Forgive me if I missed it, but I searched the threads and never found the answer to my question....
Am looking to begin riding...currently 5'8'' and about 275. I know from reading a lot of the basics I should look for, but one question that eludes me....Is a WSD going to be weaker than a Men's? As someone who recently rode a bike for the first time in 15 years (part of the test drive process) - I wouldn't mind not having the high bar, but am leery of getting a weaker bike given my size and the fact that I am looking at very entry level hybrids.
Speaking of which...feel free to weigh in on the options I am considering (all from reputable LBS, which seemed equally nice/welcoming):
Kona Dew
Specialized Globe Sport (WSD or Men's Frame)
Raleigh Detour 3.0 (WSD or Men's Frame)
Gary Fisher Tiburon
Usage: Leisure rides on pavement/light trails for family fun and fitness / me-time - ambition to make it a commuter some day when I get good enough.
Richard_Rides
06-15-08, 08:09 PM
The WSD bikes are just as strong as the "men's" bikes, they just have a more relaxed geometry.
http://www.mushycat.com/buttons/button1282.gif
v1k1ng1001
06-15-08, 08:44 PM
Yeah, it basically comes down to the fit of the bike. Some women prefer a longer top tube and are OK on a standard frame. Others prefer the shorter top tube length of a WSD. Ride them both back to back in the same size.
axejeep
06-15-08, 08:52 PM
Strong enough for a man... but made for a woman. Sounds familiar?
Tabor
06-15-08, 08:54 PM
The WSD bikes are just as strong as the "men's" bikes, they just have a more relaxed geometry.
WSD bikes don't need relaxed geometry. Women have longer legs for any given torso length (on average), so they need shorter top tubes than the comparable man would given any specific frame size.
Richard_Rides
06-15-08, 09:24 PM
Women have longer legs for any given torso length (on average), so they need shorter top tubes than the comparable man would given any specific frame size.
Incorrect.
http://www.blayleys.com/articles/womensfit/index.htm
"Originally it was theorized that this was due to women having longer legs and shorter torsos than men of the same height. Statistics have proven otherwise."
http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/petitest.html
"It is frequently stated that women have shorter torsos and longer legs than men of the same height. I've even repeated this supposition myself, but I'm afraid that the data do not support it. A general analysis of the adult population shows that big or small, man or woman, the average person's inside leg is some 47% of stature."
deraltekluge
06-15-08, 09:32 PM
It depends on what you mean by a women's bike. Obviously, a bike with a step-through frame is not as strong (or is heavier, or both) as one with a diamond frame. Whether it's strong enough depends on the particular make and model, though. There's no reason a WSD bike with a diamond frame should be any weaker or heavier than a comparable men's bike, but again that depends on the particular make and model, and can't really be answered definitively in the general case.
StephenH
06-15-08, 10:05 PM
As a general rule, problems with bikes and weight seem to be wheel problems. You seldom hear of a frame just braking in half, mens or womens. If one or the other style fits you better or has some substantial benefit, go for it. If it makes no difference to you otherwise, get the diamond frame- you may be getting strength you don't need, but why not?
Mr. Beanz
06-15-08, 10:52 PM
My wife's WSD Trek Pilot. It's arelaxed geometry with a more upright postition than a traditional mens frame. Taller headtube,
It isn't a step tru lady's frame style. However it does have a sloping top tube (angles down towards teh saddle. It's a little more sloping than mymens model of a sloping tube. She really likes the bike as it is comfortable as far as standover, more space in THE REGION!:D
I don't think lady's has anything to do with the strength. Matter of fact, I would think it would offer a bit more stiffness and strngth as the tubes are sloping resulting in a tighter diamond frame. But some argue about compact/sloping frames compared to traditional frames.
My guess is it would be just as strong. But at 275 the wheels will be an issue, but that's on any stock bike.:)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/060808A.jpg
deraltekluge
06-15-08, 11:01 PM
Matter of fact, I would think it would offer a bit more stiffness and strngth as the tubes are sloping resulting in a tighter diamond frame. But some argue about compact/sloping frames compared to traditional frames. The strongest triangle would be an equilateral triangle. As a triangle is made skinnier, it more nearly approaches being merely parallel tubes...not as stiff or as strong as a triangle.
