Can Women Ride Men’s Bikes? Everything You Need to Know

ByDaniel Hoang

Men and women are built differently and have distinct anatomies. That’s why bikes are specifically made for each gender to cater to their varying needs and wants. Does this make your gender now the initial basis when choosing a bike?

Women can ride men’s bikes since bikes are designed similarly. Differences between gender-specific bikes aren’t substantial enough to make a bike unfit for the opposite gender. They’re only meant to make a person feel more comfortable due to physical distinctions between women and men.

In this article, I will go over how gender-specific bikes came about and what the main differences are between women’s bikes and men’s bikes. Then, I will discuss whether or not it is safe for women to ride men’s bikes and vice-versa. I’ll also go over what essential factors to consider in choosing a bike, so let’s get started!

Do Women Really Need Gender-Specific Bikes? 

Women do not need women-specific bikes to ride long distances effortlessly, as swiftly as they can, or as comfortably as they wish. There are a lot of bikes available that aren’t gender-specific at all and are perfectly suitable for women and men alike. 

Differences Between Women’s Bikes and Men’s Bikes 

Gender-specific bikes are designed with the rider in mind. For instance, manufacturers consider both genders’ average standing height, sitting height, and crotch height. They also take into account the differences in average shoulder width and hip width while in a seated position. Hand size, foot size, and some other pertinent physical attributes are observed and factored in. 

Here are some other differences between women’s and men’s bikes:

Bike Frame

Generally, men tend to be taller than women and have longer torsos compared to the length of their legs. Men also have more muscle mass than women. This is why a man’s bike typically has a higher standover height than a woman’s bike. This measurement is taken from the midpoint of the crossbar straight down to the ground. When straddling your bike, you should have at least 1–2 inches (2.54–5.08 cm) of clearance between your crotch and crossbar. 

On the other hand, a woman’s bike will typically have a shorter reach and stack than a man’s bike. Reach refers to the horizontal distance between the midpoint at the top of the head tube to the midpoint of the bottom bracket. Stack is the vertical distance from the same point in the bike. Women generally have a shorter arm reach than men, so a shorter bike reach and stack will help promote a better riding position. 

Saddle 

The saddles of women’s bikes are positioned lower and more rearward than in men’s bikes. This is because women generally have broader and larger pelvic areas than men. Moreover, this setup reduces the pressure on the rider’s genital area. Experts have established that men, on average, need a saddle with a width of at least 143 mm, while women will appreciate a saddle width of at least 155 mm.

The pelvis is the large bone structure found at the base of the spine. It supports the legs and aids in standing, walking, and sitting. It is one of the determinants of a skeleton’s biological gender. 

Scientifically, a woman’s wider pelvis is highly beneficial for childbirth, while a man’s narrower pelvis is helpful in walking upright and getting from one place to the next. In the context of biking, different-sized saddles will undoubtedly be advantageous considering these physical differences between genders. An ill-fitting saddle will make the rider extremely uncomfortable and put unnecessary pressure on a person’s delicate areas. 

These are why women’s saddles are usually wider and shorter than men’s. Some bike manufacturers also add a canal that runs through the length of the saddle. This simple addition provides better support and reduces pressure on sensitive areas, particularly on the pubic bone, perineum, and soft tissue in sensitive areas.

Crossbar  

A crossbar, sometimes also called the top tube bar, is one of the easiest telltale signs of gender-specific bikes. As previously discussed, this dates back to the 1800s when bike manufacturers decided to do away with the crossbar to make it easier for women, generally wearing large, heavy skirts, to mount their bikes. 

These days, some women’s bikes still do not have a crossbar at all, while some may have one, but they look entirely different from those found in men’s bikes. Crossbars for women’s bikes are typically shorter to accommodate an average woman’s shorter frame and reach. Most are also curved or slanted, also referred to as a step-through frame, to help make mounting the bike easier, especially if the rider is wearing a dress or skirt.

Handlebars

Women’s bikes usually have higher, narrower handlebars. Ideally, your arms should stretch out straight ahead with a slightly broader stance for better control over your bike’s directions and movement. You should feel comfortable and capable of maneuvering the handlebars in different directions.

Women’s bikes also usually have slimmer grips since women generally have smaller, more slender hands than men. Your hands should feel comfortable and snug around your grips. You should also be able to wrap your middle and index fingers comfortably around the brake levers while gripping the handlebars. 

Remember that hand placement significantly affects how quickly your bike responds when you steer. If your stance is wider, bike stability is improved, but it can also cause tension on your neck and shoulders. On the other hand, a narrower stance may be more aerodynamic since there will be less drag as you move forward on your bike, but your leverage is reduced, resulting in wobblier steering. 

Crankset

Cranksets in gender-specific bikes may look similar at the onset, but they actually differ in size. The crank arm, in particular, which is where pedals are attached, is shorter in women’s bikes. This is because women, on average, are shorter than men.

