WSD vs Men's Bikes

[SadieKate]

WSD is does not mean step-through. Step-through is simply a type of frame, commonly called a mixte or the woman's version of a hybrid. Waterford, Bob Jackon, Mercian, etc. are a few of the very short list of companies that I know of that actually make serious road bikes in a step-through or mixte design; you probably won't run into any of these unless you try really, really hard. Many standard road bikes today have sloping top tubes but not enough to be called a mixte.

Shorter top tube, maybe shorter cranks, narrower bars, shorter reach brakes, maybe lighter tubing, different saddle. There are a number of things that may make a bike "WSD." Of course, some companies simply paint it a different color and call it WSD.

[East Hill]

Many standard road bikes today have sloping top tubes but not enough to be called a mixte.

The sloping top tube is not enough to make such a bike into a mixte. A true mixte has DOUBLE top tubes.

(Like most of my bikes... )

East Hill

[short cut sally]

Pooks, Fuji makes a yellow bike called the Roubaix..Its not a WSD though if thats what you're looking for..am getting mine fitted right now. Waiting on a comfortable saddle before I take her out..

[SadieKate]

The sloping top tube is not enough to make such a bike into a mixte. A true mixte has DOUBLE top tubes.

(Like most of my bikes... )

East Hill

Yes . I just didn't want to get into all the details and design issues and confusion. Xeney's current single speed project is a good example.

[pooks]

Now that I know a step-through isn't automatically a WSD I'm not sure about mine.

When I went to the LBS for a fitting last week ($20) the plum bob showed that my foot wasn't quite where it should be -- close but not quite, and they couldn't get it adjusted any closer. When I put my elbow at the end of the seat and stretched my fingers out to the (what is it, stem post?) my hand was a knuckle and a half too long, and again, they adjusted everything as best they could but ultimately said the bike is too small.

I know I just need to get into a bike shop and start trying them out.

Are the handlebars with twist gears (which is what I have) a real weenie kind of thing? Do I really need to learn how to shift gears, but how do I test ride bikes when I don't even know how to shift gears?

This learning curve is going to be long.

(Let's don't even discuss clipless.)

[mimitabby]

Well, Pooks, I left you alone (well, alone with friends) for a few days and you've already focussed in on some interesting looking bikes. A yellow bianchi!
(my bianchi is bright yellow and dark navy blue)

get thee to some bike shops and have fun!

[pooks]

Somebody who doesn't have a celeste bianchi!

Of course I'm not at all sure I will like riding with my shoulders so low, so it's just window shopping. But it's fun.

[Trekhawk]

Do I really need to learn how to shift gears, but how do I test ride bikes when I don't even know how to shift gears?

This learning curve is going to be long.

(Let's don't even discuss clipless.)

LOL - that sounds like me. I had not been on a bike for around 20 odd years and didn't have a clue. The shop gave me a quick run through and off I went. No points would have been given for pretty shifting but hey I didnt crash or break anything. Hee hee and because I didnt know any better I went clipless straight away. Lets just say Im glad not too many people I know saw me in those first few months. Picture this, rider with no idea (that would be me) going up hill changes to harder gear instead of easier, bike stops suddenly, rider forgets to clip out..... TIMBER. Anyway I survived and Im glad now that I just jumped in clipless feet and all.

[pooks]

At least I've gotten used to handbrakes. I had a couple of crashes before I managed those tricky beasts.

[Kano]

Pooks -- a couple of things from my recent bike-buying excursion --

first, the shifters are actually easier than the twisty ones on my old bike, though I've got no numbers on my bike to know exactly where I'm at, so I've got to ride by feel. Probably a good thing anyway, eh? And, my bike guy showed me how to work them before I took off on my ride -- just ask if the guy you're working with doesn't offer the info!

and while I'm talking about the shifters, I saw two kinds. They both worked by pushing the brake levers in toward center, but one had a little lever that you had to press with your thumb to go the other direction and the other had two levers, next to each other -- both push in toward center. I didn't even bother with the ones that used the thumb thing. It looked inefficient, like you had to have your hands in just the right place to use them. The others, with the two levers next to each other, small one inside goes to smaller gears, large one to bigger gears. No more thinking than that.

I suppose that sounds goofy to those who speak bike, as you put it one day, but for those of us who don't, it makes PERFECT sense! little lever, little gear. big lever, big gear. can't get any easier, right? The only other thing to remember is "closer to the bike, easier to pedal" and then if it didn't get easier, I use the other lever! (oh yikes is that wicked when I get the front one wrong!)

There will be ladies here who can tell you more about bike geometry than I can, Pooks, but you probably want "relaxed" so you can be a little more upright. I've been told that the Specialized Sequoia is a good choice, and I am finding that I'm really comfortable on my Roubaix(also Specialized). (neither is WSD) There's also the Sirrus, which has a flat bar like mountain bikes.

I'm finding that I really like having the curvy handlebars, cuz I can put myself anywhere on them. Oh -- there's these funky extra brake levers you can get. They were on the bike I had when I was a teenager -- they go across the flat top part. I wanted 'em, until my bike dude

(who had nasty road rash a few days later, but happily showed me how to work my new presta valves, be sure to ask your bike guy about that when you get your bike! He also helped me pick out new gloves)

oops back to my brake levers -- he said riders with those seem to be more likely to do the endos than the other way. I decided I don't want to be doing any of those endos, and I'd try without, but if I just couldn't live with that, then I'd add them later. I'm good -- happy with the decision! (plus I saved a few dollars that I can use for something else!)

And more about the brakes -- I don't know if it's the different way I'm reaching for them, or what, but I like the way these work better than on my other bike (similar to yours) I felt REALLY uncomfortable with the front brake on the comfort bike, but I can use it any time on this new bike! It's also important to note -- I could touch the ground a little more easily on my other bike, and have to be SURE to hop off the seat when I'm coming to a stop now, Pooks -- I remember you having some trouble when stopping as you started out last spring! (I know, don't remind you! just thought I'd try to help you avoid that again!)

And they'll put block pedals on for you -- you don't have to worry about clipless yet! I went to bike specific shoes before I went clipless -- no cleats until I got the pedals, but my feet were happier in the stiff soles, strange as that may sound!

Karen in Boise, whose bike wants to come in the house and hang out here by the computer if we can't go riding!