and some vibrate more than others, which I can really live without. I suppose it must be kind of like riding in a really quite luxury car with really good shocks?? I think I've driven a car like that once - a little disconcerting to not feel the road very much - more like floating just a touch above, but none of my bikes gives me that feeling.

[Jo-n-NY]

I second all that Edan said. I went from an all aluminum to aluminum with carbron fork to all carbon. I cannot see myself going back to an aluminum bike. My carbon bike is so forgiving on rough roads, extremely responsive which I did not know much about until I rode the bike. I would also consider it a dream to ride.

Just my 2 cents added.

~ JoAnn

[redrhodie]

Mama Beane, I'll make sure to check out the Waterford next time I'm in Stedman's. It's my home away from home. If you see a little red haired rat pestering everyone in there, that's me :D !

[Bklynmom]

It is hard to find a bike shop in NYC that everyone likes - maybe it's just that we new yorkers are fussy:) .

It is odd, because everyone I know loves the Jack Rabbit runnning store - the people are so knowlegeable, great and helpful. I wonder if there is some reason that there can't be a bike store as pleasant to go to.

Lisa

[KnottedYet]

Big thumbs-up for Waterford bikes!

:D

(that's Flossie the Waterford X-12 in my avatar)