Women's Bikes - The tall and short of getting the right fit for women

Thousands of women around Australia are starting to rediscover the joys of cycling be it for sport, recreation, fitness, touring or commuting. Only a few years ago the only difference between a men's and women's bike was the top tube position.

Fortunately things have changed and many bike brands now offer specifically designed women's bikes or a good bicycle retailer can adjust your bike to suit your geometry. Getting a bicycle which fits you and your style of riding can make a difference between loving your bike or loathing it.  Women tend to 

• Have longer legs and a shorter torso than a man of similar height
• Be shorter in stature
• Have smaller hands and narrower shoulder width (usually closley related to stature)
• Have a different pelvic structure with the ischial tuberosities (perch bones) being further apart and angled outward

Remember when choosing a bicycle you will need to consider

• Fit
• Comfort
• Budget
• Performance
• Aesthetics 
• Durability

Having a bicycle which fits you makes it easier to ride, is more comfortable and improves your performance. Some manufacturers have recognised the demand for quality bikes for women and have started to build bikes which better suit the geometry required to fit the female physique with shorter stems and shorter top tube lengths, smaller brake levers, narrower handlebars, shorter cranks and wider saddles. 

Women's specific bikes may cost a little more than a comparably equipped man's bike, due to higher production costs for fewer number of parts. The extra initial cost to get a properly fitted bike will pay off in the long run, since you will either stop riding an uncomfortable or poorly fitting bike, or you will eventually replace the poorly fitting parts at additional cost.

We encourage you to purchase a bicycle from a brand which is a member of the Cycling Promotion Fund and is investing a percentage of their turnover back into cycling. Below are the links to website of our members which offer women specific bikes.

Remember that other women are a great resource and can provide you with tips and valuable information before selecting a bike which will give you years of joy and pleasure.

• Visit the womens cycling website which has a great discussion list where you can ask questions and get feedback from other women.

Not every woman needs a women's bike. But every woman needs a bike that fits!

Once you done some research it is important to find a bicycle retailer which meets your needs and you can trust. 

• Click here to download a publication which provides you with tips on what to look for when selecting a bike shop.

Remember to purchase the best bike you can afford. A good bike will last for many years and will become an excellent investment