Men's v Women's bikes/frames (delete as appropriate!)

foregoneconclusion
foregoneconclusion Posts: 45
edited November 2007 in MTB buying advice
Hi there. First posting so go easy! :D

I'm going to buy a mountain bike for my wife for Xmas and just want to try and get the opinion(s) of some of you guys, and probably the best way is to have a simple pop quiz!

Q. As this will be her first bike is she going to see that much difference between a man's and women's bike of the same frame size? I understand about the geometries being different, but would it be so different that the man's bike is going to be a disadvantage?

I only ask as I have seen a Mongoose Tyax Elite (which I have) advertised at a very low price!! What would be your choice between that and the Carrera Vulcan?

Any comments would be welcome!

Comments

  • pittpony
    pittpony Posts: 1,057
    I know a few girls who chose to buy men's bikes so i wouldn't be put off by the idea. Their thoughts were that the ladies bikes they looked at didn't seem particularly well suited to heavy use and abuse. However I have no idea how true this is given i've never riden a ladies bike!

    Not sure of the differences between those bikes, but here's a review of the Vulcan
    Giant Trance & XTC Composite
    South East MTB
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Very difficult to buy a bike for someone without them trying it. Makes and models are all different: inc mens and womens versions. A mans may fit better: you have to go and see, the only way.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Amos
    Amos Posts: 438
    The geometry on a womans bike is different due to the fact that they usually have a lower centre of gravity and keep there weight further back on the bike. Forks are also setup to work with a lighter person in mind, and the components on the bike will be more comfortable for a woman, such as the reach of the bar's and the saddle. That's according to Gary Fisher.
  • paulf2007
    paulf2007 Posts: 341
    I think you will be find that womens specific frames are designed so that they sit up straighter, so as to not sit on the unmentionable. This usually means the the top tube is shorter and the bars higher.
  • foregoneconclusion
    foregoneconclusion Posts: 45
    Thanks for the replies guys, and I appreciate that common sense says that any prospective bikes must be tried and tested to find the correct fit.

    Having said that, as it's a Xmas pressie (and I am the MTB equivalent of a golfing jouster!) it's not terribly feasible to do this which is why I put the query to you guys :D I guess my thinking is that because she's just starting, that the perfect size bike isn't the be all and end all. It's not a great deal of money anyway and if it took off, she could always upgrade in the future.

    The Ladies Carrera Vulcan is down to £202, and have seen an '07 Tyax Elite at £180. Also, she's (that's the missus!) about 5' 4" with approx. 30" inside leg. Do you think a 16", or 18" frame (geometries aside! :o ) would be better? I'm tending towards the 16" but would welcome any comments.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The 16 would be better in my experience. Perfect sizing does make a big difference though! But you can make adjustments to the bars, saddle position etc. And if you do go for the mans, you will almost definitely need a ladies saddle anyway. Both are good bikes, very good value for money. I'd buy froma local shop, explain the dillemna and ask if they will change it if needs be.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • foregoneconclusion
    foregoneconclusion Posts: 45
    Thanks Supersonic. At least I was on the right tracks with 16"! I'm really only considering the Mongoose as it's such a low price though thinking about it, the shop that's selling it is quite a way away which would be a pain for any after sales service, and assuming the Mongoose will be heavier than the ladie's Vulcan, I think I'm swaying towards Halfords! And we have 2 stores within 10 minutes drive............think the extra 20 quid will be worth it in the long run, not that it's much in any case!
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    They are similar weights, maybe a pound in it or so. As mentioned above, the ladies version will be more likely to be the best bet due to softer forks, ladies saddle and thinner grips etc. Vulcan is about the best bike there is at this price!
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • foregoneconclusion
    foregoneconclusion Posts: 45
    Thanks a lot for the pointers Supersonic, much appreciated.........just hope it doesn't turn into one of my awe-inspiring ideas that sits in the garage unused!!

    Now, where is that consignment of fire damaged woks......? :lol:
  • milese
    milese Posts: 1,233
    I bought my girlfriend a bike for her birthday as a suprise.

    Got her a Giant Yukon for £240. It does seem to have a very short top tube on the frame; her knees get quite close to the handlebars.

    She seems to be comfortable enough on it and hasn't complained, although I might stick a longer stem on it and see what she thinks.