Mr. Beanz
06-15-08, 11:14 PM
The strongest triangle would be an equilateral triangle. As a triangle is made skinnier, it more nearly approaches being merely parallel tubes...not as stiff or as strong as a triangle.
Oh, ok!:D...Maybe what I rad is that the rear triangle is stiffer and more responsive. Look at the rear triangle, it's equalatiseral or whatever ti was you said.:p...I believe that's the reason Cannondale went to the shortened satys a few years back and GT went to the triple trianlge design. I dunno, just what I read.
BELLA
06-18-08, 07:31 AM
I just got a Trek FX WSD 7.3 this spring and weigh about 269(ish) . While I've only put just over 100 miles on it so far, I've had no problems whatsoever so far.
I love it and am so happy i got it. My previous bike was a Specialied expedition and was too slow. I can easily ride 14+ mph with little effort.
richking1953
06-18-08, 09:34 AM
You might to check out Terry bicycles since as far as I know Georgena Terry invented the WSD concept. The "Susan B" looks cool and is equivalent to the ones you've tried. www.terrybicycles.com. It's a neat site with good information. They also have a dealer locator.
I agree with the above comments about making sure the wheels are strong enough. Popping spokes is a PITA. :)
Good luck finding the perfect bike for you.
maddmaxx
06-18-08, 10:09 AM
There seems to be some confusion here about whether or not a step through frame (old style ladies bike) is the same thing as a WSD design.
I do not believe that they are. WSD is a modern phrase coined in the last few years to describe an alteration of the geometry of a standard bike (with top tube) to accomodate the physology of a womans body. Prior to the advent of this, a woman who wanted a high performance bike had no choice but to buy a mens bike in a different size.
The link here is to Trek's WSD basics page. Other manufacturers also do WSD designs.
In response to the original post, the traditional step through frame is not as strong as the mens triangular frame and should not be mistaken for a WSD frame. The modern WSD design however is as strong as anything out there and may (or may not depending on your body) provide a better fit.
Mr. Beanz
06-18-08, 10:36 AM
There seems to be some confusion here about whether or not a step through frame (old style ladies bike) is the same thing as a WSD design.
I do not believe that they are. WSD is a modern phrase coined in the last few years to describe an alteration of the geometry of a standard bike (with top tube) to accomodate the physology of a womans body. Prior to the advent of this, a woman who wanted a high performance bike had no choice but to buy a mens bike in a different size.
response to the original post, the traditional step through frame is not as strong as the mens triangular frame and should not be mistaken for a WSD frame. The modern WSD design however is as strong as anything out there and may (or may not depending on your body) provide a better fit.
Zactly! That's the reason I posted the pic ofmy wife riding her WSD bike. It's not a stepthru like the days of old!:D..However it does have the sloping toptube like several modern day designs also found on mens bikes:thumb:
Richard_Rides
06-18-08, 01:07 PM
I think the whole WSD thing is just another gimmick to sell bikes. The bicycling industry has a long and rich tradition of adding nonsensical gizmos to bikes in order to sell them to an unwitting public.
bab2000
06-18-08, 02:08 PM
I like the Globe sport models, regardless of gender.
This is a step up of the plain Globe model.
Now I did not say this, but my wife has about your numbers, maybe taller at 5'11".
She has been extremely happy with her Specialized Crossroad Sport, and has set with more a upward position. Easily averages 11 - 12 MPH when we ride together on same surfaces you describe, completing well beyond 500 miles last year, and that was after i convinced her to add odometer.
Also, added mirror for her, image included.
No issues with bike, she unfortunately required major surgery, and is expected another few weeks before able to resume riding again.
All the best, and enjoy riding sooner...
Mr. Beanz
06-18-08, 03:31 PM
I think the whole WSD thing is just another gimmick to sell bikes. The bicycling industry has a long and rich tradition of adding nonsensical gizmos to bikes in order to sell them to an unwitting public.
That's why you spent $1700 on a flatbar bike?:roflmao2:
...My wife has a traditional frame with narrow bars and short stem. Also has the WSD bike but much prefers the WSD. I believe in WSD! So does she when she has an easier time operating the WSD equipped brakelevers and standover.:thumb:
axejeep
06-18-08, 04:07 PM
I heard somewhere that step-throughs were designed to accomodate women wearing skirts/dresses back in the days of old. Over the years that frame style became the norm for women. There is no need for them today based on gender... but they are helpful for people with back problems or heavy loads such as groceries, child seats and/ or pregnant women. The rider does not have to tilt the bike for mounting.
