Hoby

Hi, I am a shorter male 5'4"-5'5" male, who weighs 185 pounds (stocky, muscular build), who is trying very hard to find a good used bike. I found a good deal on a WSD bike (Fuji Supreme RC). The size looks like it would work, but am worried if a man should buy a women's bike, especially given my weight. Even in good shape, I still weigh in the 165-170 lbs range. Thanks.

a_thomasmr23

I am about the same height and I've thought about it, if you can live with the colors I dont see any reason not to

stateskool

As long as youre muscular its cool.

Besides being called a fred by some and mocked by other, I dont see a reason why you couldnt. If it fits and makes you wanting to go ride, do it! Weight will come off if you start to ride a lot.

Quel

I think yes. But it's kind of like using womens golf clubs. No problems, but if your buddies ever find out the truth you are in trouble.

Jinker

Many 'women's specific' road bikes share the exact same geometry with the men's frames. Changes will usually be:

1)Saddle
2)Narrower handlebars
3)Reduced reach brake levers

For some manufacturers, for example Trek with their 'WSD' frames, they shorten the toptube and stem length to account for the fact that women *generally* have shorter torsos and reach than men with the same leg length. IE: with the same standover height, a woman will generally need a shorter cockpit than a man.

So, if you're going to replace the saddle, and the bike otherwise fits, go for it.

As for the narrower handlebar issue, if you're a muscular/stocky 5'5" you will almost certainly want a wider set of handlebars than average. Probably 44 or 46cm instead of the 38-42cm that will usually be fitted to a women's bike.

Figure $50 for a saddle (unless you can find a 'take off' in the parts bin at the LBS) and ~$30 for some inexpensive handlebars.

1nterceptor

If the fit is good, I think you should go for it.

rat fink

They don't make WSD bikes in my size, but if they did, or I was small enough, I wouldn't hesitate to ride one. Especially, if I got a deal on it.

pathdoc

I'm also 5feet 5 inches with a 30 inch inseam. I usually ride a 48cm-50cm depending on the make. If it fits go for it. Its hard enough finding a good fitting frame so don't throw any out due to marketing. I agree you'll probably prefer a 44 or 46cm handlebar.

Elkhound

By a 'woman's bike' you mean a step-through frame?

Kai Winters

No, he means a "women's specific frame"...quite different from the step-through.
It it fits and you like it ride it...
Handlebars, stems and saddles are generally the most replaced parts on a new bike buy anyway.
I'm 5'5" and ride a 48cm frame...only a 28cm inseam...

Mr. Beanz

Wife is 5'4 and rides a WSD. Not sure if one could tell if it's a Woman's bike or not.

recon455

Trek's WSDs are specifically supposed to have a shorter TT, unlike the womens versions other brands may have.

intence

As others have said, check the geomtry as the top tube might be shorter, narrower bars, different saddle and short reach shifters. Personally I usually swap out the stock bars and saddle on any bike for my current favorites, so I can't see it being a big deal. The top tube should be the only part that concerns you. If you have relatively long legs for your height, then a WSD may even fit better than a standard bike.

atmdad

As long as you tuck before you get on.





Just kidding, you guys are slipping on the joke potential.

If the frame fits, feels good, and doesn't have butterflies*, go for it, nobody will know if it is proportional to your body. From your self description possibly look into wider handle bars and it should be fine.

*Unless you're into butterfly paint schemes, rock it.

baribari

And while you're at it, why don't you pick up some women's underwear.

I mean, as long as they fit and they're a good deal, there's no reason you shouldn't wear panties... no one would see them and they'd probably feel great.

Hoby

Thanks for th advice. I am going to look at it today. Geometry wise it should work. It doesn't have the shorter top tube (53.5 cm). It has Sram Rival components, so that will be a change for me. I have only test rode shimano equipped bikes.

NormanF

Buy it if fits. Short guys shouldn't worry about buying a a bike that fits them. If the graphics bother you, cover them up or have the bike repainted. No one will care it was a women's model unless you tell them!