    As for the rest of the bike its been trouble free and my only complaint is that its a bit heavy.

    Its gone well though, she likes it and rides it quite a lot. Something to bear in mind though is that riding with women isn't all its cracked up to be, you end up waiting at the top and bottom of everyhill, and she feels left out when you go out with the lads.

    Its good though from the relationship maintence point of view to spend time together doing something you both enjoy thats good for you.

    She's 5'0 or 5'1", I got her a extra small which is 13.5". I'd defo get yours the 16" rather than the 18". Up until a few weeks ago I was riding a 15" frame, and I'm 5'7" with a 30" inside leg. Thats the point with bird specific bikes, they have longer legs and shorter bodies in relation to men, not that we're complaining!
  • paulf2007
    paulf2007 Posts: 341
    foregoneconclusion wrote:
    Thanks for the replies guys, and I appreciate that common sense says that any prospective bikes must be tried and tested to find the correct fit.

    Having said that, as it's a Xmas pressie (and I am the MTB equivalent of a golfing jouster!) it's not terribly feasible to do this which is why I put the query to you guys :D I guess my thinking is that because she's just starting, that the perfect size bike isn't the be all and end all. It's not a great deal of money anyway and if it took off, she could always upgrade in the future.

    The Ladies Carrera Vulcan is down to £202, and have seen an '07 Tyax Elite at £180. Also, she's (that's the missus!) about 5' 4" with approx. 30" inside leg. Do you think a 16", or 18" frame (geometries aside! :o ) would be better? I'm tending towards the 16" but would welcome any comments.
    I'd say a 14.5" would be better
  • foregoneconclusion
    foregoneconclusion Posts: 45
    14.5" is out of the question.........the Vulcan starts at 16"!
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    A 16" frame with a 12" bottom bracket height generally gives a standover height of about 27-28 inches. So with a 30 inside leg this should give enough clearence here. Its whether the reach is ok.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • secretsqirrel
    secretsqirrel Posts: 2,138
    Speaking as a cyclist of the female variety...5' 4.5 height.
    I have a Carrera mountainbike size 16" which is fine for me, I wouldn't go larger however. Depending on the geometry, I would say 14 up to 16 inch should suit.
  • foregoneconclusion
    foregoneconclusion Posts: 45
    Appreciate your input Secretsquirrel!! :D

    Was pretty sure before and you have just confirmed it for me...........I'm off to the Halfords website now!
  • juankerr
    juankerr Posts: 1,099
    16in sounds about right -definitly no bigger. If you are getting a "mans" bike, you may need to change the stem to a shorter one if she is leant forwards too much as the ladies are shorter in the body and longer in the leg than fellas - hence women specific frames.
  • foregoneconclusion
    foregoneconclusion Posts: 45
    Thanks juankerr (I see what you did there), but bike is already ordered...........

    .............A 22" Carrera Kraken.....!!!

    Only kidding, the 16" ladies Vulcan is the one.........Thanks for all the help guys!
  • pittpony
    pittpony Posts: 1,057
    Hope she lies it :D

    My gf and I go out togehter on our bikes pretty often, its a great way to spend some time together out of the house 8)
    Giant Trance & XTC Composite
    South East MTB
  • secretsqirrel
    secretsqirrel Posts: 2,138
    Hope she enjoys it.
    I must say after some years of riding so called unisex (man's frames). A women's specific frame was a revelation. The controls being within comfortable each meant that I could ride with more confidence.
  • Iain W
    Iain W Posts: 26
    foregoneconclusion wrote:
    The Ladies Carrera Vulcan is down to £202, and have seen an '07 Tyax Elite at £180. Also, she's (that's the missus!) about 5' 4" with approx. 30" inside leg. Do you think a 16", or 18" frame (geometries aside! :o ) would be better? I'm tending towards the 16" but would welcome any comments.

    I'm a bloke, but I am about that height and have a similar inside leg measurement to your wife. A 16in Specialized Rockhopper fits me pretty good, so I'd guess the Carerra probably would too. I think 18in would be too big.
  • foregoneconclusion
    foregoneconclusion Posts: 45
    Cheers Iain W........nice to see the christian name spelt correctly! :D

    Thankfully your thoughts tie in with everything else........the 16" has been ordered!

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