Riding Styles -- Difference between men an women

DOS

I am a recreational road cyclist -- not a racer but avid, fond of centuries and such -- so I am out on the road a lot and have noticed that it is much more common for female cyclists on road bikes to cruise along riding in the drops than for men. Most men I see -- myself included -- cruise along resting on the brake hoods, I rarely see even hardcore male roadies riding in the drops unless they are going flat out in a pace line. So why the difference?

I assume its physiology -- something to do with different leg to torso ratios perhaps -- but I am not sure why women would be more comfortable in the drops than men. It actually seems in some ways counterintuitive to me that women would be more comfortable in drops.

less'go

Um, what are the "drops"?

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stevek

women tend to be more flexible. so it may be easier for them.

DOS

The low part of the curved handlebars on a road bike.

ShannonD

Well, for me, the reach involved in resting in the brake hoods can be a little too far for comfort on some bikes. I can feel too stretched out, and also, without a really good anatomical saddle, resting on the brake hoods takes my weight off my sitz bones and puts it on my softer parts. Also, my hands aren't big enough to get good leverage on the brake levers from above, so for real stopping power I need to brake from below. Apparently brake levers are designed for large guys' hands (sigh).

Blackberry

Interesting. Hadn't noticed, but I will keep my eyes open. From my perspective, women have (in general) a much more interesting overall sense of riding style than we guys do. Many women can actually talk about something other than titanium widgets or gear ratios. Most wouldn't dream leaving their best friends in the dust. And I've found that women pay much closer attention to the landscape that they are cycling through. I realize that I'm making some broad generalizations here, but some of my very favorite cycling buddies are female for the above reasons. They've taught me a lot!

Beastt

You might want to check out the women-specific levers like the ones on the Cannondale R1000 feminine.

lesliegee

Usually when I ride in the drops it's because I want to save every bit of energy I can. - especially if I'm pulling. (More aerodynamic)

starquake

one of my buddies rides always on the drops although he's a guy. hmm, i've always thought that he has some feminine in his behaviour

actually, my reason for not riding on the drops for longer periods of time is that it hurts my genitals. maybe is that a reason?

about the levers: both shimano and campagnolo manufactures shifter/brake levers for women or small-handed people (eg kids). i have a friend, who's only 5'2". he's also riding on such levers.

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brightgarden

Hmm..

I think you're right. I'm a woman and I don't spend a lot of time in the drops myself, but come to think of it, I have noticed that my male biking buddies do ride on the hoods or on the flat part of the bars, and that other women that I see are often in the drops.

I don't ride in the drops unless I need the braking power, or when there's a stiff headwind. I'm much more comfortable on the flat part of the bar, and use the hoods to get to the brakes. But mostly it is because I feel short of breath there.

limerickman

It is a very good observation : now that you mention it.

Women that I've seen cycling do tend to use their drops more.
I never use the drops : always cycle on the tops or the with my hands on top of the brake levers.

It's a very good question and I suppose only our female friends
can provide us with answer !

lesliegee

The women I ride with don't use their drops very much. Most of us ride on the hoods like the guys. The only time we go to the drops is up big hills, or into a big wind. When we need all the aerodynamics we can get. - which I see the guys doing some too.

Michaelw

I've noticed that difference in style as well.
I put it down to women riding bikes which are too long, and generally the wrong shape. If you look at the geometry chart of any make, you will see that the smaller sizes are proportionately very long.
When they ride well fitting bikes, riders of unusual dimensions or genders have no problems at all