_I’m starting to think that the bicycle industry might not care all that much about selling bicycles to women. If my Google search was correct and the average woman is shorter than 5’6”, that means most companies have two size options that they think will fit half of all women! _
Great article. That's the biggest take away. Weird gravel component specs aside the small end of the bike sizing spectrum is a total disaster. This applies to MTB's too.
For the price and use discussed I'd consider a Marin Muirwoods (great geo, hydros, 1x). Yes it's a flat bar bike but drop bars suck unless you're trying to ride really fast on smooth roads.
If ya set on drops then a Kona Rove is worth a look. Yes the cheaper ones come with cable brakes but they'll be fine. It's hard to ride a drop bar bike hard enough that well setup cable brakes won't provide enough stopping power.
Feb. 12, 2025, 3:16 a.m. - bushtrucker
_I’m starting to think that the bicycle industry might not care all that much about selling bicycles to women. If my Google search was correct and the average woman is shorter than 5’6”, that means most companies have two size options that they think will fit half of all women! _ Great article. That's the biggest take away. Weird gravel component specs aside the small end of the bike sizing spectrum is a total disaster. This applies to MTB's too. For the price and use discussed I'd consider a Marin Muirwoods (great geo, hydros, 1x). Yes it's a flat bar bike but drop bars suck unless you're trying to ride really fast on smooth roads. If ya set on drops then a Kona Rove is worth a look. Yes the cheaper ones come with cable brakes but they'll be fine. It's hard to ride a drop bar bike hard enough that well setup cable brakes won't provide enough stopping power.