What do you think about WSD?

[Lesley_x]

I'm in the market for a new road bike. There is an astonishing lack of choice for WSD here. Unless you want something flowery with curly writing, which I don't. I like the aggro look of mens bikes.

I'm frustrated by the lack of choice and I'm wondering... how essential is it to get a woman's specific design road bike? Does anyone here ride a mens and find it comfortable?

Specialized would really be my only option for the price I'm looking at. There is a Bianchi I could get but again, the look of the bike isn't that great with the mens equivalent being a much sexier bike.

So how essential do you think WSD is? I am going to go for test rides of both :)

[Owlie]

It depends on your proportions. I know there are TE'ers with "men's" bikes who are perfectly comfortable. If, however, you have relatively long legs and a relatively short torso and arms, you'll probably find WSD bikes more comfortable.
I'm one of those people who needs a WSD bike. I've ridden the unisex equivalent of my bike, just a few years older. That hurt. Your mileage may vary. Take 'em both for test rides. That'll give you your answer. Just don't try to convince yourself a bike fits or doesn't based on its looks.

Of course, I hear you on the colors and designs. Eek. I want a little aggression in my bike. My Giant does have a teeny swirly thing on it, but it's easily overlooked.

[OakLeaf]

It's just a matter of fit.

Some women can wear men's jeans. Other women, no way no how.

Some women can ride men's bikes. Other women, ditto.

Try them both out. See which fits you better.

But I don't know about the look. What brands have you looked at? I was just sitting on some Trek WSD bikes at an expo today and there was nothing flowery about them. Nothing flowery about my WSD Cannondale either. Mine is royal blue, white and clearcoat over the black carbon, a pretty gender-neutral color scheme. Bianchi, well, that celeste looks girly to me whether it's on a man's bike or a woman's. ;) To my eye, Orbeas are seriously "aggro," as you put it, in either the WSD or the men's. Felts are beautiful and not at all girly.

More useful to complain that many manufacturers don't sell a complete bike with the highest-end componentry; but honestly, I think that's more because women are more particular than men about what they buy, and if we're spending that kind of money, we're going to build a bike up exactly the way we want it.

[Owlie]

The Synapse is in fact high on my list for the next "Go fast' bike. If it fits.
I'm starting to think, though, that the further down you go in components, the girlier the frame color becomes...

[zoom-zoom]

My 2010 Cannondale Synapse 5 Féminine isn't too girly (though there are little, subtle scrolly details in the white paint that no one notices unless I point it out):
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs058.snc3/14537_1289818169856_1362296891_828110_6197690_n.jpg

[Zen]

That's matching root beer, right?

[PamNY]

Doesn't WSD refer specifically to Trek? I think it's a trademark.

[zoom-zoom]

That's matching root beer, right?

Yes. Um...no. ;) That inspired my bike's name (Oberon) and orange bar tape, though. :D

[KnottedYet]

WSD - I will always think of Georgena Terry.

[OakLeaf]

I know, I thought it was a weird name too.

But there are definitely worse body parts you could name a bike after. ;)

[zoom-zoom]

But there are definitely worse body parts you could name a bike after. ;)

*snort* :p

[sarahspins]

My Felt FW40 is only girly where I made it girly... I'd call the saddle bag girly (I got it from TE) and the bar tape has hints of pink... but the stock tape was black.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4762264722_249f2c6d27.jpg

It does have some tiny details with flowers around the "Fit Woman" logos (like the top of the seat stays where the black transitions back to orange), but they're maroon colored, and tiny, so it doesn't really immediately scream "girl's bike" at you.

I adore my Felt :)

HOWEVER, I currently have this Trek (it's an '06 model, and a men's bike, and not the same size as the image..) at my house and apart from the horizontal top tube (which means less standover height), the "fit" is very similar on the two.. I can ride either just fine.. my felt at a 47cm frame has a 52.5cm top tube, and the felt is a 50cm with a 53cm top tube.. the difference is fairly insignificant.. easily fixable, anyways. I'll be riding it when I visit Hawaii in two months, then leaving it for my sister... it's "her" bike, and we expect it will fit her fine too (with some tweaking).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4772938134_f6451a6355.jpg

And yes, we both happen to really like orange :D

[zoom-zoom]

And yes, we both happen to really like orange :D

OMG, it's my favorite color! *swoons* If I could have a custom bike it would be orange with flames. And maybe red handlebar tape. *sigh*

[sarahspins]

OMG, it's my favorite color! *swoons* If I could have a custom bike it would be orange with flames. And maybe red handlebar tape. *sigh*

I want an orange Luna.. someday :)

[Owlie]

While she's teal, my Giant doesn't look terribly girly. The black bar tape and saddle (as opposed to the white that was on the internet) help.

