Ladies Racer Entry Level

brucewedders

I would really appreciate some advice on purchasing a new road bike. I qualify for cycle to work scheme so am looking to spend 800-900 on the bike. I am 5'8" and female. Should I stick to ladies frames or does it really matter? I'm thinking Giant/Lapierre/Trek.

Raam

Ladies specific race geometry is a marketing ploy. If the bike fits, ride it. My missus races and has had 4 different bikes. All were men's. Or if you prefer, non gender specific.

fat bloke

Raam wrote: »

Ladies specific race geometry is a marketing ploy. If the bike fits, ride it. My missus races and has had 4 different bikes. All were men's. Or if you prefer, non gender specific.

I don't think that's true. All the WSD bikes seem to be under 1000 euro. As if only an idiot (or a man) would spend more than that on a bicycle.

Raam

fat bloke wrote: »

I don't think that's true. All the WSD bikes seem to be under 1000 euro. As if only an idiot (or a man) would spend more than that on a bicycle.

What's not true?

fat bloke

that

Raam

But my missus HAS had four race bikes.

fat bloke

Ok, some of "that's" true .

But I was insinuating that the real marketing ploy and success is in pursuading amateur cyclist fat blokes (me) that spending many many thousands on a bike is a good idea.

It's like with women they're putting their hands up and saying "Look, you know and we know that this bike is more than enough for what you're going to use it for, just enjoy the comfy saddle and normal-person ergonomic riding position willya and don't tell the lads."

Raam

Right. My point is that the term ladies racer, or whatever you want to call it, is a mostly meaningless term, since what really matters is if a particular bike geometry fits a particular person.

Here's Cervelo's take on it: http://www.cervelo.com/en_us/bikes/women/#video_headline

fat bloke

Raam wrote: »

Right. My point is that the term ladies racer, or whatever you want to call it, is a mostly meaningless term, since what really matters is if a particular bike geometry fits a particular person.

Here's Cervelo's take on it: http://www.cervelo.com/en_us/bikes/women/#video_headline

Ah yeah, I know that. I agree. My wife rides a cervelo.

Perhaps a smiley in my original thread could have saved us this long and tedious exchange of posts.

Raam

fat bloke wrote: »

Ah yeah, I know that. I agree. My wife rides a cervelo.

Perhaps a smiley in my original thread could have saved us this long and tedious exchange of posts.

But then I'd never had a reason to post this picture, not that a reason is ever needed...

Sr. Assumpta

brucewedders wrote: »

I would really appreciate some advice on purchasing a new road bike. I qualify for cycle to work scheme so am looking to spend 800-900 on the bike. I am 5'8" and female. Should I stick to ladies frames or does it really matter? I'm thinking Giant/Lapierre/Trek.

Hi Bruce (??),
I'm a "lady" and I can assure you that non-gender-specific is the way to go. Ignore the 'Pink It & Shrink It' sales pitch. Enjoy.

Raam

Sr. Assumpta wrote: »

Hi Bruce (??),
I'm a "lady" and I can assure you that non-gender-specific is the way to go. Ignore the 'Pink It & Shrink It' sales pitch. Enjoy.

You're no lady, you're Sister Assumpta.

Sr. Assumpta

Nuns are "women" too.

(actually I think the quote was "Nuns are people too", but hey....)

fat bloke

Raam wrote: »

But then I'd never had a reason to post this picture, not that a reason is ever needed...

That looks like the kind of geometry most blokes would be comfortable riding.:pac:

Lusk Doyle

I told that woman to keep our "thing" secret. She was not happy that I was not there to see her in action that day as can be seen by the face on her. So much was her upset that she took to expressing her feelings for me on her handlebar tape.

Just hope the missus doesn't find out :eek:

Love you too...

brucewedders

Thanks for the replies. Could someone please recommend a bicycle brand/make for the 800/900 bracket? Or even advise me on what to look out for? Cheers

carrielou

I dont know much about bikes and I only took up cycling this time last year. I was in my eyes very lucky as I was fortunate enough to come across a trek madone 4.5 50cm frame. I am only 5'2" and even though one or two experts told me that I needed to get wsd due to being short in every aspect, my trek seems to be perfect. I get the odd twinge from the saddle but that is it (has drastically reduced as I put in more miles). I can cycle 100km quite comfortably and no aches in arms shoulders legs, nothing. what I would say is spend as much as you can on the bike and a pair of shorts, other bits and pieces can be added after. best of luck and hope u enjoy as much as I do :-)

lescol

Take a look in Halfords at the Boardman range.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_789235_langId_-1_categoryId_212536#tab2

Nice bike with good components.