Step through bikes

[hammerheads]

Quick question - are step through bikes generally viewed as a ladies bike? I hadn't considered one previously but given my back condition and the fact that the missus may occasionally want to use it then it's starting to make a bit of sense. Perhaps a compromise may be a bike with a cross bar albeit a low one - if anyone has any recommendations I'd be grateful

 

[trex]

Quick question - are step through bikes generally viewed as a ladies bike?

no if you are 50+.

 

[hammerheads]

I'm 44, still down with the kids

 

[LeighPing]

I'm 44, still down with the kids

You'll be ok once you get to the 'not caring too much about what other people think' age. Go for it.

 

[hammerheads]

ha ha, I want one of those bikes

 

[LeighPing]

ha ha, I want one of those bikes

This one looks ok, to me.

 

[anotherkiwi]

I now ride a "woman's" frame a.k.a. mixte. Because with two full paniers and/or a trailer attached throwing a leg over in town was getting boring. And I am at the "I don't care what you think" age, as are the young ladies riding diamond frame fixies are I guess... No that would probably be: "you macho b@stard I can ride a mans bike if I want too!"

You are limited in where to put the battery. Handling is different especially at speed. With a mixte frame you still have a tube to grab during manœuvres in tight places.

Word of warning: single tube step through frames are heavier than mixte frames and much heavier than diamond frames.

 

[Electric Transport Shop]

buy what makes sense. Step through frames are being referred to as unisex these days.

 

[Geebee]

Get a step through, they are much easier to mount and dismount and will most likely reduce your pain level significantly, my reason was a bad hip.

 

[Crockers]

I would call a step through an "urban" bike...lol. That's cos I have one.

 

[D C]

I don't see them as a ladies bike, they are fine if you have a special need for one but not good for the rougher tracks and not great if you stand on the pedals a lot as no crossbar to keep the bike steady.
Dave.

 

[jwm]

I have one too at 39 years old, it's just a bike!

 

[JuicyBike]

I know men who have the same doubts with salads - are salads considered "ladies food"?
Step -through bikes are good for leisurely rides, are comfortable, good for posture and great for snooping over fences.
The "issue" seems ingrained in UK male machismo. I'll bring up the subject for discussion at my next modern-men encounter discussion group session...

 

[LeighPing]

A lot of blokes just aren't 'in touch' with their feminine side.

 

[derf]

Quick question - are step through bikes generally viewed as a ladies bike? I hadn't considered one previously but given my back condition and the fact that the missus may occasionally want to use it then it's starting to make a bit of sense. Perhaps a compromise may be a bike with a cross bar albeit a low one - if anyone has any recommendations I'd be grateful

not if you're Dutch, and/or transporting an attractive lady on the rack, and/or smoking a spliff, and/or give it the fattest big apples you can fit, or do all of these simultaneously

 

[timidtom]

I'm 80+ but I ain't no lady! Perhaps the beard is a clue?

 

[gray198]

Thinking of getting one myself. Having trouble getting my leg over (if you'll pardon the expression).

 

[anotherkiwi]

not if you're Dutch, and/or transporting an attractive lady on the rack, and/or smoking a spliff, and/or give it the fattest big apples you can fit, or do all of these simultaneously

Or keeping up with the lycras downhill and passing them on the uphill...

 

[Geebee]

Step through bikes get bonus points for off roading as when you have a spill the bike will fall down and leave you standing as the frame doesn't knock your leg out from under you.
I have done this twice but I am silly enough to use a dutch city style bike with panniers on fire trails rated as difficult for MTB use.
The look on the MTB riders when they see my bike on the tracks is priceless

 

[eHomer]

I was surprised at the overwhelming "go for it" advice for step through frames on this thread.

I thought there might be some adverse views.

I go wholeheartedly with the consensus on here though, my most used ebike has a very low step through frame and I could never go back to a crossbar.

When I was a lad I used to ride a heavy trade bike for a wine merchants shop, and I used to do amazingly energetic (and stupid) things, swinging my leg over the crossbar at speed before braking and dismounting etc..

Now I'm an overweight pensioner with back surgery and even had difficulty swinging my leg over a crossbar with the damn bike stationary and tilted over.

Thank God for modern step through and "unisex" frames.......