Mens versus Womens Bicycles

[DallasApple]

My son and I are wondering..Does anyone know why the bar is straight across on a mans bike..and on a ladies its angeled down?

Physically I cant see why a woman would need the angle..or vice versa why a man would need the bar there..

Is this a sexist thing?

Love

Dallas

 

[Watchmen]

Here's an article discussing it: cbs13.com - Good Question: Women's Bicycles

In sum:

Old fashioned bikes were different to accommodate women's skirts.

New bikes have less of a slope as they used to since women don't wear skirts biking these days, but some slope is retained as a "stylistic" choice.

However, there is some science behind this as well based on the typical proportions of women's bodies.

 

[DallasApple]

Wait a minute ...maybe its based on average height?..So she can mount and dismount without hitting the bar???...But then why is his straight across?..Is a straight acorss bar more aero dynamic?

Love

Dallas

 

[Watchmen]

Wait a minute ...maybe its based on average height?..So she can mount and dismount without hitting the bar???...But then why is his straight across?..Is a straight acorss bar more aero dynamic?

Love

Dallas

I believe the article talks about the top bar supporting the rider's weight.

 

[DallasApple]

I was posting at the same time you were Disney..Thanks for the aritcle I'll read it..But I for one dont like the idea my bike is shaped for a skirt..Especially if that makes my bike inferior in any way to a mans...

See how I am???? LOL!!

Love

Dallas

 

[DallasApple]

O.K..it does sound like a "womans" bike is desinged to accomodate some "typical" differences between a man and a woman..Such as shorter torsos..and longer femurs..(interesting I did not know women typically have longer femurs than men).....

I need a new bike..Mine was stolen..I supposed I'll get another bike that will accomadate my "skirt" LOL!!!

Love

Dallas

 

[Watchmen]

O.K..it does sound like a "womans" bike is desinged to accomodate some "typical" differences between a man and a woman..Such as shorter torsos..and longer femurs..(interesting I did not know women typically have longer femurs than men).....

I need a new bike..Mine was stolen..I supposed I'll get another bike that will accomadate my "skirt" LOL!!!

Love

Dallas

LOL


I recently bought a bike valued at $300+ for $170 (including tax). It was gently used. I bought it at a bike shop. Someone had traded it in and the shop wanted to get it off its hands. Maybe you can find one like that too.

 

[DallasApple]

LOL


I recently bought a bike valued at $300+ for $170 (including tax). It was gently used. I bought it at a bike shop. Someone had traded it in and the shop wanted to get it off its hands. Maybe you can find one like that too.

Thanks for the info Disney Man...I looked it up and couldnt find anything..I appreciate you help...

Wow!! What a steal on yoru bike???...I dont need one that deluxe..But if I could get one for that much I wouls snap it up..$170 is around what Im going to have to pay for one thats much lower quality...

Love

Dallas

 

[Phasmid]

I read a book full of facts like this. Basically the best frame for a bike it the male one, since it's triangular and therefore extremely stable in terms of the way it distributes weight. Womens are... slightly less efficient in this regard. They were mainly made in that fassion as to avoid and loss of dignity for women climbing onto the saddle while wearing skirts. But since fassion sense has changed, this is no longer and issue. In fact, I didn't even know women had differently designed bikes until I read that book.

 

[DallasApple]

I read a book full of facts like this. Basically the best frame for a bike it the male one, since it's triangular and therefore extremely stable in terms of the way it distributes weight. Womens are... slightly less efficient in this regard. They were mainly made in that fassion as to avoid and loss of dignity for women climbing onto the saddle while wearing skirts. But since fassion sense has changed, this is no longer and issue. In fact, I didn't even know women had differently designed bikes until I read that book.

That used to be the case..That was the only differnce in a mans in womans bike..It siad in the article that Disney provided that a ladies bike was an afterthought..In other words not designed to accomodate her body rather only the fact she would be wearing a skirt...

