women specific

flippers

Hi
Im looking to spend £500-600 on an entry level road bike with a view of doing a few time trials and maybe road races in future . What are considered the best bikes at this price please? im 5 ft 2 ish

Pross

You may find you pay more for a women specific bike and could be better off just getting a small framed 'men's' bike. It will give you far more options than looking at women specific bikes too. In that price range maybe a Boardman Road Comp or possibly even second hand, you might find some deals available as younger riders outgrow their bikes.

skyd0g

Boardman have recently launched a womens specific range that would be worth looking at.

TommyEss

Better to get fitted and then choose a bike that fits - whether it be "women's specific" or just a small men's frame.

Most WSD bikes work on the assumption that all women have proportionally longer legs and shorter torsos than men - but it's just that - an assumption.

You may have quite a long torso for a woman of 5'2" - in which case you may find a WSD bike, with a slightly shortened top tube, is far to cramped.

Oh, and they like to smatter the WSD designs with pastel shades and intricate tattoo-like flower motifs too!

Get fitted, and then see what's in your budget (plenty of entry level road bikes at this price range - all the major manufacturers have bikes at this price point)

Fitting is normaly about £50 - but most bike shops will then give you that back if you buy the bike from them.

Where are you based? We could try and figure out some good local bike shops nearby to take a look at.

flippers

Thanks for all replies and i think a fitting would be a good idea..i live in coventry so any dealers round here to be recommended?

TommyEss

Specialized have a BG fitting centre at the old Fort Dunlop - sure others who know your area better than me will be able to chip in and help you out on that front.

CarleyB

Im 5'3 and have a womens specific giant. its blue and grey so isn't girly at all. It has a a shorter top tube so fits better. its a size xs

zummerzet-lou

I'm 5'2 also, and recently bought a GIANT Avail alliance ... WSD, in a size XS.

Tried a number of different frames, and found most of the small mens frames felt fine, but the WSD was the best fit, for the right money (helped that is had over $1000 off due to being last years model).

Oh- and it's in a very un-girly white and black!