Can a Woman Ride a Mans Bike?

Question : I am 5'7" with long legs, medium torso, and what I consider to be long arms and looking to by my first ever road bike. I've been fit to a Trek 2.3 WSD size 54cm by a professional. I came across a deal that a friend who works in the business can get on 2007 Pinarello Galileo (mix) and F3:13 FP (carbon) for amazing deals, both men's frames. I've read reviews by people stating that they ride a certain size Trek and the same size Pinarello is a stretch for them. Does Pinarello run "big?" Also, with my height and a professional fitter would a men's frame work with some adjustments?

Hi Katie,

The problem most women have is that they have, like you, long legs in comparison the length of their bodies; this is why women specific bikes have been designed. In saying this I know quite a few women who use "men's" bikes. If you buy a compact frame, with a slopping top tube then with the use of the correct length stem you should be able to adapt the Pinarello to your needs.

Did the professional give you the measurements of your perfect bike? If so then you can work out if it's possible to adapt a Pinarello to fit you. Take a good look at the frame measurements for all the frames on internet and decide from there. The Trek WSD and the Pinarello's vary in different ways, so you need to weigh up your options.

If you are asking which we would go for between the Pinarello Galileo and the F3:13 FP, and if you are not I'll give you my thoughts anyway! I would say the full carbon F3:13 is the better bike. Having ridden the F4:13, the response and handling from carbon is more superior and more comfortable. Let us know what you decide on.