I want an orange or red bike as my next go-fast bike. Or, if I went insane and had $8,000 to spend on a bike, I could get a 6 Series Madone... (Yes, I'm playing with the Project One thing right now...)

Re componentry vs. colors: I've certainly noticed it with Giant. The year I bought my bike, you could get the Avail 3 in teal or in gold (which looked kind of tacky, IMO). The 1 came in green or red. This year, the 3 comes in sky blue or black/"sangria", which is a deep red-purple. The 1 comes in white or orange. The carbon version comes in black. I've noticed it too with Cannondale, but not to the same extent.

[mixie]

I don't like girlie anything either. This is my bike, and I love it. They also make a SRAM version that is black and red :)

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/xenith/10_xenithracef.html

[Lesley_x]

The bikes that have been posted look great. I just can't seem to find anything similar in the UK, there is a very small selection here, even in the large stores. I went into a large chain yesterday and there must have been 50 mens road bikes and 3 women's.

There is a beautiful Cannondale Synapse available but it is £999 or ~$1550. There is also an Eddy Merckx I have fallen in love with but it is the same price.

Cannondale Synapse - http://www.thetristore.com/newproductsthumbs/synapsefeminine.jpg

Eddy Merckx - http://sgmtb.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/eddy-merckx-afx-1-tiagra-2010-womens-road-bike.jpg

Difficulty is justifying the expense to my non-cycling fiance. I have the money to do it from a bonus at work but he's already grumbling about me buying another bike, never mind one at that price!

Anything cheaper I've seen has a distinct 'girly' look, especially when you look at the mens equivalent.

[Owlie]

Ooh. Pretty Cannondale. Does it fit? Does the Eddy Merckx fit?
I think you'll find the lack of floor space given to women's road bikes a problem anywhere. My LBS back in Cincinnati has...maybe five women's road bikes (two of which are different model years of the same bike), none above 105. I think all of them may in fact be Sora (or cheaper, in one case). If you go to the back 1/3 of the shop, it's full of higher-end men's road bikes...up to and including a sleek-looking Dura Ace-equipped Specialized.:rolleyes:

[Lesley_x]

Ooh. Pretty Cannondale. Does it fit? Does the Eddy Merckx fit?
I think you'll find the lack of floor space given to women's road bikes a problem anywhere. My LBS back in Cincinnati has...maybe five women's road bikes (two of which are different model years of the same bike), none above 105. I think all of them may in fact be Sora (or cheaper, in one case). If you go to the back 1/3 of the shop, it's full of higher-end men's road bikes...up to and including a sleek-looking Dura Ace-equipped Specialized.:rolleyes:

I haven't even seen a woman's road bike with 105 in the bike shops. One really big shop I went to didn't have ONE road bike, all hybrids with wicker baskets on the front :rolleyes:

I would have to order both those bikes in (£50 refundable deposit if you don't like it, so not too bad). If it wasn't for my fiance I would do it in a heartbeat. I asked him if he loved me enough to let me buy it (even though it's my bonus from work?!) he said no :eek: :p

I have also fallen in love with the Wilier Escape Xenon http://www.cultracing.com/product_images/l/997/escape_xenon__67842_zoom.jpg

[Owlie]

Now, that's a sexy bike.

Can you test out the same frame, at the very least? So, even a "girly" Synapse, or is it a case of having to order it regardless?

[Lesley_x]

Now, that's a sexy bike.

Can you test out the same frame, at the very least? So, even a "girly" Synapse, or is it a case of having to order it regardless?

It's the price. My fiance won't get on board with a bike a that price. I, however, would order it in in a heartbeat :(

BTW the Merckx and Cannondale were both WSD which makes them so appealing.

[runningcyclist]

Hi Lesley, it's your money so why is it of such concern to him what you spend it on if all your commitments are met?

