What Kind of Bike

[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.

[warneral]

Have you considered steel? Jamis makes a nice looking steel road bike that is under 20lbs I LOVE my steel bike.

Or if you want to try entry-level - consider a more "vintage" road bike from craigslist. Columbus or Reynolds 531 steel is nice and lightweight.