I'm with you on the reach of women's specific bikes. I have a long torso and short legs, so the reach on women's specific bikes always feels uncomfortably short.
My wife is barely 5' tall. It was tough to find the right bike for her. We found a 1990's Schwinn mountain bike (pre suspension) that we equipped with an adjustable stem and a Brooks B17 women's seat. We have since toured together in Colombia twice, covering serious distances over two months periods and we do regular rides together here at home. This bike works for her.
This was interesting. I had always wondered what the difference was between women's specific geometry and unisex bikes. I never considered bar width and I don't think I ever would have taken into account the grip size. But it makes sense now that I think about it. I did know that there's a difference for saddles made for men and women. Thanks for the comprehensive explanation. Stay upright and keep the rubber side down!
Thank you for the tips! Im a 5'9" woman (130 lbs) with long legs so my first bike was a women's hardtail Trek but I just upgraded to a unisex (maybe even male?) Canyon Spectral 7 AL full suspension both in size medium. I think since Im a taller woman, I can get by using the unisex/man sizes but if I were any smaller I would probably lean towards a women specific geo bike. If there's any taller women like me out there not sure about what size to get, hopefully my comments help. :)
I'm so glad you covered this topic. I've talked to a lot of female riders about woman's bikes and it's always interesting to hear their take on it and the bike industry as a whole. It's a bit depressing to see a brand where the "womens" bikes are just commuters with slightly knobby tires (looking at you, GT).
I'm 5'3, 120lbs...I started on a small womens Stumpy then upgraded to a small mens s-works and don't notice any difference....just much lighter...cuz carbon :)
I'm not a super hardcore biker, but I've gotta admit that I'm really thankful companies are moving away from the female specific geometry. I've been riding the same k2 t-nine xc hardtail since I was 12 (yeah it's old and not ideal but I'm not invested enough in the hobby to get a new bike right now and I've kept up with maintaining it), and despite liking how comfortable it was for me as a young teenager, I'm finding the geometry frustrating for doing anything but tame flat ground riding. It was great for when I was barely 5 feet tall and had short legs, but now that I'm an adult in my mid 20s and 5'3 with fairly even leg-torso proportions, the frame design that made that bike approachable for a short rider is now holding me back from doing what I want to do. I feel like a female specific frame isn't worth it. Handlebars and saddles make sense, but compromising the frame to make it fit someone more petite can make it obnoxious in the long run. It doesn't matter how I shift my weight around, that bike is so hard to get off the ground unless you're jumping off of something. The geometry of the frame served its purpose for what I needed 12 years ago, but I really need to replace my bike, lol.
I am 5' 7" and have always ridden men's bikes. They always fit me fine. This was a well explained video though. I think I might have gotten a Julianna if I'd known about them, instead I got a Santa Cruz 5010. Same company. Thanks for the vid!
Why take regular genderless bike over womens bike: * MUCH wider selection of bikes to choose from, much higher end bikes as well (gurls bike usually come in really poor component option, cheap stuff.) * Bars > Cut them down to the exact size that suits you instead of being forced into small size that you can't up-size. * Saddle > Womens bike may have womens saddle, but it's *Wrong Size* which is what matters the most. You've gotta buy a different one to your exact size either way. * Suspension > Have it set-up for your way of riding and weight in a local bike shop, talk to them, give them feedback after a ride how it felt, check how much of it you used and how harsh terrain you've ridden.
This was a very informative video, thanks for that. I have a very hard time finding a bike, where as I'm a real heavy weigh. 240 lbs with a 27-1/2" inseam. But most people have no idea that I weigh this much. But it can be trying, to find a bike that fits, and has a decent spec. Have a safe week. Barry
Honestly in the end the women’s bikes often has more awesome colors more than anything. Saddles, bars, even suspension tunes can be adjusted but colorway is much harder to change. My wife and our 2 daughter’s Juliana’s look way more awesome then my Santa Cruz. If they made the Juliana’s in XL I would likely have just gotten that instead and adjusted the tune back to a heavier tune for me (dad). But Dusty is right they are great bikes and we wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Thank you for this, it was really interesting! I wasn't sure what to go with for my next bike and knowing that a lot of the women specific things are related to the ridder being lighter, knowing that i am heavier than most ridding women, i will stick to unisex bike !
