How to choose a women's racing bike?

Women's cycling is on the upswing and gaining in visibility. The number of female cyclists is on the rise, and women are taking their place in the sport with increasing enthusiasm.

In response to this craze, the choice of products specifically designed to adapt to women's morphologies is increasingly varied: frames, saddles, hangers...

Faced with such a wide range, here are a few tips to help you choose the right bike for you. women's racing bike.

THE FRAME

The frame is undoubtedly the most important part of the bike, revealing how it performs. In recent years, brands have come to understand the appeal of the women's cycling market, and more and more manufacturers now offer ranges designed specifically for passionate backpackers, ready to climb hills and swallow miles.

To offer models adapted to women's morphologies, these brands have taken into account the notable difference that remains between men and women: height. According to statistical data collected and studied, women have longer legs, shorter upper bodies and narrower shoulders. But that's not all! The difference in power also needs to be taken into account in order to adapt performance.

These findings are reflected in a road bike frame frame and narrower handlebarsIn other words, in terms of geometry, brands modify the length and angles of the various tubes that make up the frame (notably the horizontal tube, chainstays and head tube) to promote the comfort and stability sought by cycling enthusiasts.

When in doubt between two sizes, it's best to choose the smaller frame. It's always possible to adapt your bike and make adjustments, notably to the seatpost, saddle and cockpit, to adjust the position, more or less raised, depending on what you're aiming for: comfort or aerodynamics for maximum performance.

That said, not all manufacturers have decided to opt for the same strategy, and some continue to assert that the differences between men and women are not sufficient to necessitate different frames. On the other hand, their catalogs include components and accessories specially designed to enhance women's comfort on the bike.

MATERIALS

The frame material determines to a very large extent the behavior of your future bike, so it's important to think carefully about which material will suit you best, according to your riding style, your constraints and your budget.

Aluminum frames

Aluminum frames generally offer a good compromise between comfort and performance at an affordable price. Ideal for small budgets, aluminum is often used for entry-level and mid-range bikes.

Its weak point is longevity. Indeed, aluminum frames tire faster than other materials. Over time, the frame tends to deform under repeated stress.

The aluminum frame is often complemented by a carbon fork for better shock absorption and comfort. An excellent compromise for cyclists who don't want to spend a lot of money on a high-performance bike.

Carbon

Lighter than aluminum, carbon is the material of choice in road cycling today. It can be combined ad infinitum with a variety of fibers to create high-performance, comfortable and lightweight frames.

Its main drawback, however, is its lower impact resistance than aluminum frames. As a result, even the slightest fall can be fatal to the frame.

If you're looking for performance, the carbon frame is your first choice. Its lightweight, rigid design optimizes your performance. On the other hand, if you're just starting out, if you don't ride intensively or if your budget is limited, an aluminum frame seems like a good investment if you want to have fun on the bike and have a comfortable, easy-to-handle package. Coupled with a carbon fork, it looks like the ideal compromise between comfort and performance.

There are also carbon frame models designed to absorb shocks and vibrations and hold distances without adding too much weight to the bike. These frames are ideally suited to long-distance cycling with a focus on comfort.

Geometry

Geometry is not just about choosing the right bike size. It also determines the bike's behavior, offering a specific compromise between performance, comfort, weight, stiffness and aerodynamics. There are three main families of racing bikes.

Aerodynamics

Aero" racing bikes are designed for speed. Often studied in wind tunnels, these models feature wider, more aerodynamic tubes to split the air. Generally stiffer, the position is more forward, more recumbent, to maximize speed with each pedal stroke.

Endurance

Endurance racing bikes offer the perfect compromise between stiffness, speed and comfort. With their generally longer chainstays, shortened downtube and raised head tube, these models are true all-rounders. This versatility means you can spend long days in the saddle.

Mountain

These racing bikes are designed to offer an optimum weight/stiffness ratio. They feature thinner tubes and shorter chainstays. Their handling is more responsive, lively and agile. Lighter than bikes with aerodynamic geometry and endurance, they are particularly effective for climbing the most demanding passes and for aggressive relaunching.

