What Kind of Bike

[LivetoRide]

Here's an article on women's specific bikes- http://bikeandbody.blogspot.com/2009...ific-myth.html

Some women are better off on unisex bikes, just as some men would maybe be better off on a more women's specific bike; It all depends on the way you are built.

Don't be afraid to try unisex bikes as: they may fit you better, chances are you'll have to swap out the saddle regardless of the bike you purchase, and regardless of what bike you purchase, you may have to swap out the stem and/or handlebars as well.

On bikes built up with Shimano componentry, manufactures put little "shims" in the shifters to help those with shorter fingers / smaller hands. This is done on most women's specific bikes (w/ Shimano), but remember that you can get these cheaply to put on any bike outfitted with Shimano componentry.

[Roadtrip]

I'd also say that any bike shop that tries to push a WSD bike (or any other WSD product) at a woman, just because she is a woman, needs to be slapped.

Some bike shops drink the corporate kool-aid too much and try and steer toward popular models, etc. A good sales person will listen to you and THEN offer advice. Don't let yourself be pushed one way or another.. let your body tell you what feels right and ask loads of questions.

There is a certain amount of tweaking and adjusting that can be done and one bike set up wrong (for you) can make you feel like your fighting an unwilling beast to the finish line, but set up properly can lead you over miles and miles of joyous adventures.

SOME bikes are just plain WRONG for you too!!

[Owlie]

Yes, try both unisex and WSD bikes.

My current bike is women-specific, but I'm shopping, and I'm considering both unisex and women-specific bikes. Just test-ride a bunch of them, even bikes you wouldn't consider buying. You never know. You've gotten some good advice here. Have fun!

[marni]

gosh and here I am loving my triple ring and constantly worrying about if I get my dream madone 6.5 for my 65th birthday can I have a triple with a granny gear on it? Silly me- I have bad knees but strong legs. I can climb like a demon in a granny gear at 3 miles an hour and can ride the flatlands in the stiffer gears and larger rings or largest depending on whether I am doing resistance or speed intervals.

Try lots of bikes, I myself ride a none WSD but have also tried out some WSD designs that have felt really sweet. I just happen to be partial to trek as a manufacturer and to a triple ring because it works for me.

[MomOnBike]

Whatever else you do, make sure the bike you get makes you smile. Life is too short to ride a bike that doesn't make you smile.

[oceanwaters1]

What a great forum this is, it's like being united with all these great women riders out there in the world. Thanks so much for all your input and help! I feel much more confident!

[Koronin]

marni, my road bike is also a triple. Come to think of so is my mountain bike.