Wishiwasabiker

Hi, came here after spending HOURS looking at bikes and trying to learn online - here to report I don't know what I'm looking for. Just getting started I want to find a multi-functional bike. I figure if Target charges $300 I could spend that money on a higher quality used bike??
So far my local CL finds are all men's bikes - I'm a woman, about 5'8" tall. Not sure how much difference it makes to find a woman's bike? This is what I've found for possibilities. I may be way off.
Trek 7500 Multitrack 17.5"
Giant Escape 3 medium
Any insight would help. Thanks!!

DorkDisk

Hi.

At 5-8, not much since you would probably fit the standard M/17" frame at that height. Women generally have longer legs than men, but anecdotally, there are are more long-legged men riding standard frames than women riding. If anything, we need long-legged vs long-torso frames. Long-legged man ranting here.

Ideally we should all be on custom geometry as we are all different. Realistically, we live in a S,M,L world where manufacturers try to keep costs down. Having one size would be great for production efficiency and if manufacturers could do it, they would. Special Ed announced that they will discontinue women's specific bikes, meanwhile other companies are launching more women-specific design.

Marketing vs consumer needs are different. Cartridge BBs, threadless headsets, linear pulls, 1x were all made to make bike manufacturer's lives easier primarily.

Used bikes are much cheaper. The more you know about bikes, the better bargains you can find.

Have you gone to a co-op? Many have enthusiastic volunteers who will be happy to chat with you. There are also many women's groups that help women start out cycling with events, clinics, and rides of various levels.

Personally, for a new bike, I start with intended riding surface (dry road 90% + damp rooty trails 10% = road bike) and go from there.

Wishiwasabiker

Thank you! Looking at a Giant Escape 3 online now, unfortunately no co-op nearby. The guy doesn’t know much about it except he bought it new last year. Hopefully I can try it out first.