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But even mountain bikes can be found with specific designs for women. Typically men have more upper body strength and larger thighs than women, and women's mountain bikes are designed to account for this in several ways. A woman's mountain bike is often made from lighter materials to keep the weight to a minimum. And the height of the frame itself is often shorter, to account for the difference in height. Wheels sizes are also adjusted to account for women's heights and the head angles are generally sharper to accommodate shorter torsos and arms. Women's mountain biking seats are also designed a little differently than men's. Because women's pelvic bones are wider, the seat is generally broadened to accommodate this difference. A triangular design, known as butterfly seats, are more often found on women's models than they are on men's. Even the grips can be made specifically for women. Because women's hands are generally smaller, the grips are designed around this. They're also designed to improve the control while requiring less wrist and finger strength. Another difference that isn't related directly to the mountain bike is hydration systems. Because women have slightly different needs to keep their body hydrated during a hard ride, both the water bottle and the contents of it can be adjusted to suit. And of course, riding gear like shorts, shirts and other clothing are made in women's sizes, with designs that are made to fit their bodies rather than a man's. The location of wicking materials, padding and joint movement are all adjusted to suit a woman's body. While a woman can certainly use all the same equipment as a man, if you want to get an optimal riding experience, it's best to choose gear that is specifically designed for your needs. By Scot Miller Scot Miller writes about buying a mountain bike for women and other related topics at the MountainBikeBrands.com website. For more helpful information and to enter our free draw for a multifunction bike tool, click here: Mountain Bike Brands Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scot_Miller |
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. 
