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...

[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

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 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!

[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):

[Zen]

That's matching root beer, right?

[PamNY]

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

[KnottedYet]

WSD - I will always think of Georgena Terry.

[zoom-zoom]

That's matching root beer, right?

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

[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*