There was a time when ladies' bicycles had a distinctly different look from those designed for men. Instead of having a top tube that connected at the top of the seat tube to form a sturdy triangle, ladies' bikes had a top tube that connected farther down, allowing riders to more easily step over the frame to accommodate skirts and dresses. You can still find bicycles designed primarily for women, but with modern cycling clothes, there is more variety in construction.
Frame Sizes
It might be hard to find a woman cycling in a dress these days, but there are other reasons to consider a bicycle frame designed for women. Women tend to have shorter arms and longer legs than men, and a bicycle frame built for women may take that into consideration. However, once you've measured your height and inseam, you can check a sizing chart for any type of bicycle and pick the size that's right for you, including small, medium, large and extra large. Others are fitted by tube size. If you're on the border between sizes, you may want to opt for the smaller size.
Height and Inseam
To get the proper fit, you need to know your height and inseam, and that's not the same as the inseam size you wear in jeans. To measure your inseam, stand with your back against a wall and a book between your legs with the spine facing up. Raise the book until it mimics the pressure you would get from a bike seat. Have another person measure from the top of the book's spine to the floor. That's your inseam. Measure your height without shoes.
Saddle
Once you've found a frame that feels right, adjust your seat for optimal comfort. Seats can be tilted forward or back, depending on what suits you best. Women tend to prefer the saddle nose tilted slightly down, according to the Sierra Trading Post. You'll also need to adjust the height of the saddle. Your leg should be extended nearly all the way when you're at the bottom of a pedal stroke. There should be just a slight bend to your knee. The saddle itself on a ladies' bike may also be a bit wider than on a men's bike.
Handlebars
Handlebars can also be custom fit for the best ride. In general, you want the handlebars to be about the same width as your shoulder joints. A narrower fit gives you more aerodynamics, and a wider handlebar gives you added leverage. If aerodynamics are important, you'll also want the handlebars to be set lower. "Bicycling" magazine suggests that when you get a new bike, ask the shop to leave the steerer tube long and add 2 inches of spacers under the stem. Use the spacers to fine-tune the fit and get the steerer cut later, if necessary.
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