It is crazy how fast the industry is developing! When I got a new bike 3 years ago, I also looked at women specific bikes (I'm only 5'3) and a lot of them seemed to have worse components than their "brothers" but came with the same price tag (Yay, pink tax). My impression was that they haven't figured out the geometry yet. The newer models are not as dramatically different from the unisex versions as they used to be. Anyway we're all coming in different shapes and sizes, so the best way to find your perfect bike is riding a couple of them and not worry about the bike's "gender".
I've heard a lot of women shy away from women-specific bikes due to resale value too. Like you can sell a 5010 or Tallboy to anyone, but what dude is gonna buy a used Furtado or Joplin? (Answer: a dude who wants to save $1000 more over an almost identical used Santa Cruz) Funny story, I bought a used 5010 off a woman earlier this year, and while I was waiting for it to arrive I was going over in my head all the things I'd need to adjust when I got it. Suspension preload, saddle height, maybe swap bars, etc. Then when it finally came I sat on it and was like "shit, everything's already set up perfectly for me". Only thing I did was move the brake levers away from the grips a bit. So much for gender-specific setup I guess.
Do you have any suggestions for taller women? I’m super tall at a towering 5’6” and 5’7” with shoes. I was lucky to find a women’s Diverge that has female specific parts but a neutral frame in small/medium which is perfect for me, all I did was minor upgrades and went from a 60mm to 33mm reach stem and now it’s perfect ❤️
Excellent subject! The last few years there has been an increase in gender specific bikes and gear, finally. Nothing worse than riding a bike that isn't ideal. Everyone, regardless of gender, is different of course, so having widely available choices is a must. I'm a useless male, but have seen this problem repeatedly for 60 years. Cudos Dusty! Hammer away!
I have short legs, short torso. Need wide seat and sometimes have problems in my core (multiple surgeries) sometimes I want to ride low and aggressive and other times I need more support in my core. Any tips?
@@dustybettymtb But the Liv line of bikes look way better than the Giant line of bikes. Seems like they have a more updated color palette and combinations.
Thanks for the overview. As a 5 foot rider, WS bikes and XS are just want I need. I also want sub 27lbs. Any recommendations on options. I am not sure if there options, and if there are, they are $$$$ and I cannot find one t test ride. I started riding 20 years ago and struggle more today with bike that will fit-the 29-ers 27.5's don't help me.
Do you know if there are full suspension 29ers with the size 13.5?? Or I can only find full suspension 13.5 size in 27.5 My girlfriend is 5.1 feet tall. She got a 29er hardtail size 15 and is kind of big for her
Well glad my girl can ride a giant hahaha she’s 5’11 and I got her a medium. She’s also got large hands. Hella long legs too. She’s fine on a dude bike
I'm with you on the reach of women's specific bikes. I have a long torso and short legs, so the reach on women's specific bikes always feels uncomfortably short.
My wife is barely 5' tall. It was tough to find the right bike for her. We found a 1990's Schwinn mountain bike (pre suspension) that we equipped with an adjustable stem and a Brooks B17 women's seat. We have since toured together in Colombia twice, covering serious distances over two months periods and we do regular rides together here at home. This bike works for her.
This was interesting. I had always wondered what the difference was between women's specific geometry and unisex bikes. I never considered bar width and I don't think I ever would have taken into account the grip size. But it makes sense now that I think about it. I did know that there's a difference for saddles made for men and women. Thanks for the comprehensive explanation.
Stay upright and keep the rubber side down!