Anyway, nice bikes you posted. I'm having problems finding bikes that fit as I need a top tube of 47/48 and they are very very thin on the ground, in London at least :( Most shops seem to think getting a shorter stem, shims and smaller handlebars will work perfectly well. Not for this 4'11 person, but I might have to settle for that (Plan B).

Thanks to this site I've checked out bikes that I wouldn't have thought to look into so that, coupled with a bike fit I had a few months ago, has given me a better idea of to look for. I'm currently trying to find a Trek 1.2 43cm, which comes with 650c wheels which I'm almost convinced will be the best bike for me (Plan A). Plan C is getting a custom build, but that is a few years away due to lack of funds :(.

[runningcyclist]

Thanks for that Knotted. I tried the Giant Avail XS yesterday and with a shorter stem (no idea of the size) it felt better but reaching the brakes/levers was still a stretch as my hands are very small.

I think my nearest Surly shop is in Brixton, which is close to my home, so I'll give them a call tomorrow.

This situation is certainly good for my cycling education. I'm learning lots :D

I know I can get a shorter stem, shims and smaller handlebars to make whatever bike I get more comfortable, but can anything be done about brake levers? I think I saw a WSD bike that had 'extra' brake levers on the handlebars which would bring them a lot closer to me. Would that be a worthwhile extra to pay for? I'm looking to see if I can find a picture of said bike.

Annoyingly I can't remember the manufacturer name so can't find the bike. Bother!

[OakLeaf]

Shimano has short-reach levers (R700) - they're Ultegra grade and priced to match. My hands are small but not tiny - R700s are fine for me.

I haven't ridden Campagnolo since the days of down-tube shifters, but many women here feel that Campy levers are easier on smaller hands.

Placement of the levers on the bars affects reach, as well. Shops probably wouldn't let you try that out since it involves re-wrapping the handlebars, but a good fitter should be able to advise you whether moving the levers or swapping out handlebars would help you enough.

[KnottedYet]

Whoops, I must have pulled my post as you were putting yours up! The true and effective top tube measurements were flipped on the Surly site, and that confused me, and I thought the bike would be way too long, and then I pulled the post and then I realized that no, I had it right the first time and disaster all around with great wailing and gnashing of teeth....

But anyway, here's the link again: http://surlybikes.com/bikes/pacer_complete/

I'm such an airhead... :rolleyes:

Call the shop before you go, to see if they have the 42cm in stock. Even if they only have other Surlies in stock at 42cm, try them anyway. More bikes, more fun!

The extra brake levers up on the flat part of the bar that you saw are interruptor levers. They are popular on cyclocross bikes. They are fairly cheap, and can be added to a bike if you find one you like.

[runningcyclist]

Oakleaf. Thank you so much! Whenever I mentioned short-reach levers to guys in the bike shops they seemed to think I made it up! Shims were mentioned in an off-hand way but no-one said "Shimano do them". I'll go check that out.

Knotted, I thought I was losing it (more than usual) when I couldn't see your post but cheers on the name of the levers.

I'm feeling a little more hopeful that I can get a roadbike closest to my fit now. I too am getting a bonus but don't know what the exact amount as the shock at being told I was getting one meant I missed the actual figure my manager told me. I can wait til payday to find out. I'm sure once the taxman has taken his cut it will be a lot smaller than my list of goodies I'd like to get :D

Just seen the price for the RS700 :eek:

[NbyNW]

I would have to order both those bikes in (£50 refundable deposit if you don't like it, so not too bad). If it wasn't for my fiance I would do it in a heartbeat. I asked him if he loved me enough to let me buy it (even though it's my bonus from work?!) he said no :eek: :p


Lesley, I don't understand why you need your fiance's permission to spend money that YOU earned :confused:

especially since, as you say, you are planning to use bonus money for this. Unless you've got some debt to pay off, I say use the money to buy a bike that you love and invest in your health and fitness!

[sarahspins]

Uh, agree.

Ditto :eek: It's your money, you earned it, unless you're currently struggling to pay your bills it shouldn't matter to him how you choose to spend it.

For the record, my DH is not gung-ho about cycling at all (he'll go ride with me maybe once every other month, usually with the kids too), but he'd never in a million years tell me I can't spend "my" money on what I want to... in fact he doesn't even spend "his" money without checking with me first, even though I've told him a million times that he doesn't have to.

