On top of the structural differences between 3- and 7-speed bikes, road bikes have varying features based on whether they’re men’s or women’s bicycles. Bikes for men and women have several key design differences. These variations are meant to accommodate the typical height and body types of men and women, but of course, there are always exceptions.
For instance, tall women may find themselves more comfortable on a men’s model, and shorter men may want a bike labeled for women. In the end, it’s all about finding the road bike that is safest and most comfortable for you. With that in mind, here are some key differences:
Handlebars: The width of your handlebars may not seem like a major consideration, but it should be. The wider your shoulders, the wider your handlebars should be so you can steer comfortably. Ergonomic handlebars set you up for easier navigation.
As a general rule, the handlebars on men’s road bikes are wider than those on women’s bikes. Men’s handlebars are about 42-44 cm (or about 16.5-17 inches) wide. Women’s 3- and 7-speed road bikes have handlebars that measure about 38-40 cm (around 15-15.5 inches).
Frames: The frames on women’s road bikes are also different than men’s bikes. The most noticeable difference is that the top tube on women’s models is slanted downward to make mounting the bike easier for shorter riders.
On a men’s road bike, the top tube is parallel to the ground – in other words, straight across. The top tube is also longer on a men’s road bike, which makes the entire bike longer to accommodate longer legs. On a women’s road bike, the seat may be higher to adjust for shorter legs with a long torso.
Seats: Many bikes have unisex seats that comfortably fit any rider, or you can swap out your bike’s original seat for a unisex seat at any time. When it comes to the seat that comes with your road bike, however, you’ll notice distinct differences.
A women’s road bike tends to have a wider seat and a men’s bike will have a narrow, long seat. Both types of seats are available in a variety of fabrics and levels of cushioning for your comfort. In the end, the choice between 3-speed bikes and 7-speed bikes is one a rider needs to make based on personal preference and intended use for the bike. Whichever bike you end up purchasing, you’re bound to enjoy it, as riding is one of the best activities there is.