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Bike manufacturers are to be congratulated for the great range of women-specific and gender-neutral models they have brought out in recent years. And there's nowhere that this applies more, than in the area of hybrid bikes.
You'll tend to find that the designers use the same components on their mens and womens versions - wheelsets, gears, forks and suchlike, modifying other features of their designs to suit the gender of the rider.
This approach would seem to make admirable common sense, as this would allow the manufacturers to simplify their operations and benefit from economies of scale in their buying. It also helps us to make sense of their otherwise quite complex ranges. Model names, numbers and specifications are complicated enough to understand at times…
So the major features that differ between the two variants by and large are:-
- Frame Geometry. Perhaps the most noticeable difference. While the limitations of dress that made the step-through frame necessary at one time have long since gone, it remains a mark of most womens models. A lower, more sloping top tube is clearly still regarded as desirable.
- A wider, differently-shaped saddle is usually fitted. It's just a fact that we have dissimilarities in that area… For bikes that are principally built for leisure as opposed to sport use, comfort is fundamental.
- The handlebar is often of a different shape - perhaps a little wider, with a bit more bend and somewhat more rise.
As with many variations of the same model, there is frequently a different colour chosen as well - just for aesthetic reasons. You're not likely to find the womens version in pretty pink for example - perish the thought.
When finding your way round the different ranges from different manufacturers, you’ll find that they will adopt different approaches to their marketing.
Specialized, as an example, have elected to introduce complete women-specific ranges with their own names. You find that each model within these ranges has it's counterpart in the corresponding mens range. Hence the Ariel has its matching range, the Crosstrail - bikes that those who enjoy getting off the beaten track will most appreciate. In the same way, the Vita range of more road-going bikes is analogous to their best-selling Sirrus models.
Other manufacturers, such as Scott, have adopted a different stategy. Their admired Sportster bikes, identified by model numbers - 60, 50, 55, 40 etc all have mens and womens variants within the one range.
There are some manufacturers who have womens bikes in their range which have no direct mens equivalent - the Dawes Duchess and Pashley Princess Sovereign are excellent examples. Even though these are not really modern hybrids, more retro-inspired.
So there’s no excuse - there’s a bike available for everybody. Simply get cycling.