[Catrin]

Tektro also makes short-reach levers - R100A. That 'A' is very important as we found out when I got my stock Surly LHT (it has since been customized). They were fine and they are also affordable. I don't know how they last for the long-term, I only used them for something like 30 miles before I had the bike customized.

[runningcyclist]

Cheers Catrin. Much more reasonably priced although the Shimano ones would be worthwhile for any bike that I aim to keep til they fall apart.

[Catrin]

Cheers Catrin. Much more reasonably priced although the Shimano ones would be worthwhile for any bike that I aim to keep til they fall apart.

It is what Surly uses for the stock LHT in the smaller sizes - I know the Shimanos are nice but wanted to make sure the Tektros were mentioned.

[buffybike]

I ride a small-size Giant Avail. It's the women's version of the Defy. While it does have some curly-cues on it, I changed the white saddle and handlebar tape to black to toughen it up a bit. The bike fits me really well (me=short torso, longer limbs) and only needed minor adjustments. In the end, I think it all comes down to geometry (WSD or not). I'm currently borrowing a 50cm Lemond and it fits me like a dream.

[Veronica]

Lesley, I don't understand why you need your fiance's permission to spend money that YOU earned :confused:


Couples work their money different ways. Thom wants a new i phone and a quadra copter and a PS3. He hasn't gotten any of that yet.

Technically, it's his money as he makes significantly more than I do. But REALLY, it's all OUR money and we usually decide together how it gets spent. He's due for a nice bonus in a couple of weeks - definitely his money, but we'll decide together what to do with it.

Veronica

[runningcyclist]

I ride a small-size Giant Avail. It's the women's version of the Defy. While it does have some curly-cues on it, I changed the white saddle and handlebar tape to black to toughen it up a bit. The bike fits me really well (me=short torso, longer limbs) and only needed minor adjustments. In the end, I think it all comes down to geometry (WSD or not). I'm currently borrowing a 50cm Lemond and it fits me like a dream.

Just shows how different people and bikes can be. I'm (newly discovered) short torso, long limbs and yet found I'd have to get a shorter stem, smaller bars and possibly the Shimano levers or reposition the ones already on it to make a better fit on the Giant Avail XS.

Looking forward to trying the Trek 1.2 XXS and the Surly LHT. I wonder what tweaks would have to be made for those? :rolleyes:


Veronica - you and your beloved have things worked out but that doesn't appear to be the case with Lesley although I'd love it if she got her bike with or without his 'approval' ;)

[Aggie_Ama]

Money with couples is personal. DH makes more and gets a better bonus but it is our bonus. We share a bank account and have since we got back from our honeymoon but when it comes to his bonus I think of it as his. He bought me my last bike, the Gary Fisher, out of his bonus but we agreed on the budget. If we weren't both into cycling I could see bike spending being more of a debate. Even with us both liking to ride I don't always agree on how much he wants to spend on bikes (I put my foot down on him getting a carbon mountain bike).

As for the WSD debate, it definitely comes down to personal preference and manufacturer. The year I got my Cannondale the geometry was very little tweaked from the mens. They used shorter reach shifters, smaller bars, slight changes to sizing but Cannondale has changed that (I think). Whereas my Fisher is quite a bit different from the comparable men's bike. I have an extremely short torso and longish legs for being 5'2" so WSD generally works. However in Specialized mountain bikes WSD is way too compact and I hate the fit. So even WSD doesn't always work.

I am big on how a frame looks, my Cannondale is very non-feminine but my Fisher is girly. Sparkly black with just enough pink to be AWESOME to me. I am the opposite I like slightly feminine details on my frame, but I don't always like the swirly, flowery stuff some companies use. My first bike I was not more constrained on budget and just had to take what I could get. If I am spending as much as I was I am going to like the looks. Luckily they took it in stride because we have been loyal customers for several years.

[NbyNW]

Couples work their money different ways.

You're right V.

Lesley, I hope you get a wonderful bike and that your fiance comes around on his objections.

[Lesley_x]

He threw a hissy fit about it last night then after a few hours came round and said that we had agreed I would get to blow this on whatever I want, so I should get a bike. Funny that he never objected when I thought about getting an iPad, a completely useless piece of technology that just looks cool :p

He thinks my hybrid, which admittedly isn't very old at all, won't get used. I disagree. It will get used less but it certainly won't be collecting dust.