But it went on to say all be it its mostly a fashion thing now..that todays ladies bikes have other subtle differerences in design to compensate for things such as a shorter torso..and longer femurs..etc.....

And all be it of course I would rather have a bike that is more "stable" .. but at 110lbs Im not as concerned with that as I am the other advantages it seems I would have with the ladies design...

Love

Dallas

 

[Tiberius]

get a men's frame bike. The lady's frame weakens the bike and is only there for stylistic reaasons. The whole chat about leg lengths and all that is rubbish. If you're worried the top bar will get in the way, just swing your leg BACKWARDS behind the seat instead of in front of it. After all, a properly adjusted bike has the top tube at around waist height - guys would have a lot of trouble getting their legs over that.

 

[jonny]

I was going to guess that it was so girls could ride them with skirts on.

 

[Kungfuzed]

I would think it would be safer for mens "you know whats" to loose that top bar, in case you slip off the seat.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

But it went on to say all be it its mostly a fashion thing now..that todays ladies bikes have other subtle differerences in design to compensate for things such as a shorter torso..and longer femurs..etc.....

I doubt that's true.

In high-end brands, you can find bikes that are optimized for mens' and womens body types, but they also come in a range of sizes so that you can get a bike that's just right for you, not for an "average" man or woman.

If you're mainly looking at department store bikes, they won't really be optimized for anyone's body type, but you should be able to find one that's close enough for you. The seat post will be adjustable to allow for different leg lengths, which is the most important thing when fitting a bike. Sometimes the seat itself will be adjustable forward and back to accommodate different torso lengths and riding positions... though usually only by an inch or two, if at all.

And all be it of course I would rather have a bike that is more "stable" .. but at 110lbs Im not as concerned with that as I am the other advantages it seems I would have with the ladies design...

Rather than looking at differences between men's and women's bikes, have a look between different bike styles.

If you are mainly riding around town or on paved or graded gravel paths, you'd probably be most comfortable on a touring style bike. They look kinda like a mountain bike, but not quite as beefy, and they have a more upright sitting position. They're basically optimized for comfort, instead of ability to handle rough terrain (like a mountain bike) or aerodynamics (like a road bike or a "ten speed").

BTW - one area where the differences between men and women are more important is in the seat: if you don't find the seat you get with your bike to be that comfortable, you can get gender-specific replacement seats at any decent bike shop. There is a real difference between men's seats and women's seats... however, most department store bikes will come with a generic seat, regardless of whether it's sold as a "men's" or "women's" bike.

 

[DallasApple]

I doubt that's true.

In high-end brands, you can find bikes that are optimized for mens' and womens body types, but they also come in a range of sizes so that you can get a bike that's just right for you, not for an "average" man or woman.

If you're mainly looking at department store bikes, they won't really be optimized for anyone's body type, but you should be able to find one that's close enough for you. The seat post will be adjustable to allow for different leg lengths, which is the most important thing when fitting a bike. Sometimes the seat itself will be adjustable forward and back to accommodate different torso lengths and riding positions... though usually only by an inch or two, if at all.


Rather than looking at differences between men's and women's bikes, have a look between different bike styles.

If you are mainly riding around town or on paved or graded gravel paths, you'd probably be most comfortable on a touring style bike. They look kinda like a mountain bike, but not quite as beefy, and they have a more upright sitting position. They're basically optimized for comfort, instead of ability to handle rough terrain (like a mountain bike) or aerodynamics (like a road bike or a "ten speed").

BTW - one area where the differences between men and women are more important is in the seat: if you don't find the seat you get with your bike to be that comfortable, you can get gender-specific replacement seats at any decent bike shop. There is a real difference between men's seats and women's seats... however, most department store bikes will come with a generic seat, regardless of whether it's sold as a "men's" or "women's" bike.

Thanks Penguin..

Yeah I dont need a super lightweight 10 speed or anything..

So it sounds like I should just sit on the darn things and find one that fits me whether its a mans or a womans..I should try all of them..

