Road Cycling - Women's Beginner Bicycle - What do you have?

Hi Girls,

I can't believe that I can't find a single post on here about what bikes are recommended for women...? Maybe they just use smaller frames...? I searched for "woman" and "women" in titles only and... nothing. If I missed something, just point me to the correct thread.

Anyway, since I've started cycling Aug 1st (http://www.bashlor.com/blog.html), my wife and sister are interested in purchasing a bike for starters. And I'm not sure if they should get a women specific bike or a regular bike like mine, except in a smaller frame. So...

What do you lady cyclists recommend for a beginner? We're thinking maybe $200-$300 range if that's acceptable. They are not even sure if they'll like it as I do. If they enjoy it and ride a lot, they can purchase a more expensive bike later I guess.

Also what are lady's riding who are avid cyclists?

Hi Girls,

I can't believe that I can't find a single post on here about what bikes are recommended for women...? Maybe they just use smaller frames...? I searched for "woman" and "women" in titles only and... nothing. If I missed something, just point me to the correct thread.

Anyway, since I've started cycling Aug 1st (http://www.bashlor.com/blog.html), my wife and sister are interested in purchasing a bike for starters. And I'm not sure if they should get a women specific bike or a regular bike like mine, except in a smaller frame. So...

What do you lady cyclists recommend for a beginner? We're thinking maybe $200-$300 range if that's acceptable. They are not even sure if they'll like it as I do. If they enjoy it and ride a lot, they can purchase a more expensive bike later I guess.

Also what are lady's riding who are avid cyclists?

If you want to be sure they won't like bicycling get them a $300 bike. That's a good idea to keep the family out of bicycling so you can enjoy your time alone. I wish I would have thought about that. Hahahah.

That being said I did spend $300 for my daughters bike that she has maybe rode 5 times in the last 2 years. Though it was a $600 list Trek KDR 1000 that has Sora components.

If you want to keep your woman happy maybe you should buy her a $300 pair of shoes and forget about a bike. On the other hand if she went to the store, and found a bike that she would like maybe you would be best to get that. Also keep out of the buying process as much as possible, let the saleman do his job(if you have a good one around that you would trust) If she gets excited about the bike, biking and wanting to be with you $2000 even would be small change compared to having an unhappy wife.

My wife had a tri bike that she bought on her own, I complained to her about riding it cause it was dangerous, especially in group situations, (of course we had a fight over that.) luckely on a group ride she got a flat tire and decided on her own that she wanted a regular road bike. She spend about $1500 on a Felt F45 with full ultegra, she likes it a lot. Though she doesn't get to ride very much becuase of her job, hopefully it will change her in the near future(she is Drill Sergeant in the US Army) and she will be done with her tour in November.


Back to your question, they do make women specific bikes, if she feels she needs that, then so be it. Most of the women that I know, just ride a frame sized to them, if it feels good, don't matter who it's made for. That's also important, go to an LBS that will let her try several bike, set them up on the trainer, take them out on the road, be prepared to maybe change out some stems, seats, or whatever will make he comfortable.

If you spend $1200 on a bike and she don't like it, heck you can probably get $600-800 for it on ebay in a year, cut your losses and forget about it.

Just my opinion though

The cheapest WSD from trek is the 1500 and goes for around $1000
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/1500wsd.jsp

The cheapest WSD from trek is the 1500 and goes for around $1000
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/1500wsd.jsp

I did see the WSD 1500 but I only have a Trek 1200 myself ($699 from LBS in Brunswick, GA), and I'm pretty serious about cycling right now. I love the 1200. I almost bought the 1000 but the salesman talked me into the 1200 since I was possibly interested in mild racing later on. He said that I could do a few upgrades and actually race with it a little.

I think maybe a used, correctly sized frame, Trek 1000 would fit our budget. And later if she liked cycling and road often, we could possibly get her something better.

Of course I understand that she needs to actually get on one and make sure she likes it (correct fit, etc.) before purchasing one.

What's a rough estimated frame size for a 5'4" female?

Any other comments welcome, thanks...

If momma aint happy aint nobody happy!! Get her a good road bike and hopefully she'll catch the bug like the rest of us. I just completed my first century (GO ME) and I have a Bianchi Volpe. She has gotten me through more training rides and the biggie too. I have no intentions of getting a different bike now. It is classified as a touring bike, but the only difference I have noticed between mine and my other friends who ride "road" bikes is that she's a little heavier. Depending on how tall (or short rather) your wife is she may not need a women's spec bike. I have a regular frame with a shorter stem (that I had to swap out because my bike was too big) but it works for me. I would definately go to a LBS (local bike shop...took me a bit to figure that one out) and have her look around and see what she likes. If worse comes to worse, you can always sell a good quality bike. I got my Volpe for just under $700, and I love it.

