All of the big bicycle manufacturers in the USA now offer road bikes designed just for women riders. The four largest are Trek, Specialized, Giant and Cannondale. Of the four, Trek and Specialized take the women's market very, very seriously.
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While mountain bikes themselves can often be used by either men or women, the accessories are generally tailored specifically for one or the other. Glove and shoe sizes, for example, need to be fitted for men or women.
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When a woman decides she wants to hit the road and buy a new bicycle, she will often get hassled by sales staff, trying to persuade her to get the latest, most expensive bike, while rattling out jargon to try and overwhelm her. One of the big selling points these days is the women specific design (WSD) bike. But is a ladies bicycle a "must" for female cyclists, or will any bike do?
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You've ridden against the guys and you've beaten them, but the bike fit was bad enough to put you off doing it ever again. The problem, is you're riding bikes designed for guys, and guy's bodies work differently. I'm glad to say, the days of "shrink and pink" are behind us. Most of the serious Mountain Bike manufacturers now have a good range of mountain bikes for women that are marathon and race capable.
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Triathlon bikes specifically designed for the female rider are still relatively rare. The few that can be found generally offer only second-tier (Shimano Ultegra or Campagnolo Chorus level) components at best. This is very frustrating for the very serious competitive female triathlete, because she will need to upgrade to the top-tier (Shimano Dura-Ace or Campagnolo Record level) components for true high-level race-worthiness.
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Women 5'0" and shorter have historically had a very difficult time finding bikes that fit. For those who can afford a custom bike, it's not a problem, but since custom bikes can cost in excess of $5,000, that's not an option for many women. There are now more options than in the past: both road and mountain bikes are available in very small frame size.
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Women's cruiser bikes have found a near-cult following wherever there is short-distance bike commuting with little or no hills. They're not just "beach" cruisers anymore: they are just as popular in ski towns, small towns, college campuses and cities.
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There are no bikes specifically made for plus sized women - however, there are plenty of options! No matter the type of riding she is interested in, whether performance or casual, any women's-specific bike will work. That said, there are a few things to consider.
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To determine the best comfort bike for women's needs, first look at the intended use of the bike. Will the bike be ridden on the road, trail. bike path, or a little of everything? Assuming that the rider is interested in a fun, casual, comfortable ride that does not involve great distances and climbing big hills, a hybrid is the best choice.
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Women's bikes are fit to the individual rider in exactly the same way as men's bikes: the rider's body measurements dictate frame size, saddle height, handlebar width, stem length, crankarm length and saddle position fore and aft. Women's bikes simply make the fitting process easier because their geometry is already female-friendly.
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