Woman-specific bike *really* better for a woman- yay or nay?
01-10-14, 01:33 PM
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H
01-10-14, 02:10 PM
#102
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There are other options too. R&A has 2013's in size 51. https://www.racycles.com/road/bmc
Wrenchscience is in state so you would have to pay sales tax. R&A is slightly more, but no sales tax since they are in NY.
01-10-14, 06:23 PM
#103
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Ok, had the fitting which was a truly excellent experience. I don't have my report yet but Jim thinks for me it's going to boil down to the BMC GF01 and the Trek Domane. There will be other bikes on the list for sure. Frame geometry was not quite right for me on the Scott Solace and the Cervelo R3, which is probably why they didn't wow me. He said the BMC GF01 is a really, really nice bike and it would be an excellent choice.
He also suggests a different saddle & shorter cranks.
The Canadian National team was doing interval training in the velodrome while I was there. He is their fitter too (and the US National team's as well), so you can see that I have something in common with those elite riders now.
Ok, now the tasks are to find a Domane to ride, and whatever else is reasonable that's on his list. But I am probably going to sit tight and wait for the 2014 BMC. Which cannot be had by anybody right now.
H
He also suggests a different saddle & shorter cranks.
The Canadian National team was doing interval training in the velodrome while I was there. He is their fitter too (and the US National team's as well), so you can see that I have something in common with those elite riders now.
Ok, now the tasks are to find a Domane to ride, and whatever else is reasonable that's on his list. But I am probably going to sit tight and wait for the 2014 BMC. Which cannot be had by anybody right now.
H
01-11-14, 09:09 PM
#104
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Ok, NOW we're getting somewhere. Test rode the Trek Domane today. It was nice and pretty equivalent to the BMC in fit, handling, braking, responsiveness, etc. The bike I happened to ride was so ugly to me that I was embarrassed to ride it, but that was really the color- white with gold lame trim including gold handlebar tape. I won't repeat the snarky comment I made to Mr. H, maybe somebody here has that bike & really likes it. But the 2014 men's version would work for me and it's a very nice looking bike.
HOWEVER the BMC was hands down way, way better in shock-absorbing comfort over bumps and I really can't see test riding too many more bikes, I'm very confident about the BMC decision now. I'm a little surprised as a newby currently on an entry-level bike that I can actually discern differences between these bikes, but it's pretty obvious even to me. When I had the fitting yesterday, Jim (the fitter) commented that every time he gave me a choice between two options and asked me which was better, the option I picked was always the one that resulted in greater power output, his point being I know more than I think I know.
He fixed a few things with my current bike. He thought the fit was not good but not outrageously bad either. I did a 43 mile ride this am and it was my second fastest time for that distance, about 0.8-1 mph faster than my typical pace. However today was no wind, perfect 73 degree temp, I was rested and well-supplied with Fig Newtons (my favorite cycling food), so I'm not sure if it was the fit, the Newtons or maybe even a placebo effect.
Now there is just the wait to get the BMC. There is a possibility of getting a loaner bike from BMC for awhile, I hope we can make that work out. After all this, my current bike seems semi-unbearable and I'm supposed to ride a century on it in a month.
H
HOWEVER the BMC was hands down way, way better in shock-absorbing comfort over bumps and I really can't see test riding too many more bikes, I'm very confident about the BMC decision now. I'm a little surprised as a newby currently on an entry-level bike that I can actually discern differences between these bikes, but it's pretty obvious even to me. When I had the fitting yesterday, Jim (the fitter) commented that every time he gave me a choice between two options and asked me which was better, the option I picked was always the one that resulted in greater power output, his point being I know more than I think I know.
He fixed a few things with my current bike. He thought the fit was not good but not outrageously bad either. I did a 43 mile ride this am and it was my second fastest time for that distance, about 0.8-1 mph faster than my typical pace. However today was no wind, perfect 73 degree temp, I was rested and well-supplied with Fig Newtons (my favorite cycling food), so I'm not sure if it was the fit, the Newtons or maybe even a placebo effect.
Now there is just the wait to get the BMC. There is a possibility of getting a loaner bike from BMC for awhile, I hope we can make that work out. After all this, my current bike seems semi-unbearable and I'm supposed to ride a century on it in a month.
