What's the difference between men's and women's bike?

Question

just wondering...

Answer 1

A lower top tube was the indicator of a women's bike.  That is no longer the case.

It is not only a case of how tall the bike is.  It's how tall, plus how long the top tube is (or how long the line is from the seat to the handlebar stem).  It's how wide the handlebars are, and it's how long the stem is that holds the handlebars, and what angle.  It's how long the cranks are (what the pedals attach to).  The seat will be of a different design, given the difference in pelvic structure.

While a women's bike may look similar to a men's bike, those aspects will be different between a men's bike and a women's bike of the same height.

Check the source for more explanation and good examples of women's specific bikes.

Answer 2

"Women's" bikes have a lower bar betwen the seat and the handlebars so as not to interfere with the wearing of a skirt.

I always thought men would like that too, since they have a lower chance of injury to sensitive parts with a lower bar there.  ;)

Basically, it's sexist, since it assumes men won't wear skirts.

Answer 3

Some it's hard to tell the difference. Maybe a little smaller in reach, ect. And yes, their bikes do have a straight top tube.

Answer 4

a bit smaller, lower top tube but these days mostly paint jobs

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