Finding the Right Bike: A Quick Guide for Women
What you need to know about bikes for women
If you’re about to go bike-shopping and are confused about the differences between women’s and men’s bikes, don’t be. The fact is that every bike is unisex. The only differences between those advertised as women’s bikes and men’s bikes are in size and accessories. Women’s body shapes are different to men, with generally smaller hands, narrower shoulders, shorter torsos, and longer legs. This indicates that women’s bikes are built to accommodate these variances in body size.
Irrespective of gender, the perfect bike for you will be the one that works best for you.
Do You Need a “Women’s” Bike?
Although it is good that more brands are selling women’s-specific bikes, it isn’t indispensable. You don’t have to confine yourself to a women’s bike. Instead, a unisex bike could be ideal for you. A few factors why you might want to have a women’s bike are because they often have women’s-specific components. These include ergonomic seats and are available in smaller frame sizes. This is extremely crucial when you’re more on the petite side.
Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Women’s Bike
Here are a couple of things to consider as you find the right women’s bike.
The perfect bike for you may not be a women’s bike.
Females have extremely diverse physical characteristics. The length of leg can drastically change the height of the required bike, to produce a comfortable ride. Unisex bikes are sold in a large variety of fits and sizes, and you should check multiple bikes. Try both women’s and unisex bikes, to be sure. Don’t just look for “women’s” bikes; give other bikes a try.
The top women’s bikes aren’t just a gender-based marketing ploy
The largest critique of women’s-specific gear in the biking market (and many other industries) is that it is a gender marketing issue. That is, making something seem more feminine by shrinking it and painting it in “feminine” colours. In the bike industry, this could mean that a women’s bike is identical to a men’s bike, just smaller and in brighter colours. That may be true sometimes, but many brands manufacture bikes that best serve many women.
Unique features commonly found in women’s bikes
Here are some specific features to check out when shopping for a bike for females.
Women-oriented seats.
A seat designed for women’s anatomy can significantly improve your riding comfort, provide support and ensure a smooth ride.
Shorter stem
A stem is the portion that connects the handlebar to the bike frame. These are often long in unisex or “male” oriented bikes. In general, women have shorter arms and torsos than men. Because of that, a shorter stem is particularly needed.
Shorter rotating crank arms
This is one of the most underestimated but crucial advantages of purchasing a women’s bike. This is a big help to short and petite cyclists. Regular size cranks are typical on most bicycles, independent of frame size. Cranks that are too long might cause knee pain and other problems. Shorter crank arms, on the other hand, assist shorter riders.
Bike Suspension
Lightweight cyclists require suspension that is tailored to their body weight. Luckily, you do not have to buy a women’s bike to accomplish this. Women can adjust the suspension on their bikes to accommodate their body weight. With some instructions and a shock pump, you can do this at home in no time. You can also seek assistance from your local bike shop just in case.
Select the bike that works best for you
It is possible that the ideal bike for you is not a women’s bike. Instead, the perfect bike is the one that feels right for you. Take your time experimenting with various bikes and learn about bike measurements. Then, when sure you will be able to ride comfortably, consider hiring a professional bike fitter.
Get Your New Quality Bikes with Stead Cycles
Founded in the 1920s, Stead Cycles has been meeting the biking demands of Australians for over a century. We offer a lot more than just the latest bikes; we also provide good quality bike accessories to help cycling become a more fun and efficient transportation method. Visit our shop in Beresfield today, to get all your biking necessities!
We have some of the latest bike accessories for you, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider. Visit our store at 29 Landor St, Beresfield, NSW 2322. You can also call us at 02 4966 2141 or send your enquiries to info@steadcycles.com.au. We will get back to you as soon as possible!