Since launch we have had quite a few enquiries for women's bikes, technically referred to as women's specific design (WSD for short). London Cycle Exchange (LCE) has been on the look out for the right used bikes in that category and there are not many around, certainly not in our favoured materials of carbon and titanium. But aren't all bikes unisex? Well the manufacturers that don't produce WSD bikes will say that, but it's not strictly true or at the very least debatable. The bigger names do stock WSD - Specialized, Cannondale, Boardman, Trek, Giant, Scott for example, but smaller names don't tend to. Cervelo have gone out of their way to highlight the fact that women's specific bikes are not necessary at all (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNxikH1u9lM ) and that it is merely saddle and handlebars that are different. On the counter side we liked this article on the team estrogen site http://www.teamestrogen.com/content/wsdBikes .
All the arguments we read or hear are allegedly backed up by statistics that seem to prove or disprove that women's geometry is different. Another case of lies, damn lies and statistics?
So whats the answer? Getting a bike fit is always a great move if you are happy to spend the money. With a comprehensive bike fit, costing a hundred pounds or so, you can ensure you are getting your bike as close to your body shape as possible. You can then look at Unisex and WSD and pick the most appropriate - new or pre-owned.
If you're interested in this topic, or perhaps a bike designer or manufacturer, we'd love to hear your thoughts or comments on the topic.
Please also get in touch with us at LCE if you have a women's bike for sale. We'd love to see more women on pre-owned performance bicycles!
If you need a recommendation on where to get a good bike fit drop us a line at support@londoncycleexchange.com
