Another beginner with a bunch of questions

[ccbloom]

Hi. I know this post is a few days old but I just wanted to clarify this some. WSD bikes (which is Trek's brand name, btw, not a general term) are absolutely not made the way they are because of some generalization about proportions. In fact, during the research stage we found no scientific evidence that women on average have one proportionality moreso than men.

We change the geometry of our bikes in order to deal with the fact that as women, our center of gravity is not located in the same place as that of a man, and it is for this reason that less reach and a higher hand position is more anatomically correct for most women (notice I did not say 'all').

It is not about height.

It is not about proportionality.

If this is what you were told by a Trek dealer, please feel free to send me a PM and let me know which one it was. We train shop staff on the reasons why WSD bikes should be an option for women, and there are still a lot of shops who are getting it wrong.

To be honest, I can't remember if it was an actual Trek that the employee was referring to when he was telling me about it being for shorter torso/longer legs since I also tried out the Specialized women's bikes. Either way, that is the impression that I was given while testing the women's vs. men's bikes. I'm happy to give you the name of the LBS where I purchased the bike, though. I can say that my first 3 experiences with them were not great; however, as long as I get this one employee there, I'm more than satisfied since he's so helpful.

[Kris]

I've been told this at a Trek dealer. I can't remember if it was a Trek bike I was looking at when he said it, but he definitely said that since I had a long torso, I should look at men's bikes. Nothing about geometry or gravity or the fact that I have little stubby fingers. I'll send you the name of the shop.