Should women ride mens bike?

In recent years, bicycle manufacturers have finally acknowledged the needs of female cyclists.  Previously, women had to fit themselves to mens’ bikes (built for a man’s longer torso/shorter leg).   Typically, bikes marketed to women before the advent of female-specific bikes were simply men’s bikes painted in girly colors.   It is difficult to fit many women onto men’s bikes, even on a smaller frame size.  The top tube length results in a low, stretched out, very uncomfortable position that not only results in pain and discomfort, but can lead to injury.

Women typically have narrower shoulders, longer legs and of course a different pelvic structure than men.  Women’s pelvic structure alone necessitates a slightly more upright riding position to prevent painful pressure points.  Women’s saddles need to support the female pelvis, and many men’s bikes are simply impossible for women to ride without pain.

What are the differences between a “unisex” (men’s) bike and a female-specific bike?  Women’s bikes have a shorter top tube, narrower handlebars, women’s saddle, a range of frame sizes to accommodate 5’0” to 5’10” women.  Smaller frame sizes may come with 650c wheels (the size of a 26” mountain bike wheel as opposed to the traditional 700c wheel found on road bikes (nearly equivalent to a 29” mountain bike wheel).

For very short women, however, there is still a challenge finding a bike that fits.  Even very small frames may be too big.  The only choices then become a custom bike ($$$), or a larger kids’ bike with inferior components (with the exception of kids’ race bikes).  This will hopefully change as the cycling industry evolves!

Female-specific bikes are available in recreational or race quality in most genres: road, mountain (hardtail and full suspension), hybrid, lifestyle, beach cruiser and city.  As more manufacturers begin to accommodate female riders, there will be more options available.