Specific bikes for women or unisex models? The key to choosing the best option
The demand for customized bicycles continues to grow, and one of the main factors influencing the choice of a bike is the cyclist's morphology. Both in road cycling and mountain biking, the physical differences between men and women can affect comfort and performance while pedaling.
For this reason, some brands have developed mountain bikes and road bikes specifically designed for women, with geometries and components adapted to their needs. However, a big question arises: are these specific bikes really necessary or is it enough to adjust a unisex bike?
🚴♂️ Javi, our mechanic at Tuvalum, explains in this video the key differences between both options. Don't miss it before you keep reading.
Are there real differences between bikes for women and unisex models?
In the professional peloton, the reality is that female cyclists use practically the same road bikes and MTB as men, although with some modifications in sizes and contact components, such as the saddle, handlebars, and pedals, to optimize comfort and efficiency.
In amateur cycling, there are options for all preferences. Some female cyclists prefer unisex models and simply adjust the position and components, while others feel more comfortable with bikes specifically designed for women, which usually offer:
✔️ Adapted geometry, with shorter frame tubes and a lower superior tube height.
✔️ Ergonomic saddles, designed for female anatomy.
✔️ Narrower handlebars, which allow for better posture and control.
How to choose the ideal bike?
Whether you practice road cycling or are passionate about MTB, the most important thing is that the bike fits your needs. It's not just about choosing between a women-specific bike or a unisex model, but making sure that the size, geometry, and components are suitable for your body type and riding style.
📌 At Tuvalum you will find a wide variety of mountain bikes and road bikes refurbished, with specialized advice to help you find the perfect model. Have questions? We help you choose! 🚴♀️🔥
Women's Bike Frames vs. Unisex: Where's the difference?
The differences focus mainly on the size and geometry of the frame, with special emphasis on the sloping or inclination of the tube superior.
Sizes
One option is to go for brands (Canyon, Scott, Giant/Liv, etc...) that offer a differentiated catalog of bikes specifically for women, with corresponding size options aimed at the female audience (S, M, L, and XL). These bikes are more common in entry-level and mid-range lines. The other possibility is to buy unisex bikes, where there is more variety and even top-of-the-range bikes. In this case, you would have to consider their smaller sizes (XXS, S, M).
Geometry
Size is a factor that determines the design and geometry of the bike. To begin with, women's bikes have a more pronounced sloping than unisex models. This results in a more compact and manageable front triangle than a bike with a straighter and longer tube. This feature is even more pronounced in mountain bikes.
Women's bikes usually have a greater inclination of the tube superior and a more compact front triangle
As a result, the frame measurements are modified. The stack and the reach are smaller and the wheelbase and angles are somewhat more balanced: not as aggressive in the steering nor as vertical in the seat tube. In models like the Scott Contessa Scale these adaptations are clearly seen, or in the Canyon Grand Canyon WMN.
Component differences: handlebars and saddles
As for the build, the main differences are found in the contact points between the cyclist and the bike: the handlebar, the saddle, and the pedals. A handlebar Specific for women will always be smaller, both in width and curvature (in the case of road bikes). Shoulder width and hand size are smaller, so the measurements must be different. As for the seats, almost all women's bikes have a specific saddle adapted to the female physique. They are wider and with a thicker nose, to better accommodate the pelvis, which is wider in women than in men.
The saddle is the component that changes the most. Women's saddles are wider.
On the other hand, pressure on the perianal area is more pronounced in women. That is why many choose to move it forward toward the handlebar to reduce it. In addition, there are specific models with softer padding for this area. Finally, we will look at the pedals and, specifically, the length of the cranks, which also tend to be somewhat shorter. As for the rest of the assembly, there are no significant differences marked by gender.
Unisex bike or women's specific?
If you are a woman looking for a new bike, you can use either one without any problems. Now: if you want a bike that is especially comfortable and you are debating between sizes S and M, we recommend a women's specific bike. But it all depends on your tastes and aspirations, since the range in this segment of bikes is not very wide. If you want a more sporty and high-performance bike, you should opt for unisex options, where there is more variety of models, with higher quality components oriented towards competition. They are somewhat less comfortable bikes, but this can be mitigated with adaptations to the saddle, handlebar, or cranks.
Women's specific road bikes: featured models
Scott Contessa
The Scott road bike for high performance, with size, saddle, and handlebar adaptations for the female physique.
Canyon Ultimate WMN
Carbon model, lightweight and with specific sizing, for quality rides or training. Good value for money.
Liv Avail
Frame, geometry, and components adapted for women. A great fondo with more affordable carbon and aluminum options.
Lapierre Pulsium women
A model with good value for money developed and tested in competition. Its triple triangle design provides strength and comfort in the saddle area.
Women's MTB: featured models
Scott Contessa Spark
Women's version of the brand's star full suspension, with specific sizing (smaller sizes) and Syncros Celista saddle for women. There are four builds available, although at a high price.
Scott Contessa Scale
Rigid model, with specific geometry and sizes, more sloping and adapted components such as the saddle.
Canyon Grand Canyon WMN
A quality MTB for beginners with adapted geometry, a wider saddle, and narrower handlebars. It even has versions with a dropper seatpost.
Juliana Maverick
If you are already an expert with your MTB and you like strong emotions, Juliana, the women's bike brand from Santa Cruz, offers this Maverick Enduro/All Mountain with 29” wheels, carbon frame, and 145/150 mm travel suspension.
Bikes from gravel for women
Canyon Grizl WMN
A groundbreaking new model for all types of gravel routes. It features both rigid builds and front suspension fork options.
Cannondale Topstone Women
Aluminum frame, specific sizes, and wide saddle for this mid-range gravel from Cannondale.
Liv Devote
The gravel option from Liv, with versions in carbon and aluminum, frame with pronounced sloping, manageable and lightweight.