I did see the WSD 1500 but I only have a Trek 1200 myself ($699 from LBS in Brunswick, GA), and I'm pretty serious about cycling right now. I love the 1200. I almost bought the 1000 but the salesman talked me into the 1200 since I was possibly interested in mild racing later on. He said that I could do a few upgrades and actually race with it a little.

I think maybe a used, correctly sized frame, Trek 1000 would fit our budget. And later if she liked cycling and road often, we could possibly get her a 1500.

Of course I understand that she needs to actually get on one and make sure she likes it (correct fit, etc.) before purchasing one.

What's a rough estimated frame size for a 5'4" female?

Any other comments welcome, thanks...

For a good fit, your best bet is to hit up a local shop and see what they say. Have her fit to a bike and test ride some. Even if you're looking for a used bike, you'll at least know what sizes to look for.

And for anyone to begin to make an educated guess, measured inseam is more valuable than height.

OK...if she's 5'4 you might be best look at the women's specific. Those bikes account for smaller gear shifters, shorter tubes, more narrow handlebars etc. I'm a tall girl, nearly 5'8 and I have big hands, I can handle a big bike. But my girlfriend looks like a polly pocket doll when she stands next to my bike. Again...go to a LBS and get measured etc. They will tell ya'll what size bike you need. You don't HAVE to buy a bike from the LBS...but it's a good idea.

I think maybe a used, correctly sized frame, Trek 1000 would fit our budget. And later if she liked cycling and road often, we could possibly get her a 1500.

Of course I understand that she needs to actually get on one and make sure she likes it (correct fit, etc.) before purchasing one.

What's a rough estimated frame size for a 5'4" female?

You're probably looking for a frame somewhere between 44cm to 48cm depending on her inseam. The 1000 comes in a 43cm and 50cm so there's a fair chance that one of those might work. Of course seat-tube measurement isn't everything and you're right that she would need to actually get on it and ride around to make sure it's sized properly. One thing you will need to watch out for is toe-overlap which can occur with 700c wheel and small frame sizes. Many manufacturers avoid this on smaller and women-spcific frames by using shorter cranks and/or smaller 650c wheels. Some such as Specialized with their Dolce line play around with frame geometry and are able to accomodate 700c on a 44cm frame without overlap.

Other bikes you might want to check out:

Specialized Dolce Sport (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5935&JServSessionIdroot=lf2ir9yx1m.j27001)
Specialized Allez Triple (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5975&JServSessionIdroot=lf2ir9yx1m.j27001)
Fuji Finest - Lady (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=22&yr=2004)
Fuji Finest (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=11&yr=2004)
Fuji Ace (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=12&yr=2004)
Fuji League (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=13&yr=2004) - Note: this has downtube shifters
Jamis Aurora (http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_aurora.html)
Jamis Satellite (http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_satellite.html)
Giant OCR3 (http://www.giantbicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2004&bikesection=8834&range=143&model=10875)
Novara Forza (REI) (http://www.rei.com/product/47677185.htm)
Tirreno Razza 4.0 (Performance Bike) (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18362&subcategory_ID=3040)
K2 Mach 1.0 (http://www.k2bikes.com/04products/road/mach1.asp)
Ironhorse Triumph (http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/products/road/triumph.shtml)
Felt F90 (http://www.feltracing.com/2004_bikes/f90.html)


Note that while most of these list in the $500 - $600 range, you may be able to find them cheaper on sale or closeout. Also, you may want to see about finding last year's stock or one that's used. The only problem with old stock or used is that your size requirements are going to be on the edge of the spectrum so availability might be an issue. Check your LBSes.

If you wait about a month when most dealers will have a good inventory of them, the '05 Trek 1000 has a WSD. http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/index_preview.jsp

There used to be a forum for Women's Cycling or something of that nature. Best I can tell, it can only be viewed by women now - not sure how/what/why but it's not there anymore.

Perhaps there's something you need to select when you register for the site - don't remember because I did it so long ago.

There used to be a forum for Women's Cycling or something of that nature. Best I can tell, it can only be viewed by women now - not sure how/what/why but it's not there anymore.

Perhaps there's something you need to select when you register for the site - don't remember because I did it so long ago.


Private Message Koffee Brown and she'll give you access.

Do your bikes shops sell used bikes? Here in cleveland we have a bike co-op at least one retail shop that "specializes" in used and last years models.

Private Message Koffee Brown and she'll give you access.

What's the logic behind the secret handshake necessary to get there?

What's the logic behind the secret handshake necessary to get there?

This has already been discussed ad-nauseum in the following threads:


Missing Forum? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=62675)
Women's Cycling Forum? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=62671)
Men's Only Forum - No Women Allowed (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=62773)

This has already been discussed ad-nauseum in the following threads:


Missing Forum? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=62675)
Women's Cycling Forum? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=62671)
Men's Only Forum - No Women Allowed (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=62773)



Well, excuse me.