He is annoyed because 'he' bought that and because I'm looking into a road bike he thinks that it's 'not enough'.

He is also worried that cycling is still a 'novelty' which I find baffling. The health benefits have been so marked I couldn't imagine stopping...

Sorry for bringing relationship issues into this :p

[Bike Chick]

Yes, do let us know what bike you buy. It is frustrating when there are no women's bikes to ride or even look at. I have to drive hours to find a bike shop that carries a bike in my size and then it's a low-end bike.

I'm trying to remain silent on the fiance/money issue. It's your money, honey! Sounds like you two have some issues to work out before fiance becomes husband;)

[KnottedYet]

Running - The Surly Pacer and the Surly LHT have similar top tube lengths, but the Pacer is designed more for fast light riding, while the Long Haul Trucker is more oriented toward loaded touring.

They are going to have very different feels, even though the sizing is going to be similar. I hope you get a chance to ride both!

I have a Surly Cross Check. It's got a higher bottom bracket so the standover is about one size up compared to a Pacer or LHT. If the shop has a Cross Check that you can stand over without distress, try that as well!

More bikes, more fun!

[arielmoon]

I have a WSD and I love the detailing on it. I recently changed the bartape and bottle cages from pink but I love that my bike has some pink in it.

With black tape:
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/P8090357.jpg

With pink:
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/Trek1-1.jpg

You can see the pink better in this:
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/madone51wsd_blossomsilver.jpg

That being said, I now know that my long body and short legs are more compatible with men's bikes. I think we have done well making this one work for me though.

[NbyNW]

No worries, we've seen all kinds of relationship stuff on this board.

And look no further if you want to have people justify/enable the idea of having more than one bike!

I got nothing to add about the specific bikes you're looking at, I just hope you have an LBS that you like, with a good fitter. Looking forward to seeing what you end up getting!

[billy10388]

The Synapse is in fact high on my list for the next "Go fast' bike. If it fits.
I'm starting to think, though, that the further down you go in components, the girlier the frame color becomes...


I also think so.

[Lesley_x]

arielmoon - I love your bike. I would be more than happy with something like that. I don't mind frames with a little bit of girly styling on them at all. The ones I've seen so far take it too far though :p

I have phoned a LBS to try out the Wilier Escape Xenon (mens bike). He's going to try to get a loan bike in my size to try out.

If that bike fits I would snap it up in a second :D It's so pretty.

And Bike Chick, for what it's worth, we definitely have to sort out money. He finds it difficult because I earn more than him. But being engaged, 23 y/o, with no privacy, freedom or space to ourselves makes sparks fly where they otherwise wouldn't. Still, only 8 months till we can move out!

[Bike Chick]

And Bike Chick, for what it's worth, we definitely have to sort out money. He finds it difficult because I earn more than him. But being engaged, 23 y/o, with no privacy, freedom or space to ourselves makes sparks fly where they otherwise wouldn't. Still, only 8 months till we can move out!

It's really none of my business, Lesley, and I apologize if I misspoke. The mom came out in me for a minute I guess. I hope you two get things worked out and you get the bike you want. Be sure to share with us when you get it!

[Lesley_x]

It's really none of my business, Lesley, and I apologize if I misspoke. The mom came out in me for a minute I guess. I hope you two get things worked out and you get the bike you want. Be sure to share with us when you get it!

No I don't think you misspoke at all! :)

[TrekTheKaty]

Ditto the frustration with "girly" paint jobs. I want the new Madone, but it has pink trim (like Ariel's--looks cute on you Moon :)).

[Catrin]

On another forum I belong to, a young man spoke up in horror that an LBS had actually suggested that he get a WSD bike. The responses of the men were quite simple - if his body needed that geometry then there was nothing wrong with it. If it was too "girly" then he could get it powder-coated if he really had to. Then several of the men pointed out the pink found on some of the TDF riders kits and, apparently, there are a few male pro racers with pink bikes. They seemed to be having fun with this - but they made their point to the young man - he needs what will fit him.

The discussion was interesting. I think that, perhaps, another name could have been given to WSD bikes that wouldn't make it seem like it was only for women.

