Men: Would you ever ride a Women's bicycle?

the

No. It is all about riding, not about the aesthetics of the bike. But, no. I have never purchased a women's bike.... nor, had need to really make other than normal adjustments to a properly fitted bike.

I would not go out of the way to buy a women specific model. I would prefer to let my fingers do the walking until I found the model I liked at another shop. The color thing might slowly eat away at me..... :-)

Soccerref

The defy and avail have slightly different frames, but the difference is so slight, like a cm here or there, they are the same frame. (comparing the Deny 3 and Avail 3).

And the components are exactly the same. So the only major difference is the color.

Only a Giant guy would know the difference, in other words. If I saw the bike, I would not say it is a WDS bike.

I rode an early Cdale mountain bike which was probably women's specific (26" in front, 24" in back with descending top tube) and thought nothing of it. It was a good bike and rode great on the trails for that time period.

The only really important thing is that the bike fits you properly and that you love to ride it. Everything else is just labeling. There are many times that a woman rides a men's version because it fits her better. I personally know of two women who just bought new men's bikes for that specific reason. Saddles and other components were changed, but they are still men's bike frames. There is no reason that you can't ride a woman's bike (the Avail). Be aware that you may need a different saddle and the bars might be a bit narrow for you. Your LBS should be able to make the appropriate adjustments / part swaps for you.

HTH

I just about bought one - once. Having lower back & knee problems, I can't kick my right leg over a bicycle. I walk around to the opposite side, practically lay the bike down & kick my left leg over.

With the step-through design of a women's bike - and my arthritis problems - I may someday own one. If it fits - it fits. If you like the way it rides - buy it. To be quite honest, to hell with what anybody may or may not think. I like those two key words you brought up..."sizable discount".

Out of my 15 or so bikes 3 were step-through frames. I only bough one of them the other two were hand-downs. I broke the frames of two of them as the structure is not as strong and will not buy another. I wouldn't recommend one of them either, when the frames broke, I could have been seriously injured. They also are heavier than the men's counterpart, and there are enough adjustments possible to compensate for different length of torso, arms and legs,.

oh

ask them honestly if it fits you

tell them you will be eternally mad if they sell it to you and it doesn;t really fit

maybe it does, or is close enough

the avail is really prettier IMHO

though people may 'know' that avail is WSD and not a defy

the differences are subtle

maybe you are in the 'adjustability ra nge' so you can make it work for you

they look like great bikes

wle

It is ok to ride girl's/ladies bikes and see guys ride them all the time.

I have Vintage bikes which a few of them are ladies bikes and ride them every once & awhile.

If it fits why not. The handle bars will also be narrower.