Lyjack
06-18-08, 07:37 PM
Thanks for all the input. Still looking around to find best LBS. Feedback from my cycling friends has not been particularly kind to the two stores I was looking at... Time to head to another forum for that question I suppose!
Will circle back when I've bought. While I don't know if I will go all the way to step through (visually, I don't love how it looks), I love the sloped bar idea as it seems more stable for on and off - which will be key when I have one of my kids with me.
Thanks again, for all the helpful input.
Beverly
06-18-08, 07:43 PM
I think the whole WSD thing is just another gimmick to sell bikes. The bicycling industry has a long and rich tradition of adding nonsensical gizmos to bikes in order to sell them to an unwitting public.
I've had both TREK WSD and non-WSD bikes. At 5'3" I can tell you I much prefer the Trek WSD design. The smaller handlebars, shifters, etc make the bike more comfortable to ride. The shorter reach to the shifters no longer causes discomfort in my neck and shoulders. I recently sold my non-WSD Trek simply because I didn't ride it anymore.....it's WSD for me.
Richard_Rides
06-18-08, 07:49 PM
I've had both TREK WSD and non-WSD bikes. At 5'3" I can tell you I much prefer the Trek WSD design. The smaller handlebars, shifters, etc make the bike more comfortable to ride. The shorter reach to the shifters no longer causes discomfort in my neck and shoulders. I recently sold my non-WSD Trek simply because I didn't ride it anymore.....it's WSD for me.
If it makes you happy, then that's all that matters! Ride far and fast! :giver:
slvoid
06-18-08, 07:52 PM
The strongest triangle would be an equilateral triangle. As a triangle is made skinnier, it more nearly approaches being merely parallel tubes...not as stiff or as strong as a triangle.
You're assuming the forces are applied equilaterally.
lil brown bat
06-19-08, 07:33 AM
I think the whole WSD thing is just another gimmick to sell bikes. The bicycling industry has a long and rich tradition of adding nonsensical gizmos to bikes in order to sell them to an unwitting public.
I think you're wrong. WSD has nothing to do with gizmos. It has to do with certain body characteristics that are more common among women than among men. WSD isn't a universal solution for all women, but just as most women should probably try fitting into women's jeans before they try men's jeans, so is it worth it for most women to at least try riding a WSD and comparing it with a "standard" configuration.
andrelam
06-19-08, 09:02 AM
I think you're wrong. WSD has nothing to do with gizmos. It has to do with certain body characteristics that are more common among women than among men. WSD isn't a universal solution for all women, but just as most women should probably try fitting into women's jeans before they try men's jeans, so is it worth it for most women to at least try riding a WSD and comparing it with a "standard" configuration.
As with all things if you fall outside the "average" body shape/proportions a WSD bike may not work. My sister is 6' 3" WSD bikes were not even an option as they definitely don't make volume bikes to fit women that tall. She tried many bikes and found the Raleight Navigator to fit her best. For her husband (6'3.5") a Garry Fisher Zibrano fit better. As state above, you must try different bikes of different geometries to figure out what works for your specific body. It is good to see that there are so many equipment options specifically designed for ("normal sized") woman.
Happy riding,
André
lil brown bat
06-19-08, 09:30 AM
As with all things if you fall outside the "average" body shape/proportions a WSD bike may not work.
Well, no kidding. I do have the proportions that a WSD is designed for, and I still don't prefer a WSD. That doesn't make WSD a gimmick, though.
Lyjack
06-21-08, 09:10 PM
computer just did something odd - apologies if this is a repetitive post.
Thanks again for all the input. Apparently the store I test rode bikes at previously was putting me on bikes that were just too tall to be comfortable for me (hence the issues with the "high bar") In the end, I went to a different store today was fitted for and then tried a bunch of entry level hybrids.
I am now the happy owner of a Haro Heartland Express (formerly the Del Sol) men's style. In the right size, the men's just felt better; the WSD handlebar stance felt too narrow/close-in (almost prissy, somehow).
And how wonderful it felt to spend a lot of the first day of summer buying and enjoying my new ride ...