The components

The drivetrain

When it comes to gear ratios, women's models are more versatile. Depending on your level and training terrain, you'll be able to choose a cassette configuration that allows you to go everywhere without difficulty. For example, a Compact double chainring (34/50 teeth) will provide maximum versatility and efficiency on all terrains. Ideally paired with an 11-28-tooth cassette for fine, progressive gearing.

Smaller size means smaller cranks. Don't hesitate to choose shorter cranks which reduce muscle and joint strain thanks to a higher, less tiring pedaling cadence. A postural study will help you determine your ideal height. It is also possible to move the pedals apart using "Q-Factor" rings to achieve a more comfortable position.

The saddle

As the pelvis is generally wider, women's bike saddles have specific features to match their morphology, so the saddle must be wider to adapt to the width of the ischials. This is where the pressure is greatest. The width of a women's saddle varies between 135 mm and 165 mm.

As the pelvis is generally wider, women's bike saddles have specific features to suit their morphology. However, be careful not to choose a saddle that is too soft. If the hamstrings sink into the gel, pressure will also be exerted on the more sensitive parts of the seat.

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The cockpit

The width of your handlebars is also important for your comfort. The idea is to have the widest measurement possible. close to your shoulder width. Smaller handlebars give you a better grip on the bike and better access to the levers. It also reduces shoulder strain.

What's more, you can choose a stem and levers that are closer together to give you a better grip on the brake and better braking.

Which racing bike is right for me?

Cyclotouring

For a good compromise between comfort, lightness and durability, an aluminum frame, ideally with a carbon fork, is ideal. Comfort-type carbon frames can also be interesting, with effective shock absorption and geometry adapted for a comfortable position during effort. This bike will have longer chainstays and top tube, and a higher head tube, for a more upright position. This will give you stability, for those who want to ride for long periods of time, without the need for absolute performance, but with a high level of comfort. comfortable position.

On the drivetrain side, a Compact double crankset (34/50 teeth) with a wide cassette (11-32 or 11-34 teeth, for example) will provide maximum performance. versatility Disc brakes ensure easy braking control and safety in all conditions.

Cyclosportive

An aluminum frame with carbon fork, or a carbon frame, depending on your budget, will provide the ideal combination of comfort and performance. As for touring bikes, a double Compact crankset (34/50 teeth) will provide maximum power and comfort. versatility and efficiency on any terrain.. Ideally paired with a slightly tighter cassette (11-28 teeth, for example) for finer, more progressive gearing.

Here again, disc brakes guarantee easy-to-meter braking that's safe in all circumstances, but at a heavier weight than a brake pad system.

Competition

Today's quest for performance necessarily involves building around a carbon frame with a aggressive geometryThis means a relatively low cockpit and a longer top tube for a better pedaling position and greater aerodynamics (see below for details of the different geometries). Peripherals are also geared towards pure performanceeither through their lightness (seatpost, saddle, cockpit) or their efficiency (braking and transmission systems).

It's also important to choose the right chainring size for the type of riding you'll be doing: the Compact (34/50) is ideal for mountain biking, while the Mid-Compact (36/52) and Double (39/53) versions are more suited to hilly or flat terrain.

Other disciplines

If you want to get off the beaten track, there are other disciplines that can diversify your cycling experience. Gravel for those seeking adventure and discovery. Here, pleasure takes precedence over performance. Mostly made of carbon or aluminum, your frame needs to be stable and light. What's more, a wider handlebar makes riding easier and safer.

Your bike should be versatile and able to withstand the hazards of off-road riding, thanks to its wider wheels, disc brakes, wider cassette, single chainring or tubeless tires.

For female competitors, the cyclo-cross allows riders to battle it out on technical terrain for 45 minutes. Compared to Gravel, the riding position is more aggressive, while the bottom bracket is raised to cope with the constraints of the terrain.

Finally, the triathlon or time trials means a streamlined, aerodynamic bike, optimized for optimum performance and air penetration. Performance comes before comfort, with a short effort duration on a predominantly flat course.

Tips

Remember to do a postural study to find the perfect position. The dimensions of the various limbs of the human body will be measured and transposed onto the bike. This will enable us to configure your women's bike in a totally personalized way.

As you can see, finding the right bike is more a personal than a gender affair. What suits one person may not suit another, and vice versa. In conclusion, the perfect racing bike for a woman will be the one she enjoys riding and that meets her goals of comfort, stability and performance.