Have you ever been to a bike shop only to be disappointed by a wide array of women’s bikes without a single men’s bike in sight? Are you feeling a little conflicted by the fact that the ride seems perfect for you, even though it’s designed for women?
Let’s be very honest. For the most part, bikes are bikes and have absolutely nothing to do with gender. Let’s delve deeper into this topic and answer the age-old question, “Can a man ride a womens bike?”
The Comfort of the Rider is More Important Than Gender Labels
As I’ve already stated, a man CAN ride a bike, which is meant for women. Riding a bike is all about comfort and the sheer thrill of experiencing your environment as you’re on the go.
Sometimes, a bike labeled for a woman might be the perfect choice for a man. For example, if a man is on the shorter side or has a distinct physique, the shape of a woman’s bike might be ideal.
But what exactly are these distinctions in frame designs, and why did they come around in the first place? Well, stay tuned to find that out!
Step-Through Frames Make It Easier to Mount and Dismount
The design, size, and shape of any bicycle frame is a key component of a bicycle as it determines the comfort level of the rider.
Many women’s bikes typically have a step-through shape. This is where the top tube, located in the middle of the frame, is low or completely absent.
This idea came to life back in the 1800s. This is when women used to wear skirts that thwarted them from lifting their legs to a great extent. These frames only required them to lift their feet a few inches above the ground. This was obviously quite convenient.
Bikes designed for men typically have a high-step frame wherein the top tube is way higher than that of their counterparts. This might not be a concern for many men. Yet, some may tend to prefer step-through bike frames as they enable a much safer and more comfortable ride.
Narrower Handlebars for Narrow Shoulders
Have you ever woken up and found your shoulders racked with pain after a day of bike riding? That’s probably because your bike’s handlebar isn’t for you.
Bicycles designed for women typically come with narrower handlebars. This is based on general differences in physique, since women tend to have narrower shoulders than men.
However, these bikes could be a practical choice for men with narrower torsos. Riding a bike with handle bars that align with your shoulder width helps ensure your comfort and maintains a natural position that avoids putting unnecessary strain on your upper body.
Remember, your well-being is more important than any other gender label.
Women-Specific Bikes Have Seat Tubes for an Upright Ride
Apart from avoiding injuries, using women’s bikes can also improve one’s posture. These bikes have frames that offer seat tubes that are way steeper than the ones that men’s bikes have. This is great for the integrity and well-being of your spine, lower back, and shoulders. These seats can also ensure a better visibility of the road and scenery in front of you.
Also, the size and shape of the bike seats might differ depending on the gender of the intended cyclist. Men’s bikes have longer and narrower seats to ensure proper blood flow to the genitals. Women’s bikes, on the contrary, have shorter and wider seats to suit their wider pelvic bones.
Thankfully, there are many gender-neutral saddles out there that are designed to fit the requirements of both men and women. So make sure to install one of them before you go on a long biking session.
The Beauty of Unisex Bikes
In conclusion, it’s perfectly fine for you, as a man, to opt for a bike that’s designed for women and vice versa. Also, it’s important to reiterate that comfort surpasses everything else when it comes to biking. This includes style and especially the concept of appealing to the general public.
With a rise in the popularity of mountain bikes, it’s become certain that many people will need a comfortable ride during long and rough biking sessions over rugged terrain. This also means that you may find more unisex bikes in the market due to a higher demand for them.
So, make sure to invest in a unisex bike or, at the very least, a regular one that keeps you comfortable. Good luck on your biking journey!
