Dear Matt,

I'm looking to buy a new road bike, mainly for non-competitive use, although I'd like to progress to joining a cycling club. Can you recommend a suitable, woman-specific bike? Budget is around £500.Emma Proctor, via email

The main difference between a woman-specific bike and a small man's one is that women tend to have relatively longer legs and shorter torsos than men, so the frame geometry is adjusted. The Specialized Dolce D4W is a fine bike for the money, ditto the Giant SCR 3 Women's; both have Shimano Sora triple groupsets (24 speed). If you end up racing, though, I think you'd want a double, not a triple, chainset, so my choice would be the Trek 1000 WSD. All are under £500. Visit shecycles.com for more information.

· Send your cycling queries to bike.doctor@theguardian.com Matt Seaton's Two Wheels is published by Guardian Books at £8.99. Call 0870 836 0749 or visit guardianbooks.co.uk