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Anthropometrics with Ana
5/6/2008 By: Ana Nelson - Punk Rock Cycling Women's Team

Anthropometrics with Ana

By Ana Nelson

Ana Nelson is a student at Mercy College of Health Sciences working towards a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She is also a member of the Punk Rock Cycling Women's Team based in Des Moines, IA. With her experience in the medical field combined with her knowledge as both a competitive and recreational athlete Ana is a key person to talk to about cycling products that have been specifically designed for women.

More and more bike manufacturers are coming around to finally admit what we have all known for years; women are different than men. These differences become amazingly apparent when a woman gets on a bicycle that wasn't designed with her in mind. A shorter torso, a smaller hand, more narrow shoulders, and lower average weights all play a determining factor in how a woman's bike should be built. Using anthropometrics, the study of human body variance, we have learned the following about female cyclists and how their bikes should be designed.

1. Shorter Reach.

On average women have shorter torsos and arms when compared to men of the same height. This is the primary hurdle many women have to overcome when riding a bike that was initially designed for men. When riding, many women will find they have to reach too far to grab the handlebars, this stretches out the muscles in their back, creates tightness in the shoulders and neck, forces their arms to lock out, applies extra pressure on the saddle, causes hand numbness, and greatly hinders control of the bike.

A women's bike should be designed with a shorter top tube and a higher head tube. This will bring the handlebars closer and higher, allowing for greater handling and control while keeping the upper body relaxed.

2. Smaller Hands.

Generally, women's palms are smaller than men's. This can cause trouble shifting and braking. If the handlebar or the shifter are not designed for women they may have trouble shifting, braking, and even steering, especially on long descents.

Smaller hands also play a part with newer handlebars that are designed with a wing-profile top. In many cases, these handlebars are designed for a larger palm. Look for handlebars that have a shorter reach and drop. If youʼre not familiar with how to find these measurements ask your bike fitter which will be best for you.

3. Narrower Shoulders.

No surprise here either to learn that women have more narrow shoulders than their male counterparts. This becomes a factor in choosing a handlebar. Much like doing a push up, the most stability and control can be found when you have your hands in line with your shoulders.

Shoulders should be measured from the small dip between the Acromion and the Humerus (arm bone) and this distance should matched closely to the width of the handlebar. Road handlebars are measured from the center of one endto another and common widths are 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46cm.

4. Foot Shape.

It is a common misconception that women have more narrow feet than men when in fact, a woman's forefoot is often the same width as a man's. What is different is the width of the heel and the lower volume of the forefoot (women's feet are not as tall as men's). Therefore cycling shoes should be designed with these features in mind. Look for shoes with a narrower and deeper heel cup to reduce slipping in sprints or hike-a-bike situations.

The arch should be addressed in your shoe fitting. Most cycling shoes are designed with a very small amount of arch support. With the lack of impact in cycling having an arch collapse inside the shoe can cause swelling of the foot, hotspots, and numbness. It may also lead to knee pain as the knee swings laterally in the pedal stroke when the arch collapses.

5. Saddle Needs.

Saddle discomfort is the number one reason women do not ride bicycles. When women ride most of their body weight sits on the sensitive tissue of her labia. Saddle discomfort can be greater after a woman has given birth as her sit bones are wider and after menopause when the tissue of the labia becomes thinner and more delicate.

Thick layers of padding are not always the solution. Instead look for a saddle that is supportive of your body's frame. Saddles are made in different widths so visit a bike fitter who understands the importance of measuring the sit bones when choosing saddles.

WHAT ANA USES.

For all of the issues listed above Ana has found that the company that best caters to the needs of women is Specialized. Intensive research in design has set them apart and their Designs for Women products have all been scientifically proven by both independent labs and field study.

Ana's Set-Up:

Bike: Specialized S-Works Ruby (56cm)
Saddle: Specialized Designs for Women Jett (143mm width)
Handlebar: Specialized Designs for Women Dolce (40cm)
Shoe: Specialized Designs for Women Pro Road (42) with Specialized Footbeds (+++ arch)
Components: Shimano DuraAce with Specialized Slim Shims installed into shifters.
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