Is WSD all that???

[DrBee]

In a similar line to the "Trek vs Giant" thread started by Hammer - I am in pretty much the same situation. I have a Trek 7200FX and am looking forward to purchasing my first road bike. Actually it's just about all I can think about right now! My goal is to ride a century and local MS150 eventually. Unfortunately, the closest LBS is 2 hours away in Memphis or Jackson. So - I'm trying to figure out what specs are desirable for a road bike and narrow down my choices before I make the trip. My question is about WSD. Is it worth it?

I'm 5'6" if that matters.

[Veronica]

It depends on the woman.

I think it's great that bike manufacturers are realizing that there are differences between men and women's bodies. There are some women who could not get comfortable without that different geometry. I'm not one of those. I'm 5'5" and I ride a production Rivendell. I've been looking at other bikes lately and tested both set ups on a Pilot. I preferred the regular geometry - felt scrunched in WSD.

V.

[yellow]

To know, you must ride it. Before I got my bike (women's specific Specialized) I rode a whole bunch of "traditional geometry" production bikes...Trek, Cannondale, Giant, you name it. None of them were quite right (reach was always just a little too far).

First ride I took on what my DH calls my "chick bike", I knew it was the one. I can reach everything OK and it fits me perfectly. I am short but pretty evenly proportioned (I think). That being said, my next bike will be a custom build!

[Tater]

I think it depends on the bike maker and the woman riding the bike. I too have a WSD Specialized and I love it. I am a bit vertically challenged at 5'3" and always had issuess with other bikes. I had problems with over-extending and hurting my neck and shoulders, or with reach/shifting/brake levers. I am very happy with the bike I am on now.

[Eden]

As far as being "worth it" WSD does not necessarily mean more expensive - in fact sometimes it means less than a comperable men's bike if you can believe the LBS. I was in drooling over a Ruby this weekend and he was of the opinion that they are selling it for less than a comperable men's frame (he thought the Tarmac SL - but after looking I'm thinking maybe not...., but the top end Roubaix - which is pretty comperable is priced at least $1,000 higher.)

Anyway - if you are little like me WSD is a savior - I'm too small for any unisex bikes, but many women are just fine with normal geometry. Its all in what fits you personally the best. Oh- and don't rely on fit calculators - I had one of them putting me a 49 which is way way to big - I ride a 44. Get fit by a reputable shop and test ride test ride test ride.

[bouncybouncy]

YES...it is "All That!!!"

IF your body requires that particular geometry!!!! Like the knowledgable ladies that are always here on the forum...you must test to know AND get fit by a reputable shop!!!

I was "measured" by my husbands trustworthy shop-owner who set me up on a frame and customized the coponents to my specs....and i must say i have never had a moment of pain (**due to bike fit) which, to me, says he did a pretty D@## good job...especially after reading what some of these poor girls have gone thru to get a good fitting ride.

good luck...and RIIIIIIDE!!!!!