[KnottedYet]

The discussion was interesting. I think that, perhaps, another name could have been given to WSD bikes that wouldn't make it seem like it was only for women.

It is what used to be called "sport touring" geometry, according to my LBS. Georgena Terry got the whole women's geometry train a'rolling and it has really taken off. She deserves far more credit than she generally gets for bringing the frame geometry and the saddles with cut-outs into prominence for this generation. (She didn't invent either, but she sure saw a market that needed them!)

[TrekTheKaty]

On another forum I belong to, a young man spoke up in horror that an LBS had actually suggested that he get a WSD bike. The responses of the men were quite simple - if his body needed that geometry then there was nothing wrong with it.

I was wondering when this would happen. I used to play golf and they had women's balls that were pink. I hated them. It had to do with swing speed and ball compression. Now, they've acknowledged that amateur men have about the same swing speed as a female pro. SO, they now sell, what used to be women's pink balls, under a different name so they can market to men (I think "noodles" are one of the brands).

[zoom-zoom]

That being said, I now know that my long body and short legs are more compatible with men's bikes. I think we have done well making this one work for me though.

I have similar proportions. But I am small and have small hands, so the components on my WSD Cannondale work for me. I never tried a men's frame, so I can't compare. Next bike for me will likely be a men's/unisex cyclocross frame, which I hope we can spec out with short-reach components.

[arielmoon]

I have similar proportions. But I am small and have small hands, so the components on my WSD Cannondale work for me. I never tried a men's frame, so I can't compare. Next bike for me will likely be a men's/unisex cyclocross frame, which I hope we can spec out with short-reach components.

I am 5'7 with long arms and big hands. One of the guys was commenting that my drops are so short that there is nothing behind my hand when I am in them. I laughed and told him it was my big hands. But really I assume that is another WSD thing. Again, it's not terrible but if I get carbon bars I may look for ones with more reach.

[Aggie_Ama]

Ditto the frustration with "girly" paint jobs. I want the new Madone, but it has pink trim (like Ariel's--looks cute on you Moon :)).

Just go Project One then :)! Actually I don't think it is a huge increase if the frame is the real killer for you.

[TrekTheKaty]

I would love that! Did you see the flames?! OMG!

[TxDoc]

how essential is it to get a woman's specific design road bike?

Don't worry about the WSD label - just find a bike that fits your body.
I know that I belong to the minority here - but I find the WSD label a marketing hype.
Fit is based on finding the correct bicycle geometry for your body proportions, and not based on gender. There's men that fit on WSD labelled bikes and women that fit on regular stock bikes (which most people believe to be built for male bodies).
Find a reputable bike fitter, and test ride many bikes until you find the right one for you. When you know what geometry and size you need - go shop for the colors you like.
And don't worry if it does not say 'WSD' on the frame :)

[Bike Chick]

I like the WSD geometry because of the shorter top tube, shorter cranks, smaller grips, short reach shifters and narrower handlebars, however, some of the "girlie" paint schemes they've come up with are just too much for me to handle. I was at the Trek factory a few years ago during the dealer demo days and was having a discussion with the Trek ladies at the WSD tent about the WSD bikes. That was the year that Trek came out with that Pepto-Bismol pink bike---it wasn't even a pretty pink---and they used it on several models. Well, I proceeded to voice my opinion about the pink bikes and said something about how a man must have come up with that idea and ....that's when one of the ladies told me that it was her idea. I shut up and realized not all women feel the same as I do. So find the one that fits and the one that YOU like. Like TXDoc said, find a reputable bike fitter and test ride as many as you can find. You will learn a lot about bikes during the process.

[Lesley_x]

That pepto-bismol bike sounds quite horrendous!!

I'm just going to test ride a whole bunch and see how I get on. The problem now is no shops have mens bikes in small enough sizes...

[Aggie_Ama]

Don't worry about the WSD label - just find a bike that fits your body.
I know that I belong to the minority here - but I find the WSD label a marketing hype.
Fit is based on finding the correct bicycle geometry for your body proportions, and not based on gender. There's men that fit on WSD labelled bikes and women that fit on regular stock bikes (which most people believe to be built for male bodies).
Find a reputable bike fitter, and test ride many bikes until you find the right one for you. When you know what geometry and size you need - go shop for the colors you like.
And don't worry if it does not say 'WSD' on the frame :)

I agree. WSD is supposed to fit the more common build of women. But I know men with long legs and short torso (ummm my Dad!) so they would work better on WSD.

