So What Differentiates Women Bikes from Men Bikes?
Many manufacturers offer different bikes for men and women with some subtle variances to accommodate physiological differences between them. Although many women find unisex/men bikes perfectly suitable for their needs, many are looking for bikes with a more specialized design and female- specific features.
Some key differentiating factors between unisex/men and women’s bikes include:
Smaller sizes with a subtle difference in geometry
Shorter reach (usually measuring the distance between saddle and handlebars), resulting in a more comfortable and upright position
Lowered top-tube in commuter and hybrid bikes, making it easier for female riders to get on/off the bike
Narrower handle bars to accommodate narrower shoulders and shallower drops on road bikes to shorten the reach
Shorter crank arms to accommodate riders with short legs and reduce leg stretch
Lighter shock tune in mountain bikes is meant to accommodate the usually lighter weight of female riders
The saddles are also usually designed keeping physique of female riders in mind, but that’s a personal preference in most cases
Which Type of Bike Should You Buy?
The most important thing to consider is perhaps the type of bike you should buy. Bikes are designed for different purposes and terrains, making it very important to choose the right one in the first place.
The four main bike categories include Road, mountain, gravel and time trial/triathlon bikes. Road and mountain bikes are generally the most popular bikes types so here we’ll try to focus on these and we cover gravel bikes in a separate post.
Road Bikes
As the name suggests, these bikes are designed for paved roads and focus on speed and paddling efficiency. Road bikes are the right choice if you want to go far and fast on tarmac roads. Road bikes are not just for big events as they also allow you to improve fitness and participate in different activities such as weekend races, group rides and evening criteriums.
Some key attributes of road bikes include:
High pressure, narrower and smooth tires for reducing rolling resistance
Dropped/bent handle bars make it easier for cyclists to lean forward/downward and decrease drag
Lightweight
Geared higher and usually have fewer climbing gears as they are meant for flat surfaces
Don’t usually come with front/rear suspension
Wheel clearance is tighter
Road bikes are available in different variants, including race, aero, endurance and hybrid road bikes. Choosing the right one mainly depends on what you want to accomplish and where you plan on riding them the most.
Mountain Bikes
These bikes are the perfect option if you want to go off-road and plan on conquering challenging terrains. Mountain bikes are also available in difference variants, but their main purpose is the same; allowing riders to move through challenging terrains with comfort.
These versatile off-road machines are made for mountain trains, single trails, fire roads and other unpaved roads. Although you can also use them on paved roads, they are not as efficient and fast as road bikes so it comes down to your intended use when deciding between these two types.
Key characteristics of mountain bikes include:
Usually come with front and/or rear suspension for absorbing shocks and vibrations
Straight handlebar for better control and maneuverability
Large and knobby tires
Powerful brake
Durable wheels
Lower gear ratios (up to 27-speed) than road bikes, allowing riders to climb steep grades
Heavy-duty construction, designed to take the beating
Suspension travel up to 200mm (the higher the travel distance, the more shocks it can absorb, but also wastes some pedaling energy)
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road adventures and suitable for riders who want to explore their local surroundings. If you want something in the middle of road bikes and mountain bikes, you should probably check out our guide to gravel bikes that are multi-terrain bikes. Different types of mountain bikes include cross-country, trail, all-mountain/enduro, downhill and fat bikes.
Our Top 5 Bikes for Women
Trek Domane SL 6 Disc Road Bike
Domane SL 6 is a performance road bike that’s both fast and comfortable. It has all the road-smoothing advantages of a lightweight OCLV Carbon frame with Front and Rear IsoSpeed, a full Shimano Ultegra drive train, high-quality wheels and hydraulic disc brakes for confidence and braking power in any conditions. Plus, it has an easy-access storage compartment for stowing ride essentials.
Domane Trek SL6 _20_
Key features and specifications:
Lightweight proprietary Carbon frame (500 Series OCLV)
Full Shimano Ultegra DT
Hydraulic disc brakes (flat mount)
Tubeless-ready Paradigm Disc wheels
700x32c tires
Internal cable routing for a cleaner look
Endurance geometry
Smoother riding on rougher roads (IsoSpeed decoupler comfort technology)
Additional tire clearance
IsoSpeed fork
Ride tuned seatmast
Bontranger Blendr stem tech for cleaner looks
Fender compatibility
Tapered head-tube
Disk brakes (flat mount)
3S chain keeper
Shimano Ultegra shifters, front/rear derailleur, crank, cassette and chain
8.65 kg weight
Canyon Spectral WMN CF 9.0SL Mountain Bike
With progressive geometry, refined suspension kinematics and an array of sophisticated design details, the Spectral WMN CF 9.0 is the bike to help you conquer any terrain and take your riding to the next level.
Fitness riding made fun, this sporty, smooth riding flat bar road bike is pure exhilaration.
FastRoad CM 2_Black
Key features and specifications:
CoMax Composite frame
Giant Connect Flat handlebar
Shimano shifters, front/rear derailleur, cassette and brakes
700×28 tubeless tires (Giant Gavia Ac 2)
Available in Charcoal, Orange and Satin colors
Cannondale SuperX Womens Force 1 Cross Racing Bike
Pure race machines proven between the tape from Belgium to Portland.
superx_force_etap
Key features and specifications:
Designed for better handling, traction and speed
Large mud and tire clearance
Ai offset drivetrain for confident handling and climbs
Up to 40mm tires
OutFront Steering Geometry
Micro-suspension features
BallisTec Carbon frameset
Carbon seatpost
SRAM rear derailleur and shifters
700C wheel and 33 tire size
SRAM Force brakes and brake levers
Weight 8.2 KG
2020 Cannondale Quick Womens 6 Remixte
Go further: A road bike that’s light, stiff, fast and surprisingly comfortable. Your rides will go longer. You’ll barely notice.
Synapse
Key features and specifications:
A versatile multi-purpose bike
Lightweight and easy to pedal/lift
Internal cable routing
Integrated wheel sensor for activity tracking
Bump-absorbing micro suspension
Pressure relieving saddles
Aluminum frame
Shimano drive train (7-speed)
Rim brakes
Reflective accents
Rack mounts
700c wheels, tire size 35
Weight 11.9 KG
Conclusion
The main reason to consider a women-specific bike is to have a better fit, which matters a lot when buying a travel companion you plan on riding for years to come. Many women are fine with unisex bikes, while others need something that offers a better fit.
It’s good idea to test out different bikes and get a professional to take size measurements to ensure a better fit. You’ll probably end up riding your bike more than you anticipate. That’s why the buying decision should not be impulsive and made without considering the type of bike you should buy, and whether or not a
women-specific bike is a better fit according to your requirements.
All great reasons to get into your local bike shop and get some professional advise. Find your local here.