Well, excuse me.

Not trying to insult or berate you. I'm just trying to point you to more detailed discussions already in place.

As you might guess, I'm partial to the women's Cannondales. They're all in a seperate category on the website now, instead of intercut with similar men's bikes. I'm 5'4", and I ride a 50cm R1000 Fem, which has the same geometries as the R500 Fem. I tried some of the non-wsd bikes, but they really didn't fit. You should really let the person who the bike is for go to a few bike shops and see what fits. I was in between sizes from Trek (WSD), but every body is different, so she might have longer legs or shorter torso but be the same size. She'll probably enjoy it more if she plays a part in shopping. Whether for shoes or bikes, we do like shopping!

I've heard that all equipment discussions from the women's forums will be moving out here soon.

My wife is new to cycling and she got a Cannondale R500 fem. She loves it. It's light and has the triple crank. I upgraded pedals and tires, but the rest of the bike is a solid value.

44 to 48 cm!?!? I'm 5'4'' and ride a 50cm, can't even imagine what a 44cm would look like!! If she is at all normal proportions I don't see why a small frame wouldn't fit her. Top tube length is the most important thing, you have to be balanced between the wheels properly. Women have shorter arms, the rest seems to vary. You can use different stems for minor tweaking but anything too extreme will affect handing. It would be better if she could try a few different ones out to see what feels the best. Unfortunatly most shops don't seem to carry frames on the extreme size range.

I ride a 50cm raleigh hertiage international and a 49cm jamis nova. The both fit almost identicle. My stem on the raleigh has all it's spacers and the one on the nova has a 10 degree rise instead of the 6 that came with it. The raleigh has an 80 cm stem. It makes up for my short arms. I don't have super long legs or torso, my pant inseam is about 28 inches.

44 to 48 cm!?!? I'm 5'4'' and ride a 50cm, can't even imagine what a 44cm would look like!!

Interesting and it all depends on top-tube proportions too. FWIW, I'm male, 5'6" with a 31" inseam and I'm riding a 48cm frame with a 120mm stem. Granted the Aegis Aro Sveltes size smaller for their effective top-tube due to the cranked-back seat-tube and their stated size is a little smaller than actual so I'm riding closer to a 49cm frame with a setup giving me an effective top-tube closer to that of a 50cm or 52cm bike. So the moral of the story is try a few different bikes. I tend to subscribe with the notion of riding the smallest frame that will comfortably fit. Also, traditional rule of thumb is to try and size the frame to work with a 100mm - 120mm stem as most designers use that as a baseline for when they design the stability into the steering. Of course this can be changed and is often done when they work up WSD bikes... or at least when the designers who know what they're doing are in charge.

Was this thread just moved into "road cycling"? I didn't see it before.

Khuon, you missed all the Bianchi "Donna" models :D

Was this thread just moved into "road cycling"? I didn't see it before.

Khuon, you missed all the Bianchi "Donna" models :D

I considered mentioning the Eros Donna but thought it would be well above the budget threshold. I guess I should mention the Bianchi Brava (http://www.bianchiusa.com/brava.html). It's not a WSD but it does come in smaller sizes.

I'm 5' 1 1/4" and fit a 48 cm. 29" inseam. I NEED a WSD, I tried a 47cm Fuji Ace, and felt so stretched out, it wasn't fun or comfortable.

overthere

MargoC

I'm 5'2 and I ride a 44 cm frame. I have an old Cannondale Compact, precursor to the Feminique that is a 47 cm and it is too big for me. I don't ride it anymore, its my trainer bike.

Unfortunately, with all the women's specific frames out there I'm still seeing many small women in this area on bikes that are too big. It seems the LBS's around here who are selling these bikes just don't get it when trying to fit women 5'3 and under. Unfortunately, I don't think the women realize their bikes don't fit, they just think there is something wrong with them or that's the way its supposed to feel. It's the same old same old, the shop doesn't have anything to fit so they sell them the smallest size they have. What a way to discourage women from riding!

I also don't understand the rationale of putting 700c wheels on a 44cm frame. The geometry looks a little out of whack to me, but since I've never ridden one of these bikes I guess I can't really judge the handling.

Sorry for my rant, but last night a small gal was complaining about the fit of her new Specialized and we were trying to figure out the problem.

Kathi

just because it hasn't been mentioned yet:
all the girl cyclists i've known (granted not that many, but still) are big fans of steel frames over aluminum because they find them to be way more comfortable on their privates.