Thank you for the tips! Im a 5'9" woman (130 lbs) with long legs so my first bike was a women's hardtail Trek but I just upgraded to a unisex (maybe even male?) Canyon Spectral 7 AL full suspension both in size medium. I think since Im a taller woman, I can get by using the unisex/man sizes but if I were any smaller I would probably lean towards a women specific geo bike. If there's any taller women like me out there not sure about what size to get, hopefully my comments help. :)
I'm so glad you covered this topic. I've talked to a lot of female riders about woman's bikes and it's always interesting to hear their take on it and the bike industry as a whole. It's a bit depressing to see a brand where the "womens" bikes are just commuters with slightly knobby tires (looking at you, GT).
I'm 5'3, 120lbs...I started on a small womens Stumpy then upgraded to a small mens s-works and don't notice any difference....just much lighter...cuz carbon :)
I'm not a super hardcore biker, but I've gotta admit that I'm really thankful companies are moving away from the female specific geometry. I've been riding the same k2 t-nine xc hardtail since I was 12 (yeah it's old and not ideal but I'm not invested enough in the hobby to get a new bike right now and I've kept up with maintaining it), and despite liking how comfortable it was for me as a young teenager, I'm finding the geometry frustrating for doing anything but tame flat ground riding. It was great for when I was barely 5 feet tall and had short legs, but now that I'm an adult in my mid 20s and 5'3 with fairly even leg-torso proportions, the frame design that made that bike approachable for a short rider is now holding me back from doing what I want to do. I feel like a female specific frame isn't worth it. Handlebars and saddles make sense, but compromising the frame to make it fit someone more petite can make it obnoxious in the long run. It doesn't matter how I shift my weight around, that bike is so hard to get off the ground unless you're jumping off of something. The geometry of the frame served its purpose for what I needed 12 years ago, but I really need to replace my bike, lol.
I am 5' 7" and have always ridden men's bikes. They always fit me fine. This was a well explained video though. I think I might have gotten a Julianna if I'd known about them, instead I got a Santa Cruz 5010. Same company. Thanks for the vid!
Why take regular genderless bike over womens bike:
* MUCH wider selection of bikes to choose from, much higher end bikes as well (gurls bike usually come in really poor component option, cheap stuff.)
* Bars > Cut them down to the exact size that suits you instead of being forced into small size that you can't up-size.
* Saddle > Womens bike may have womens saddle, but it's *Wrong Size* which is what matters the most. You've gotta buy a different one to your exact size either way.
* Suspension > Have it set-up for your way of riding and weight in a local bike shop, talk to them, give them feedback after a ride how it felt, check how much of it you used and how harsh terrain you've ridden.
@@dustybettymtb Oh yeah, that's like impossible - especially if it's more higher end...
Crank length and wheel size, might also be considered for those under 5"2'.
This was a very informative video, thanks for that. I have a very hard time finding a bike, where as I'm a
real heavy weigh. 240 lbs with a 27-1/2" inseam. But most people have no idea that I weigh this much.
But it can be trying, to find a bike that fits, and has a decent spec. Have a safe week. Barry
Great overview!
My friend told me to check out her page and I’m greatly appreciative you guys showed me this page ❤️ thank you StompNU customs and Hardtail Party 💯
Thanks so much. I ride with my son and been riding hand me down fisher and I'm very small and feel like it's too much bike for me.
Honestly in the end the women’s bikes often has more awesome colors more than anything. Saddles, bars, even suspension tunes can be adjusted but colorway is much harder to change. My wife and our 2 daughter’s Juliana’s look way more awesome then my Santa Cruz. If they made the Juliana’s in XL I would likely have just gotten that instead and adjusted the tune back to a heavier tune for me (dad). But Dusty is right they are great bikes and we wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Thanks for putting this video together. Nothing more obnoxious that talking to some shredder bros who mock and dismiss this segment of bike design.
Thank you for this, it was really interesting! I wasn't sure what to go with for my next bike and knowing that a lot of the women specific things are related to the ridder being lighter, knowing that i am heavier than most ridding women, i will stick to unisex bike !