H
Last edited by Heathpack; 01-11-14 at 11:14 PM.
01-11-14, 10:43 PM
#105
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I've spent some time following this thread. Good for you on the process, fit and decision making tree. Truly happy for you and I look forward to hearing about the bike once finally in your possession!
01-12-14, 10:27 AM
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Healthpack,
I don't know the type of Cervelo you first looked at, but from what I read, the type for your riding would be the Cervelo R series. That would be a bit more comfortable for you. That is what you need to compare with the BMC, or any other brand.
Also, when you test ride any bike. A lot of what seems "comfortable", is about the inflation of the tires and tire size, and even the type of wheels. Typically a rider goes for a test ride, and these tires and wheels are completely different.
Also, Cervelo's web site talks about "women specific" bikes and their thinking on it.
Many comsumers end up dialing in on one type of bike manufacturer and think its "the one". Heck, just get a Felt and be done with it already. They're more abundant, ubique, semper, omnibus.
I don't know the type of Cervelo you first looked at, but from what I read, the type for your riding would be the Cervelo R series. That would be a bit more comfortable for you. That is what you need to compare with the BMC, or any other brand.
Also, when you test ride any bike. A lot of what seems "comfortable", is about the inflation of the tires and tire size, and even the type of wheels. Typically a rider goes for a test ride, and these tires and wheels are completely different.
Also, Cervelo's web site talks about "women specific" bikes and their thinking on it.
Many comsumers end up dialing in on one type of bike manufacturer and think its "the one". Heck, just get a Felt and be done with it already. They're more abundant, ubique, semper, omnibus.
Last edited by Garfield Cat; 01-12-14 at 10:35 AM.
01-12-14, 12:22 PM
#107
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my wife's biggest problem with her gender neutral road bike has been the her tiny hands not being able to handle the Sora brake levers. Most of the women specific models I have seen do not address this. I have not seen a women specific STI lever. I know some of the higher end levers have some level of reach adjustment but they don't really address braking from the hoods with tiny hands
01-12-14, 01:32 PM
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Still, I say to make a comparison, you would have to swap out the wheels with the tires onto the other bikes. Other fitting type things make a difference too. You know, the bar and angle and stem, etc.
I can hardly believe that the Trek, BMC, Cervelo are going to be that different in geometry to make one "wow you". Pro riders can tell the difference and even know more about what it is. The rest of us, not so much. But again pro riders will ride anything. Isn't it funny? They're ride anything with the proper fitting and the mere mortals go through this exasperating exercise of choosing this and that.
I can hardly believe that the Trek, BMC, Cervelo are going to be that different in geometry to make one "wow you". Pro riders can tell the difference and even know more about what it is. The rest of us, not so much. But again pro riders will ride anything. Isn't it funny? They're ride anything with the proper fitting and the mere mortals go through this exasperating exercise of choosing this and that.
01-12-14, 01:40 PM
#109
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my wife's biggest problem with her gender neutral road bike has been the her tiny hands not being able to handle the Sora brake levers. Most of the women specific models I have seen do not address this. I have not seen a women specific STI lever. I know some of the higher end levers have some level of reach adjustment but they don't really address braking from the hoods with tiny hands
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
01-12-14, 01:44 PM
#110
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Still, I say to make a comparison, you would have to swap out the wheels with the tires onto the other bikes. Other fitting type things make a difference too. You know, the bar and angle and stem, etc.
I can hardly believe that the Trek, BMC, Cervelo are going to be that different in geometry to make one "wow you". Pro riders can tell the difference and even know more about what it is. The rest of us, not so much. But again pro riders will ride anything. Isn't it funny? They're ride anything with the proper fitting and the mere mortals go through this exasperating exercise of choosing this and that.
I can hardly believe that the Trek, BMC, Cervelo are going to be that different in geometry to make one "wow you". Pro riders can tell the difference and even know more about what it is. The rest of us, not so much. But again pro riders will ride anything. Isn't it funny? They're ride anything with the proper fitting and the mere mortals go through this exasperating exercise of choosing this and that.
A "PRO" is "PAID" to ride what he is handed, in an effort to sell that manufacturer to me.
I'm "PAYING" for the "PLEASURE" and "ENJOYMENT" of going for a ride. Therefore, I get to pick and choose what "best" suits me.
