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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 field of hybrid bikes.

Looking at the tactic that manufacturers adopt, it’s clear that they tend to keep the best part of components the same on both their mens and womens models – suspension forks, geartrains, wheels and so on, modifying other features of their designs to suit the gender of the rider.

It’s evident that this stategy makes a great deal of sense, as this would enable the manufacturers to simplify their processes and benefit from economies of scale in their purchasing. It also makes it easier for the consumer to comprehend and make sense of the variations of specification across the ranges. It’s tricky enough to get your head around model names, numbers and specifications…

As a result, there are specific areas of divergence between mens and womens versions:-

• Frame geometry is perhaps the difference that most people would discern first. The long dresses that made a step-through frame indispensable in years gone by have possibly long gone – but such a feature is nonetheless widespread. Maybe not so pronounced, but certainly a sloping top tube is a widespread feature.
• A broader, differently-shaped saddle is generally fitted. There’s no getting away from the fact that we have differences when it comes to that portion of our anatomy… Hybrid bikes are predominantly for leisure use, so comfort is a priority.
• The handlebar is often wider, along with more shape (more bend and rise).

There is frequently a colour distinction as well – though solely for aesthetic reasons I’m sure. It’s definitely not a case of blue for boys, pink for girls….

It’s interesting to look at the different ways that manufacturers have chosen different approaches to the issue.

Several, like Specialized, have introduced women-specific range names. You find that each model within these ranges has it’s counterpart in the corresponding mens range. Hence the Ariel has its corresponding range, the Crosstrail – bikes that those who enjoy getting off the beaten track will most value. Likewise, the Vita range of more road-going bikes is analogous to their best-selling Sirrus models.

An alternative approach is adopted by other manufacturers such as Scott. Their Sportster range is defined by model numbers, each model being made available in both mens and womens versions, under the same number.

There are some producers who have womens bikes in their range which have no direct mens counterpart – the Dawes Duchess and Pashley Princess Sovereign are excellent illustrations. Though these are perhaps better described as modern retros rather than hybrids.

So the moral is that cycling isn’t, and never has been, a mans pastime. Simply get riding.