You don't have to ride the "step through" or "woman's bike". These are throwbacks to when most women rode in skirts. If you prefer riding in shorts, or leggings, there's no reason you shouldn't ride the same kind of "diamond frame" as a man.
| First and foremost have a ladies saddle fitted because the bones on which women sit - the ischial tuberosities - are wider apart and therefore need greater support than men's. A woman's saddle is wider at the rear. |
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As a woman your main problem comes when trying to get your "reach" sorted out, i.e. how far you stretch out on your bike. For women of 5'5" or under, this problem will be especially pronounced.
One alternative is to have a bike built specially for you. This is expensive so you'll be pleased to know that there are many changes that can be made to an off the peg bike to ensure it fits you. Your local cycle shop should be able to suggest alterations.
As most women have narrower shoulders than men you may therefore need narrower handlebars. The bars should be roughly the same width as your shoulders. If you have MTB bars you will probably not need to purchase new ones, ask your local cycle shop to cut them for you.
Fit a shorter stem (the part connecting the bars to the bike) to reduce the distance between your saddle and the handlebars. This will allow you to sit more upright.
As women generally have smaller hands than men, you also need to adjust your brake levers so your hands can easily grip them. If this doesn't work, you may need what are called "short-reach levers".
And finally - if your inside leg is between 29" and 33" you will need 170mm crank arms (the items to which your pedals are connected). If shorter than this, go for crank arms which are 165mm in length.
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