[Cataboo]

WSD bikes do not work for me - so I avoid them and all their pastel colors. I did buy one once and it fit so badly I didn't really ride it.

I don't have long legs by any stretch of the imagination, and I have a longer torso and arms I guess. So I ride men's bikes. I do have very small hands, but I've never had a problem shifting or braking with standard levers - and I actually prefer handlebars that are 42 cms wide.

however, I have a gf that's the same height as me whose legs are probably 3 inches longer - who I would say should ride wsd. I think my bf shoudl also ride a WSD, 'cause he's 5'7 with a 33" inseam.

[Bike Chick]

That pepto-bismol bike sounds quite horrendous!!

I'm just going to test ride a whole bunch and see how I get on. The problem now is no shops have mens bikes in small enough sizes...

Yes, finding small sizes is a problem. It's why I drove 6 hours last week to find a shop that carried them.

BTW, here's a picture of that bike. It doesn't look as bad as I remember but at the time I thought it was horrid.

[zoom-zoom]

BTW, here's a picture of that bike. It doesn't look as bad as I remember but at the time I thought it was horrid.

Someone around here has that bike. She has pink EVERYTHING on it. It's a bit overkill.

[Bike Chick]

I hope she's not offended.......it's just not me. Don't think I could blow snot rockets while I was riding it...it just wouldn't be ladylike:D

[zoom-zoom]

I hope she's not offended.......it's just not me. Don't think I could blow snot rockets while I was riding it...it just wouldn't be ladylike:D

No, I mean someone local to me. She's kind of a friend-of-a-friend. Apparently she's quite the athlete, but that bike makes me think I should be having gastric issues or something. :p

[Lesley_x]

Omg, just walked into a lbs to find a cannondale synapse wsd - the one i posted - sitting in my exact size! Test riding it tomorrow. So excited!

[arielmoon]

Yes, finding small sizes is a problem. It's why I drove 6 hours last week to find a shop that carried them.

BTW, here's a picture of that bike. It doesn't look as bad as I remember but at the time I thought it was horrid.

I love it! I would totally play up the black on bars and bottle cages to keep from pink over load!

[Bike Chick]

Omg, just walked into a lbs to find a cannondale synapse wsd - the one i posted - sitting in my exact size! Test riding it tomorrow. So excited!

Why wait until tomorrow????

[zoom-zoom]

Omg, just walked into a lbs to find a cannondale synapse wsd - the one i posted - sitting in my exact size! Test riding it tomorrow. So excited!

I have no complaints about mine. It's a sweet ride! :D

[Lesley_x]

http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/eng/Products/Bikes/Feminine/Road-Bikes/Synapse-Feminine-/Details/1472-0WA1T-Synapse-Alloy-Feminine-Tiagra

Any comments on the spec of this bike? It's very pretty in person :D

No details for weight which I'm a bit frustrated about. It felt a bit on the heavy side but I'll try lifting it again tomorrow when I'm out on it.

[Lesley_x]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Test rode it today and was disappointed. It wasn't as fast as I'd hoped (it was quite heavy, even the saleswoman agreed when she picked it up!) and not that much of an improvement over my trusty hybrid.

However, I loved the aggressive riding position. Loved the Tiagra shifters. The two levers system really felt natural to me as opposed to the Sora system. The fit and ride of the bike was great, it just isn't what I'm looking for. Need something a little bit quicker.

The search continues :)

[redrhodie]

There is also an Eddy Merckx I have fallen in love with but it is the same price.

Eddy Merckx - http://sgmtb.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/eddy-merckx-afx-1-tiagra-2010-womens-road-bike.jpg



Have you tried this bike yet? I have 2 Eddys, but I haven't had the pleasure of riding the one you linked to. Just curious how it feels (I bet nice ;)).

[Lesley_x]

Have you tried this bike yet? I have 2 Eddys, but I haven't had the pleasure of riding the one you linked to. Just curious how it feels (I bet nice ;)).

No I haven't. I was going to get that one ordered in but the sales assistant put me off by saying I would basically be paying for the name. What model is yours and what do you think of it?