I reread my post, and it didn't make sense. I was fitted to a 48 cm WSD Specialized Dolce Elite, and due to the lbs efforts, it felt great! The Fuji Ace (47 cm) I felt stretched out on, was not a WSD, although the young guy at the lbs said it was. I didn't know how much difference the top tube made until that experience. And the difference all those adjustments made to fit a bike until I went to (bit of a plug) Wheelworks in Davis, and the owner took such efforts to fit it to me just for a test ride. We have a lot of bike shops in Davis, CA! I'm going back to buy that Dolce in the next couple of days...

Hi

I just bought the Trek 1000... I am new to roadbiking but I absolutely love it and can see myself getting a better bike... I am also 5'4" and I was sized to the 50cm and it is perfect... I love how light it is and how quickly I can get to a nice speed... I know it really isn't a racing bike... but it is much faster than the clunky old mountain bike I had.... my friends are so surprised that I have gotten into this.... let me mention that I am 50!!

Try a Softride before you buy.

Is that a political statement or a statement of sexual perversion?

My experience with my Cannondale is that alumunium in a small frame is hard on the entire body. Although I was told that today's aluminunium is better than it was 9 yrs ago.

Kathi

I bought an 80's Ross "signature" 12 spd from our local bike co-op for $200. It has shimano 600 componentry and is now (2 years later) my commuter bike. I love it!

If momma aint happy aint nobody happy!! Get her a good road bike and hopefully she'll catch the bug like the rest of us. I just completed my first century (GO ME) and I have a Bianchi Volpe. She has gotten me through more training rides and the biggie too. I have no intentions of getting a different bike now. It is classified as a touring bike, but the only difference I have noticed between mine and my other friends who ride "road" bikes is that she's a little heavier. Depending on how tall (or short rather) your wife is she may not need a women's spec bike. I have a regular frame with a shorter stem (that I had to swap out because my bike was too big) but it works for me. I would definately go to a LBS (local bike shop...took me a bit to figure that one out) and have her look around and see what she likes. If worse comes to worse, you can always sell a good quality bike. I got my Volpe for just under $700, and I love it.

Amen. Too many people are settle for the hard Alu frame of the Trek 1000 and forget there are great steel bikes out there including the Bianchi Volpe. Since money here is an issue, the Volpe makes a lot of sense and it costs just a couple of hundred more than the 1000 with better specs and overall ride. Buy road tires and your're set to go.

I did see the WSD 1500 but I only have a Trek 1200 myself ($699 from LBS in Brunswick, GA), and I'm pretty serious about cycling right now. I love the 1200. I almost bought the 1000 but the salesman talked me into the 1200 since I was possibly interested in mild racing later on. He said that I could do a few upgrades and actually race with it a little.

I think maybe a used, correctly sized frame, Trek 1000 would fit our budget. And later if she liked cycling and road often, we could possibly get her something better.

Of course I understand that she needs to actually get on one and make sure she likes it (correct fit, etc.) before purchasing one.

What's a rough estimated frame size for a 5'4" female?

Any other comments welcome, thanks...

At 5'.4" she's right on the edge. Why not look at Terry bikes?

http://www.bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/6011795491.jpg (http://www.bianchiusa.com/eros_donna.html)

^^Bianchi Eros Donna

yeah, except that original post said "We're thinking maybe $200-$300 range" and the Eros Donna MSRP is $1099

My experience with my Cannondale is that alumunium in a small frame is hard on the entire body. Although I was told that today's aluminunium is better than it was 9 yrs ago.

The new Cannondale aluminum frames went in exactly the opposite direction. I went bike shopping with a female friend who was looking for a new roadbike. She tried out the R1000F with the Optimo tubeset. I had originally warned her about my experiences with Cannondales being a bit harsh but after she came back from the ride, she said she didn't understand how I could think Cannondales were stiff and harsh and complained that the rear end of the bike felt wobbly in a hard sprint and cornering. The shop owner who I knew pretty well said, "why don't you try it out?" Sure enough, sprinting through corners made the rear end squirm and feel noodily. I didn't feel comfortable pushing a more aggressive line in turns. Likewise aggressive climbing out of the saddle seemed to make the rear end wander about too. I think maybe Cannondale still hasn't found that elusive third porridge bowl yet with their aluminum mixture. She ended up getting a Specialized Dolce from the same shop. she also had tried out the Specialized Sequoia, Specialized Allez, Trek 1500, Giant OCR2, and LeMond Nevada City among other bikes.

I can see how someone smaller than I am would need a womens specific bike but a lot of women are larger than I am and might be more comfortable on a regular bike. I myself had a bike that was too small and it was a fit nightmare. I didn't think I could get one too small, I didn't think it was possible! The top tube was short and I hovered over the front wheel. I tried an assortment of different stems but nothing really helped. The handling was also terrible. After throwing good money after bad I got a totally different brand which fits and handles fine.