Woman V Men model - road bike

[jules04]

Hi

Very new to the biking scene. Does it make any difference having a womans bike. I tried a 56" TREK 1.2C mans model today. I was told I would need a shorter handle bar stem. I am 5ft 8. Would I better going for the womans model?

Thanks
Jules

 

[Scotty_Dog]

I don't know which size or "sex" of bike fits you best, but a 56cm seems large for someone who is 5'-8". My guess is a 52-54cm would be a better fit. The bike shop is effectively shortening the top tube length by saying a shorter stem is needed. Again, I can't determine your true bike size by a conversation via this forum

Typically, women have longer legs and a shorter torso compared to a similar height man. So for any given bike size (seat tube length) of a woman's specific bike, the top tube is usually shorter than a comparably sized man's bike.