No longer can it be assumed that performance bikes are designed solely with men in mind. This is especially noticeable - and welcome - for the hybrid bike market.

You'll tend to find that the designers use identical components on their mens and womens versions - suspension forks, geartrains, wheels and so forth, while other features will be tailored between the various genders. It's evident that this tactic makes a great deal of sense, as it allows the manufacturers to profit from economies of scale and keeps their production as simple and organised as possible. It also has the added benefit for us consumers, as it simplifies their ranges and specifications. Making sense of model names, numbers and specs from numerous producers is difficult enough…So the major features that vary between the two variants by and large are:-

• The frame geometry is maybe the most noticeable area of difference, visually at least. Women may no longer be sporting the long dresses that made a step-through frame indispensable at one time, but it's still a noticeable feature. A lower, more sloping top tube is obviously still regarded as desirable.
• The saddle is usually somewhat wider and differently-shaped on a womens bike. There's no getting away from the fact that we have differences when it comes to that portion of our anatomy… For bikes that are principally developed for leisure as opposed to sport use, comfort is essential.
• The handlebar is often of a different shape - possibly a bit wider, with a bit more bend and somewhat more rise.

Mens and womens models within the same range are often of different colours, even if that’s only aesthetic of course. It's definitely not a case of blue for boys, pink for girls....You'll see that different manufacturers will approach the question in different ways.Several, like Specialized, have introduced women-specific range names. It's usually the case that every member of these ranges has a parallel version in the corresponding mens range. Thus the Ariel range is paralleled by the Crosstrail - bikes that those who enjoy getting off the beaten track will most welcome. Likewise, the Vita has its counterpart in the Sirrus range of road-friendly bikes.Other companies, such as Scott, have adopted a different approach. Their Sportster bikes, identified by simple model numbers, each comes in mens and womens versions, under the same number.Some womens bikes have no mens equivalent - such as the Pashley Princess Sovereign and the Dawes Duchess for example. Although these are maybe better described as modern retros rather than hybrids.So there’s no excuse - there’s a bike on the market for everyone. Just get out there.

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