Cycling for Women

Cycle Training East can supply female instructors to those who prefer, but generally there are very few issues  requiring a different approach.

Choosing a design of bike is much the same for women as for men. Above on the left we have a ladies mountain bike, while on the right a conventional road frame has been chosen. The road frame will generally be the better choice for longer distances, where the lighter wheels and tyres will roll along with less effort. For commuting, either a mountain bike or a 'hybrid' type of frame is best. Hybrids have lighter wheels and tyres, more suitable for roads than the 'knobbly' tyres of a typical mountain bike. Hybrids have straight handle bars and provision for carriers and mudguards.

• Women specific saddle designs- these are wider at the back to suit the wider female pelvis and have a slightly shorter nose. Ladies saddles tend to be slightly softer, but must not be too soft. If the wide rear of the saddle is too soft the weight supporting bones of the pelvis will sink in, allowing too much weight to be spread on the genital area. Some ladies saddles have a cut out area in the middle designed to relieve pressure on this area. These work very well for some women, but not for others, so try out someone else's before buying.

• Women's cycles- step through 'ladies' frames, versus conventional men's frames. Step through ladies frames are heavier than conventional men's frames, as the geometry requires much heavier tubing to compensate for the less efficient shape. But for commuting they are ideal as skirts can be worn. For the more athletic rider who wants to travel further, a mans frame, but with slightly different dimensions to suit the shorter reach of the average female is better. Some women use so called 'compact' frames which have a much lower top tube, (as shown on the mountain bike top left) but the modern trend (even amongst men) is towards smaller frames using longer seat pins and these are ideal for women.

• Women's clothing- tops with narrower waists and shorts with a wider insert.

• Brake levers designed for men can have too long a reach for women's fingers. Mountain bike levers usually have an adjuster screw that brings the lever nearer to the handlebar.

The above two bikes are yet another variation. 'Bike Friday' on the right can fold making travel on trains and tubes much easier, whereas the bike on the left would suit the 'supermarket run'. People who train with 'Cycle Coaching East' can try out a range of bikes, enabling them to really understand the differences before purchasing their own bike. Making the right choice first time can save you much more than the cost of a few lessons.