Great read! Even my industry needs more perspectives. Everyone, needs help. I never think about these things until I read different experiences like these.
The debate over women specific bikes has been going on since the mid-1980’s! Talk about staying power! I don’t think any of us who work in that domain believe a WSD design is perfect for every woman. But I do think we believe that women need to be treated as equals, whether they are newcomers to the sport or seasoned riders. These designs continue to do just what the bicycle market needs — more choices for more riders. Women specific designs may not be for every woman, but isn’t it nice to know they’re here when you need them?
There is this funny thing called technology. Maybe bike makers could do a little research about the buying public especially after the deluge of new riders in the COVID era.
RE not trusting you as a bike fitter; my personal experience coming into cycling from motorcycle racing was/is that at least where I live there are very few mechanics I trust to do work as well as I do and even less fitters. I tried to get area bike shops to explain what the different frame tubing decals meant and every single one just read the label to me. This is circa 1985. Most bike staff are trained to mouth the buzzwords (it like the car sales business). You have to dig to find info. Big population base does not necessarily mean really good bike shop staff. Trying to get bikes that fit my wife, 1.56m, with an inseam that is really short has been a treat. Things are far better now as far as ability to source gear. We had one good fitter in the area using the Retul system which produced good results and that option is now gone. I think it's cool that you can bring you view point and experience of trying to get bikes that fit for yourself. Kudos to you. And sorry but I thought you were a guy until the latest post where I saw you. cheers
Great read! Even my industry needs more perspectives. Everyone, needs help. I never think about these things until I read different experiences like these.
The debate over women specific bikes has been going on since the mid-1980’s! Talk about staying power! I don’t think any of us who work in that domain believe a WSD design is perfect for every woman. But I do think we believe that women need to be treated as equals, whether they are newcomers to the sport or seasoned riders. These designs continue to do just what the bicycle market needs — more choices for more riders. Women specific designs may not be for every woman, but isn’t it nice to know they’re here when you need them?
There is this funny thing called technology. Maybe bike makers could do a little research about the buying public especially after the deluge of new riders in the COVID era.
RE not trusting you as a bike fitter; my personal experience coming into cycling from motorcycle racing was/is that at least where I live there are very few mechanics I trust to do work as well as I do and even less fitters. I tried to get area bike shops to explain what the different frame tubing decals meant and every single one just read the label to me. This is circa 1985. Most bike staff are trained to mouth the buzzwords (it like the car sales business). You have to dig to find info. Big population base does not necessarily mean really good bike shop staff. Trying to get bikes that fit my wife, 1.56m, with an inseam that is really short has been a treat. Things are far better now as far as ability to source gear. We had one good fitter in the area using the Retul system which produced good results and that option is now gone. I think it's cool that you can bring you view point and experience of trying to get bikes that fit for yourself. Kudos to you. And sorry but I thought you were a guy until the latest post where I saw you. cheers
Preach! We need more size options, especially for us shawties! And I don’t want a frame that is a noodle either!