I applaud the process Heathpack has gone through for what is going to be a substantial purchase. I wish more budding recreational cyclist would take the time to learn about what will impact their initial experiences and make well considered decissions. Instead of walking into the nearest shop and asking, "What have you got for $xxxx?"
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Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
01-12-14, 04:16 PM
#111
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HOWEVER the BMC was hands down way, way better in shock-absorbing comfort over bumps and I really can't see test riding too many more bikes, I'm very confident about the BMC decision now. I'm a little surprised as a newby currently on an entry-level bike that I can actually discern differences between these bikes, but it's pretty obvious even to me. When I had the fitting yesterday, Jim (the fitter) commented that every time he gave me a choice between two options and asked me which was better, the option I picked was always the one that resulted in greater power output, his point being I know more than I think I know.
I had similar experiences last year when I test rode bikes and got fit by Jim.
There were noticeable differences between most of the bikes I test rode. I tried the GF01, but it wasn't right for me. With the big tires the acceleration felt sluggish (Although I test rode it right after the Team Machine so that probably made it feel worse than it really was), and it wasnt as plush as a Specialized Roubaix. I didnt particularly like the geometry of the Roubaix either. I really liked the Raleigh Ravenio carbon. But I absolutely fell in love with the BMC Team Machine. It accelerated like a rocket, handled really well, and was very compliant for a race bike.
When you find the right bike it just feels right. Sounds like the GF01 is the right bike for you. R&A still has a 2013 size 51 with di2 in your size. https://www.racycles.com/road/bmc/gra...01-ultegra-di2 if not wait for the 2014's to arrive.
When I got fit by Jim he started lowering my stem, and in certain positions it just felt better, my cadence would increase, and pedaling felt much easier. Same thing on my mountain bike. We were trying out different saddle positions and certain positions felt noticeably better.
01-12-14, 04:47 PM
#112
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I had similar experiences last year when I test rode bikes and got fit by Jim.
There were noticeable differences between most of the bikes I test rode. I tried the GF01, but it wasn't right for me. With the big tires the acceleration felt sluggish (Although I test rode it right after the Team Machine so that probably made it feel worse than it really was), and it wasnt as plush as a Specialized Roubaix. I didnt particularly like the geometry of the Roubaix either. I really liked the Raleigh Ravenio carbon. But I absolutely fell in love with the BMC Team Machine. It accelerated like a rocket, handled really well, and was very compliant for a race bike.
When you find the right bike it just feels right. Sounds like the GF01 is the right bike for you. R&A still has a 2013 size 51 with di2 in your size. https://www.racycles.com/road/bmc/gra...01-ultegra-di2 if not wait for the 2014's to arrive.
When I got fit by Jim he started lowering my stem, and in certain positions it just felt better, my cadence would increase, and pedaling felt much easier. Same thing on my mountain bike. We were trying out different saddle positions and certain positions felt noticeably better.
There were noticeable differences between most of the bikes I test rode. I tried the GF01, but it wasn't right for me. With the big tires the acceleration felt sluggish (Although I test rode it right after the Team Machine so that probably made it feel worse than it really was), and it wasnt as plush as a Specialized Roubaix. I didnt particularly like the geometry of the Roubaix either. I really liked the Raleigh Ravenio carbon. But I absolutely fell in love with the BMC Team Machine. It accelerated like a rocket, handled really well, and was very compliant for a race bike.
When you find the right bike it just feels right. Sounds like the GF01 is the right bike for you. R&A still has a 2013 size 51 with di2 in your size. https://www.racycles.com/road/bmc/gra...01-ultegra-di2 if not wait for the 2014's to arrive.
When I got fit by Jim he started lowering my stem, and in certain positions it just felt better, my cadence would increase, and pedaling felt much easier. Same thing on my mountain bike. We were trying out different saddle positions and certain positions felt noticeably better.
The fit was a minor miracle. Yesterday I rode 43 mi at my second best time without even trying. Today I rode a personal best distance (75 mi) like it was nothing. With 3800 ft of climbing and a good bit of wind, so it's not like it was even the easiest 75 mi possible. And he hardly did anything to my current bike.