Yes and as far as the seat???..I dont know..but in the interum I rode my sons old little dirt bike..you know one of those smaller bikes..Clearly the seat was wrong for me...That was two days ago and Im telling you it feels like someone beat my private part with a sledge hammer right now...

I'm assuming the womans seats must be wider or something..I doubt you're supposed to just keep riding untill you build up a callous in your vagina..

So I guess I'll find the right bike.(ladies or mans style).And then maybe buy a seat seperate if you can do that...Or get one of those sheep skin covers for it..I had one of those before...It made a difference...

Thanks ya'll great help...But Im curious..why would they lie in that article??..Is it a conspiracy to keep me in my place as far as bikes go or something???? lOL!!

Love

Dallas

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

So it sounds like I should just sit on the darn things and find one that fits me whether its a mans or a womans..I should try all of them..

Yup. There's no substitute for actually trying the thing out and seeing how it feels.

Yes and as far as the seat???..I dont know..but in the interum I rode my sons old little dirt bike..you know one of those smaller bikes..Clearly the seat was wrong for me...That was two days ago and Im telling you it feels like someone beat my private part with a sledge hammer right now...

I'm assuming the womans seats must be wider or something..I doubt you're supposed to just keep riding untill you build up a callous in your vagina..

There are different designs (see here for some examples). A lot of them actually have a cut-out in the middle so there's no pressure on a lady's (or a gentleman's) delicate bits at all.

So I guess I'll find the right bike.(ladies or mans style).And then maybe buy a seat seperate if you can do that...Or get one of those sheep skin covers for it..I had one of those before...It made a difference...

Sure... though you may find it easier to get a gel cover than a sheepskin one. You can find ones that are pretty inexpensive at most department or sporting goods stores. You shouldn't need one if you have a good seat to begin with, but they're cheaper than buying a whole seat and can make things more comfortable than nothing.

Thanks ya'll great help...But Im curious..why would they lie in that article??..Is it a conspiracy to keep me in my place as far as bikes go or something???? lOL!!

The article didn't really lie... what they say is true for many bikes; just not for most bikes at the cheaper end of the scale.

 

[DallasApple]

The article didn't really lie... what they say is true for many bikes; just not for most bikes at the cheaper end of the scale.

I see..they didnt get specific enough..

YES the gel seat cover....I had one of those too...I forgot about that...

In the past..I would just say I want a new bike for like Christmas or Brithday..And my husband just picked out one for me.So I nevr went and tried them out for myself...I've gone through about 4 bikes in 20 years..2 stolen and 2 just got torn up because my boys would use them if theirs had a flat tire or whatever...

Anyway..I feel like I'll be an armed consumer when I go to look..I think I go this weekend..my 12 year old son and I are going to start riding regualrly now..We need the time together and we both need the excersize as well...

Love

Dallas

 

[Valjean]

I'm going to weigh in with those advocating a "men's frame."
A woman's frame configuration sacrifices a great deal of rigidity and strength for the sole purpose of accomodating a dress.
Woman's frames put a lot of stress on welds, plus they flex like rubber bands -- decreasing mechanical efficiency.

 

[Revoltingest]

I'm going to weigh in with those advocating a "men's frame."
A woman's frame configuration sacrifices a great deal of rigidity and strength for the sole purpose of accomodating a dress.
Woman's frames put a lot of stress on welds, plus they flex like rubber bands -- decreasing mechanical efficiency.

RF suggested this thread to me, so I'm bumping it.
I find the "women's" frame is useful on a commuting bike, particularly in winter, when I've ridden in below -5F weather.
- heavy boots are easier to cope with when getting on the bike.
- Having no crossbar is confidence inspiring at times.
- Frame stiffness isn't an issue on a properly designed bike (large diameter tube connecting the headset with the bottom bracket).
- Men's & women's bikes have different frame geometry in performance bikes, but this matters naught in more upright commuters.
Some commuting bikes are made only with this frame style, so it's a unisex thingie.

 

[Smart_Guy]

Never knew women and men had different bicycles!!!!

Isn't that sexist?