It is crazy how fast the industry is developing! When I got a new bike 3 years ago, I also looked at women specific bikes (I'm only 5'3) and a lot of them seemed to have worse components than their "brothers" but came with the same price tag (Yay, pink tax). My impression was that they haven't figured out the geometry yet. The newer models are not as dramatically different from the unisex versions as they used to be. Anyway we're all coming in different shapes and sizes, so the best way to find your perfect bike is riding a couple of them and not worry about the bike's "gender".
im 5,3 .. what size good for me.. i am man
I've heard a lot of women shy away from women-specific bikes due to resale value too. Like you can sell a 5010 or Tallboy to anyone, but what dude is gonna buy a used Furtado or Joplin? (Answer: a dude who wants to save $1000 more over an almost identical used Santa Cruz)
Funny story, I bought a used 5010 off a woman earlier this year, and while I was waiting for it to arrive I was going over in my head all the things I'd need to adjust when I got it. Suspension preload, saddle height, maybe swap bars, etc. Then when it finally came I sat on it and was like "shit, everything's already set up perfectly for me". Only thing I did was move the brake levers away from the grips a bit. So much for gender-specific setup I guess.
you are a pro! Professor Dusty Betty! thanks for the info....you speak well, very articulate and very knowledgeable!
Im a men and i use a xs woman mtb 😁 and i love it!!
Great breakdown and explanation!!! 👌👍
Most Impressive and Informative👍
Do you have any suggestions for taller women? I’m super tall at a towering 5’6” and 5’7” with shoes. I was lucky to find a women’s Diverge that has female specific parts but a neutral frame in small/medium which is perfect for me, all I did was minor upgrades and went from a 60mm to 33mm reach stem and now it’s perfect ❤️
Excellent subject! The last few years there has been an increase in gender specific bikes and gear, finally. Nothing worse than riding a bike that isn't ideal. Everyone, regardless of gender, is different of course, so having widely available choices is a must. I'm a useless male, but have seen this problem repeatedly for 60 years. Cudos Dusty! Hammer away!
I have short legs, short torso. Need wide seat and sometimes have problems in my core (multiple surgeries) sometimes I want to ride low and aggressive and other times I need more support in my core. Any tips?
Liv and Juliana bikes look way better than their brother brands. :)
@@dustybettymtb But the Liv line of bikes look way better than the Giant line of bikes. Seems like they have a more updated color palette and combinations.
@@dustybettymtb why is Liv your least favorite?
What bike would you recommend brand wise?
Thanks for the deets.
Hey, what is the brand of the t-shirt you’re wearing I really like it.
Thanks for the overview. As a 5 foot rider, WS bikes and XS are just want I need. I also want sub 27lbs. Any recommendations on options. I am not sure if there options, and if there are, they are $$$$ and I cannot find one t test ride. I started riding 20 years ago and struggle more today with bike that will fit-the 29-ers 27.5's don't help me.
Do you know if there are full suspension 29ers with the size 13.5?? Or I can only find full suspension 13.5 size in 27.5
My girlfriend is 5.1 feet tall. She got a 29er hardtail size 15 and is kind of big for her
Super informative but am I the only one who wants to know who’s top you’re wearing 😍😂
Well glad my girl can ride a giant hahaha she’s 5’11 and I got her a medium. She’s also got large hands. Hella long legs too. She’s fine on a dude bike
Super informative, I love that you created this video. Super important! I just did a video on my first mountain bike, feel free to check it out!
Both of my wife's mountain bikes have been women specific bikes.
@@dustybettymtb Rocky Mountain Element LO (I think LO stands for Ladies Only) and a Diamondback Clutch (women's version of Release).
Gender specific bikes are just due to marketing gimmick. If it makes sense, then why there are no gender specific motorcycles?
Wait you have a chain with bearings in it?
So do you most likely. Bike chains are roller chains, the piece that rides against the sprockets are the rollers which are a type of bearing
@@dustybettymtb you are doing great, the person above is trying get more technical then need be. Keep being rad. Keep crushing it on your DV9.
A man is just a type of woman. Humans can ride the same type of bicycle . Woman have large chest not shorter torso and longer legs.