Is there problems with women riding mens bikes?

[hayleyy]

I was out riding my dads old bike the other day because mine is too small and havnt ridden it in years. I was wonding is there problems with women riding mens bikes because they are positioned different, or does it not matter.

 

[Boeing]

I was out riding my dads old bike the other day because mine is too small and havnt ridden it in years. I was wonding is there problems with women riding mens bikes because they are positioned different, or does it not matter.

more to do with smaller frame sizing building around a 700 wheel

 

[David Suro]

The primary difference between men's and women's road bikes is that women's bikes have a shorter top tube in relation to the length of the seat tube. The design accounts for the fact that women typically have longer legs and shorter torsos than men of the same height. It used to be that women would ride shorter stems to achieve the proper position on men's bikes, but this compromised the handling characteristics. Thus, women specific geometry bikes were designed.

If a woman has a long torso, she may likely fit better on a men's bike. If a man has proportionally long legs, he might fit better on a women's bike (a tough sell for your local shop).

If you are curious about the fit of your dad's bike, take it to the best fit specialist in your town and have him assess your position.

 

[karlboss]

The primary difference between men's and women's road bikes is that women's bikes have a shorter top tube in relation to the length of the seat tube. The design accounts for the fact that women typically have longer legs and shorter torsos than men of the same height. It used to be that women would ride shorter stems to achieve the proper position on men's bikes, but this compromised the handling characteristics. Thus, women specific geometry bikes were designed.

If a woman has a long torso, she may likely fit better on a men's bike. If a man has proportionally long legs, he might fit better on a women's bike (a tough sell for your local shop).

If you are curious about the fit of your dad's bike, take it to the best fit specialist in your town and have him assess your position.

top response

 

[craptastic]

I was out riding my dads old bike the other day because mine is too small and havnt ridden it in years. I was wonding is there problems with women riding mens bikes because they are positioned different, or does it not matter.

In the last year 4 women in my office have purchased road bikes. 3 of the 4 ended up on men's frames because they preferred the ride and fit of the men's over the women's geometry. So it comes down to personal preferences and bike fit.

 

[kreuzberg]

I think smaller women benefit more from women's frames. If you are a taller bigger rider than men's frames can be just as good, if not better. I have a friend who rode a ruby and she didn't like it bc she is very tall and powerful and it was a little flexy.
So she got a spec. s-works tarmac and liked that much better.