| Choosing the Right Bike (For Women) | | | | much faster, smoother ride compared to the Giant |
| I say for Women, because I truly believe that most | | | | (& potentially very dangerous in my case). |
| road bikes out there are made for men. Lets face it, | | | | Then I tried the Specialized Ruby Expert. Also a really |
| go cycling on the weekend and a good 70% of | | | | nice looking bike, carbon frame & Shimano |
| riders will be male. Its not a surprise that most road | | | | Ultegra compoenents like the Trek Madone, though it |
| bikes are made for men. But, women riders are | | | | actually felt lighter than the Trek, which was a bonus |
| different: | | | | Specialized Ruby Expert (MSRP: $2,900). The Ruby is |
| We have different bodies - lets face it, we have | | | | exactly the same as the Roubaix but is fitted for |
| breasts that get in the way, we PMS - and riding | | | | woman, which I liked. |
| when you have your period and are feeling heavy is | | | | Finally, I tried the Cannondale Synapse Carbon Bike |
| not easy. We have smaller hands and our body's are | | | | Feminine 3. Much like the specialized, the Synapse |
| structured differently. | | | | builds bikes to fit women, which is nice. Additionally, |
| So, I decided to test ride several bikes. My first stop | | | | Bicycling magazine choose the Feminine Synapse as |
| was the Giant. For some reason my friend Mai raves | | | | the Best Women's Road Bike from all of the 2008 |
| about the Giants, saying it fits her body. I personally | | | | Women's offerings in the industry, so I was super |
| tried the Aeryn1, it was nice looking Tri-specific bike, | | | | excited to try it Cannondale Synapse Carbon (MSRP: |
| not super light, bu with Shmiano 105 parts (MSRP: | | | | $3,099). It was also in my price range. The ride? a |
| $1,725) Giant AERYN1 Bike. The gear change was | | | | little disappointing. The Synapse Feminine has a |
| smooth, but to be honest, it didn't really fit my | | | | Triaxially bent seat to provide sophisticated vibration |
| body...additionally the frame was aluminum, and I | | | | damping for less rider fatigue and greater comfort, |
| really wanted carbon fiber. | | | | but I felt as much vibration in this as the Giant. |
| Next, I tried the Trek Madone 5.2. The price is on the | | | | Next, the winner? Well for me and for my |
| higher end of my budget, but thought I would try it | | | | budget,the clear winner was the Specialized Ruby |
| and see if I can tell real difference (MSRP: $ 4,070). | | | | Expert. It was within my budget,had all the features I |
| Trek Madone 5.2. Shimano Ultegra components, | | | | wanted and a smooth ride. The Trek Madone would |
| carbon frame and a perfect ride. The gear shift | | | | be my second choice, but the price made it a factor |
| wasn't as smooth as the Giant, but I could see feel a | | | | against it. |