Information for the new or leisure cyclist Information for the racing or touring cyclist Cycling initiatives, routes etc.
Information for the new or leisure cyclist
History of cycling
History of MTB'ing
Choosing your first cycle
Sizing a cycle
Cycling style
Cadence (spinning)
Climbing hills
Family cycling
Family rides
Expect the unexpected
Making the most
Benefits of cycling
Bike speak
Commuter cycling
Disabled cycling
Group rides
Home servicing
MTB clothing
Nutrition basics
Pedestrians
Road safety
Road signs
Routine maintenance
Softening the sting
Touring
Training basics
Training discipline
Cycling in winter
Legal lighting
Womens comfort
You & the elements
Contact points
Teach children to cycle

Cycle safety

Bike Line
Safety tips
Wearing a helmet
Pre-ride checks
Pedestrians & cyclists
Road signs
Head damage
Cycle tricks
Introduction
Wheelie
Bunny hop
Rockwall

Cycle security

A sad story
Basic advice
Cycle locks
Cycle registration

Tandeming

Introduction
Terminology and fitting
Technique

Cycling Science

Introduction
Frames
Wind resistance
Wheels
Women's Comfort
At the risk of stating the obvious, women are a different shape to men - they therefore have different requirements to ensure their comfort on a bike.

You don't have to ride the "step through" or "woman's bike". These are throwbacks to when most women rode in skirts. If you prefer riding in shorts, or leggings, there's no reason you shouldn't ride the same kind of "diamond frame" as a man.

First and foremost have a ladies saddle fitted because the bones on which women sit - the ischial tuberosities - are wider apart and therefore need greater support than men's. A woman's saddle is wider at the rear.

As a woman your main problem comes when trying to get your "reach" sorted out, i.e. how far you stretch out on your bike. For women of 5'5" or under, this problem will be especially pronounced.

One alternative is to have a bike built specially for you. This is expensive so you'll be pleased to know that there are many changes that can be made to an off the peg bike to ensure it fits you. A CoBR member will suggest you make these kinds of alteration.

As most women have narrower shoulders than men you may therefore need narrower handlebars. The bars should be roughly the same width as your shoulders. If you have MTB bars you will probably not need to purchase new, just ask your CoBR member to cut down the existing ones.

Fit a shorter stem (the part connecting the bars to the bike) to reduce the distance between your saddle and the handlebars. This will allow you to sit more upright.

As you also have smaller hands than men you also need to adjust your brake levers so your hands can easily grip them. If this doesn't work, you may need what are called "short-reach levers".

And finally - if your inside leg is between 29" and 33" you will need 170mm crank arms (the items to which your pedals are connected). If shorter than this, go for crank arms which are 165mm in length.


created and maintained by
LPS marketing
providers of marketing and design services to the small/medium sized business. Specialists in the cycling and outdoor industry.