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Bike manufacturers are to be congratulated for the great range of women-specific and gender-neutral versions they have brought out in recent years. This is especially noticeable - and refreshing - for the hybrid bike market.
You'll tend to find that the manufacturers use identical components on their mens and womens models - wheelsets, gears, forks and suchlike, while other features will be modified between the various genders.
This stategy would seem to make admirable common sense, as this would permit the manufacturers to simplify their operations and benefit from economies of scale in their purchasing. It also makes it easier for the customer to comprehend and make sense of the variations of specification across the ranges. Making sense of model names, numbers and specs from various makers is tricky enough…
As a result, there are definite areas of divergence between mens and womens models:-
- Frame Geometry. Probably the most noticeable difference. While the restrictions of dress that made the step-through frame vital at one time have long since gone, it remains a feature of most womens designs. It may not be so exaggerated, but a lower, more sloping top tube is clearly popular.
- The saddle is usually somewhat broader and differently-shaped on a womens bike. There’s no getting round the reality that it’s the region where we have important differences… For bikes that are principally developed for leisure rather than sport use, comfort is vital.
- The handlebar is frequently wider, along with more shape (more bend and rise).
As with many variations of the same model, there is frequently a different colour chosen as well - just for aesthetic reasons. There’s no issue of “blue for the boys, pink for the girls” baloney.
It's interesting to look at the different ways that manufacturers have chosen different approaches to the issue.
Specialized have women-specific ranges identified by their own names. You find that each model within these ranges has it's counterpart in the corresponding mens range. Thus the Ariel has its matching range, the Crosstrail - hybrids aimed towards those who like a more off-road style. In a similar way, the more road-going fraternity will prefer the Vita range, sister to the Sirrus.
An alternative stategy has been adopted by other manufacturers such as Scott. Their admired Sportster bikes, identified by model numbers - 60, 50, 55, 40 etc each have mens and womens variants within the one range.
Other bikes are solely aimed at women and have no mens equivalent. The Dawes Duchess and the Pashley Princess Sovereign fall into this group. Even though these are not really modern hybrids, more retro-inspired.
So bike producers have realised that cycling is not just for men - in fact it never has been. Just get out on the road.