The crank arms of women’s bikes have an average length of 6.5 inches, while men’s crank arms have an average length of 6.7 inches. A shorter crank arm allows women to more effortlessly get all the way to the bottom of a pedal stroke and successfully turn the rear wheel. 

Head Tube

Female-specific bikes usually have a taller head tube than bikes aimed for men. The head tube is the short tube at the front of the bike that connects the wheel fork and the handlebars. A taller head tube results in a more upright frame that caters to the average woman’s shorter reach.

Taller head tubes also appeal to women’s propensity to ride in a more upright position. Studies suggest that this is due to the female body’s lower center of gravity and upper body mass. Others say that women ride differently than men to avoid compressing delicate tissue in sensitive areas. 

Gears

Some women’s bikes feature a more compact gear system with a chainset of about 50/34 or 52/36. Some also offer a wider cassette ratio of roughly 11–28 or 11–32. When compared to men’s bikes, these subtle differences allow for more ease in pedaling, especially in situations where more power is required, such as going uphill.

Are Women’s Bikes the Best Choice for Women?

Women’s bikes aren’t always the best choice for females. If you are a woman of average height with narrow shoulders, a short torso, and long legs, then you may just find the perfect women’s bike that best suits you. Otherwise, a regular unisex bike may be a better choice.

Can a Man Ride a Woman’s Bike?

There is nothing stopping men from riding women’s bikes. If a man finds one that feels comfortable to him and allows him to better enjoy the riding experience, then the fact that it was designed with women in mind should not stop him. In fact, a woman’s bike may be an excellent fit for teenage boys or men who are shorter than average. 

The only thing worth mentioning is the saddle. Men might prefer switching to a male-specific saddle to make the ride more comfortable. Remember that female-specific saddles are built to cater to women’s propensity to sit in a more upright position. Men, on the contrary, prefer to lean forward more, so a saddle designed for this purpose will be a better fit. 

Choosing a Bike Goes Beyond Gender

Choosing a bike is tricky whether you’re male or female because, aside from aesthetics, it has to fit your riding style perfectly. Your bike should also withstand the conditions it will be exposed to and live up to the challenges that come along with the ride. 

Here are some essential factors to consider for getting yourself the perfect bike:

Know Your Purpose

The first step is determining your intention to buy a bike. Will it be for the daily commute or merely for recreation and exercise? Will it mainly be used on city streets, or will it be exposed to some rough terrain? Being clear on your purpose for getting a bike will help narrow your search, so you can focus on the features you really need. 

Bikes for Daily Commute

Assuming you live in the city, a lightweight city or cruiser bike would be ideal for daily commuting. This will allow you to maneuver your bike through busy city streets easily. These bikes typically offer an upright riding position with big, comfortable saddles. For women, a bike with a step-through frame will be ideal for those days that you’re wearing a dress or skirt. 

A foldable bike is worth considering, too, since one can help you quickly get on and off buses and cars. If you’re more adventurous and would like to explore the city and nearby scenic spots with a friend, a tandem bike would be perfect for you. 

Bikes for Touring and Off-Road

A good bike for touring typically combines the main features of road bikes and mountain bikes, primarily because they have to be efficient both on and off the road. Bikes with steel frames and extra large tires equipped with racks for your bags are great options. Simply put, touring and off-road bikes are the pickup trucks of the biking world because they are dependable, built for rugged conditions, and capable of carrying extra weight around. 

Here are some types of bikes that you can consider for touring and off-road:

Road Bikes

A road bike is your best bet if you’re someone who likes hopping on your bike and going for miles and miles at a time. They are considered first-rate in the biking world because they are efficient, sturdy, and aerodynamic. Road bikes come in various sizes, shapes, and price ranges, so you are sure to find one that fits your budget and can cater to your needs and expectations. 

Here are some features you might expect from a road bike:

  • Bike frame. They come in aluminum, steel, and the much sought-after carbon fiber material. Your choice of frame directly affects the bike’s overall weight, with carbon fiber being the optimal yet most expensive option. The frames are designed to be aerodynamic because they’re engineered for less drag resistance, so you can move faster. 
  • Suspension technology. Helps improve ride quality, especially when biking over rough surfaces such as gravel, cobblestones, or anywhere off-road.
  • Bigger tire clearance. Road bikes can be equipped with larger tires, even those above 28 millimeters. Keep in mind that the wider the tires, the more they can get into contact with the road, translating to a softer ride. 
  • Lower riding position and drop handlebars. This comes with both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, a lower riding position promotes better aerodynamics and boosts pedal power. On the other hand, a lowered stance may reduce your field of vision, making road bikes a less-than-ideal choice for city riding where there are a lot of obstacles on the road. 

