Lady Help!

chezzacad

Hi All
I'm looking for a new bike (last one was a giant scr4 medium mens with a shortened stem -this was stolen a few weekes ago). The difficulty I have found is shops that cater for women. I live in the Doncaster area. I want to be able to try the bike to see if its comfortable and have found this a challenge, Planet X not gender specific, JeJames lets not go there.....long story.....Don Valley one ladies bike hanging on the wall they were busy and didnt want to bother them. I'm not a slight female so I do feel some staff don't take me serious!
I'm 5ft 7 on a large frame who is remarkably fit, so don't judge me!
Halfords - friendly din't judge and let me ride a bike around the carpark so I could change the gears. I reserved the bike its a Chris Boardman road carbon 2010 model Fi 52-53 frame (white touch of pink with the world champion stripes for Emma Pooley).
MY QUESTIONs TO YOU ALL........ :?:
Can anyone recommend any other shops within 50 miles?
Also can anyone tell me if this Boardman bike is any good (have read one review on here that complained but still gave it 4 thumbs up and another on triradar.

I will be using this bike not for racing but for sportives and journeys to work everyday.
Cheers
Chezza

ineedalager

I can vouch for the quality of Chris Boardman bikes as I bought a CB Comp Hybrid in 2008 and it's coming up to 4 years old and 7,000 miles now. All I had go wrong is a brolen rear spoke and I changed the bottom bracket recently because I was getting a clicking noise going up hills. I converted my Chris Boardman Hybrid to drops in November last year and I can keep up with all the guys on there road bikes. I fitted mudguards and used it as my winter hack so I would recommend any of the CB range as being quality stuff that lasts.

If I was going carbon the CB carbon would be on my list of bikes to go for.

MichaelW

Having used a bike before, do you know your bike fit position?
Was your previous bike setup just right? Do you actually need a women's fit bike?
You can check the Giant geometry from their website (see the archive for correct year). Giant have bags of standover clearance so the critical dimension is top-tube length combined with stem length (and handlebar "length" which varies a small amount). The other significant dimension is the height of the head-tube so the bars can be high/low enough with a normal-looking stem dimension. SRC was a sportif style so had a fairly high bar position. The current Giant equiv is the Defy. Check that the Boardman is the style of roadbike you want and not a full-on competition racer.
The best fit guide for non racing riders is here.
Once you know the length of your reach you can judge bikes fairly accurately with a tape measure.
Saddles are another matter and you have to be very experienced to tell from a carpark test ride but you can always upgrade later.

simonh49

Maybe a bit far but a friend has just opened a shop in Chesterfield?
http://www.pelicancycles.co.uk/
Give them a call, speak to Neil, always happy to chat if you need advice.
Recommend the coffee if you want to call in!
Did have a couple of women specific bikes in but as a previous post not always necessary?
Neil, 01246 767078 or Mobile: 07879 421436

leedsmjh

A few other friendly bike shops (just) within your 50 mile criteria ...

Jd cycles in Ilkley
Chevin cycles in Otley
Aire valley cycles in Keighley
All Terrain cycles in Saltaire, Bradford (though if you go a weekend make sure its early as they get really, really busy)

I've certainly test riden bikes at the first three and I'm sure All Terrain would let you do so and they all do women's specific bikes.

Boardman womens bike looks to be the same frame geometry as their mens but with different stem/saddle/handlebars. It's therefore likely to have a lower position than your Giant had unless you use a few spacers.

Wacky Racer

Don't get too hung up about your next bike being womens specific, you are best to try out both and see what fits you best. I took my wife to Leisurelakes in Cheltenham, she was dead set on a couple of womens bikes and ended up with a Cube Peloton, because it was the best fit by a mile. Alot of womens bikes tend to be a bit shorter, but my wife has a long torso and reach and the womens bikes were a bit cramped for space. My advice is to try both.

napoleond

Woman's specific bike = Swirly purple/pink/baby blue paint, short stem and higher price.

Don't get drawn in to that!

beaders

Is York too far? I have used Yorkcycleworks for years and they do an excellent bike fit service. They are friendly and will spend ages talking you through the numerous options that are available.

There is also Cycle-Lane at Pocklington, again very friendly and have used them a lot.

I found that most of the York cycle shops were quite happy for you to get bikes on test and take them for a ride. It certainly helped me when I bought my last bike

Boy Lard

If you don't mind traveling to Saltaire in Bradford then I'd definitely recommend All Terrain cycles. They're normally pretty easy going but it does get busy. Take a day off and go during the week.

I have a Giant Defy at the moment, which I got from ATC and which I love. I'm 5'6" and a bit hefty. I live near ATC, you'd be welcome to try my bike if you wanted, granted it's not wsd.