Women's Specific Designs

[Eden]

Wouldn't it be nice if someone invented a bike fitting device (not just a slide rule on a pole) - like an adjustable dummy frame that can be angled and altered to mimic the geometry of any bike - so you just get on the imaginary bike fitting frame and as a rider you can feel what the angles of your proposed bike will be like and if you can standover it or reach comfortably - every bike shop should have one! (anyone on TE and engineer?)

Someone has done this.... If you go to a place that offers Serrotta fitting they have just that. Their own web site doesn't really show it well though. You can kind of see they system in the pictures on this page http://www.serotta.com/Sizing&Fit/Pe...tOverview.html

[ny biker]

Thanks so much for the clarification! I didn't even know exactly what the difference was with WSD bikes. As far as components go, don't most women end up switching up the saddle anyways to a more appropriate one? Also, what's the difference in handlebars? TIA and I really appreciate everyone's patience with answering these questions from both a technical standpoint and from experience... you have no idea how much more useful your advice is than just reading a WSD article from google!

I think the handlebars on a WSD bike are narrower, to account for shoulders that are less broad. Also I think the brifters might be smaller and easier to reach and use if you have smaller hands.

But that might vary by brand, so it would probably be worth asking at whatever shop you go to. Or maybe there would be information on a manufacturer's website about it.

[7rider]

Someone has done this.... If you go to a place that offers Serrotta fitting they have just that. Their own web site doesn't really show it well though. You can kind of see they system in the pictures on this page http://www.serotta.com/Sizing&Fit/Pe...tOverview.html

Actually, I think Calfee does Serotta one better and addresses this very need.
The Calfee Fit Bike "can quickly and easily adjust all the important dimensions with quick releases and a hand crank top tube extender. The top tube extender is especially handy for the rider to feel the effect of a longer or shorter top tube while the technician turns the crank handle. You can duplicate the geometry of any manufacturer's production frame directly from their published geometry charts. This allows the rider to test ride a demo bike that may not fit perfectly just to get an idea of the ride quality. Then they can check the fit of the correct size frame and get the right stem length and saddle position on the first try. This makes special ordering frames easy and risk-free. "

My LBS sold their Serotta and the Calfee arrives this week. This will be totally cool.

[Tiddle]

Actually, I think Calfee does Serotta one better and addresses this very need.
The Calfee Fit Bike "can quickly and easily adjust all the important dimensions with quick releases and a hand crank top tube extender. The top tube extender is especially handy for the rider to feel the effect of a longer or shorter top tube while the technician turns the crank handle. You can duplicate the geometry of any manufacturer's production frame directly from their published geometry charts. This allows the rider to test ride a demo bike that may not fit perfectly just to get an idea of the ride quality. Then they can check the fit of the correct size frame and get the right stem length and saddle position on the first try. This makes special ordering frames easy and risk-free. "

wow - that's exactly what I was imagining...

now the next challenge will be to find one in Australia

[oz rider]

(And while I'm at it, manufacturers need to offer ALL the frame sizes to other country's... I've looked at so many manufactuers sites recently only to discover they make an extra small size but don't supply it to Australia... grrr there are short people here too you know!)

But the upside is that we have Baum. Have a look at his fit bike on the ordering page.

[crazycanuck]

oooooo...drool worthy....ooooo...Baum...*drool*

We visited Baum whilst in Vic for the Otway in feb..what an extra treat! Darren's a great guy & dedicated to his work.

A (uber good mtn bike chick, one of top females in WA) friend of ours rides a Baum Ti Hardtail and it's amazingly booteful.

We thought about ordering one for me but we decided to go down the dually path..It would be an expensive proposition...6months waiting list, plane ticket to melbourne, rental car to get to Geelong etc...

When i go down the road bike upgrade path it may just be my first option

[oz rider]

oooooo...drool worthy....ooooo...Baum...*drool*

We visited Baum whilst in Vic for the Otway in feb..what an extra treat! Darren's a great guy & dedicated to his work. ...When i go down the road bike upgrade path it may just be my first option

Glad you got to check them out at least. Jared took the fit bike to WA a few years ago and I know a woman who got her roadie as a result. They'll pick you up from Avalon! heheh

I'll be there again on Friday. Can't wait.

[Tiddle]

But the upside is that we have Baum. Have a look at his fit bike on the ordering page.

gasp.... they are beautiful! Will have to remember Baum whe it comes time for the next bike