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are specifically designed for rough, unpredictable terrain. They are versatile bikes that can be used for touring or commuting, depending on how you set them up. The gear, handlebars, suspension, and wheels you use will all contribute to how efficient, fast, and reliable a mountain bike can be.

Here are some basic features of a mountain bike:

  • Flat or upright handlebars. These types of handlebars allow for easier handling and maneuvering. What matters is how comfortable you are with your stance and how well you can maneuver your bike.
  • Low gear range. A mountain bike’s lower gear range allows it to scale steep trails easier and faster. 
  • Suspension options. You can fit your mountain bike with full suspension (duallies) or just a front suspension (hardtails), or if you’re keen on limiting weight, you can go without any suspension at all (rigid). 

Gravel Bikes

These bikes are relatively new in the biking scene. Their capabilities range from laid-back bikes suited for leisurely travel to high-performance bikes suitable for racing. They are versatile and can handle even heavy loads on different road conditions. 

The usual features of a gravel bike are:

  • Drop bars
  • Provision for larger and wider tires
  • Racks (for carrying bags)

E-Bikes

Pedal-assist e-bikes are great for touring because they can take on significant amounts of effort, which will otherwise be expected of the rider. These modern machines do not come cheap, especially the ones with long-range batteries. However, the added comfort and convenience they provide will certainly come in handy during those long and potentially tiring rides. 

Bikepacking Bikes

As the name implies, these bikes are ideal for long trips over rougher conditions. These bikes are pretty similar to mountain bikes in their ruggedness and efficiency. If you’re bent on exploring the outdoors and frequently veering off the beaten path, this bike may be up your alley. 

The typical features of bikepacking bikes include:

  • Drop bars or flat bars. 
  • Extra-large mountain bike tires.
  • Rigid forks.
  • Premium front suspensions.
  • May come with its own soft luggage.

It Has To Be the Right Fit

Your bike has to fit you perfectly. Take your time trying out different bikes to get a feel of how they ride and how comfortable you are on them. Know your body’s measurements and ensure the bike’s focal points line up correctly. 

Ending up with a bike that is not a good fit for you will make you feel uncomfortable and unable to ride efficiently. Furthermore, you will be exposing yourself to potential health and wellness risks that may otherwise be simple to avoid.

Here are some of the unfavorable effects of riding an ill-fitting bike:

  • Frequent loss of balance
  • Slow speed
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Wrist pain
  • Foot or knee injuries

Here are some vital points to take into account when choosing a bike that fits just right:

  • Bike frame and pedal position. When you’re pedaling on the bike, your legs should be fully extended, with just a little bend in the knees, when you get to the bottom of the pedal rotation. 
  • Handlebar height. Handlebars should ideally be the same height as your saddle to avoid an unnatural bend when you’re leaning forward on your bike. The handlebars can go slightly higher than the saddle for a more casual ride. 
  • Handlebar type. A handlebar that feels most comfortable will help you avoid wrist and back problems. Here are your basic options: Drop bar (sleek and aerodynamic but puts pressure on your back), Flat bar (responsive and causes no strain on wrists, arms, and shoulders), Riser bar (best for precise steering and control), and Mustache bar (helps maintain an upright riding position and allows for different hand positions).
  • Saddle. Make sure your saddle is parallel to the ground to promote better posture and avoid back problems. Opt for gender-specific saddles to make the ride as comfortable as possible.

History of Gender-Specific Bikes 

There are bike brands these days that are better suited to the unique physique and needs of women and men. You may hop on a bike one day and feel quite uncomfortable as if something isn’t quite right. This is probably because the bike wasn’t designed for your distinctive bodily proportions. More specifically, the bike may have been designed for the opposite gender. 

Surprisingly, this is not at all a new trend since gender-specific bikes have been around since the 1800s. Back then, women wore large, heavy skirts whenever they were out in public, even while biking. People had to devise a way to make riding a bike simpler and safer for women. 

At that time, unlike men’s bikes, those for women didn’t have the usual top bars that connected the seats to the handlebars. This gave women enough space to mount their bikes, so they didn’t have to climb over their bikes and hike their skirts up. Women’s bikes then also had “clothes guards” meant to keep their huge, billowy skirts from getting caught in the bike’s pedals and wheels. 

Fast forward to today, and gender-specific bikes are still a thing. The subtle differentiations are still there, so we can quickly distinguish a woman’s bike from a man’s bike. A manufacturer’s main goal is to make the experience more comfortable for the rider so that she/he can better enjoy the experience. 

Key Takeaways

It is good practice to always test-ride different bikes so you can pick the one that fits you best. For women, gender-specific bikes may be a good place to start, but they are not always the safest bet, especially since they are pretty much designed with the average-sized female in mind. Factors such as riding position, biking comfort, maneuverability, and durability are just some of the main things to consider when making your choice.

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