Finally I have found someone associated with cycling who is not full of malarkey. Besides the people on this forum, of course.
H
06-09-14, 06:10 PM
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I just spent a month bike shopping and trying out bikes on the road. I am small, 5'2", small hands, short torso. I found two WSD bikes that fit well and felt great, a 2014 Specialized Dolce Elite (size small aluminum frame, carbon fork) and a 2013 Giant Avail 3 (XS, carbon frame and fork). I went with the Avail primarily because it was lighter and my LBS gave me an excellent deal, since it had been in their store almost a year. None of the men's/unisex bikes I found felt as right in terms of my reach and comfort. On many bikes I had a difficult time securely shifting and braking.
06-09-14, 10:55 PM
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06-09-14, 11:28 PM
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Well, here's the latest.
I rode the Cervelo. Nice bike, peppy and sharp but not was I was looking for- overall to me a stiffer ride. I'm sure it would be nice for someone who wants to go fast, though.
Then I rode a Scott Solace- that is a very nice bike. Very comfortable and really a very reasonably priced package. A good choice on an intellectual level but it didn't really speak to me in any way.
Finally I tried the BMC Grandfondo and that was it. Very plush ride and everything seemed exactly as it should be. It was quite simply a pleasure to ride. At some point I semi-forgot I was riding a bike, I was just moving along like it was part of my body. I looked around and realized I had breezed past my turn-around point, I'm sure the bike shop guy was afraid I'd ridden off with the bike. So I bought it. In some ways this bike reminds me of our sailboat. We had some more practical choices that we could have bought but in the end we couldn't do it, we had to get the one we finally settled on. And everything about it is pleasing- it looks good, all the parts function as they should, it is a thing of beautiful functionality. This bike reminds me of that.
So that's that. Hopefully I was not rash in my decision but I really think not. We'll find out when I pick her up in a week and start riding the thing.
In regards to the Bianchi suggestion, I did consider it somewhat. My friend who I cycle with most frequently has one and she really likes it. It's a really attractive bike too. But hers is pretty heavy and I just felt like I wanted a lighter bike. I guess I will see you all in Palm Springs- my Bianchi friend is supposed to ride with me and she's starting to worry she won't be ready and might have to go for the 55 mile ride. So if you see a lone lady on a black BMC, that's me, say hi.
Thanks everybody for all the advice. It has been very helpful.
H
I rode the Cervelo. Nice bike, peppy and sharp but not was I was looking for- overall to me a stiffer ride. I'm sure it would be nice for someone who wants to go fast, though.
Then I rode a Scott Solace- that is a very nice bike. Very comfortable and really a very reasonably priced package. A good choice on an intellectual level but it didn't really speak to me in any way.
Finally I tried the BMC Grandfondo and that was it. Very plush ride and everything seemed exactly as it should be. It was quite simply a pleasure to ride. At some point I semi-forgot I was riding a bike, I was just moving along like it was part of my body. I looked around and realized I had breezed past my turn-around point, I'm sure the bike shop guy was afraid I'd ridden off with the bike. So I bought it. In some ways this bike reminds me of our sailboat. We had some more practical choices that we could have bought but in the end we couldn't do it, we had to get the one we finally settled on. And everything about it is pleasing- it looks good, all the parts function as they should, it is a thing of beautiful functionality. This bike reminds me of that.
So that's that. Hopefully I was not rash in my decision but I really think not. We'll find out when I pick her up in a week and start riding the thing.
In regards to the Bianchi suggestion, I did consider it somewhat. My friend who I cycle with most frequently has one and she really likes it. It's a really attractive bike too. But hers is pretty heavy and I just felt like I wanted a lighter bike. I guess I will see you all in Palm Springs- my Bianchi friend is supposed to ride with me and she's starting to worry she won't be ready and might have to go for the 55 mile ride. So if you see a lone lady on a black BMC, that's me, say hi.
Thanks everybody for all the advice. It has been very helpful.
H
06-10-14, 06:23 AM
#117
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Congratulations! It sounds like you made an excellent choice. I think that is the way to do it. Test ride until you find "the one". I test rode at least 10 different makes and models before I found the one. When I took it for a test ride I knew within a few miles. It was like the bike was made for me. The BMC Grandfondo has an excellent reputation too!
H
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