|
|
The Bike and Brunch Newsletter
Do They Ride Bikes on Mars?
Men and women are different. In case you haven't noticed,
take a look around at the next ride, and just imagine
what's underneath the spandex. It may surprise you.
Ladies, if your bike doesn't feel as comfortable as you'd
like, there may be a reason. Guys, you may learn
something, but feel free to skip to the Happy Hour
schedule.
If you haven't noticed yet, most bikes are built with
regards to the average MAN. Therefore, since women tend
to be smaller than the average man, finding a bike that
fits can be tough. Even when the seat tubes are
shortened, many bikes still have the same length top tube
as the larger bikes, and therefore even this
"shorter" bike won't fit. Women and men do have
similar proportions, but if a woman and a man of the same
size were to try the same bike, chances are the woman
would find it uncomfortable. The reason for this may be
the differing riding positions of men and women. It has
been suggested that women bend from the waist while men
pivot from the hips. Women also tend to sit further back
on the seat than men.
Shorter stems are the first option to try to give you a
more comfortable reach. Also smaller brake levers,
narrower handlebars, shorter cranks, and wider saddles
are also common on women's bikes. For these and other
biking tips for women check out: http://library.advanced.org/10333/girls/index.html
|