The Difference Between Boys' & Girls' Bikes
The differences between boys' and girls' bikes are subtle, and to most observers, bikes of both sexes appear to be the same. Though the majority of bikes on the market these days are unisex, gender-specific bikes with differences in design, look and feel are available through many bike retailers. These gender-specific bikes are built to accommodate the unique features of the male and female body in order to make the overall riding experience more comfortable.
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Top Tube
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There is one major difference between girls' bikes and boys' bikes made prior to approximately 1990: the top tube (a metal bar connecting the handlebars to the saddle). All boys' bikes have a straight top tube, but most older girls' bikes have a sloped top tube that curves downward. Bikes first became widely available in the 1800s, and women in those days wore skirts most of the time. The lower top tube on women's bikes was simply for modesty's sake so that women did not have to lift their skirts to mount the bike. Throughout most of the 20th century, bike manufacturers continued to make women's bikes this way despite changes in fashion and gender attitudes.
Handlebars
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Women generally have shorter torsos than men, so many women-specific bikes these days place the handlebars closer to the saddle for easier reach. Women's bikes often have smaller, narrower handlebars with a shallower drop than men's bikes to accommodate their physical differences and make riding more comfortable. The stem that connects the handlebars to the frame may also be shorter in women's bikes. Brakes and shifters on women's bikes are often smaller as well.
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Saddle
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Women have proportionally wider hips and pelvic areas than men, so many women's bikes have wider saddles for added comfort. A lot of women's saddles also have the center cut out to avoid soft tissue damage. Saddles are usually set at a steeper angle to accommodate women's longer femurs.
Weight and Stiffness
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Women-specific bikes tend to have lighter frames than men's bikes or unisex bikes, though this really depends on the style of bike. Women's road bikes are lighter and not as stiff, but mountain bikes are basically the same between men and women and have stiffer, heavier frames. Weight and stiffness also depend on the proportions, strength, weight and preference of the rider, regardless of gender.
Color and Cosmetic Features
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The "gender" of a bike's color scheme or other cosmetic features is totally subjective, and most adult bikes are not overtly masculine or feminine but rather neutral. In young children's bikes, however, the cosmetic differences between bikes marketed towards boys and girls may be more pronounced. Bikes intended for young girls may feature bright colors, baskets and flowers, while bikes geared towards boys may have darker colors and other design features aimed at boys.
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References
- Photo Credit bikes image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com
