Whether you're thinking of buying a new bike, or simply want to make the one you've got fit better, there are some straightforward tweaks you can make to transform a unisex bike into a female-friendly ride.
Female cyclists have more choice than ever when it comes to buying a road or mountain bike, with increasing options aimed at women.There’s no one 'correct' definition of a female-specific ride, but the main difference between women’s and unisex bikes is the geometry, as British Cycling’s Neil Atkinson explains.
“Whether mountain or road, a woman’s bike has a dedicated frame geometry more suited to what manufacturers believe to be the generic ‘short body and arms with longer legs’ female body shape,†he says. “This means a shorter top tube, steeper seat angle and a shorter stem – all of which reduce the length of the frame and result in a less stretched out fit. Components such as handlebars, cranks and even wheels can also be scaled down to accommodate more petite riders.â€
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Related: Do I need a women's bike?
However, just because a bike is tagged as being for a woman doesn’t mean it’ll be right for you. After all, not all women are made the same. You may find a unisex bike more suitable, especially, says Atkinson, if you’re a taller rider or, given the more upright riding position of many female-specific bikes, want a more aggressive or race fit.
Louisa Edmonston, bike fitter and physio for the New Zealand triathlon squad, says the key to a correct bike setup is having the right size frame, regardless of which gender the bike is aimed at. “After that there are many adjustments that can be made to the size and length of the components to fit the bike and rider together,†she advises.
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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